Rebecca Daniels had dreamed of running a Bed and Breakfast for a long time. She always enjoyed traveling around the world and staying in unique places and her experience in hospitality and the service industry had prepared her for the role as an Innkeeper. After living in various parts of the country, she settled in Massachusetts and realized she wanted to be in New England to fulfill this dream. Her parents, Monty and Jeannette, grew up in the Midwest and lived in many places around the country during Monty’s work in the shopping center industry. His experience in the restaurant industry exposed him to many aspects of running a successful business that could be applied to innkeeping. Jeannette is an amazing cook and always enjoyed serving dishes that are pleasing to the eye, as well as the pallet. After Monty’s retirement, the Daniels’ family decided the time was right to pursue Rebecca’s dream of innkeeping. In 2015, they purchased the Lake House at Ferry Point in Sanbornton, the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, and the rest is history.
Whether you want to relax or be active, there is no shortage of things to do here. Enjoy an afternoon paddling or boating on the picturesque and quiet Lake Winnisquam, with full use of the Inn’s nice collection of kayaks, a paddle boat, canoe and tubes. Or just relax in Adirondack chairs on their private beach after a day of swimming. Enjoy an afternoon birdwatching on the lake. The Common loon, with their sleek black heads, striking red eyes, and mournful song, are particular favorites in the area. Other common birds you’ll find on the lake are eagles, cormorants, mergansers, and great blue herons. Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in the Lakes Region, or go biking on one of the many easy-to-navigate trails in the area. Take a scenic drive through the White Mountain National Forest. It’s truly beautiful during the summer, but come fall, the mountains will be absolutely ablaze with color; a sight to behold, for sure. Visit New Hampshire’s beautiful covered bridges, there are 54 of them in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region alone.
My main purpose for traveling now while Covid-19 is still a concern, was to visit some locally owned B&Bs and Inns in New England to support them and educate readers that it’s perfectly safe to stay. Many people asked me if I was nervous traveling, and although I am not fearful at all, I have to say that the safety and best practices the Daniels’ have implemented here reassured me even more. Here are just a few of the changes:
- Staggered breakfast times so only 4 couples are in the breakfast area at one time and appropriately distanced. Or you can have your breakfast to-go.
- Removal of all throw pillows and other decorative pieces that can’t be washed/sanitized from the rooms.
- Afternoon cookies are wrapped on individual plates.
- Disinfecting all touch points frequently throughout the day.
- The Check-In process is accomplished via non-contact and appropriate distancing levels. Only one guest and the Innkeeper present at the desk. Masks are required inside. Pens and room keys sanitized each time a person comes in contact with these items.
- Cleaning products and procedures meet the New Hampshire Re-opening guidelines and standards.
- Staff is checked prior to each shift and wear face coverings as required.
- Staff will not enter your guest room throughout the duration of your stay unless agreed for a specific need. They exchange and replenish items in your room on an as-needed basis while maintaining physical distancing.
They are clearly going above and beyond to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all of their guests.
Now, let’s get to our room! This was one of my most favorite rooms I’ve ever stayed in. The Lake Winnisquam Room, named after the serene lake on which the property sits, is a Southeast corner room drenched in sunlight from the three large windows overlooking the lake. This bright and open space is very warm, inviting and private, as it does not share walls with any other rooms. The bed and bedding was luxurious, the bathroom spacious and the shower invigorating. I seriously could have lived in that room.
If you want even more privacy, The Lake Solitude Suite is a two-story house attached to the Southwest corner of the Lake House, and includes its own private entrance. The living room features expansive lake views, a comfortable love-seat and queen sleep-sofa, leather wing-back recliner, flat-screen TV, blu-ray player, pub table with 2 chairs, and hardwood floors. The galley kitchen is complete with a stove, oven, microwave, full-size refrigerator, and small appliances as well as a BBQ for outside grilling. On the second floor, the full bathroom includes a one-person Jacuzzi tub and shower, and the bedroom features a California king bed and gorgeous views of the lake. The Lake Solitude Suite can accommodate up to five people utilizing the Queen sleep sofa and roll-away cot. Inquire about longer-term stays as this could be the perfect getaway this Fall if we see a resurgence in the virus.
Last but not least – the amazing breakfast! You’re treated with warm, home-baked breads or muffins along with fresh fruit, yogurt or granola parfait for the first course. The second course consists of a variety of different quiches or casseroles, or peach melba French toast with raspberry coulis or Jeannette’s famous breakfast banana splits! The Lake House at Ferry Point supports local farmers and uses fresh ingredients and produce for the breakfast creations. As New Hampshire is famous for its maple syrup, they proudly serve rich, extra dark amber syrup from Just Maple sugar house right down the road, to please your palate and to give you a taste of what New Hampshire has to offer. Homemade brownies or cookies are always nearby and her chocolate chip cookies were to die for. Also, don’t miss dinner at The Local Eatery in town – a fantastic little farm to table place.
Staying at The Lake House at Ferry Point is a dream. I’m sure you can imagine from the pictures how utterly relaxing and rejuvenating this place really is. On a warm summer day in July, even amidst a pandemic, I didn’t want to be anywhere else than swimming the day away in the pristine waters of Lake Winnisquam and lounging on the expansive front porch in a rocking chair. I had left Connecticut for some incredibly needed R&R and The Lake House did not disappoint. I was even lucky enough to hear the loons calling in the middle of the night or what the Spanish would call “madrugada”, the dark hours of the morning before sunrise – something that has been on my bucket list forever. I will definitely be back.
For more information, visit: www.lakehouseatferrypoint.com.
100 Lower Bay Rd, Sanbornton, NH
603.524.0087