Hawley House was built as a substantial country residence in c.1878, by a retired Indian Army officer, Major Dumbleton, and named after the Dumbleton family home in 'Hawley House' in Aldershot, England (below).
 

The ensuing 70 years were marked by general neglect and decay. Were it not for the foresight of Colonel Houghton, another Indian Army Officer, it would no longer stand today. In 1948, Colonel and Mrs Houghton fell under the charm of the unloved old house and its spectacular setting, purchased the property and brought it back to life. Until 1989, Hawley remained the family private residence, when a new new chapter of her history began, focusing on hospitality.