“The Snuggery”

Circa 1665

Originally a log cabin constructed by Edward Elliott, founder and builder of the Christ Church, and his apprentice carpenter, Darby Coghorn, “The Snuggery” was initially situated 45 yards closer to the water where it overlooked the St. Michaels Harbor. The front part of the house holds the distinction of being the only early log structure remaining in St. Michaels. The logs are constructed of black walnut that was harvested from Edward Elliott’s black walnut farm on Deepwater Point, here in St. Michaels.

It was moved to its present location in 1870 by Robert Auld Dodson and underwent a small renovation to expand the structure in 1882. The modest log cabin evolved into a Victorian cottage. This expansion created what is now the bedroom of the downstairs suite and the current owners’ coffee and cocktails room.

Senator Henry Clay Dodson renovated the home again in 1906, adding modern day amenities and establishing it as the family’s summer residence. Sen. Dodson retained several elements of the original log home that were slated for alteration or removal. He labeled, signed and dated these pieces, and they remain in the owners’ private collection of Snuggery archives today.

The Snuggery’s 1980’s renovation broadened the house to accommodate a bed-and-breakfast, adding a larger kitchen, afamily room, and an upstairs master suite and bathroom.

In 2020, further updates refined the residence into the present contemporary elegant transitional appearance.

From the 1600s onward, the dwelling transitioned from a founding father’s cabin, constructed for his apprentice workforce, to a Dodson family summer home, followed by years as a boarding house and bed-and-breakfast through 2020.

It reverted to a private home for the last five years and has now reopened as an inn to accommodate St. Michaels ever growing popularity with tourists.

PHOTO: The Snuggery taken 1882 prior to one of the renovations.

The history of Snuggery Inn & Suites