The Story of

Aldworth Manor

 

Our History

The Early Years

Aldworth Manor-Arthur E Childs.jpg

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Aldworth Manor was originally built in the early 1800s in Worcester, Massachusetts to a design by Worcester architects, the Fuller & Delano Company. How then did it end up in Harrisville, New Hampshire? It is rumored that in the early 1900s, Mrs. Alice Childs could inherit the manor in Massachusetts and millions of dollars, from her father, if they physically resided in the home.

Having previously bought a plot of 700 acres in New Hampshire for his “hunting lodge,” Arthur and Alice devised the brilliant plan to move the manor house—and live in it thereSo it was shipped to Harrisville, New Hampshire, through an unbelievable feat of taking it apart piece by piece and transporting it on the B&M Railroad. Wagon-loads hauled by horses, oxen and mules carried the disassembled house to and from the 17 flatbed railroad cars.

In 1908 Aldworth Manor was born again at the Harrisville, New Hampshire location. Mr. and Mrs. Childs poured an extensive amount of money into the property, gardens, and local community. They even took part in the Village Improvement Society, instigating the first tarred road to be established in Harrisville. The Childs extensively landscaped the farm property, building an elaborate terraced garden east of the house, a reflecting pool, a garden house with a tile roof, a carriage house, and a pergola supported by Tuscan columns. Aldworth’s entrance drive is still flanked by the rhododendrons the Childs had imported.

Aldworth Manor became a sensation and was well known throughout New England, where construction and beautification continued well into the 1920s. At one point they employed as many as 27 people to care for the house, the grounds, and to attend to their personal needs.

the mid to late 20th century

The stock market crash of 1929 and the Great Depression ended the glory days of Aldworth for Alice and Arthur Childs. After the Childses’ deaths (his in 1934 and hers a few years later), the property was owned by a rapid succession of tenants, including several private owners, the Thomas More School (1959-1972), Antioch College (1973-1975), and for 40 years the Mount Missionary Institute.

Left, right, and below: Photos of Aldworth when it was owned by the Thomas More School.

The New York Times, November 18, 1939

 

Aldworth Today

In 2014 Aldworth Manor was listed for sale yet again, facing an uncertain future.  It was during that time Shane Long, his parents Roger and Tammy Long, along with his brother Jordan Long, stepped in and purchased the historic estate. 

Shane, Tammy, Roger, & Jordan Long

Shane, Tammy, Roger, & Jordan Long

The Longs are a multi-talented family with a deep love of the arts and history. Shane is in charge of the daily operations of Aldworth Manor and works to ensure each guest has a positive experience. He works with Roger on guiding the renovations and with Tammy on design and decor. The summers he spent in Italy have served him well in Aldworth’s renovation process. Shane is a music educator who appreciates the opportunity to bring the Arts to Aldworth. Roger has a degree in art and is an experienced mechanic and carpenter, having built and restored homes. These skills have proven vital during Aldworth’s massive renovation project.  Roger has been in charge of the renovations and daily upkeep on the property. Tammy’s career spanned 36 years in public education in Arkansas.  The skills she learned as both a teacher and administrator have served her well in carrying out her roles at Aldworth. Tammy assists Shane with administrative duties and has decorated and furnished the Manor and lodging buildings.  Jordan assists Shane and Roger with the renovations of the Manor when he is in the area. He built the Manor’s first website, and helps with marketing and social media. He and his production company, HCT Media, have filmed and photographed the property from the time the Long’s purchased Aldworth in 2014. 

At the time of the Long’s purchase, Aldworth had fallen into disrepair and was in need of serious renovation. With the help and support of friends, family and locals, the Long family is giving Aldworth Manor the dignity it deserves by restoring it, quite literally, room by room – and preserving this important part of New England’s rich history. With their beautiful tended gardens, a new commercial kitchen, fully-stocked bar, year-round dining, three renovated houses for guest lodging, and the lovingly restored manor house, the Longs now welcome wedding parties, guests looking for a quiet getaway, and locals, who enjoy concerts, public nights and other special events. Community involvement, the arts, historic preservation and conservation are all focuses of the Long Family as they restore the estate.   

 

Experience Aldworth

There are many ways to enjoy the gardens, historic buildings, and amenities at Aldworth Manor. Come and see us. We look forward to hosting you at the Manor!

 

stay overnight

Our diverse lodging options offer a relaxing home base to enjoy the Manor grounds and southern New Hampshire. We offer nightly and weekly rentals for individuals and groups, and can accommodate up to 52 people for those interested in providing housing for a wedding, family reunion, retreat, or conference. View our lodging here.

attend an event

We love partnering with musicians, theater groups, nonprofits, filmmakers, and artists. We have hosted Irish musicians and rock bands, classical and jazz concerts, Shakespeare plays, New Year's Eve and Halloween parties, and more. To attend a public event, check out our Events Calendar here.

Book the manor

Whether you are looking for a place to host your wedding, family reunion, a film shoot, conference, or party, Aldworth’s breathtaking grounds and buildings combined with our onsite catering, drink service, and lodging are the perfect solution. Contact us today.

enjoy dinner

Aldworth opens its doors to the public every Thursday for delicious food, fantastic drinks, and good conversation at our popular Tavern Nights. We believe that food, and food experiences, should be pleasurable, memorable, and nourishing. Reserve a room or table today.