Charles E. Tilton Mansion – Tilton School

Tilton School Finalizes Over $1.5 Million in Renovations to Charles E. Tilton Mansion

The project featured support from the Masiello Family Foundation and LCHIP

By: Bryan Geary

Thanks to generous support from the Masiello Family Foundation and a key grant from the Land and Community Heritage Investment Program (LCHIP), Tilton School has finalized and unveiled $1.5 million in renovations to the historic Charles E. Tilton Mansion.

These renovations aimed to preserve the mansion, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as having historic significance to the state of New Hampshire. Built as a residence for Charles E. Tilton, namesake of both Tilton School and the town of Tilton, and his family between 1861 and 1864, the mansion showcases notable features of both French Second Empire and Moorish Revival style architecture. Tilton School purchased the mansion in 1962 and has since used the space to house the school’s library, art center, and faculty residences, among many other uses. It is a cherished landmark not only for its architectural merits, but also for its cultural significance to both the school and the town.

“This project is about celebrating our history and unlocking what is possible in the future,” said Tilton Head of School Kate Saunders. “Support from LCHIP and The Masiello Family Foundation allowed us to realize the potential of this wonderful and historic space.”

The Charles E. Tilton Mansion pictured at night with the building lit up.
A photo from the southwest end of the Charles E. Tilton Mansion in the winter time.

Starting in June 2021, the roof, siding, and interface of the mansion were all completely repaired and restored. Work continued throughout the summer and into the fall in order to restore the landscaping around the southeast garden, now known as the Masiello Family Terrace. In addition, a complete overhaul of the mansion’s external lighting was completed to help accent the building restored facade. The result is a stunning highlight to Tilton’s hilltop campus. In October of 2021, Tilton hosted a dedication of the Masiello Family Terrace during its Fall Family Weekend and Board Meeting.

About Tilton School

Tilton School is an independent, co-educational, boarding and day school in Tilton, New Hampshire, serving students in grades nine through 12 and postgraduates. Since its founding in 1845, Tilton has challenged students to embrace and navigate a world driven by diversity and change. Tilton approaches learning, teaching, and living through a customized learning process call The Mastery Approach. For more information about Tilton, visit www.tiltonschool.org.

About New Hampshire’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program

The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program is an independent state authority created by the legislature in 2000. LCHIP’s legislative mandate is to ensure the perpetual contribution of natural, cultural and historic resources to the economy, environment, and quality of life in New Hampshire. LCHIP does this by providing matching grants to New Hampshire communities and non-profits to conserve and preserve the state’s most important natural, cultural and historic resources. The program has provided 499 grants which have helped to conserve approximately 294,000 acres of land for food production, water quality, ecological values, timber management and recreation and supported 301 projects to rehabilitate 286 historic structures and sites. Grants have been awarded in all parts of the state and in 176 of New Hampshire’s 234 communities. Fifty million dollars of state money have led to a total project value of more than $289 million. The money for LCHIP grants comes from fees on four documents recorded at the Registry of Deeds in every county of the state. For more information about LCHIP, visit LCHIP.org or call (603) 224-4113.