HISTORIC, RENOVATED BARN w/ Mt. SUNAPEE VIEW, SLEEPS 22+, Minutes to Lake / Mt.
4.8
Outstanding(77 Reviews)House in Lake Sunapee, NH
24 guests · 7 bedrooms · 6 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Includes essentialsGarden, Pool, Kitchen or Kitchenette and more
About this house rental
This historic 105 year-old, luxuriously renovated stone barn accommodates at least 22 guests comfortably. On the main floor you will find a great room with a double-sided stone fireplace flanked by several couches, several comfortable chairs, a 100+ yr old card table for card games/checkers/chess, large kitchen and dining area complete with rustic pizza oven and dumb waiter, children's play area, library, powder room and two master suites. Climb the spiral stairs inside the silo to the observatory and do some spectacular star gazing or catch the weekly summer fireworks display over Lake Sunapee. On the lower level, enjoy the Rec room with large screen HDTV, foosball table, full wet bar and the remaining 5 bedrooms, including 2 bunk rooms with 10 beds. The property is over 3 acres of meadow, lawn, courtyard and woods. Note: Guests are required to bring sheets and towels unless they request linen service, which has an extra fee.
The kids love to pick flowers in the meadow, climb huge boulders, make forts along the stone walls, build fairy houses in the woods, search for wildlife - and we have plenty! Fox, porcupines, fishers, turkeys, deer, ground hogs, and a rare black bear if outside trash isn't closed! And then there is stargazing from the 360 degree look-out tower at the top of the silo, which also has a small walk-out balcony.
The Barn is less than a half mile from: (a) the John Hay Estate at the Fells (National Wildlife Refuge) with nature trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, as well as the historic house, gardens, art gallery; and (b) Sunset Hill Trail (moderate 2.4 mile hike). Public beach in Newbury is 3 min away. You can access Lake Sunapee at Newbury Harbor which is 1 mile down the road. There is a dock to jump off and small swimming area perfect for young kids with Bubba's Restaurant and ice cream shop across the street. Mt Sunapee is 6 min, for winter skiing or summer adventure park (mountain biking, zipline, disc golf). 5 min to Baker Hill Golf Club. 13 min to Sargent's Marina (motor boat rentals on Lake Sunapee). 8 min to Mt Sunapee State Park, which has a state beach, concession stand, and kids playground.
Seasonal Activities: During summer you will enjoy the property's views, decks and meadow. 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.
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. Sunapee has opened an exciting adventure park with zip lines, ropes course and Segway tours.
History Buffs: Well Sweep farm was part of the original Estate of John Milton Hay, an American statesman whose career in government stretched over almost half a century. He began as a private secretary and assistant to Abraham Lincoln, later became Ambassador to Great Britain, and his highest office was United States Secretary of State under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. His son Clarence inherited the property in 1905 when John passed away. Clarence and Alice Hay used the farm with their children for the next 40 or so years, commissioning famed NY architect Prentice Sanger to design the fieldstone Barn and Milkhouse, which were built from 1912-1916. Although their farmhouse on the property is gone, some of its stone foundation still exists and frames a sunken, stone-walled courtyard that is perfect for picnics, small events, and lawn games. Cows, goats, oxen, and mules were housed here in the Barn, while orchards supplied fruit, and maple trees provided an annual harvest of syrup. The Barn and Milkhouse were converted to residences from 2005-2008, and from the stones to the soaring scissor trusses, the overwhelming majority of the 100+ year-old structures were retained.
The kids love to pick flowers in the meadow, climb huge boulders, make forts along the stone walls, build fairy houses in the woods, search for wildlife - and we have plenty! Fox, porcupines, fishers, turkeys, deer, ground hogs, and a rare black bear if outside trash isn't closed! And then there is stargazing from the 360 degree look-out tower at the top of the silo, which also has a small walk-out balcony.
The Barn is less than a half mile from: (a) the John Hay Estate at the Fells (National Wildlife Refuge) with nature trails for hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing, as well as the historic house, gardens, art gallery; and (b) Sunset Hill Trail (moderate 2.4 mile hike). Public beach in Newbury is 3 min away. You can access Lake Sunapee at Newbury Harbor which is 1 mile down the road. There is a dock to jump off and small swimming area perfect for young kids with Bubba's Restaurant and ice cream shop across the street. Mt Sunapee is 6 min, for winter skiing or summer adventure park (mountain biking, zipline, disc golf). 5 min to Baker Hill Golf Club. 13 min to Sargent's Marina (motor boat rentals on Lake Sunapee). 8 min to Mt Sunapee State Park, which has a state beach, concession stand, and kids playground.
