Peter J. Burchell, who became proprietor of the St. Charles Hotel in the early 1840s, served as the hotel tavern keeper prior to taking on management of the whole business. Ferslew's 1857 Kane County Directory and Gazetteer states that Burchell, "understands his business and knows well how to cater to the traveling public." He remained manager until his death in 1877. Burchell also served as postmaster for a period of time.

Burchell built this Italianate home in 1854. Thomas Doyle, a blacksmith, bought the home in 1857. Today the building houses the business, Scentimental Gardens.