our story

A HISTORIC VENUE WITH A LEGACY OF LOVE

“the history of TMH is truly unique. Our foundations were built on family, community, and a love of the land.”

karen — owner

Originally constructed as a stagecoach stop and trading post, Twenty Mile House has long served as a respite for weary travelers. In the present day, our 200-acre eco-estate is a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. We are proud to be a certified carbon-free venue and Green America–approved business. We are committed to limiting our ecological footprint and doing our part to ensure the pristine natural beauty of our property for centuries to come.

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Our outstanding team is dedicated to making your wedding dreams come true.

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our history

a storied
past

It all began in 1854 in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Over the last nearly 200 years, Twenty Mile House has seen many changes, but it has always been a hidden gem.

journey through time

TWENTY MILE HOUSE HAS LIVED MANY LIVES OVER THE DECADES. TAKE A TOUR THROUGH OUR RICH HISTORY IN THE TIMELINE BELOW.

Timeline

1854

Where (and When) it all began…

Twenty Mile House was born as a stagecoach stop and trading post. With the towns of Beckworth and Quincy 20 miles away on either side, the property was aptly named “Twenty Mile House.” It became a frequent stop on what teamsters at the time called the “Reno-Quincy” run. Twenty Mile House was a place where travelers could take refuge from the elements, sell goods, and refresh their horses.

1880s

A General Store, Post Office & More

The Langhorst Brothers made the first expansion with the addition of the general store, which still serves as the heart of the property. Later, they expanded further to include a federal post office and Gerhard Langhorst served as postmaster of Cromberg for over 30 years. A two-story addition of 10 hotel rooms adjoining the general store meant that no traveler was ever turned away.

EARLY 1900s

All Aboard! Make Way for the Railroad

The Western Pacific Railroad rolled into town for the first time in 1909 bringing new travelers to the small town of Cromberg and Twenty Mile House. However, outlaws weren’t far behind. In 1912, three men put guns to Langhorst’s head and robbed the post office of $200, the equivalent of about $5,000 today. By 1924, the property changed hands once again, to a man named John Hussey.

1945

A House of Unexpected Treasures

In 1945, Twenty Mile House was sold to Mathew E. Magill. Magill and his wife and family made the journey to Cromberg from Pasadena by way of train. The Magill’s son Henry eventually made Twenty Mile House his lifelong home. Henry left quite an estate behind after his death in 1985. Some of his treasures now reside in the Smithsonian and Peabody museums.

MID 1900s

A New Legacy of Love Begins

In the 1940s, Robert Gage began visiting Twenty Mile House with his family. In 1976, Rob and Barbara Gage bought Twenty Mile House and its approximately 200 acres. They did not occupy the property until after Henry’s death in 1985. The Gage family continued to travel to Cromberg from Laguna Beach to spend their summers at Twenty Mile House.

1991-TODAY

Beloved B&B to Wedding Venue

In 1991, Barbara moved to Cromberg full time to turn the sprawling 200-acre property into a bed-and-breakfast, creating the foundation for the secluded retreat that is Twenty Mile House today. In 2009, Barbara’s son Kevin and his wife Karen Steele moved in with their 2-year-old baby girl. They have since transformed the estate into the thriving destination wedding venue it is today.

Timeline