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.
Location: Located on Route 3, Holderness,
NH.
