Land’s End Inn: A Century at the Edge of Provincetown

Perched high atop Gull Hill in the West End of Provincetown, Land’s End Inn has long been one of the town’s most iconic and romantic destinations. With sweeping views of Provincetown Harbor, Cape Cod Bay, and the Atlantic Ocean, the inn captures the spirit of a place often described as the very edge of America. More than simply a luxury guesthouse, Land’s End Inn is woven deeply into Provincetown’s artistic, social, and LGBTQ+ history.

The story begins in 1904 when Charles Lothrop Higgins, a Provincetown native and internationally known lecturer and traveler, built a grand summer residence on Gull Hill. At the time, the area was remote and rugged. Provincetown’s West End was sparsely developed, and the road effectively stopped near the site, reinforcing the feeling that visitors had truly arrived at “land’s end.” Higgins designed the property as an elegant seasonal retreat overlooking the sea, taking advantage of the extraordinary light and panoramic vistas that had already begun attracting artists to Provincetown.

In 1926, the estate transitioned into an inn when the Buckler family purchased the property and began renting rooms to travelers. This transformation coincided with Provincetown’s emergence as a nationally recognized arts colony and haven for writers, performers, and free spirits. During the early twentieth century, the town became synonymous with creative experimentation and social openness, qualities that naturally attracted LGBTQ+ visitors seeking acceptance and community. Land’s End Inn evolved alongside that cultural shift, becoming a refuge for bohemians, artists, intellectuals, and vacationers drawn to Provincetown’s unique atmosphere.

A major chapter in the inn’s history began in 1972 when David Schoolman took over the property. Schoolman filled the inn with antiques, artwork, artifacts, and theatrical décor that gave Land’s End its signature personality. Guests often described the property as part museum, part salon, and part seaside fantasy. Many of those carefully collected furnishings and art pieces remain today, contributing to the inn’s layered historic charm. Later owner Michael MacIntyre continued restoring and preserving the landmark while modernizing amenities for contemporary travelers.

In 2022, Provincetown residents Ed Macri and Trevor Mikula purchased the inn from longtime owners Stan and Eva Sikorski. Rather than reinventing the property, the new owners committed themselves to preserving its legacy while gently updating the experience for a new generation of guests. Their stewardship reflects a broader movement in Provincetown to protect independent, queer-owned hospitality businesses that embody the town’s identity and history.

Today, Land’s End Inn operates year-round as an LGBTQ+-owned luxury inn with eighteen individually designed guest rooms, expansive gardens, and dramatic ocean views. Guests enjoy wine-and-cheese gatherings, beach access, and easy walks into downtown Provincetown while still feeling removed from the bustle of Commercial Street. The inn has entered its second century of hospitality and remains both a treasured historic landmark and a living symbol of Provincetown’s enduring spirit of creativity, individuality, and welcome.

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