The original 1+1⁄2-story Cape style house was built c. 1788 by James Gowing, Jr., not long after moving to the area.

James Gowing, Jr.'s son, Almerin, was a local militia leader and town selectman.

The property was bought in 1853 by Samuel Hale, who served as Governor of New Hampshire 1882–83.

Mrs. Riker retained the firm of Belknap & Weir to design a Colonial Revival farm complex, of which the restored Gowing farmhouse became a part.

The property was bought in 1954 by F. Nelson Blount, the president of the Ocean Spray cooperative.