Located right outside the quaint pastoral community of Easton, Maryland, the story of The Oaks Waterfront Hotel harkens back to the late 17th century. More specifically, the ground the hotel resides on was part of a massive land grant deeded to the influential, Maryland-based Benson family by Lord Baltimore around 1680. This vast domain included a wilderness expanse of approximately 740 acres that the Bensons gradually cleared for largescale horticulture. The estate subsequently functioned as one of the most prosperous farms in the region for the next several generations, coming to give the Benson family access to considerable wealth and prestige. A sprawling complex of rustic buildings soon spread across the farm in turn, including barns, warehouses, and even a couple guest cottages. The finest structure to debut was a gorgeous, three-story manor that the Bensons began living inside during the late 19th century. Designed with an outstanding array of Neoclassical motifs, this beautiful home quickly became a celebrated landmark throughout Easton and its surrounding environs. Nevertheless, the success of the homestead was not destined to last forever, with local agricultural prices dropping toward the end of the Gilded Age. The Bensons thus began subdividing portions of their once prominent estate, selling many parcels to interested investors over the following years. 

Among the enterprising individuals to acquire a segment of the Benson land was the ambitious Fred Harper, who specifically bought a 42-acre lot for $5,900 in 1884. Renaming the site as "Oak Hall," Harper and his own family then diligently strove to revive the estate's sagging fortunes. Meanwhile, Easton had started to emerge as a popular tourist destination due to its tranquil ambiance and proximity to Chesapeake Bay's reclusive beaches. In fact, many affluent residents of neighboring Washington and Baltimore were taking regular steamboat rides across the bay in hopes of finding a nice, quiet hideaway for the weekend. Recognizing the potential those tourists posed, Fred Harper and his wife, Louise, soon began operating a portion of the manor as a boarding house that they called the "Pasadena Inn." The decision proved to be a wise one, for many guests found the destination to be incredibly alluring. Even a few Hollywood superstars came to find the inn's atmosphere appealing, such as Gary Cooper and Faye Wren, who both stayed on-site while filming The First Kiss nearby in 1928. As a result, the Harper family began transforming the entire estate into a premier retreat that provided a full array of contemporary hospitality services. But in 1971, the Harpers eventually decided to sell the popular hotel to the German-based Schwaben International, which remained committed to preserving its fascinating heritage.  

In recent years, The Oaks has seen extensive renovations and upgrades that have further protected its terrific heritage. For instance, a major restoration recently overseen by new owners Doug and Tracy Wagner—together with their daughter, Quin Warner, and son-in-law Andy Warner—converted the hotel into a thriving family business venture. They invested $10 million to revitalize the original manor building and the other accompanying historic structures back to their former glory. Now known as "The Oaks Waterfront Hotel," the future of this fascinating historic site has never looked brighter. The hotel currently covers 10 acres of beautifully maintained grounds and a range of elegantly appointed rooms that include options with water views, private balconies, and soaking tubs. Furthermore, the neighboring cottages grant additional space and privacy, rendering them the perfect choice for guests seeking a more secluded experience. The accompanying setting has even made the facility a top spot for all kinds of extravagant events, like wedding ceremonies, corporate retreats, and private celebrations! Indeed, the Oaks Waterfront Hotel continues to combine luxury with a warm, comfortable atmosphere, making it a beloved destination for visitors from near and far.