Many great stories come from humble beginnings, and the origin of Mountain View Grand Resort & Spa is no different: What would eventually become a world-famous hotel was first a quiet farmhouse in the small township of Whitefield, New Hampshire.
Then, in 1865, a stagecoach on a journey from Boston to Montreal overturned.
After the crash, two weary travelers made their way to the farmhouse—where despite the late hour, William and Mary Jane Dodge opened their doors and graciously welcomed the pair.
Originally planning to stay just a single night before resuming their trip, the travelers woke up to a breathtaking view of the White Mountains and a delicious home-cooked breakfast. Captivated, they decided to stay an entire week (with the blessing of William and Mary Jane, of course). There’s much more to the story—as you might expect, given that this first chapter occurred more than 150 years ago—but the rest, as they say, is history.
First lodgers
Official opening as an inn; first addition to the home is made
New three-story building replaces farmhouse
Another addition doubles the size of the Mountain View House
Dodges oversee management and expand hotel into a substantial resort complex
Nine-hole golf course, steam heat, and electric lighting added
Italian Revival-style tower erected, creating a focal point of the resort visible from miles away
Resort adds fourth floor, east wing expansion, clubhouse, and swimming pool
Century Hall, a modern and functional entertainment hall, is added
Resort sold to Mountain View Associates
Hotel closes
Golf course, clubhouse, heated pool, tennis courts, lawn games, and wine cellar renovated
$20 million renovation begins, including interior demolition, exterior construction, and landscaping
Mountain View Grand celebrates grand reopening
Property joins unique collection of historical hotels, including The Biltmore and Le Pavillon
Resort commissions Northern Power Systems to build a 121-foot wind turbine behind the resort