Salem Inn
The Salem Inn operates out of three historic homes. The largest is the West Cogswell House at 7 Summer Street, which has 23 rooms. The inn has been operated by Dick and Diane Pabich since 1983. The main building, 11 Summer St. was built by William Pynchon in 1762. The building was sold to John Derby in 1778 and after the Great Salem Fire of 1914, the decision was made to convert the building into a six-unit apartment complex.
The Curwen House, an Italianate Revival home, built in 1854 at 331 Essex Street, has 11 rooms. The third is the John P. Peabody House, a Dutch Colonial style at 15 Summer Street.
The Capt. West House was built as an investment for Capt. Nathanial West, a privateer commander during the American Revolution. According to tax records, it was built c. 1833/34. It is a three-story pitched-roof brick house row. The front facade has doorways with porches supported by fluted Ionic columns. It is a prime example of the Federal style of architecture. The property was owned at various times by notable figures and families such as the Lindalls, Corwins, David Cheever, and Ephraim Emmerton. Emmerton's granddaughter, Caroline Emmerton, went on to found the House of the Seven Gables.
The West Cogswell House was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
In 2026, the Pabichs announced their plans to renovate and expand The Salem Inn with plans such as renovating the main structure into 15 hotel rooms and a new parking area among other improvements. The renovations would allow the three building structures to be natural gas-free. The project requires approval from the Design Review and Planning Boards to begin renovations.
See Also
Vertical File in Salem Collection - Salem Inn, The
Architecture in Salem by Tolles, p. 102
Salem Inn Website
West Cogswell House Wikipedia article (with photo)
John P. Peabody House Wikipedia article (with photo)
- "Salem Inn to restore historic building" Salem Evening News, Aug 20, 2026, p. A01
