The History of the Canaan Street Lake Inn

First built in 1798 as a stagecoach stop, Gilman’s Tavern, consisted of a main house with an attached barn. Around 1890 the structure was converted to the Lucerne Hotel. The Lucerne was owned by the Weeks family, who passed it down to their adopted son, William Hinckley. Mr. Hinckley had a reputation of being a wonderful and accommodating host. In 1908, Mr. Hinckley had the large barn moved to a nearby location to be used as a livery stable. In its place a two-story ell was constructed which included additional guest rooms, a kitchen, laundry, and bathrooms. Located on the shores of Canaan Street Lake (previously known as both Hart’s Lake and Crystal Lake), the Lucerne became a popular summer hotel known for hosting parties on its extensive lawn, musical entertainment, swimming, hiking, croquet, tennis, and golf.
 
In the 1940s the Lucerne became the Cardigan Mountain School, an all-boys prep school. When Cardigan Mountain School relocated to its present-day campus down the road, the building became Canaan College from the mid-1960s to mid-1970s.

 In the 1990’s the property was purchased by a couple who lovingly cared for it as their primary residence for more than two decades.

 In 2021 we purchased the Property with the goal of restoring it to its former glory as an Inn. Construction begins 2022.