Hartness House

Hartness House is a wooden mansion built in the early 1900s with multiple gables, shingled walls, and decorative diamond-patterned windows that define its exterior. The structure combines wood and fieldstone materials, creating a layered appearance across different levels.

The house was built in 1904 for inventor James Hartness, who later served as Vermont governor in the early 1920s. The property reflects the industrial innovation and engineering interests of its time period.

The property includes an observatory with a telescope from 1910, reflecting James Hartness's dedication to astronomical observation and scientific advancement.

The property operated as an inn with multiple guest rooms until its closure in 2020, welcoming visitors looking for lodging. Today you can view the exterior architecture and explore the surrounding grounds.

Beneath the front yard lies a network of underground rooms connected by tunnels that served as the owner's private workshop and study spaces. These hidden chambers reveal the inventor's hands-on creativity and engineering mindset.

Location: Springfield

Inception: 1904

Architectural style: Shingle style architecture

Address: 30 Orchard Street

GPS coordinates: 43.30139,-72.47750

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22