Visitors new to the Seacoast region are amazed when they learn that, just a few years ago, this New Castle hotel was a wreck. Stephen Gianotti and Tom McCarron thought they were capturing the last days of the Wentworth when they shot these photos in 1989. According to the architects who redesigned the hotel, it was roughly two years from total collapse when it suddenly received a $26 million reconstruction.
In retrospect, it all seems like a dream. For 20 years the massive hotel stood vacant on the New Castle, NH bluff looking blankly out to sea. Now with Wentworth by the Sea re-opened and bustling, we quickly forget how close it came to complete destruction. Very very close.
Yet much was still lost. Fully 85-percent of the 800-foot Victorian hotel was razed by previous owners during its Limbo Years beginning in 1982. In 1998 photographer Stephen Gianotti asked permission of the Green Company to capture images of the hotel. Closed in 1981, the Wentworth was in desperate shape when Gianotti and his friend Tom McCarron began shooting pictures inside and out.
Following is a gallery of details from the Colonial Revival era, plaster cherubs, wooden rosettes and adorned columns. Most were destroyed when the 1880s and 1890s additions were bulldozed recently, but not all. Only the earliest portion of the hotel has survived and been renovated and modernized by the new owners Ocean Properties. Today Gianotti's photographic record offers a rare last look at the architectural detailing from Frank Jones era. --- JDR
Art in Nature July 4 - 10, 2008 RYE, NH -- Celebrate art, nature and science during this week-long event. We will explore inspiring and creative ways of connecting to the environment through hands-on workshops, programs and activities for all ages. You can learn about organic sculptur...
Little Engine That Could July 4 - 6, 2008 LINCOLN -- Hi everyone!! We are trying to get the word out that the Little Engine That Could will be at the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, NH on July 4,5 & 6, 2008. People can purchase tickets right online at our website.
The train is a full-sized repli...
Zoo Farm July 5 - 6, 2008 CANDIA -- Enjoy all day zoo admission; unlimited pony, tractor and horse-drawn hay. rides; and a bag of grain for each child. All for just $16.00 per person!
So pack your lunch and spend the day with us at the farm. We look forward
to seeing you! For...
Freedom Rocks July 5, 2008 The Freedom Rocks Festival is one that truly incorporates a gamete of musical talent. Everything from metal bands, garage, funk, alternative, retro and classic rock perform on stage. Ranging music styles and artists come together to form a festival fill...
Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival July 6, 2008 This 13th annual celebration of joyous creativity which Tommy Gallant helped initiate, has become a staple item on our summer menu. Don't miss this venue of jazz greats organized by UNH Jazz Master Dave Seiler.
HARVEY REID July 6, 2008 SOUTH BERWICK -- Maine songwriter and stringed-instrument virtuoso Harvey Reid will appear in concert This is Harvey's only local concert this summer. It takes place outdoors in the beautiful garden at the historic Hamilton House in South Berwick, Maine...
Sammie Haynes July 6, 2008 ROCHESTER -- The Governor's Inn presents a beautiful late afternoon in the garden (or under the patio in case of rain) Great food and drinks and company
Theatre Camp July 7 - 11, 2008 KIDS THEATRE CAMP, July 7-11, 9 AM to 12 NOON, Ages 6-9
Now in its eighth year, this popular week-long camp features creative drama, movement, and visual arts activities, with a final performance at 6:30 PM on Friday, July 11.
Limited to 14 campers. ...
PPAF Summer Theatre Academy begins July 7, 2008 We believe that every child has an innate sense of creativity and imagination. Our Summer Theatre Academy is geared toward developing confidence and advancing performance skills so that every child can be a star. Students will not only learn theatrical ...
NHTP Teen Camp Starts July 7, 2008 TEEN THEATRE CAMP, July 7-19, Ages 13-17
This intensive camp will focus on a theme from classic dramatic literature. (Teen Camp 2007 featured William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night). Participants will learn acting, directing and design skills along with...
In retrospect, it all seems like a dream. For 20 years the massive hotel stood vacant on the New Castle, NH bluff looking blankly out to sea. Now with Wentworth by the Sea re-opened and bustling, we quickly forget how close it came to complete destruction. Very very close. 