Seasonal Activities: During summer you will enjoy the property's views, decks and meadow. 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.
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. Sunapee has opened an exciting adventure park with zip lines, ropes course and Segway tours.
History Buffs: Well Sweep farm was part of the original Estate of John Milton Hay, an American statesman whose career in government stretched over almost half a century. He began as a private secretary and assistant to Abraham Lincoln, later became Ambassador to Great Britain, and his highest office was United States Secretary of State under Presidents William McKinley and Theodore Roosevelt. His son Clarence inherited the property in 1905 when John passed away. Clarence and Alice Hay used the farm with their children for the next 40 or so years, commissioning famed NY architect Prentice Sanger to design the fieldstone Barn and Milkhouse, which were built from 1912-1916. Although their farmhouse on the property is gone, some of its stone foundation still exists and frames a sunken, stone-walled courtyard that is perfect for picnics, small events, and lawn games. Cows, goats, oxen, and mules were housed here in the Barn, while orchards supplied fruit, and maple trees provided an annual harvest of syrup. The Barn and Milkhouse were converted to residences from 2005-2008, and from the stones to the soaring scissor trusses, the overwhelming majority of the 100+ year-old structures were retained.
Amenities
Pool
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Lake Sunapee, NH
Reviews
4.8
Outstanding(77 Reviews)4.8
Our weeklong stay at “Well Sweep” was wonderful. We celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary (and Thanksgiving) with family and friends and the historic property easily accommodated all our needs. It was nice to have such a grand space to spread out, relax and enjoy each other’s company. Plenty of room to get away if you needed that, too. Family gatherings for meals was made easy by a well appointed kitchen and pantry. Two ovens and two dishwashers helped a lot to keep the good times going. Rooms were spacious and comfortable. Overall, a truly wonderful and memorable time!
4.8
We hosted a five family (10 adults / 9 kids) friends reunion over six days at Well Sweep with the house and all its accommodations more than holding its own. Plenty of rooms, bathrooms, kitchen space, toys, space to run around and nearby lakes/activitiies for everyone to enjoy. Would highly recommend for anyone looking to appreciate an interesting old home in a quaint corner of NH.
4.8
Nice large property. Ruth was very attentive and attempted to resolve issue with hot water and only 1 shower at a time. (needed a bigger fix than could be done during our stay) We got 26 inches of snow and loved it! great kitchen.....could use some full size glasses. very convenient to skiing, grocery stores and they were all about keeping the roads and driveway plowed. Overall a great place.
4.8
We spent the last two weeks of 2022 with our family at Well Sweep. We could not have had a better stay. The property was clean and very well stocked and even has a pizza oven. The massive size of the barn makes it perfect for large groups, as everyone can gather together but there are also many places gather and play games, work puzzles, read, etc. the owner and on-site caretaker were great to deal with and gave great suggestions on things to do in the area. Mt Sunapee is less than 10 minutes away but we also hit Stowe, Mt Snow and Okemo for skiing. Highly recommended for a large group!!
4.8
Really well laid out, comfortable and classy. Great for a winter retreat. Loved to muck-in together and cook in big open kitchen. Has everything you need. Great memories! Master suite very nice too. Great views. Appreciate the owner making it available for others to experience.
4.8
This is the most amazing property!!! It is breathtakingly beautiful!!! Ruth took such great care of any needs. We had 26 stay and everyone fell in love with the house!! I will be recommending the place to everyone!!!
4.8
This property is amazing. We had a girls weekend and were all just in awe of the beauty and grace of this amazing home. My granddaughter and I now call it the castle. It is just amazing. Plenty of space to be alone or get the group together.
Hopefully we can go again in the future.
One downside. Not enough kindling wood for the fireplace, but there were tree branches in the surrounding woods. :)
4.8
We had a great time with family and friends. The house was super for large groups getting together and enjoying food and friendship. The host and caretaker are very available and ready to answer any questions. Thanks for a fantastic time.
4.8
Absolutely an amazing property and perfect for our family get together and annual fall weekend away. With a beautiful large kitchen, plenty of bedrooms / baths and multiple areas for people to spread out, the home easily accommodated all 20 of us. Can only imagine how great this home would be to stay there over Thanksgiving or Christmas . Communication with the host Chris was great as was the check in with Ruth. Our family is hoping to come back for years to come !
