The Country House Restaurant

Originally built as a private farmhouse in 1710, The Country House Restaurant has a rich and storied past. Before becoming the beloved dining destination it is today, it served as a town meeting place, a stagecoach stop, and, according to local legend, a secret meeting spot for George Washington’s spies during the Revolutionary War.

If you step inside, you’ll still see some of the original wooden ceiling beams and stone foundation—a reminder of the building’s early roots. During the British occupation of Long Island, from 1776 to 1783, the house was likely used to quarter British troops. Troops sought to stay in homes that had more than one fireplace, so that the family and the soldiers would not share. This was done in an effort to not further antagonize the families with whom they were quartering. Troops, who reportedly did quarter here, presumably took over the farmhouse kitchen, thereby depriving the inhabitants of their ability to cook food as well as robbing them of a major heat source: the kitchen fireplace.

There’s also a darker story from this time. The Williamson family, who lived here during the Revolution, were accused by locals of being Loyalists. Local legend says that Annette Williamson, a young girl who lived in the home during the 1700’s, was accused of being a spy and tragically hanged in the upstairs rafters by angry townspeople.

Over the years, many people have claimed to see Annette’s friendly spirit around the house, especially in the Old Field Room, where she may have died. Children, in particular, often report seeing her, and some even call her by name. Others say they’ve seen her dancing outside in the morning mist.

In the 1800s, it is said that this house became a gathering place for a different kind of spirit. Thomas Hadaway, a well-known English actor, lived here and is rumored to have held spiritualist séances with artist and neighbor William Sidney Mount. In one of those séances, Annette reportedly told them about a family cemetery behind the house. Years later, a headstone was found with the last name Williamson on it.

In 1970, the historic home was officially transformed into a restaurant known as the '1710 House.' Just a few years later, in 1973, Ward Melville purchased the property and renamed it 'The Hadaway House.' Upon his death in 1977, Melville deeded the property to The Stony Brook Community Fund, now the Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO). The property was subsequently transferred to WMHO’s subsidiary.. In 1978, it adopted the name we know today—'The Country House Restaurant'—when it was leased to Mr. Thomas Wendelken.

Today, The Country House continues to honor the building’s long history with its warm hospitality, delicious food, and timeless stories under the management of Proprietor Bob Willemsytn.