The Laurel House, built in 1852 by Peter Schutt, opened to provide accommodations on the top of the mountain that were less expensive than those at the Catskill Mountain House. The simple colonial-style building expanded in 1881 and then nearly doubled in size in 1884. In its final form, this simple building gained a large Victorian wing featuring and cupola and portico. The Laurel House was a relatively late Catskill survivor, ceasing operations in 1963 and succumbing to New York State's torch four years later.