In the late 1800s, Katherine Prescott Wormeley (1830-1908) a distinguished translator of the works of Balzac, first acquired property in Jackson Village on the hill above the present day Inn's location. She engaged the renown New York firm of McKim, Mead and White, one of the most successful and influential architectural firms in American history, first to design a year round residence completed in 1891, and then a second, larger residence, completed in 1895. Stanford White, considered to be the most imaginative partner of the firm, was responsible for the design of the second home, today's Inn at Thorn Hill & Spa. It was first used by Wormeley as a winter residence with the summers being spent at her first home higher on the hill.

Wormeley's housekeeper for many years was a capable Swedish woman named Hilda Pitman, who had married a local man, Arba Pitman, who performed outside work for Wormeley. Wormeley arranged for the Pitmans to purchase the winter residence through regular credits taken from the couple's wages. Upon her death in 1908, the Pitmans came into possession of the property where they established a successful boarding house. During this period they also acquired additional property from the adjoining Meserve farm. They continued to maintain the business until the death of Hilda in the summer of 1939.

The property then passed to Howard Moody, then to Bates and Linderman in 1945. The property had a succession of owners who made extensive renovations, enlargements and improvements designed to preserve its heritage and to modernize the facilities.

The present proprietors, Jim and Ibby Cooper, purchased the Inn in 1992. They are steadfastly committed to preserving the Inn's rich heritage, enhancing its architectural integrity and assiduously maintaining the high standards of lodging, dining and hospitality. The visitor to the Inn will continue to see improvements in the facilities, but more importantly, will come to savor the delights of warm hospitality and reliable service.