Onsen for All is located in the Jedediah Higgins House, the oldest
standing building in Franklin Township, NJ. According to legend,
Jedediah Higgins purchased a large tract of several thousand acres
around 1705, including the two acre property on which the house stands,
from the Lenape Indians. The price paid was a sow and her eight piglets.
After years of neglect, the Jedediah Higgins House was purchased by
Maple Town Associates, LLC in 2006. With support from the citizens of
Franklin Township, the building has undergone more than three years of
extensive renovation by skilled master craftsmen and artisans.
Restoration efforts have painstakingly preserved the original charm and
beauty of this historic structure, while enhancing it with subtle,
tasteful, state-of-the art updating. The Jedediah Higgins House is
listed on the National Historic Register.
The house's original 300 year-old New Jersey pine floors have been
beautifully preserved, along with original ceiling beams and many other
interesting features and details. Walking through the house gives the
visitor an opportunity to experience the craftsmanship of Colonial
workmen by observing, for example, the axe marks in the hand-hewn beams,
the charming variety in floorboard width, and the preserved example of
hand-crafted faux painting wall decoration that survived through the
centuries.
The rich history of the house and the skillful work of past and
present craftsmen help create a unique setting for the many wellness
services offered by Onsen for All.