The White House on the Lake aka Derloch (Scottish for Deer Lake) was built by an attorney from Brooklyn named John Hill, in the 1880’s. It was built in the style of the Adirondack stick construction, which was prevalent in that era until the turn of the 20th century.  He also built a barn, which still exists across the street from the main house. John Hill was reputed to have had the first steam boat on Lake Pleasant and was known to race other steamboats once they gained popularity. 

Sadly, both of Mr. Hill’s daughters, Grace and Christine died in their late teens in Lake Pleasant.  In memory of his beloved daughters, Grace and Christine, John Hill donated a beautiful stained-glass window to the Grace United Methodist Church in Speculator. Mrs.Hill was devastated at the loss of her daughters and no longer went to the property but over the years Mr. Hill continued to visit. It was given at his death to his loyal friend, Ada Higgins, in 1910.

The main house, the barn and the land up the mountain were purchased from Ada Higgins by David Chalmers, the owner of Chalmers Knitting Mills in Amsterdam, New York in 1918. He and his family renovated the house extensively and enclosed the pillars with white columns  creating the architecture, which remains until this day. The Chalmers family employed many gardeners and because of this, Derloch was known for its beautiful white hydrangeas, tennis courts and carefully tended lawns and gardens.

The house later became a road house and was visited by many patrons from New York City and the area. To this day, many people recall enjoying a lovely meal and cocktails around a white piano in the center hall. 

In approximately 1963, the house burned. All three floors and the attic collapsed into the basement. At that time, William and June Bell purchased the house and against all odds they began the extensive renovation, which preserved the facade. The entire interior had to be redone. Their daughter, Beverly, completed the renovation and restoration after 1994 and she continues to maintain and tend it as a steward, as have those who have owned the place these many centuries.The boat house remains untouched from the time of the Hill family, with a full main room still sporting the original wainscoting. 

Derloch continues to be an inviting location for weddings, events, family celebrations and gatherings.