Cameron/Masland Mansion
James McCormick Cameron erected the stone mansion as a summer home around 1908. The mansion is approximately 200 feet long and is built of native Antietam quartzite quarried from a nearby ridge.
The 32-room house was designed to resemble an Italian villa with its flat roof, huge windows and flagstone terrace. The use of steel-reinforced concrete for the internal structure of the building is believed to be one of the first such applications in local construction. The materials used in the construction were intended to make the mansion as fireproof as possible. Nevertheless, Mr. Cameron only lived at Kings Gap from May through October, when fire danger is at its lowest. Other structures include:
-
Ice House - Garden
- Water Tower
- Carriage House
- Generator Building
- Caretaker's House
Renovations
Beginning in the summer of 2000, the mansion underwent a $1.6 million renovation project bringing the total number of rooms to 38. The renovations included:
- Construction of a new addition including two 1stfloor wheelchair accessible bedrooms and a bath as well as a new, larger dining room.
- Construction of an enclosed fire escape
- Replacement and upgrade of electrical, plumbing and heating systems
- New paint, carpeting and tile throughout the mansion.
- Installation of a wheelchair lift in meeting room (living room).
- New living room furniture, conference and dining room chairs
- Cleaning and repointing of all exterior stonework
Click the following link to view an interior map of the mansion:
Cameron/Masland Mansion - Interior Layout
Visiting the Cameron/Masland Mansion
On Sundays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. starting on Memorial Day weekend and running through October, the first floor of the mansion is open to the public for self-guided tours unless a special event requires it to be closed. To check the status, please call 717-486-5031 prior to the weekend you plan to visit.
Weddings at Kings Gap
From the panoramic view of the mountain and valley to the historical backdrop of the Cameron/Masland Mansion and natural beauty of the garden, Kings Gap offers a unique setting for weddings and receptions. For information, click the following link:
Mountain Retreat Weekends
Enjoy the comforts and accommodations of an historic mansion while experiencing the natural beauty of the surrounding forests and fields. Stimulate and enhance your awareness of nature and restore your connection to the outdoors in this quiet
haven. Stretch your legs on a hike through the ever-changing forest. Indulge in delicious
meals while soaking up a panoramic view of Cumberland Valley. Sink into a cozy chair
and lose yourself in a good book. Do as you like - it's your time. The Fall 2011 Mountain Retreats flyer contains more information. For additional information or to register, call the park office at 717-486-5031.
Bedrooms
The mansion has fifteen bedrooms; two on the first floor and thirteen on the second floor. The second floor of the mansion is normally closed to the public but you can click the following link to do a virtual tour of the upstairs bedrooms.