4.8
We had a group of 12 adults and there was plenty of room for all of us to be together or spread out. Close to lake for swimming and boating and lots of hiking. Played games and foosball inside and wiffleball, cornhole and other activities outside. We all had a great time. Ruth, the caretaker lives in a home on the property and was very responsive to our needs- which were few! It was difficult getting a response from Chris, the owner, during the process of reserving the property, but had no issues upon arrival and throughout our stay. Would come back again and highly recommend for large groups.
4.8
Love the house - love the area - loved Sunapee - rented a boat and had a great day on the lake - and New London is fantastic - and easy access to everything in the area and no traffic
4.8
What a wonderful home to give the entire family a great getaway! Plenty of space, beautiful area to explore and a wonderful time was had by all. A special thanks to the grounds keeper Ruth who handled every question or need. Our family has lots of memories to take home with us!
4.8
ROOM FOR EVERYONE
The sheer size and architecture of this home is outstanding. The interior space is well thought out, the views are lovely, there is lots of space to spread out.
Many things to see and do in the Sunapee area, a swim in the lake is a must!
AC would be a real plus. Some of the outside furniture should be replaced and the large upper deck railing is VERY shaky.
Otherwise, a lovely experience.
Some outside furniture needs to be replaced, very worn. Railing on large upper deck is very loose and shaky (we were happy no little ones were with us).
4.8
We loved our stay! I recommend it with great enthusiasm. Hope we didn’t disturb the neighbors laughing and singing. Layout perfect for mingling together and for finding privacy.
4.8
Perfect for a large family celebration
We loved our stay! I recommend it with great enthusiasm. Hope we didn’t disturb the neighbors laughing and singing. Layout perfect for mingling together and for finding privacy.
4.8
Great Family Vacation
We had an amazing time. It was plenty big for the 22 of us and we highly enjoyed our stay.
4.8
We were concerned that "civilization" might be too far away, but restaurants, gas, and supermarket were all reasonably close.
4.8
Great Spot for Larger Groups
We were concerned that "civilization" might be too far away, but restaurants, gas, and supermarket were all reasonably close.
4.8
Great property
The property is great with plenty of space to enjoy indoors and out regard the weather conditions. Working with both the property manager and owner made this experience ideal for our time.
4.8
Unique Property great for a large family.
4.8
WellSweep was a perfect spot for 4 families with 7 kids for a long weekend. The house is stunning and was perfectly clean. We caught one day of early season skiing at Sunapee, one rainy day poking around shops nearby and a sunny day exploring the trails at the nature preserve next door. Even with all the beautiful pictures on the listing, this exceeded our expectations and we hope to be back!
4.8
Awesome Place
Unique Property great for a large family.
4.8
Long weekend with friends
WellSweep was a perfect spot for 4 families with 7 kids for a long weekend. The house is stunning and was perfectly clean. We caught one day of early season skiing at Sunapee, one rainy day poking around shops nearby and a sunny day exploring the trails at the nature preserve next door. Even with all the beautiful pictures on the listing, this exceeded our expectations and we hope to be back!
4.8
BeST peaceful retreat ever!
From the minute that we arrived onto this beautiful property and walked into this gorgeous renovated barn, we knew that we had found a very special place! It felt magical! The pictures actually do not do it justice! It was magnificent,as well as very inviting and cozy!We enjoyed a warm fire every night. We couldn’t have asked for a better host,as well as Ruth(who watches over the property) who arrived shortly after we did to show us around,and then offered her contact info if we needed anything during our stay. A 3-night stay was just not long enough! We look forward to returning sometime soon(next time instead of just myself and my husband,hopefully our children and their families will join us,as this home will comfortably fit 2 dozen people!) Chris,thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us!
4.8
Perfect NH getaway
Our stay at Well Sweep was wonderful. House works very well for families of all sizes, including those with young children. Our 2 year old loved the playroom that’s set up with kids toys, books, and puzzles. Ruth was very attentive to our needs. Thanks Ruth and Chris!
4.8
We can't wait to come back next year
I felt a lot of pressure in being responsible for choosing a location for our large group. Immediately upon our arrival, our group was complimenting Well Sweep and we can't wait to come back. The space is roomy enough for a large group but cosy enough to make you want to go back with just your family. It is a beautiful and unique place to stay in a beautiful location. The host and caretaker are both great. We had a wonderful stay - thank you!
