A remarkable piece of history has emerged on the real estate market, as a breathtaking lakefront estate in Moultonborough, New Hampshire, is listed for a spectacular $9.5 million. This grand estate, nestled on the serene shores of Squam Lake, holds a captivating past that links it to one of the most infamous maritime tragedies in history.
A Titanic Legacy
Built in 1899 by Richard Beckwith, a Titanic survivor, this property has remained a cherished family haven for over a century. Beckwith, who survived the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic with his wife, Sallie, and her daughter, Helen Newsom, constructed this estate before their ill-fated voyage. Their harrowing experience aboard the Titanic contributed to the inspiration behind James Cameron’s iconic film, as noted by listing agent Jacalyn Dussault of Dussault Real Estate.
“The Beckwiths were among the first to escape the disaster,” Dussault explains. “Their story provided a rich source of inspiration for the ‘Titanic’ movie.”
A Century of Elegance
After the Beckwiths sold the estate to industrialist John J. Evans in the 1920s, the property has been lovingly maintained by the Evans family across five generations. The estate, with its shingle-style architecture and nearly 4 acres of land, boasts an impressive 964 feet of prime lakefront. “Few properties offer 1,000 feet of water frontage on the lake,” Dussault highlights. “The views here are nothing short of spectacular, with both sunrise and sunset vistas.”
The estate features a charming boathouse—an amenity that can no longer be constructed on the lake due to modern regulations—adding to its unique allure. The seasonal property retains its historic charm, including original door handles, windows, and bathtubs. However, it lacks a heating system, which means potential buyers would need to invest in significant upgrades to convert it into a year-round residence.
Timeless Appeal
Spanning 5,605 square feet, this three-story estate is defined by its classic design and historic features. Inside, the open floor plan is accentuated by three inviting fireplaces, including a striking three-sided fireplace that serves as a centerpiece of the main level. The home’s design is complemented by exposed-wood beam ceilings, custom millwork, wood-paneled walls, and claw-foot tubs in each of the three bathrooms.
“The ambiance is peaceful and grand,” Dussault says, noting the expansive wraparound porch that includes both open and screened-in sections. “The estate has been beautifully preserved, and its setting on Squam Lake, with 25% of the shoreline protected forever, ensures a tranquil environment with no commercial development.”
With its storied past and unparalleled location, this estate represents a rare real estate opportunity. If it fetches anywhere near its $9.5 million asking price, it would set a new benchmark for Squam Lake properties. Though other estates along Lake Winnipesaukee have surpassed this price, this listing stands poised to become one of the highest sales in Squam Lake history.
Potential buyers are drawn to the property for various reasons—some eager to restore its historic charm, others envisioning it as a summer retreat alongside a new year-round residence. Whatever the future holds, the hope is that the next owner will honor the estate’s legacy while continuing its storied tradition.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency:
Our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. As a platform hosting over 100,000 pieces of content published daily, we cannot pre-vet content, but we strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation.
Comments / 0