HISTORIC, RENOVATED BARN w/ Mt. SUNAPEE VIEW, SLEEPS 22+, Minutes to Lake / Mt.

Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior
Terrace/patio
Property grounds
9.7 / 10.0
Outstanding(77 Ratings)

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.

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly

Map of Lake Sunapee, NH

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Ratings and reviews

9.7 / 10.0
Outstanding(77 Ratings)
10.0 / 10.0
Aug 2024
The house - or as it was referred to by some the castle - was awesome. We truly enjoyed our stay.
10.0 / 10.0
Aug 2024
The property was more spacious and luxurious than advertised and easily accommodated our family. The property manager helped us settle in. All the utensils for us to cook and eat together were supplied. We spent two rainy days happily engaged inside and on sunny days played volley ball and croquet outside on the lawn and hiked and swam at nearby attractions.
10.0 / 10.0
Jan 2024
We spent the week before Christmas at Well Sweep for the second year in a row. It was another wonderful visit to a charming part of the Northeast. We skied all over New Hampshire and Vermont and enjoyed the local restaurants and attractions. The barn is a beautiful property and very well equipped. The owner and caretaker were very communicative and helpful, making it a seamless stay. Highly recommended.
10.0 / 10.0
Dec 2023
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!
10.0 / 10.0
Jul 2023
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.
10.0 / 10.0
Mar 2023
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.
10.0 / 10.0
Jan 2023
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!!
10.0 / 10.0
Dec 2022
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.

FAQs

How much does this house cost compared to others in Lake Sunapee?

The average price for a rental in Lake Sunapee is $336 per night. This rental is $404 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.

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