Bruce House Inn

Perched on a hill overlooking the majestic church steeples and cobblestone streets of the beautiful city of Cumberland, The Bruce House is one of the oldest and most historic homes in a city rich with heritage and extraordinary architecture. Built in 1840, the Bruce House has survived the Civil War, the great flood of 1936, and the passage of centuries to stand as a stately example of the craft of fine homebuilding. Designed in the Federal Italianate style, its high ceilings, large windows and graceful curving staircase are elegantly simple in contrast to the more elaborate Victorian architecture that is abundant in the area.   Referred to in deeds as 'the large brick dwelling known as the Bruce House', the home was originally built by the Bruce family and at that time its property extended to Wills Creek and what is now Cumberland Street. It has functioned primarily as a family residence, with the notable exception of the years 1907-1909 when it housed the La Salle Institute, a fine Catholic boys' school that grew so quickly it had to be moved to a larger house across the street. Brother Joe was the first visitor to the Bruce House after we acquired it, and provided me with invaluable help in researching its history. To honor his contribution, the third floor rooms have been named for the school and the monks who resided there.