Sandwich MA: A Day of Adventure and Discovery Awaits!
Nestled along Cape Cod’s enchanting coastline, Sandwich, Massachusetts, is a treasure trove of history, culture, and stunning scenery…
Historic Tea Room & Wine Bar
Sandwich, Cape Cod
Afternoon tea on blue willow china, lunch, Sunday brunch and wine — in a restored 1740’s Colonial house overlooking Shawme Pond.
One Water Street · (508) 833-2485 · Closed Tuesday & Wednesday
Celebrate in Historic Sandwich
Welcome to our charming event spaces nestled within a beautifully restored 1740’s New England Colonial House and 1920’s carriage house in historic Sandwich. Experience the perfect blend of warm wood-paneled rooms and bright garden-facing dining, ideal for any occasion. Enjoy our loose-leaf tea service, an exquisite selection of wine, and craft cocktails while taking in stunning views of Shawme Pond. Create unforgettable memories in a setting that exudes both elegance and comfort.

15 – 24 guests
Savor the charm of 1920s British wood paneling in a cozy space. A charming blue and white china wall sets the scene in the original billiards room that has been transformed into an intimate dining space.

Up to 45 guests
Bright and cheerful, showcasing a fantastic view of the garden! With natural light, plants, patio access, and views towards Shawme Pond, the Shawme Room is our larger private event space.

Up to 28 guests
Elegant garden setting for events with blooms & bubbly! Celebrate beside Shawme Pond with intimate outdoor garden-inspired gatherings.

24 – 48 guests
A storybook setting for intimate gatherings, located next door. Our beautifully restored 1740 Cape Cod Colonial house has historic rooms, romantic gardens, and views of Shawme Pond. Make a whole weekend of it — stay together and enjoy your celebration, overnight accommodations, and the charm of Sandwich Village.
Discover The Swan
Traditional afternoon tea, beautifully presented on a stunning three-tier stand, with tea sandwiches, scones, and petite sweets, paired with over 200 loose-leaf teas or non-alcoholic beverages. Add an interactive bubbly bar with prosecco, juices, and fresh fruit, or a full bar for cocktail orders.
A beautiful evening thoughtfully hosted — historic charm, delicious food, craft cocktails and warm hospitality. Choose cocktail-style passed hors d’oeuvres, seated plated dinners, or hot and cold stations with seasonal options and dietary accommodations. Full bar with craft cocktails, wines and beers — all-night service, limited duration, or per-drink guest payment.
Rehearsal dinner menus (PDF)
Micro weddings are among the celebrations we host at The Dunbar House and next door at The Swan. Inquire to start planning yours.
Inquire now
Seasonal celebrations with “The Great British Roast” family-style for groups of 12 or more, an afternoon tea menu, or a three-course dinner. The Shawme Room seats up to 40, the Hearth Room 12–25, and combined rooms up to 65 seated after 5 pm; cocktail-style events welcome up to 99. Afternoon Tea To-Go with contactless local delivery is also available.
Holiday menus (PDF)
Themed Teas & Chef’s Dinners
Upcoming 2026 events at The Dunbar House — character afternoon teas, wine dinners and holiday evenings. Once a month, Chef prepares a three to five course wine dinner that is not to be missed! Some dates are tentative — reserve on Resy or call to confirm.
Buy Dunbar Tea
Take the tea room home. All loose teas come in 2 oz packages at 10 each (excluding sales tax), except the Courtship Tin (3 oz at 19). Our house blend, Dunbar Tea, is a delicious mix of black tea, cranberry & almond essence.
Questions or orders? Call (508) 833-2485 or email [email protected].
History & About Us
The site now occupied by the Dunbar House, on a hill overlooking Shawme Pond, a fresh water spring and a grist mill, was a favored one from the time the first European settlers moved onto the Cape in the 1630s.
John Dillingham, one of the founding fathers of the town, builds the first house on the hill overlooking Shawme Pond.
His descendants move the whole house down the street (still standing at 71 Main Street) and build a much grander house in its place.
The Dillinghams sell to the Chapouils. Anthony Chapouil was an accountant at the Boston & Sandwich Glass Works; his brother was grandfather to Sandwich’s famous children’s author, Thornton Burgess.
During the infamous Portland Nor’Easter, the house is evacuated because the steeple next door is leaning at precarious angles.
Colonel Henry Dunbar buys the house to be close to his supervision of the widening of the Cape Cod Canal. The carriage house, billiard room, tennis court and landscaped rose gardens follow — and Mrs. Dunbar establishes the tradition of hosting teas in the rose gardens.
The town of Sandwich buys the property.
The house returns to private ownership when it is bought by the Bells.
Jim and Paula Hegarty of Milton, Massachusetts, move in and begin restoring the home to its colonial grandeur.
Kathryn Wolstenholme takes over the renovated Dunbar Tea Room & Wine Bar, and Executive Chef Patrick Hurley joins the team in August.


Tea Room & Wine Bar Manager, since 2020
With her many years of experience in the industry along with her love of Afternoon Tea, Kathryn works hard to maintain the traditions of Mrs. Dunbar by providing a comforting atmosphere in the Tea Room. Born and raised on Cape Cod, she graduated from Bourne High School in 2010 and began working in hospitality at 14 — spending summers at a 1929 historic inn on Shelter Island. After graduating from Adrian College she focused on event planning, working in restaurants, inns and golf courses in a variety of management positions. In 2018 she earned an MBA in hospitality from Johnson & Wales University, and continues her studies toward tea and wine sommelier certification.
Executive Chef, since August 2020
Also raised on Cape Cod, Chef spent his childhood summers immersed in the natural offerings and local seafood. After a few years in the industry he worked at the prestigious Ivy Hotel in San Diego, California, which set him on a path to fine dining. A graduate of The Culinary Institute of America in New York, he took a farm-to-table position at Stoneacre Pantry that led to cooking at the famous James Beard House in New York City. Most recently he ran five restaurants for chef-owner Brian Houlihan — Bia Bistro in Cohasset, Tinker’s Son in Norwell, Trident Galley & Raw Bar and Galley Kitchen & Bar in Scituate, and The Parrot in Hull. On top of lunch service and weekly specials, once a month he prepares a three to five course wine dinner.
Blog
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Location & Contact
| Monday | Seating 11 am – 4 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | Seating 11 am – 4 pm |
| Friday | Seating 11 am – 4 pm |
| Saturday | Seating 11 am – 4 pm |
| Sunday | Seating 10 am – 2 pmBrunch specials on Sunday in addition to full menu |
If you’re passionate about providing great service and creating a caring environment for guests, we encourage you to join us!
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