Lighthouse Inn, listed on the NRHP in New London County, Connecticut
The Lighthouse Inn is a hotel and a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places in New London. The main structure displays Mission Revival architecture with a stucco exterior, wide hipped roof supported by heavy brackets, and features two stories with projecting central sections and side porches for guests to sit and enjoy the grounds.
The building was constructed in 1902 as a country home for Charles Guthrie, a steel industry businessman, but his sudden death in 1906 prompted his wife to shift family priorities. By 1927, the main house had been converted to an inn, becoming a popular destination for dining and gatherings, especially during the 1940s.
The building began as a country estate for a wealthy family and later became a hotel, shifting its role from private residence to public gathering space. This transformation reflects how the property opened its doors to visitors and became a place where people could experience the style and character of early 20th-century life.
The property sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking Long Island Sound and spans just over two acres with traces of historic landscaping still visible on the grounds. Visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain and changing conditions given the waterfront location and proximity to the coast.
The building was originally named Meadow Court and features Mission-style architecture that remains rare in New London, distinguishing it from most other historic homes in the area. After a fire in 1979, the interior still retained many of its original finishes, making it a remarkable case of preserving period details despite significant damage.
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