hamilton house

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.

The house is in a peaceful setting surrounded by the river. There is a small garden where I could imagine a bride taking her wedding pictures. There is a clean restroom on site, too. I did not go into the house, but I did peak in all the windows. The furnishings seemed ok but not elaborate. I wish I had time to take the tour from the kind ladies who give it. The tour is on the hour and costs $8 for adults and $7 for seniors. The trails to the Vaughn Woods are right there, so you don't have to re-park your car if you want to spend sometime in the woods which I recommend. Go Wednesday through Sunday from the beginning of June until the middle of October. You pay your fee at the Visitor's Center where you will find the helpful guides. The road into the site is a bit gravelly, so make sure your car has enough clearance.

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.

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.

This mansion is sited on an outstanding setting on the river with a great semi-formal garden popular for weddings. The visitor center is also historic dollhouse-like building. The house has it's original furnishings and is in outstanding shape. The tour is exceptionally good. The gardens are worth a visit.

Down at the end of a little beaten up, gravel-y lane rests one of most lovely homes, I have ever seen in New England. The home is perked on a curve of the Salmon Falls River and the views of the river and pastoral fields in all directions is simply exquisite. This Historic Home tour is very interesting and highlights the rich history of the "Shipping" Renaissance that happened in bringing trade-able goods to America from all parts of the world during colonial times and into the 19th century. The wall paper in this home is truly worth the price of admission with one absolutely spectacular mural in the huge upstairs bedroom. Many weddings are performed on this home site because of the profound beauty in this unique natural setting. One can bring their dog as there are little trails to wander through the fields and along the river. There are very clean restrooms. The tour guides were extremely courteous and helpful. This is an educational, enriching and aesthetically uplifting experience.

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

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.

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

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.

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

Nice water views from grounds and gardens and walking/jogging trails. We go a couple times a year, every year! Can easily imagine a time gone by when a sea captain arrived back at home.

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.

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!

The Hamilton House was originally built in the late 1700's by a ship owner on a rise overlooking the river, about 3-4 miles outside the center of South Berwick, ME. At the time, South Berwick was an international shipping port, and the original owner constructed a wharf below the house where his ships could load and unload. Shipping declined as an industry in this area in the early 19th c., and from 1839-1898 the house and surrounding lands were operated as a farm. When the farm declined, a woman and her step-daughter (heirs to a RR fortune) were encouraged to buy it and restore its original colonial features. They made some alterations to fit their desire to use the house as a summer "cottage" for friends and family, but on the whole did a nice job of preserving the classical design features and improving the site by the addition of gardens. The house was donated to Historic New England (formerly, SPNEA) in the late 1940's. There is an admission charge of $8/person, and visitors are given a thorough guided tour of the house. then are free to roam through the gardens. It is a beautiful house, with an interesting story, in a lovely location. But it is disappointing that the society has done little to restore the house even to the condition in which it was put in 1898. The wallpaper in the grand central stairwell, for example, after peeling off due to moisture, has been tacked up with clear push-pins, and there is apparently no plan to do more. This house lacks the famous connections of the Sarah Orne Jewett House a few miles away, but was a grander house to begin with and, because it was donated to the society more recently, is in better condition that the Jewett House. Still, it is unfortunate that more has not been done to restore it.