QUIET COUNTRY COTTAGE

Our trip to Rockingham was better than we could have ever imagined. The cottage was far enough down a dirt road to feel secluded, but definitely still close enough to do day trips without having to spend hours in the car. The place was clean and well stocked with games, maps, books, and snowshoes. Although we were warned multiple times about not having internet connection or TV, there was absolutely no need for it anyway! We made dinner in the kitchen and ate by the large window overlooking the field, while the gas fireplace kept the place warm.

In terms of things to do, we drove to Grafton one day and snow shoed at Grafton Ponds, then stopped in at the Grafton wine and cheese shop and sampled local cheeses and jams. The main street in Grafton is small, but nice for a quick stroll or dinner at the Inn. On the way back to the cottage, we drove through Saxon's River (another little town with a cute main street and Inn) and Bellow's Falls (more pubs and restaurants). Another day we drove through Chester to Londonderry for xc skiing at Viking, and the conditions were perfect. If you are in the mood for a delicious cookie and hot chocolate / chai / coffee etc - try the Moon Dog Cafe in Chester. To finish the day, we got gourmet soup at Smokin' Bowls, which is only minutes from the cottage on the main road.

Although we were there for the weekend of the big blizzard, Donna was frequently in touch making sure we made it safely and that the driveway got plowed (it did, by 8 am!!) This property was well worth every dollar, and we plan to return again. We have told many other family members about our getaway and feel confident they will all appreciate it as much as we did!!

Words can’t describe just how wonderful our weekend in Vermont was. This lovely cottage was the perfect setting for a rural getaway. Majestically perched upon a hill, this beautiful home was just what my boyfriend and I were looking for. The open setting (hardly any doors!), bay window and loft are all very charming features. We sat around the fire writing, reading and chatting. The lack of tv, internet and phone were a welcome change from the typical hustle and bustle of our lives. However, don’t let the lack of those modern amenities sway you. The kitchen was unbelievably well stocked with spices, appliances, and staple goods. The two bathrooms allowed us to get ready simultaneously and to get out of the house earlier to enjoy the many “attractions.” We went for a hike and a cheese tasting in Grafton, breakfast in Chester and in Bellows Falls, hot cocoa in Walpol, NH (Burdicks has a very decadent hot cocoa!) and get amazing soup at Smokin’ Bowls – a great little shack with an even better name and menu! There was enough to do locally (well, within 10 or so miles) if you are so inclined, but this beautiful home also entices you to stay in, crack open a good book and slow your life down for a little bit. Even places like the Harpoon brewery which was roughly 25 miles away was a great scenic drive up route 5. With any luck we will be returning to this charming, rustic cottage.

My boyfriend and I needed a weekend away before I started school again. We also needed somewhere that accommodated our dog and this was the perfect place! The house is beautiful and cozy. The location is amazing. We were 20 minutes from Grafton where we went to the Grafton Village Cheese Company and 30 minutes from the Harpoon Brewery and 6 minutes from the Vermont Country Store. The property is vast and great for walking around.

Things you should bring:
1. A GPS! This was great for finding restaurants and local attractions
2. A portable DVD player (or a laptop to play DVDs) if you get bored easily
3. Books! Tons and tons of books
4. Snacks and food to cook at the house (the house is stocked with plenty to make a great homemade meal)
5. Blankets! Lots of blankets to lay around and cozy up
6. Board games (there is one fun survival game but I would definitely bring more next time)