Historical Kona Farms

Kona Farms Historical Backdrop View

Lake Winnipesaukee has no shortage of historical homes or historical landmarks. Kona Farms is just one of many historical places you can find in the town of Moultonborough NH.  Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire, located in the Lakes Region. Lake Winnipesaukee is approximately 21 miles long and from 1 to 9 miles wide, and covers 69 square miles.  The maximum depth of Lake Winnipesaukee is 180 feet. This large lake has tons of rich history all around it. 

History of Kona Farms

Kona Farms is located in Moultonborough New Hampshire. It wasn’t till later it was known as  Kona Estate or Kona Mansion.  Harry J Carlton was the architect for Kona Estate and was well known in Boston. The original intent was a gentlemen country estate For Herbert Dumaresq. By 1913 Herbert Dumaresq had bought 2,500 acres along with nearby islands on Lake Winnipesaukee. Herbert was part owner of Jordan Marsh Company of Boston. Kona Farm was Built-In 1900-1902 and later renamed as Kona Mansion Inn.

About Kona Mansion

Kona is a Tudor revival style Mansion. The Manson overlooked Lake Winnipesaukee. This unique estate at one point sat on 2,500 acres. Today Kona is on New Hampshire Historical Registry. This unique property sits on 82 acres and consists of three lots.  The first is the Kona boathouse, a residence with living quarters, and four bedrooms. The second lot is Kona Beach which has 14 boat slips. The third is the Mansion. The Mansion is made up of  17 guest rooms. along with a nine-hole golf course that has been open since 1903. Kona Farms comes with a private tennis court with additional cottages that surround the grounds. 

Swallows Boathouse

The Swallows Boathouse was completed in 1907 and can accommodate a 63.11-foot luxury steam yacht. There were Three boathouses that were part of Kona Estate.  

 In 1913 Kona Farms became too hard to maintain.  The owners gradually sold off the property in 1913. Subsequently, by 1930s Kona Farms was reduced to 1,500 acres, and by 1939 The Dumaresqs abandoned the property altogether. 

The Swallows historically speaking is part of Kona Farms. Kona Farms in the 1940s came on the sales market and didn’t include Kona Inn.  Madeleine and Dudley Hare purchased just the Swallows property.  The swallow boathouse and surrounding acreage were turned into 46 Acre summer property to establish Camp Windward for boys. Camp Windward remained in operation from 1942-1950.

Swallows Boathouse becomes Historical Landmark

The Hare family in 1970 started the process of securing formal recognition for the swallow boathouse.  In 1980 the Swallow Boathouse was recognized by the Nationa Register and listed as a historical place. The same year Windward Harbor Condominiums communities were developed by Peter Hare and Gil Leonard. Windward Harbor Condominiums was a 36-acre property around the boathouse. 

Past Proposals 

Kona Boathouse and the Residence is back on the market for sale.  It is not the first time Kona has been on the market. Developers have tried to propose plans in the past, and all involve in keeping the historical integratory.

In 2017 a developer proposed restoring the 37-room mansion, and wanted to subdivide the property into 22 lots, and develop a country club to be part of ownership. The country club would offer golf, tennis, and spa which would include a pool.  In addition to those amenities, there would also be a bar with a dining room. All Kona Farm’s Homes would include club membership.   Twenty-two lots would be able to use the beach, golf course. In Addition, the general public would be able to buy membership and allowed access to the beach, golf course, and special privileges at the restaurant. 

 

Past Roadblocks for Buyers 

The number of boat slips the property has come into question.  Historically Kona has had 22 boat slips.  However,  Attorney representing abutters has stated files in the town officials do not indicate more than six boat slips but history shows there were 22 boat slips.  There is a question if the pier can be “grandfathered” and the  NH Department of Environmental Services is looking into the historic use of the boat slips at the dock.

This unique property has its challenges, but in addition to property plan challenges, it also requires a lot of work which will mean someone subsequently will need deep pockets. The Mansion hasn’t seen renovations in a very long time. Imagine walking through a property that feels like walking into a time machine where you are brought back to the 1900s.  It is unlikely a private buyer will have the capital to buy the home. Most likely it will be a developer or several investors who buy this piece of historical property. State of New Hampshire added Kona too New Hampshire Register of Historic Properties on July 17th, 2010. Historical homes on the registry give additional challenges that a normal property wouldn’t have to deal with. 

Agent Connection To Property 

Kona farm is a very unique property.  New Hampshire has many historic properties in the area. Moultonborough New Hampshire is home to many.  I encourage you to explore and visit Castle in the Clouds which was built in the same area as Kona Farms.  I have a personal connection to the town of Moultonborough New Hampshire. My brother and I learned to ski, skate, and swim in the area, and my father spent his summers as a child at Lake Winnipesaukee.  

My family Currently lives in Moultonborough New Hampshire. Growing up as a child I spent school breaks, summer up at the Lake.  Today it’s my family full-time residence.  Kona Inn is a truly unique property. This extraordinary property will require someone who respects the historical aspects. Kona Farm will not be a small undertaking. If you would like more information about Kona Farms please reach out. The property is currently on the market for sale for $6,995,000

Gibson Sotheby’s is part of a Global Network allowing me to provide a bridge for all my buyers and sellers beyond Boston. Gibson Sotheby’s is located in Boston and has 23 offices. Sotheby’s International network has 990 offices in 72 countries.   If you want info about this unique property please contact me.