4.8
My wife and I are beyond grateful that we had the opportunity to start our lives together at this home. Chris is a wonderful host and very genuine person. He was very accommodating with anything that we needed during our stay. The home also has a caretaker that live onsite (Ruth) and she is also super helpful with anything you may need during your stay.
The home is so beautiful and once you see it in person its so much more than expected. We had 12 people staying in the home with us and all of them were in awe with how beautiful the property is. The Turret overlook was my favorite mainly because of the view, which offers a beautiful view of Mt Sunnapee. The town of Newbury is beautiful and gives off that great small town feeling. There are plenty of places to eat and there are some great trails up Sunnapee that offer beautiful views. I highly recommend hiking the Newbury Trail up to Solitude Lake.
All in all I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to stay at Well Sweep and Chris is an absolute great person to work with. We will definitionally be returning in the future and I will recommend this place to everyone I know!
Thank you so much Chris and Ruth!!!
4.8
I wish I could a 10 Star Rating!!!!
My wife and I are beyond grateful that we had the opportunity to start our lives together at this home. Chris is a wonderful host and very genuine person. He was very accommodating with anything that we needed during our stay. The home also has a caretaker that live onsite (Ruth) and she is also super helpful with anything you may need during your stay.
The home is so beautiful and once you see it in person its so much more than expected. We had 12 people staying in the home with us and all of them were in awe with how beautiful the property is. The Turret overlook was my favorite mainly because of the view, which offers a beautiful view of Mt Sunnapee. The town of Newbury is beautiful and gives off that great small town feeling. There are plenty of places to eat and there are some great trails up Sunnapee that offer beautiful views. I highly recommend hiking the Newbury Trail up to Solitude Lake.
All in all I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to stay at Well Sweep and Chris is an absolute great person to work with. We will definitionally be returning in the future and I will recommend this place to everyone I know!
Thank you so much Chris and Ruth!!!
4.8
Perfect Mini Vacation
Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful home with us. We love to search VRBO for unusual homes to rent in the U.S. So far, Well Sweep rates number one. We totally enjoyed exploring the Lake Sunapee area and then returning for a glass of wine and cheese on the deck, watching the sunset through the trees. COVID certainly put a damper on our travels in 2020 so this getaway was a wonderful way to get back on track with our retirement plans.
4.8
Beautiful Home in a Great Location
If you are looking for a beautiful home in a quiet location, this is the place for you to stay! It is an incredible property near several hiking trails. We had a lot of fun collecting rocks and saw some wildlife (foxes, wild turkeys, deer, etc.). The house is really well equipped and my kids had a blast. Each of my four kids (10, 8, 7, and 4) had a space/activity that they enjoyed. The silo was a great space to read. There is also a local farm stand with fresh fruit/veggies nearby.
We had a wonderful time-the pictures and description of the house don’t disappoint when you see it in person. Thank you for a lovely time!
4.8
If you are looking for a beautiful home in a quiet location, this is the place for you to stay! It is an incredible property near several hiking trails. We had a lot of fun collecting rocks and saw some wildlife (foxes, wild turkeys, deer, etc.). The house is really well equipped and my kids had a blast. Each of my four kids (10, 8, 7, and 4) had a space/activity that they enjoyed. The silo was a great space to read. There is also a local farm stand with fresh fruit/veggies nearby. We had a wonderful time-the pictures and description of the house don’t disappoint when you see it in person. Thank you for a lovely time!
4.8
This was an excellent rental. The converted barn is nicely renovated with clever architectural features. The house is well equipped. The host and caretaker were very responsive to a few minor questions at the beginning of our rental week. We had several elderly family members and two items that would have been useful are 1) a handrail on the 4+/- steps from the main floor to the master suite, and 2) walking down the front stair case the last step before the ftont door landing is hard to see, and we had a person miss it once and take a fall.A great rental and host.Tom and Linda
4.8
This was an excellent rental. The converted barn is nicely renovated with clever architectural features. The house is well equipped.
The host and caretaker were very responsive to a few minor questions at the beginning of our rental week.
We had several elderly family members and two items that would have been useful are 1) a handrail on the 4+/- steps from the main floor to the master suite, and 2) walking down the front stair case the last step before the ftont door landing is hard to see, and we had a person miss it once and take a fall.
