hamilton house

hamilton house印象

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  sojourner626

  This handsome Georgian style house, built in 1774, is located on a bluff overlooking a tributary of the Piscataqua River, sitting on the south Maine side though but a stone's throw from New Hampshire. Inside is an eclectic mix of high quality furnishings and art reflecting the taste of successive wealthy owners placed throughout large, high ceiling rooms on two levels which continue the Georgian architectural theme. Around the property lie beautiful gardens of colonial plantings (in full bloom as of this mid-August review), which is used often for weddings. Guided tours of the house and gardens are conducted during temperate months by docents of Historic New England, the owner of the property. As members, we have visited a good number of these properties located throughout New England over the past year (non-members also welcome but must pay a reasonable fee of about $8 to visit), and found this to be the best overall in terms of architecture, scenic location, furnishings, state of preservation, surrounding garden landscape, and historic interest. This hidden gem is probably one of the half dozen finest Georgian period residences left in the country, and when combined with all its other features, is deserving of a visit, if not more than one.

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  Danielleant

  I am so in love with the Hamilton House. Perfect place to get away. I love the trails,the house, the peace and quiet.

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  KK469

  Beautiful area not crowded lots of history great scenery just a lovely little place to visit lots to see

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  margaretNewHampshire

  Spectacular views of river. Really underscores the importance of the river in shipping goods inland and back to Portsmouth. The rivers were the interstate highways before roads and the gundalow is the unique flatbottomed boat that was the semi of the 1600-1800 period. The guided tour of the interior is very interesting. A tad hard to find but that adds to the charm.

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  SaskatSeismo

  Bring a picnic and enjoy sitting on the grounds and viewing the beautiful scenery. They do outdoor concerts on Sundays in the summer months. This property is adjacent to Vaughan Woods, a wonderful place for a magnifcent stroll. New England at its best!

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  1son2dogs

  I have visited this house many times over the years, and am always enchanted by the setting. The upkeep for this old place has continued, and the gardens have expanded since I first visited. Be sure to tour the home, but also allow time to relax on the lawn and imagine the sea captains coming up the river years ago.

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  etsevigny

  Visiting the Hamilton House and gardens (a Historic New England site) was a real pleasure. The gardens are beautiful as well as the setting on the Salmon Falls River. During the month of July the Hamilton House holds late afternoon concerts and yesterday's concert was performed by the Quintessentials, a five person quintet (wind percussion group); they were absolutely wonderful performing in part the American Songbook and other classical pieces. Each Sunday a different groups performs during the month of July. The Hamilton House itself is worth the trip itself. Bring your own chairs and picnic The concert and house tour are free to members

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  TJVatcher

  A wonderful place to spend a day. The house and grounds are lovely, especially when the flowers are in bloom! You can also follow a trail from Hamilton House to Vaughan Woods which has miles of trails along the water.

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  oldhousegirl

  The interest in this house is as much for its surroundings as for the house itself.You can actually walk to the house from Vaughn Woods State Park (or vice-versa walk to the park from the house). The trails can take you alongside Salmon River and/or through a wooded area.The grounds around the house itself are also pretty, with a small garden.The contents of the house are a mix of original pieces and other period pieces acquired but not original to the home. The murals in the two parlors are particularly interesting, but sadly they are starting to deteriorate and pose preservation challenges. Hamilton House is a short drive from the Jewett House (also a Historic New England property) and both can easily be see on the same day. Please note that hours are seasonal. Local residents who enjoy historic houses should consider membership in Historic New England, which owns and operates this property along with 35 others in the region. Members have unlimited free admission to all the properties as well as free or reduced admission to special events (events include live music, art workshops, lectures, etc. and there are many throughout the year). Just a few visits/events cover the cost of membership.

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  JoanW778

  If you are visiting South Berwick make a point to check out the Hamilton House. There is not a bad time of year to tour the grounds.