Jonathan Foote received a land grant of 1200 acres and moved to Massachusetts from Connecticut in 1772. He built a log cabin near the present house, which was constructed in 1778. The house, of post and beam construction, retains many of its original eighteenth century features including wide plank floors, twelve over twelve paned windows, antique hardware four fireplaces including a colonial era hearth over 7 feet long and original beehive oven.
Jonathan and three of his sons, Asahel, Fenner and David fought in several campaigns of the Revolutionary War. Asahel was present at the laying of the great chain across the Hudson to stop the British from sailing upriver, and was then reviewed by George Washington. He later inherited the house from Jonathan.
The Inn's history is rich and varied, having been the site for religious meetings until the First Congregational Church was built in 1780, as well as a stagecoach stop along the old Post Road, a tavern and a working dairy farm . It was occupied by the militia during Shay's Rebellion, when a minor altercation took place on the property and it has operated as an Inn at various times over its history, being known as Foote's Hearth during the early 20th century. For history buffs, the local cemetery where the Foote family ancestors are buried is a short walk from the Inn. The house stayed in the same family for over 200 years, until 1988, and descendants remain in the area.