The Hearthstone manor represents a one-of-a-kind opportunity to acquire a private, 27-acre property with rolling fields and orchards with mountainous views centered by the iconic Squam Lake featured in the famous movie, On Golden Pond. This Royal Barry Wills designed Georgian brick six-bedroom colonial home, originally built in the 19th century, has been meticulously restored, revived and transformed so that the only work left to do is enjoy. Its grand-scale formal rooms offer elegant and easy, expansive or intimate entertaining spaces. Private quarters are equally inviting with family living quarters that accommodate guests for short-term or extended stays. A large three-room master suite includes a tasteful paneled office which opens to a private patio, a dressing room and a marble bathroom. The three-level carriage house with functioning turntable and bell & clock tower is an entertainer or collector’s dream. Whether it be for gatherings or for cars, boats, carriages‌this is an impressive space for it all. Hearthstone is private, but not isolated: two minutes to charming downtown Center Harbor, 10 minutes to the historic town of Meredith; only 20 minutes from the club motorsports track, 5 minutes to Lake Winnipesaukee water access; and just 2 hours to Boston. For 105 years, just three families have owned this remarkable property. A chance to become the next steward of this singular estate is unlikely to happen again for many decades.
Rolling level-grassy yard Squam Lake Views Rolling Fields and Orchards New – reclaimed brick patio Courtyard patios U-Shaped driveway with two entrances
Slate Roof Blue stone walkways Outdoor Fountain Paved Driveway Mountain Views
Kennebec Kitchen New Stainless-Steel Appliances with Wolfe Range & Subzero Refrigerator
Soapstone counter tops Subway tile backsplash Pantry space Eat-in Bar Seating
Gorgeous Built-in Shelving Wood-Burning Fireplace Mountain Views Wood Painted Floors
Stunning Crown-Molding Wood-Burning Fireplace Gorgeous Center Chandelier Views of the front and back yard
32x32 Family Room Large Slider out to the Backyard Patio Vaulted with gorgeous Beam Accents Built-in Shelving Wet Bar Wood Burning Fireplace
Crown Molding Wood Burning Fireplace Private Wing with walk-in closet Double Vanity sinks Stand Up Shower Soaking Tub
Private Bedroom Suites Beautiful Hardwood Floors
Functioning Turntable Operational Clock and Bell Tower Car Lift 2-Story parking Heated
Welcome to the historic, remarkable, and one of the most luxurious properties in the New Hampshire Lakes Region, the former Dane family estate known as Hearthstone. While ascending the private drive between rolling fields and orchards, all the senses are heightened but a calm overtakes the soul because this already feels like a special place. This brick and slate Georgian home overlooks some of the most beautiful views in the lakes region. A panorama of squam lake and its surrounding mountains can be seen from almost every room in the house. Ernest B. Dane, the chairman of the Brookline Trust company arrived in Center Harbor NH in 1915 and purchased multiple farms and lands that eventually would become the Dane’s summer home. Mr. Dane, a prosperous and prominent figure in early 20th century America, was a patron of the arts and philanthropist with an eye for architectural elements of beauty and function. This is evident by the magnificent 5700 square foot carriage house that he built to house his personal fleet of vehicles including his Rolls Royce and to serve as a workplace for hired hands and staff. The stone-carved festoon decorations, Palladian windows, and the corbeled clock and bell tower with original weathervane is a testament to Ernest B. Dane’s eye for beauty. This incredible carriage house was a replica and tribute to the one at Roughwood, the Dane’s Brookline Ma. Estate. During World War II the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Curator appealed to the Dane’s for help in securing a safe place for some of the priceless paintings to protect them from damage in case of a bombing raid or theft. The members of the Dane family still living in the Center Harbor area have confirmed that priceless paintings belonging to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum were hidden in the attic in the carriage house during World War II. Thick screening was installed to prevent damage from pests and armed guards were stationed outside the room to prevent intruders. Today, this wonderful building has stood the test of time and remains a perfect place for the classic car collector to store and showcase their prized possessions. The main house is known as Hearthstone, due to the enormous granite hearthstones that comprise the hearths of each of the 6 large fireplaces. Originally built in the late 19th century, it is certainly reminiscent of an English country estate and was renovated and enlarged in 1960 by Royal Barry Wills for Edward Dane, Ernest’s son. Wills dismantled two wings of the carriage house and used the brick in the expansion of the main house, adding an amazing post and beam great room and a master suite with dressing room master bath and walnut panelled sitting room with fireplaces. He reconstructed the entire original structure and restored the fireplaces and brought the home up to the highest standards available in utility and luxury for the time. It was featured in Royal Barry Wills, Book, “More Houses for Good Living”1962. The original plans by Royal Barry Wills have been archived by Historic New England.
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