A great rental and host.
Tom and Linda
4.8
Sunapee Barn
This was an excellent rental. The converted barn is nicely renovated with clever architectural features. The house is well equipped.
The host and caretaker were very responsive to a few minor questions at the beginning of our rental week.
We had several elderly family members and two items that would have been useful are 1) a handrail on the 4+/- steps from the main floor to the master suite, and 2) walking down the front stair case the last step before the ftont door landing is hard to see, and we had a person miss it once and take a fall.
A great rental and host.
Tom and Linda
4.8
Magical
This a beautiful property that encourages connection and relaxation! The host's are great at communicating and the location is ideal for venturing out or staying on site. It was a really fun week!
4.8
With our family unable to see each other for over a year and half and having a college student taking courses at Dartmouth for "Sophomore summer", we decided to also go along and rent a home for a month! It was the best decision we could have made. We invited all the cousins and family members (from many states) and filled every bed at "the Barn" . We played whiffle ball, badminton, corn hole, and Dartmouth Pong in the magnificent yard. We rented pontoons on the lake from the Goodhue Boating Company, went mini golfing at Sunapee Adventure Park, took part in hikes, ate ice cream a lot at Newbury Harbor and Sunapee Harbor and made s'mores by the fire pit. We took turns cooking meals or ordering trays of food from The Full Belly Deli which has amazing breakfast burritos and sandwiches, drove to Hanover many times and ate at Trailbreak, Mollys and Murphys. Spent many nights laughing around the huge kitchen table and stayed up way too late but no one cared. This home is magnificent and we were so grateful for the time together after not seeing each other. It has plenty of room for 24 people to be there at the same time and not be on top of each other. There were plenty of bathrooms and dishwashers too. It is an amazing home if you are looking for a wonderful time with friends and family.
4.8
Amazing Home
With our family unable to see each other for over a year and half and having a college student taking courses at Dartmouth for "Sophomore summer", we decided to also go along and rent a home for a month! It was the best decision we could have made. We invited all the cousins and family members (from many states) and filled every bed at "the Barn" . We played whiffle ball, badminton, corn hole, and Dartmouth Pong in the magnificent yard. We rented pontoons on the lake from the Goodhue Boating Company, went mini golfing at Sunapee Adventure Park, took part in hikes, ate ice cream a lot at Newbury Harbor and Sunapee Harbor and made s'mores by the fire pit. We took turns cooking meals or ordering trays of food from The Full Belly Deli which has amazing breakfast burritos and sandwiches, drove to Hanover many times and ate at Trailbreak, Mollys and Murphys. Spent many nights laughing around the huge kitchen table and stayed up way too late but no one cared. This home is magnificent and we were so grateful for the time together after not seeing each other. It has plenty of room for 24 people to be there at the same time and not be on top of each other. There were plenty of bathrooms and dishwashers too. It is an amazing home if you are looking for a wonderful time with friends and family.
4.8
We had a great stay. The house was beautiful. The space accommodated our whole family very comfortably. Some of it needed to be updated And cleaned like grill, furniture and deck. Chris was a great host and always got back to me very promptly. I would recommend this place to friends.
4.8
Beautiful and Unique Rental
We had a great stay. The house was beautiful. The space accommodated our whole family very comfortably. Some of it needed to be updated And cleaned like grill, furniture and deck. Chris was a great host and always got back to me very promptly. I would recommend this place to friends.
4.8
Great House
Highly recommend. Beautiful house, beautiful grounds. Some hiking that we could walk to and some a short drive away.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Lake Sunapee?
The average price for a rental in Lake Sunapee is $565 per night. This rental is $477 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at HISTORIC, RENOVATED BARN w/ Mt. SUNAPEE VIEW, SLEEPS 22+, Minutes to Lake / Mt.. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
Yes, a swimming pool is available for use at HISTORIC, RENOVATED BARN w/ Mt. SUNAPEE VIEW, SLEEPS 22+, Minutes to Lake / Mt.. Enjoy the water!
Is HISTORIC, RENOVATED BARN w/ Mt. SUNAPEE VIEW, SLEEPS 22+, Minutes to Lake / Mt. pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at HISTORIC, RENOVATED BARN w/ Mt. SUNAPEE VIEW, SLEEPS 22+, Minutes to Lake / Mt.?
We found 11 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, fireplace, and parking.