The restoration of the building began in the summer of 2001. The first four years of restoration concentrated on making the building water tight by installing a new red cedar roof and repairing windows and doors. A new septic system was installed, restrooms were completed, interior rooms were returned to their original configurations, and some foundation work was completed. In the fall of 2005, the final construction push began.

The building was entirely cleared, a new foundation was poured to shore-up the historic rubble foundation, and windows and doors were completed. All new systems were installed in the building include a fire suppression system, HVAC, electrical wiring, and plumbing. An elevator and handicap ramps at the front and rear of the building made the structure completely handicap accessible.

In September of 2006, the first floor of Highfield Hall was completed and our grand opening was celebrated in high style with a week of events, programs, and concerts. By April of 2007,  the second and third floors had also been completed and Highfield Hall opened for its first full year of operations. The fall of 2007 brought the completion of a brand new parking area and path system. The restoration of the landscape will be the next project undertaken as we work to implement a master landscape plan completed by well-known landscape preservationist, Lucinda Brockway. A campaign to fund the master landscape plan will move forward in the spring of 2008.

The History of Highfield Hall

1872 - James Madison Beebe and his wife, Esther E. Beebe, buy more than 700 acres of land on the hill above the railroad station.

1875 - James Madison Beebe passes away. The Beebe children build two grand residences on the hill.

1878 - Highfield Hall is completed.

1879 - Tanglewood, its sister mansion, is finished.

1932 -The last of the Beebe children passes away.

1932 to 1949 - Highfield Hall passes through a succession of owners and various uses.

1949 - entire Beebe estate was purchased by DeWitt Ter Heun.

1962 - DeWitt Ter Heun passes away.

1972 - Highfield is purchased by Josephine and Josiah K Lilly III.

1977 - Tanglewood succumbs to the wrecker's ball and bulldozers. Highfield Hall entered two decades of neglect and vandalism.

1994 - Highfield Hall is threatened with demolition. Friends of Highfield spring into action to save the building. The group becomes the 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation know today as Historic Highfield, Inc.

2000 - Town Meeting Members authorize Falmouth Selectmen to take Highfield Hall and six acres by eminent domain.

2001 - The Town signed a lease with Historic Highfield to renovate and operate Highfield Hall.

2001 Restoration of the building begins

2005 the final construction push begins

2006 the first floor of Highfield Hall is completed

2007 the second and third floors are completed

2007 new parking area and path system.

2008 a campaign to fund the master landscape plan moves forward
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Love the finishes, wallpapers or paint colors at Highfield Hall? 
Click here for our FINISHES BROCHURE listing paint colors, 
wallpaper patterns, paint techniques, and our restoration contractors.

How to Get Involved
We appreciate all offers to volunteer or donate towards making Highfield Hall a vital town asset that serves its residents and visitors.
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