We take great delight in welcoming you to The Manor.
We purchased the inn in November of 1999, culminating a dream we have
held since our 1977 marriage. Much like Isaac Van Horn, the person who
had the main building constructed, we have been captivated by the Lakes
Region, and the Manor’s setting in particular.
The Manor is a truly magical place and we would love to have you all
come and experience the breathtaking views along with the warmth and
charm of The Manor setting. We are busy transforming our home into a
wonderful showcase for the world to enjoy as Isaac and Madeline would
have liked.
As many guests have asked when they leave if they can move in, you
will feel that comfort from the first step through the doors of The
Manor. Our pledge is that we will make your stay as memorable and
delightful as possible.
Please feel free to let us know of any special requests you have or
any way we can enhance your experience with us. We hope you fall in love
with Shepard Hill vistas and The Manor as much as we have.
History:
The building’s history dates back to the turn of the 20th century.
Wealthy Englishman Isaac Van Horn had already amassed a fortune
developing land in Florida. He had also captured the heart and hand of a
beautiful debutante.
In 1903, with Madeline by his side, he visited the Squam Lakes region
and became enchanted with the beauty of the area. He had long held a
dream of building a stunning mansion, high on a hill. He was
particularly taken by Shepard Hill with its spectacular vistas and
majestic pines.
A decisive man, he purchased the land immediately and began
construction on short order. No expense was spared in bringing artisans
and craftsman from around the world to make the couple’s new home a
breathtaking setting. The manor was completed in 1907 and, to celebrate,
the Van Horns hosted the first of many elaborate parties. It was quickly
recognized as the showplace of the area.
Sadly, the happy times would not continue as Madeline suffered a
premature death. Broken hearted, Isaac could not bear living in the same
house that had given he and Madeline so much happiness. In time, Isaac
remarried. The second Mrs. Van Horn was an urban socialite with no
desire to live in such rural seclusion. She ultimately persuaded Isaac
to abandon his dream home.
Since that time the property has changed hands many times,
experiencing a variety of incarnations as retreats or resorts. At one
point, in the 1940’s, the property was purchased by Harold Fowler, a
renowned photographer. He converted the mansion into the Holderness
Photographic Colony. During that period it was a vacation center for
amateur and professional photographers. Since the late 1950’s the
property has operated as an inn under various names. The inn’s stature
has grown steadily since then, aided substantially by the movie On
Golden Pond, the investments of the previous owners and the quality of
our loyal guests.
Rooms:
With names like Devon and Cornwall, our guestrooms reflect the
relaxed elegance you'd expect at an English country estate. Each
spacious and individually decorated guestroom is designed to accommodate
two adults.
There's an air of romance too; most rooms have wood burning
fireplaces, where the fire is always laid, and view; while some include
a whirlpool tub for two. All guestrooms are air conditioned and have
private baths, televisions and telephones.
Here are the amenities you can expect in each of the Manor's rooms:
- Hairdryers
- Bathrobes
- CD Clock radios
- Air conditioning
- Iron and Ironing board
- Cable TV (some rooms will have VCRs)
- Telephones (with data ports)
You can choose your room by desired amenities or by location: the
Manor proper or the Annexe. From mid May to mid October, accommodations
are also available in the Carriage House and Cottages.
Please note that the minimum age for guests is twelve.
Activities:
Many guests find so much to do here, they spend their entire holiday
at The Manor. On our fourteen acre estate are clay tennis courts,
croquet, badminton, and a delightful outdoor pool.
One of our favorite spots is the three acre beach across the road
from the Manor house. There you can relax in the sun, paddle Squam in
one of The Manor's canoes or paddleboats, fish or simply savor the
tranquility of the lake from our boathouse. This special place isn't
just for sunny summer days; it has a certain mystique in the early
morning when the mist rises over the lake, and at dusk, when the
haunting cry of the loon floats cross the water.
As we found when we first visited The Manor, long before we purchased
it, the Squam Lake area really is the perfect vacation destination.
Below are just a few of the many activities available. If you have a
special interest or wish further suggestions, just let us know.
You'll find golf, hiking trails, horseback riding, biking, downhill
and cross country skiing nearby. Browse the many antique or craft shops
and be sure to visit the fascinating Squam lakes Natural Science Center.
During the summer and fall you can take a sightseeing boat around
Squam Lake to see the sites featured in the film "On Golden
Pond." The 260 foot merchant ship Mount Washington cruises the
waters of Lake Winnipesaukee; it docks in Weirs Beach and Center Harbor,
both a few minutes' drive from The Manor.
Dining:
Afternoons, the Manor's English heritage is evident when tea is
served in the library. Guests may enjoy their tea on the patio
overlooking Squam Lake in the summer months, or by the wood burning
fireplaces in the library or living room when winter's chill arrives.
The Manor's breakfast is a welcome beginning to your day, whether
you're planning an active day outdoors or a relaxing day at the beach.
