Historic Stone Cottage Opens to Guests After Careful Restoration in Kinsman
KINSMAN, OH— The Stone Cottage at the Peter Allen Inn, originally built in 1836 by Scottish stone mason David Smilie, is a remarkable example of early Ohio craftsmanship. Smilie, a highly skilled mason, hand-quarried the stone from his own land in Wayne Township and meticulously crafted the cottage, symbolizing the rugged beauty and resilience of early settlers in the Western Reserve. His construction coincided with a period of rapid expansion and development in Ohio, as the state transitioned from frontier territory to a more settled agricultural region.
During this time, the Western Reserve was attracting new settlers from the East, especially from Connecticut, bringing with them architectural styles like Federal and Georgian, seen in nearby structures such as the Peter Allen House, built in 1821. This period also marked the rise of local industry and farming, with settlers like Smilie contributing to the development of towns such as Kinsman through essential infrastructure. Smilie’s original payment for the land, which he paid in silver, reflects a broader distrust of paper currency that was common in the 19th century. The cottage stood on a 101-acre farm and became a symbol of early Ohio's rugged yet refined architectural achievements.
The restoration of the Stone Cottage, spearheaded by the Richard and Rhonda Thompson Foundation, is part of a broader effort to preserve the historical significance of Kinsman. The foundation’s work extends to other historic sites, including the Peter Allen Inn, a project launched after Richard Thompson purchased the property in 2008. The Allen House, built for Kinsman’s first doctor, Dr. Peter Allen, reflects the Federal architectural style that was prevalent in the region and has been restored to serve as a modern event center while preserving its historic integrity. The renovation of the Peter Allen House, which included lifting the structure to install a new foundation, mirrors the meticulous care applied to the Stone Cottage project.
The newly restored Stone Cottage now offers luxurious guest accommodations and spa services, blending its historical roots with modern comforts. This revitalization brings a new chapter to the Peter Allen Inn, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience Ohio’s history while enjoying upscale amenities. The combination of early 19th-century craftsmanship with contemporary hospitality makes this site a significant cultural landmark in Northeast Ohio.
For those who wish to visit, public tours of the Stone Cottage will be held on September 29 and October 2, 2024, allowing guests to step into a living piece of Ohio's history while indulging in the serene setting of the restored property.
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