Honoring Harwich Port’s History

Our Mission

Wychmere is a premier coastal resort dedicated to delivering exceptional hospitality in a setting of natural beauty and timeless charm. With more than a century of hospitality excellence, Wychmere has evolved into a sought-after Cape Cod destination where contemporary hospitality meets the relaxed elegance of coastal living. We are committed to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests, cultivating an environment where our dedicated team thrives, and contributing meaningfully to our local community and economy.

Rooted in our rich coastal heritage, we take pride in being thoughtful stewards of the land and sea—honoring Cape Cod’s unique identity by celebrating its natural beauty, maritime culture, and deep sense of place. As a destination for life’s most meaningful celebrations, especially weddings, Wychmere is where lasting connections are formed—where guests become part of a close-knit coastal community and return year after year to relive cherished memories.

Community is at the heart of everything we do. From collaborating with local artisans and businesses to supporting charitable initiatives and time-honored Cape traditions, we are deeply invested in strengthening our ties to the region and enriching the lives of those around us. With a profound respect for people, place, and purpose, Wychmere is more than a resort—it’s a gathering place where traditions are honored, memories are made, and all who come feel a deep and lasting sense of belonging.

Wychmere Re-Imagined

The proposed work will take place within previously developed areas, replacing the existing Snow Inn and Channel House with a new flood compliant hotel that includes new guest rooms, meeting rooms, spa, restaurant, at-grade parking and other hotel amenities.

Upgrades to Site Infrastructure:
The existing Channel House will be removed to make room for the new wastewater treatment facility designed to meet current and proposed development needs, replacing the existing WWTF currently located in the basement of the existing hotel in the floodplain.

Stormwater Drainage Improvements:
A stormwater system designed to control runoff on site per MA Stormwater Management Standards and Harwich Stormwater Regulations.

Parking:

  • At-Grade Parking (Covered and Open)
  • Improved Site Circulation
  • Total Parking for 207 vehicles (Valet Capacity – 290 Cars)

Landscape/Hardscape Improvements:
New landscape/hardscape will incorporate native plantings and vegetation consistent with Cape Cod Commission RPP Design Guidelines.

Check Back Soon to See More Application Materials once they are submitted to The Cape Cod Commission

Environmental Benefits

Stormwater & Flood Protection

  • Re-development of the site proposes new stormwater systems on-site and off-site to manage runoff, improve water quality, and promote groundwater recharge.
  • Addresses existing, untreated runoff from neighboring properties and roads, protecting Merkel Beach, Snow Inn Road, Wychmere Harbor, and Town-owned conservation dune land.
  • Incorporates Low Impact Development (LID) techniques and green infrastructure.
  • Designed per MA Stormwater Management Standards & Harwich Stormwater Regulations.

Economic Benefits

  • Re-development will boost Harwich’s economy by expanding Wychmere’s role as a key driver of seasonal and year-round tourism.
  • Increases seasonal (70) and year-round (20–25) employment with competitive pay and off-site employee housing.
  • Generates substantial increases in local lodging, meals, and property tax revenues.
  • Supports local accommodations, stores, restaurants, attractions and vendors through increased demand.
  • Consistent with Harwich’s Local Comprehensive Plan and long-term sustainability goals.

Snow Inn Road Improvements

Traffic & Access Management

  • 80%+/- of deliveries removed from Snow Inn Road; rerouted to 741 Route 28.
  • Ban on 54-passenger motor coaches accessing the site; traffic plans required for events. (Implemented in Q1 2025 for Future Events)
  • A smaller refrigerated E-Van was acquired to consolidate deliveries to Wychmere from off-site location during off-peak hours.
  • Wychmere will transition to a Full Valet Operation for all future arriving guests on-site. This approach, led by our experienced partner, is designed to enhance on-site parking management and vehicle flow while delivering a more seamless and elevated guest experience. By moving away from traditional self-parking during peak periods, we’re able to operate more efficiently and accommodate more vehicles on the property.
  • In the future, all employee vehicles will be parked offsite, significantly reducing vehicular trips on Snow Inn Road. Employees will be shuttled to and from the property; a shuttle program is already in place, and no increase in trips is anticipated due to the planned acquisition of a 12 Passenger EV Van to replace the existing 6 -passenger minivan.
  • Wychmere will be able to accommodate more guests who are already visiting the property for events, by offering on-site overnight accommodations. This will further reduce overall vehicular trips.  Additional trip reduction will occur during peak periods due to minimum stay requirements in booking patterns, which limit turnover and associated vehicle activity.

Traffic Calming

  • An application is pending with Town officials for installation of seasonal speed tables on Snow Inn Road.
  • Wychmere worked with Harwich PD to upgrade and reduce speed limit during the 2025 Summer Season in response to community feedback.

Additional Benefits

Zoning & Design Compliance

  • The re-development will meet local zoning requirements for height, building coverage, and most setbacks; existing nonconforming front setback improved.
  • Massing and layout will be designed to minimize visibility and impact, shielded by existing perimeter buildings.
  • The proposed building conforms to Harwich Historic District and Historical Commission design recommendations.

Wastewater Improvements

  • The re-development proposes the replacement of the existing 40-year-old treatment plant with a state-of-the-art, flood-resistant system relocated outside the floodplain.
  • Enhanced treatment will result in a net nitrogen decrease of 69 kg/year, improving Wychmere Harbor water quality. (Equivalent of approximately 13 homes)
  • Design flow will be handled by upgraded equipment using the existing soil absorption system.
  • Project met & exceeded the Cape Cod Commission’s Regional Policy Plan (RPP) water quality objectives (WR1 & WR3).

Floodplain Resiliency

  • Proposed projected contemplated no development in V zones.
  • All guest rooms elevated above floodplain per Cape Cod Commission Coastal Resiliency Technical Bulletin to minimize flood risk and improve safety.

A Rich History

The Harbor, Snow Inn & Thompson’s Clam Bar

1889 – Before the 19th century, there was no direct access from Wychmere Harbor to the sea, and the area was known as Salt Water Pond. In 1889 the state dredged a proper channel measuring 100 feet wide with jetties on each side.

1892 – Levi Edric Snow built an eight-room seaside cottage for his family plus a 20-room addition and began charging rent to guests. This addition became the acclaimed historic Snow Inn.

1913 – The hotel became a year-round business. A separate residence for their 3 sons was built on the dock, Spit ‘n Whittle.

1945 – The Family Added a Wholesale Seafood Business Selling Fresh Seafood on the Dock.

1950-1995 – Thompson’s Clam Bar Operated in the Spit & Whittle Building serving more than 2,000 people each day in the busy summer season.

1993 – Snow Inn closed it’s doors.

1995 – Thompson’s Clam Bar ceased operations as they struggled to find affordable employee housing.

2010 – New Owners purchased the property & brought it back to it’s splendor as a hotel, beach club and sophisticated wedding, event venue.