Inn History

A brief history of the Tamworth Inn and Tamworth

In the late 1700's an ore deposit was discovered south of Conway, New Hampshire along the Bear Camp River. Over the years, the deposit was mined and a nail making industry was formed in the town of Tamworth.

By 1833, the town had grown to a size where the Concord, Massachusetts to Conway, NH stage line was servicing the town and the Tamworth Hotel was built. Toward the middle of the century the Hotel was expanded by bringing two one story buildings from about a mile away to the town center and attaching them to the existing three story building. In 1894 the Hotel added two more floors to the attached buildings making a total of 28 rooms with four shared baths. At the turn of the century, the ore deposit gave out and logging became the primary industry. 
   

By 1928 tourism had taken over as the primary industry and Grover Cleveland had purchased a summer home in Tamworth. Francis Cleveland, Grover's son, who had recently graduated from Harvard, founded the "Barnstormers" Summer Theater in the barn behind what was, by then, known as the Tamworth Inn. The theater, now located across the street, is the oldest "Actors Equity" house in the U.S.
   

Celebrating over 170 years of providing lodging and dining to weary travelers, the Tamworth Inn continues to be a New Hampshire landmark. Now you, too, can escape to the Tamworth Inn where Simple Elegance in lodging, food and service transport you back to a simpler time.

Nestled between the Lakes Region and the White Mountain National Forest, Tamworth also boasts some of the best hiking and cross-country skiing in the state. We are surrounded by picturesque mountains, including the Sandwich and Ossipee Ranges and Mt. Chocorua. At our doorstep lie the Hemenway State Forest, White Lake State Park, White Mountains National Forest, Lake Winnipesaukee, Silver Lake, Crystal Lake, Lake Chocorua and many more smaller lakes and rivers. The best cross country skiing, sojourning and snow shoeing are no more than a few minutes from our door step, plus a selection of the 6 best alpine skiing mountains are from 15 to 60 minutes away, including King Pine, Cranmore, Attitash/Bear Peak, Loon, Wildcat, and Bretton Woods. Local activities include road and mountain biking, canoeing/kayaking, hiking, swimming, golfing, fishing, horseback riding, ice skating, and sledding. Of course, the Mecca of tax-free outlet shopping, North Conway, is just a short drive away.

The Inn has 16 individually decorated guest rooms, six of which are suites with sitting rooms or areas. All rooms are decorated with antiques and original artwork and have private baths, orthopedic mattresses and down comforters. The Dining Room attracts gourmands from all over who come to enjoy the talents of Chef Tom Henderson. Critics also rave about our cuisine, including Boston's Phantom Gourmet, New Hampshire Magazine, Yankee Magazine, plus a recent feature on the Food Network.

Your hosts, the Schrader family: Bob, Virginia, Robert Jr., de Grasse, Christine (Virginia's mom) and Dagny the St. Bernard, hope you will enjoy the simple elegance of the Tamworth Inn.