A storied piece of American history has hit the market in the tiny, unlikely town of Dublin, New Hampshire. Known as Knollwood, the country estate has been in the family of Sheraton Hotels co-founder Ernest Henderson for more than 70 years. His daughter, philanthropist Mitzi Perdue, widow of the late poultry magnate Frank Perdue, is among the heirs selling the 104-acre spread for $15 million, co-listed with Compass agents Sean Bakhtiari and Colby Coppage.
Built in 1900 for Franklin MacVeagh, who would later serve as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, the Georgian-style residence quickly became a fixture of political and cultural life. From 1910 to 1913, President William Howard Taft used Knollwood as his summer White House, hosting strategy sessions and gatherings that helped shape the national conversation. Around the same time, Mark Twain spent weeks at a time at the estate, soaking in the New England scenery and entertaining other houseguests with readings from Huckleberry Finn.
RELATED: Bill Koch’s Storied Cape Cod Compound Once Hosted JFK. Now It Can Be Yours for $24 Million.
President Taft used Knollwood as his summer White House. Mark Twain also spent time here.
Luxe Life Productions
Henderson acquired Knollwood in the 1950s and made it the family’s summer retreat. Over its 124 years, the estate has had only two owners, a rarity for a property of this magnitude and stature. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and remains a touchstone for both architectural and cultural history in the region.
The residence rambles over more than 14,500 square feet with 13 bedrooms and nine and a half baths. Designed for both family life and large-scale gatherings, its gathering spaces include a 26-seat dining room, a grand ballroom that can host up to 120 guests, a library, and a series of terraces overlooking the grounds. Many original details remain intact, from hardwood floors and clawfoot tubs to the bell system once used by household staff.
RELATED: Barack Obama’s Former Hawaiian Vacation Home Lists for $14.9 Million
Original details remain intact, from hardwood floors to clawfoot tubs and a bell system.
Luxe Life Productions
The surrounding acreage is no less impressive. Perched on a ridge of Mount Monadnock, the mostly wooded estate commands sweeping 40-mile views across New England. The property includes manicured gardens, fruit orchards, and a boutique vineyard, along with a three-car garage topped by an apartment and a historic barn.
Though the Dublin area’s luxury market has typically peaked around $4 million, Knollwood’s scale, provenance, and cultural significance set it apart. If it sells at asking, it will rank among the most expensive homes ever sold in New Hampshire, where the record currently stands at $25 million for a waterfront mansion in Rye.
Click here to see more photos of this historic New Hampshire estate.
Luxe Life Productions
Authors
-
Abby Montanez