Originally intended as the residence of Thomas Aitken, who purchased the land in 1863 after relocating from Scotland, the house later expanded to accommodate guests.

The cause of the fire remains unsolved, with some speculating it was due to production equipment lights and others suggesting a short circuit.

The Windermere House features 56 guest rooms, multiple restaurants, a pub, and a private 4-bedroom cottage with an adjacent water tower built in the 1920s.

The resort also offers amenities such as an outdoor pool, tennis court, playground, church, marina, and beach for recreational activities.

Spanning 2500 square miles, including the golf course and surrounding wilderness, Windermere House is the largest resort in the area.