A Perfect Blend of History and Nature - The Fells

Located along the tranquil eastern shore of Lake Sunapee in Newbury, New Hampshire, The Fells is one of New England's most remarkable surviving country estates. Once the summer home of statesman John Milton Hay—private secretary to President Abraham Lincoln and later U.S. Secretary of State—the estate offers a captivating blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.

Designed in 1891 by architect George Hammond as a spacious summer cottage, The Fells reflected the growing popularity of informal country estates among America's affluent families during the late nineteenth century. More than a seasonal retreat, it became a place where politics, diplomacy, and family life quietly converged.

John Hay spent many summers at The Fells, often drafting diplomatic correspondence, including work connected to the Open Door Policy toward China. The estate also welcomed distinguished visitors, among them Theodore Roosevelt during his 1902 presidential campaign. A majestic maple, now known as the Roosevelt Tree, still stands as a living reminder of that historic visit.

On July 1, 1905, John Hay died at The Fells, forever linking the estate to one of the most influential figures in American political history.

A decade later, in 1915, Hay’s son, Clarence and his wife Alice Appleton Hay hired architect Prentice Sanger to enlarge the summer home. Rather than replacing George Hammond's original shingle-style cottage, Sanger joined it with a the guest cottage and remodeled the combined structure into the elegant 35-room Colonial Revival residence seen today. Much of the original 1891 building remains embedded within the larger house.

Today, The Fells encompasses 83.5 acres of historic buildings, formal gardens, woodlands, and scenic walking trails overlooking Lake Sunapee. Preserved as a historic house museum and public garden and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it remains one of New Hampshire's finest surviving examples of the grand summer estates that once dotted the New England landscape. The Fells offers a timeless glimpse into the lives of one of America's most influential families.

This is what caught my eye - I hope you enjoy!

The gatekeeper’s cottage was built in 1930, now contains the Administration Offices and Classroom.

At the heart of the estate stands the Colonial Revival main house, its distinctive gambrel roof serving as one of its defining architectural features.

The original main cottage entrance hall with staircase features panoramic wallpaper.

.

The library reflects the literary heritage of a diplomat and statesman.

Do you like the images posted?
Click here to explore the shop.

In the library

.

A wooden game table set against the backdrop of the historic grounds.

.

.

The formal dining room with paneled walls, period art and a large polished dining table.

The butler’s pantry

Looking out the window in the flower room

Rather than demolishing the two buildings, Sanger joined the original cottage and the guest cottage, enclosing the breezeway between them to create this formal central hall.

The living room

.

.

The second floor hallway with original conserved wallpaper

Second floor bedrooms

.

.

.

.

One of the bathrooms

Mrs. Hay’s bedroom

.

.

Mr Hay’s bedroom

.

The second floor hall sitting area

.

Vintage iron gate and classic garden statue

.

The garden view from the veranda

Rear and side views of the mansion

The perennial plant border and stone wall on the west side of the house.

.

.

.

Construction of the gardens, surrounded by formal stone walls, began in 1909.

.

.

.

The rock garden and lake

.

.

Lake views from the trails

.

What you should know:

• There is an admission fee for the house.

• Tours are guided or self-guided.

• The grounds are free to roam.

• There are garden and woodland walking trails through forests and along the lakeshore 

• Check website for days and hours of operation.

• There is free parking.

Location: 456 Route 103A, Newbury, NH 03255

For more information: The Fells

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to check out my previous posts by clicking here.