Keyhole Castle

This stately Queen Anne Revival home was designed and built by American architect, Erich W. Wojahn between 1911 and 1913 for local land developer, Samuel McLeod.

Born in Prince Edward Island, Samuel McLeod was trained as a shoemaker and moved to Prince Albert in 1883. Throughout the early boom period he established himself as a merchant, land and real estate developer, and became the President of the Board of Trade in 1888. He entered politics as an Alderman, was a member of the Legislative Assembly of the Northwest Territories, and served as Mayor of Prince Albert in 1896 and again from 1919 to 1920. McLeod’s stately residence well represented his place and role in a booming community during a period of industrial and commercial growth, new found wealth, vision, and optimism.

Photo courtesy Keyhole Castle

Queen Anne Revival style homes typically incorporated complex and ornate eclectic features. In Keyhole Castle, this is evident in the exterior asymmetrical facades, steep-pitched roofline, polygon tower, terra cotta tiles, balustrades, and unusual keyhole shaped windows set into dormers. The two and a half storey home’s beautiful and inviting interior is detailed throughout with exotic hardwoods and inlaid wood floors; it also has a sweeping staircase, and third-floor ballroom. All of these architectural elements and its historical significance within Prince Albert contributed to its designation as a National Historic Site in 1975 and a Municipal Heritage Property in 2012.

Today, this private residence, owned by Jonathan and Denise Smith, is operated as a bed and breakfast. The Smiths have hosted numerous house concerts in the grand ballroom and in 2017 began providing guided summer tours. For more information on Keyhole Castle or to book a stay, visit their website at www.keyholecastle.com.

2018-19 Discover Prince Albert Guide