For more than 100 years, The Wentworth has played an important role in the development of Jackson Village, New Hampshire. Both the resort and the town share a colorful history shaped by the majestic environment of the White Mountains and the Mount Washington Valley.
The Wentworth’s Early Years
Wentworth Hall c. 1912
Joshua Trickey built The Wentworth in 1869 as a wedding gift to his daughter Georgia and her husband to-be, General Marshall Wentworth. Wentworth had served as a General for the Union Forces in The Civil War and wanted to settle in the tranquility of the Mount Washington Valley. Over the years the Wentworth’s added the Arden Cottage, Wentworth Hall, Thornycroft, Wildwood Cottage and Glen-Thorne. Eventually, the complex included 39 buildings and was called Wentworth Hall.
For many years, Wentworth Hall was a self sustaining complex that accommodated up to 400 people and included an electric plant, a farm, greenhouses, a dairy and pasteurization plant, a laundry, a blacksmith, a garage with mechanics, a casino, a golf course and more. The Wentworth Golf Course, built in 1895, was the first in the region with six holes. It was later expanded to 18 holes.
Playground for the Rich and Famous
Nathan Amster, a railroad tycoon from New York, purchased Wentworth Hall in the 1900′s. By the 20′s, Jackson had become one of the most popular resort destinations in the northeast, with up to 40 trains per day delivering visitors anxious to experience the natural beauty of the area. Wentworth Hall was soon recognized as one of the most exclusive resorts in New England.
In the summer, people flocked to the Wentworth Hall Solarium that stretched across the Wildcat River, directly below Jackson Falls. Guests enjoyed al fresco dining and dancing in the Solarium. A swimming pool was created in the river below the Solarium, naturally bordered by large rocks and perfect for lounging. Because of its precarious location, the solarium was dismantled every fall and reassembled the following summer.
The Wentworth would change hands two more times – in the early 30′s and again in the 70′s – before being purchased by present owners Fritz & Eleanor Koeppel in 1991.
The Wentworth Today
The Wentworth Lobby
Today The Wentworth is comprised of the Main building (the original Thorn House) plus five cottages. There are 80 townhouse condominiums spread throughout the property, which may be rented through the hotel. All units have air conditioning, color televisions, cable service, direct dial phones and full bathroom amenities. All cottages have been completely refurbished and feature either an oversized whirlpool Jacuzzi tub or a two person outdoor private hot tub. There are also gas fireplaces and coffee pots in each deluxe room, while also having their own sitting area. The most recent renovations have been done on the Fairlawn Cottage combining luxury and modern technologies. Each of the 51 guest rooms has lovely views of the Wildcat River, the 18-hole Wentworth Golf Course or the charming village of Jackson.
Year-Round Activities
The Ellis River Across from the Wentworth
As in its glory days of the 20′s, The Wentworth continues to offer an abundance of popular recreational activities. The Solarium is gone, but an outdoor heated pool is on site. Jackson Falls continue to rush by across from the hotel, and the 18-hole PGA-rated golf course now has electric carts. Summer activities also include:
- Thousands of miles of hiking trails in the White Mountain National Forest
- Clay tennis courts
- Volleyball and badminton
- Nearby rivers and lakes offer white water rafting, canoeing and fishing
- Nearby Storyland them park that is popular with families
In the fall The Wentworth’s location in the heart of the White Mountains with easy access to the White Mountain National Forest makes it an ideal base for fall foliage viewing. Scenic byways such as the Kancamagus Scenic Byway / Kancamagus Highway and the White Mountain Trail are nearby and offer some of the best fall foliage anywhere.
The Ellis River Across from the Wentworth
In the winter, the most extensive cross-country ski trail network in the northeast, Jackson XC, start at the Inn’s front door. Four major downhill ski resorts are just minutes away (Attitash, Black Mountain, Cranmore, and Wildcat). There is a nearby ice skating rink, sleigh rides and, for those who prefer the warmth of the indoors, the resort has an entertainment room featuring a large screen TV with VCR, board games and books. The Wentworth offers ski packages, which include breakfast and dinner.
Special Packages and Special Occasions
A Room at the Wentworth
There are many different packages available, bed and breakfast packages, dinner and breakfast packages including full a la carte dinner and breakfast in The Wentworth’s AAA four-diamond rated restaurant. The Wentworth also offers both Alpine and Cross Country Ski packages in winter and golf can be arranged at the 18 hole PGA Wentworth Golf Course located next to the inn. The Inn is ideal for corporate retreats, offering over 3000 square feet of meeting space, full audio/visual and catering services. With its romantic settings and the historic Jackson Community Church across the street, The Wentworth frequently hosts wedding celebrations. Parties up to 230 can be accommodated for special occasions.
Dining at The Wentworth
The Dining Room
For an authentic New Hampshire dining experience, visit The Wentworth for breakfast or dinner year round. Unlike other New Hampshire restaurants, The Wentworth brings a traditional, European flair to their establishment and pride themselves on using only the freshest seasonal ingredients from local and regional farms. In fact, many of their menu items are grown in their own garden, guaranteeing the freshest vegetables as well as meats and seafood, which are locally sourced. The Wentworth serves breakfast and dinner daily and reservations can be made On-Line for dining.
Address / Contact Information
The Wentworth
1 Carter Notch Road,
PO Box M
Jackson Village, NH 03846
Phone: 603-383-9700
Reservations: 800-637-0013
