Seasonal Activities:
During summer you will enjoy the property's tennis courts, views, decks, meadows, and dock on gorgeous Lake Sunapee. There are lots of fun family activities to enjoy in the area - from antique fairs to outdoor concerts, farmers markets to dinner cruises, amusement parks to sandy beaches - there is plenty to do in this pristine area of New England.
The winter will provide plenty of opportunity for all winter sports. There are gentle trails adjacent to the property and a challenging family mountain just 5 minutes away plus countless other mountains nearby. One of our favorite family activities is night tubing at Pats Peak. Nearby Sunapee is a super family mountain with a great kids' ski program.
Autumn, of course, brings us some of the most beautiful scenery in the states. New England foliage in October is a must-see. We suggest riding the quad up Mount Sunapee and taking in a spectacular display of color and beauty. From there you can hike to peaceful Lake Solitude.
History Buffs:
This stone barn sits on property originally owned by John Hay. Hay was Abraham Lincoln's personal secretary and Secretary of State under Teddy Roosevelt. In the early 1900's Sunapee was a bustling vacation destination and Mr. Hay built a gorgeous home here, complete with spectacular gardens and stunning views. His son took over the property and in 1910 built a gentleman's barn made of stone, which housed sheep, cows and goats. We purchased the property in 2003 and turned this beloved (but unused) barn into a retreat. The remnants of another old barn's stone foundation is now a large sunken courtyard surrounded by birch trees... perfect for playing croquet, snoozing in the hammock, or enjoying a picnic. The kids love to pick flowers in the meadow, swing on the zip line, climb huge boulders, make forts along the stone walls, build fairy houses in the woods, search for wildlife - and we have plenty! Black bears, fox, porcupines, a fisher cat, turkeys, deer and a ground hog!
The Latest Updates:
Sunapee View Bed & Breakfast is accepting bookings! Just next door to the stone barn is the home formerly occupied by the caretaker of The Hay Estate. This lovely spot has been nursed back to life by my parents, George and Linda West who are enjoying their retirement in great style up on Mount Sunapee. The Pacific Northwest style home is now a modern B&B with spectacular views. This is not your typical chintz-covered Vicotrian B&B. Expect bright colors and modern styling. Enjoy breakfast by a cozy fire while watching the morning skiers shoosh down the slopes. Or, in the summer, lounge on the patio under a shady beech tree overlooking the apple orchard. My Mom is a gourmet cook who is famous for her pies, sauces, hearty stews and casseroles made from fruits and veggies grown in her backyard gardens. George is a born entertainer - full of jokes and beautiful songs. He is a Doo-Wap singer and performs a fantastic version of 'Still of the Night'. Call to book 603.763.4212.
Ski:
Just 5 minutes away, Mount Sunapee is an ideal family mountain with an excellent ski school. Located nearby are several other mountains including Ragged, Kearsarge, Pat's Peak, Okemo, Mad River, Whaleback, Stowe, and the list goes on. There are also several cross-country ski courses nearby. At the house we have X-C skis and snow shoes that you are welcome to use. There are great trails you can explore adjacent to our property.
The mountain is slated to open Thanksgiving weekend. If they get snow early, they will open early. For the latest ski conditions on Mount Sunapee visit: http://www.mountsunapee.com/mtsunapeewinter/onthemountain/sunapeesnowreport.asp.
Other Activities:
snow shoeing, x-country skiing
