Not only because it’s the only interracially lesbian women-owned guest house in Provincetown since 1998, the Rose and Crown, located at 158 Commercial Street, stands out as a treasure. Owners Laura J. Borge and Ann H. MacDougall, a married couple, have created a community of decades-long patrons who wouldn’t stay anywhere else.
“There are a lot of people who enjoy being here and are very happy staying at the ‘Rose and Crown,’” Laura shares with me. “The environment that we provide is very safe. We don’t want people to come and feel afraid, alone or be uncomfortable.”
Their resilience and business acumen are to be lauded, especially in a rapidly changing and highly competitive white male-dominated real estate market in the town. Patrons are sometimes shocked, they say, when they learn that this interracial couple is the owner of the guesthouse. “We’re not sure what the disconnect is, but we just would like more people to be aware of the fact that we’re here,” MacDougal says.
Provincetown, unlike Oak Bluffs on Martha’s Vineyard, does not have a historically Black section or a sizable annual population of people of color vacationing. However, P’town’s variety of themed weekends throughout the year—Womxn of Color Weekend, Bear Week, Family Week, Women’s Week—promote LGBTQ+ diversity. Many of these groups support women-owned or Black-owned businesses. And word is now out about Rose and Crown. “We want just to make people aware of the fact that we’re here, we seem to be like a hidden gem,” Borge says.
The location is unique. Situated in the heart of the town’s historic West End, the area where the Pilgrims first arrived on the Mayflower in November 1620, it’s not only across from the Boatslip but directly across from the Underground Railroad site, where enslaved Blacks traveled through en route to Canada. Today, a plaque is located at the site at 157 Commercial Street.
Built in 1790, the Rose and Crown is a historical landmark. This classic Georgian square-rigger is an early Cape Cod architectural design, reflecting not only the craftsmanship of the era but also its importance to the fishing and maritime community. The beautiful exposed-wood beams, vaulted ceilings and a set of captain’s ship’s stairs leading to the second floor give the guesthouse its unique charm.
The Rose and Crown has a variety of character-themed rooms, including the Rose, the Parlor and the Phasha, among others. Each room is equipped with modern comforts and decorated with elegant Victorian antiques and beautifully framed artwork.
After a recent stay in July, Kenneth F wrote,” You feel so at home here. It’s like being at home but better. It was like hanging out with only the family members you actually like. Ann and Laura are so nice and caring and fun! It was the best week I’ve spent in Provincetown in the 12 years I’ve been visiting. I can’t wait to go back.”
Its unique appeal lies in offering the best of both worlds: providing a relaxing vibe, with privacy and tranquility, while offering opportunities to socialize with owners or other guests when desired.
The sensory experience of freshly baked goods, one big pot of coffee and a variety of teas, part of the complimentary breakfast, brings a smile to the morning. The homemade muffins are to die for. The intimate atmosphere, specialized services, affordable rates, on-site parking and their attention to needs bring comfort and joy, and are why the Rose and Crown maintain top ratings on travel TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Kayak and other travel sites.
This June, I attended the annual Womxn of Color Weekend, founded in 2007, held in Provincetown. The four-day gathering fostered new friendships and lasting memories, both with one another and with Borge and MacDougall. On the last day of the event, one of the attendees texted me about her feelings about the event and her stay at the Rose and Crown. “It was such a pleasure to meet all you sisters. I’ll remember this house that brought us together.”
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