History of the Highgate Manor
The Highgate Manor, located in Highgate, Vermont, is a historic site with a rich and intriguing past. The Manor, built in the early 19th century, has been a witness to various significant events and changes over the years, making it a fascinating subject for history enthusiasts.
The construction of Highgate Manor dates back to 1818, commissioned by Captain Steve Keyes, a prominent figure in the area. The Highgate Manor's architecture reflects the Federal Victorian style, characterized by its elegant symmetry, classic proportions, and decorative elements. The Manor was built along with The Manor Mayfair, which was located directly across the green, The Manor Annex, and a brand new dance hall. This hall was billed as the largest and best dance hall in the North. Benny Goodman and other stars of the Big Band Era regularly performed in the Manor’s ballroom. Initially, The Highgate Manor served as a private residence for Captain Keyes and his family, but it soon became a central hub for social gatherings and community events when The Manor Mayfair burnt down. During the period of the Civil War, the Manor was also used as a stop on the Underground Railroad, with tunnels running from under the house to the river.
Throughout the 19th century, Highgate Manor saw several ownership changes, each bringing its own unique touch to the property. One of the most notable owners was Dr. Henry Baxter, who purchased the Manor in the late 1800s. Dr. Baxter was a well-respected physician and a key figure in the local community. He held his medical practice at the Manor, and his medicines, Dr. Baxter’s Mandrake Bitters and Baxter’s Lung Balm, sold all throughout Vermont. He also owned and managed several businesses in Highgate including furniture, drug and grocery stores, and H.W. Baxter & Co. Under his ownership, the Manor was expanded and modernized, including the addition of a grand ballroom that hosted numerous social events, dances, and gatherings.
The 20th century brought more changes to Highgate Manor. During the Prohibition era, the Manor allegedly served as a speakeasy, attracting visitors from far and wide, most notably including Al Capone himself. Stories of secret tunnels and hidden rooms where alcohol was stored and served have become part of the Manor's lore, and while the Speakeasy Bar is no longer there, you can still see the tunnel that led down to it from the ballroom. In the mid-20th century, the Manor was taken over by Philip Schmitt and was turned into an exclusive vacation resort with a seafood restaurant, further cementing its status as a local landmark.
In later years, the Manor served as a schoolhouse and a residential spot. The Highgate selectboard voted to use the Manor ballroom as classrooms to alleviate crowded school conditions. Graduation ceremonies were hosted here as well.
The manor is also rumored to be haunted, with tales of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena adding to its mystique. Many of Dr. Baxter’s children did not live past the age of ten and died of strange illnesses. The town’s people believed that the good doctor was using his children for experiments and that after their death they have since remained in the house to this day. Some also believe that the ghost of Al Capone still visits the tunnel of the speakeasy. This lore appeals to many paranormal investigators.
Unfortunately, during the 2008 recession, the owners of the Manor were arrested on charges of mortgage fraud, and the Manor fell into abandonment and disrepair until it eventually sold at auction. Rich Wilkens and Lisa Wells then owned the manor from 2009-2023, and started some restoration.
Sharone Perlman bought the Highgate Manor in 2023 and opened it back to the public after a lot of restoration. Though things have been updated, many original pieces are still present in the house - including chimneys, floors, and doors from it’s original construction. The landscaping has been redone in a beautiful way, including a restoration of the gazebo that has been there for over 100 years.
Today, The Highgate Manor stands as a testament to the rich history of Highgate, Vermont. It is a popular destination for tourists and history buffs, offering a glimpse into the past with its preserved architecture and storied past. Mostly, it serves as an event venue - from weddings to ballroom dances, a theatre camp, baby showers, wellness retreats, classes, and many more events that bring the community together. You can see any upcoming events on our Events Page. The Highgate Manor's enduring legacy continues to captivate and inspire those who visit, making it a cherished piece of Vermont's heritage.
To view more images of the Manor, click here. Party rental details for the Manor can be found here, and to view our wedding packages, you can click here. Stay tuned for more stories of the Manor and it’s owners in future blog posts, and thank you for supporting this beautiful piece of Highgate History.
