SKENE MANOR – “The House on the Hill”
Many call it a castle. Some claim it’s haunted. We call it a beautiful example of Victorian Gothic architecture.
Whitehall is located on the Southern end of Lake Champlain and is considered by many to be the Birthplace of the U.S. Navy. This is due to its place in history as the site where Arnold’s Valcour Fleet (first American fleet) was built in 1776.
Skene Manor was built on the side of Skene Mountain overlooking the Town by Supreme Court Judge Joseph H. Potter in 1874. The gray sandstone and the lumber used in its construction are from nearby on the mountain, as well.
Skene Manor was placed on the National Registry for Historic Buildings in 1959. After an interesting and varied history, Skene Manor was purchased in 1995 by a local non-profit organization passionate about restoring and preserving this local landmark for future generations to enjoy.
A dedicated group of volunteers have the building open for visitors from Noon to 4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from April through December. If you decide to visit Skene Manor we suggest you plan on starting the visit with lunch in the Victorian Tea Room. The food is really good with ample portions prepared and served by the cheerful volunteers who make you feel like you are visiting their home.
After lunch you can count on Docent Richard Brewer giving you the grand tour. He is your genial guide to all of the history as well as what is fact or fiction about the rumors and secrets that have circulated around “the house on the hill” for its many, many years.
The following are some photos from our recent August visit to Skene Manor located at 8 Potter’s Terrace in Whitehall, New York. For more information you may phone them at 518.499.1906.
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