Historic Butternut Cottage - First home of actress Bette Davis in Sugar Hill, NH
House in Sugar Hill, NH
8 guests · 4 bedrooms · 2 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 house was originally a farmhouse that is rumored to have burned down. Robert Peckett III informed me his grandfather was living in the formerly small cottage when he sold it to the actress Bette Davis during one of her visits to Sugar Hill. Bette made several additions and modifications to the house. Most notably, she added a barn and two guest rooms, a garage, and a front screened in porch. The house features hand-crafted kitchen cabinets and counter top, four decorative fireplaces, one fireplace with a propane stove, and a working wood stove. The screened-in front porch has plenty of outdoor furniture to relax on lazy summer days and evenings. A side stone terrace features Adirondack chairs for you to enjoy Bette's garden and sundial. The wood-paneled upstairs bedrooms have built-in vanities and bookshelves rumored to have been handcrafted by the Warner Brothers studio crews. The master bedroom also has a non-working fireplace and panels behind the door believed to be hiding places for Bette's liquor. The newly remodeled downstairs bath features a slipper tub that invites you to soak sore muscles after a day of strolling around the White Mountains or skiing at Cannon Mountain and the Mittersill Alpine Resort. The cozy downstairs barn bedrooms have easy access to this bath and feature paneled walls and decorative non-working fireplaces. The main attraction of the house is the barn room, where a lovely collection of photos of Bette's career and life are displayed on the wall surrounding the TV and wood stove. There is a collection of Bette's films in VCR and DVD format for you to enjoy. Enjoy a relaxing evening watching one of Bette's films while watching the logs glow in wood stove.
Amenities
Pool
Air conditioner
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
Hot tub or spa
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Sugar Hill, NH
$$$$
Reviews
10.0
Amazing week at the Butternut Cottage. Beautiful surroundings and a wonderful place to totally disconnect. Historic home with all the modern updates to make it comfortable. Perfect location to explore the White Mountains and North Country. The owner was very attentive and communicative before and during our stay. The Bette Davis history was the cherry on top of a one of a kind stay.
10.0
We were delighted by the detail, comfort, and history of the cottage. Every sitting area was interesting, comfortable, and relaxing. The kitchen is superb and could easily support an ambitious meal prep. We enjoyed walking in the neighborhood and taking in the peaceful surroundings of the cottage. Look for to staying again in the summer months!
10.0
We love the Franconia/Sugar Hill area have stayed in many different rentals, and this was by far the best. So amazing to experience the history of this house and see the beautiful way it has been cared for and restored. It's fun to see a picture of Bette Davis sitting right on the hearth in the living room! We spent some cozy nights by the wood stove watching her movies too. We had one minor issue with the house, and Marion could not have been more responsive and helpful. Loved our stay, and hope to be back!
10.0
One of the most lovingly updated historic properties I have stayed at! The location is beautiful and silent but convenient to 93. The building retains every ounce of its charm, original carpentry and trim while offering responsive, zoned climate control, a high-end chefs stove and hood, powerful water pressure downstairs, and comfortable bedding. Marion is a very responsive host who was helpful throughout minor hitches (like upstairs sheets that the cleaner might’ve overlooked— the only issue in an otherwise spotless, faultlessly clean home). I am a little ashamed to admit as a child of 1992 that I had never even heard of Bette Davis before staying here— I enjoyed learning about her through her old home and would also not hesitate to stay at this property regardless of that added historic value. I look forward to coming back.
10.0
We absolutely loved our stay at Bette Davis’s Butternut Cottage. More than just a cottage, it’s reminiscent of 19th century farmhouse with exposed wood beams in the ceilings and rooms throughout. With 5 fireplaces and 2 wood stoves, rumor has it Warner Bros studio craftsmen built the cabinets throughout the home for Ms Davis. Extremely private, the property is tucked away from the rarely traveled main dirt road and I was able to walk my dog for miles off leash without seeing another soul on many a morning. Sugar Hill and it’s sister community Franconia Village sit at the northern end of Franconia notch just south of the quaint 1950’s style Main Street of Littleton, NH, a must see. The views in the area are the best New Hampshire has to offer. We particularly loved the Bette Davis room where we watched her movies provided by the host on VHS. Nostalgia on all levels while surrounded by 30 photos of magazine covers, historic scenes, wedding photos and more. (There is streaming and an dvd available as well.) Even if I had never heard of Bette Davis I would want to stay in this lovingly cared for property. It is evident the owner has taken pride in restoration and upkeep of the property; no easy task. I would highly recommend a visit here if for only a weekend, a week, or, as in our case, an entire summer season.
2.0
Another wonderful stay for me and my family. Thankyou Bette
10.0
This property is spacious, well appointed amenities, & located on a beautiful property. If you are a fan of Bette Davis you will enjoy all the memorabilia and rustic interior.
10.0
Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful!!!
10.0
Perfect post holiday weekend
From the property to the weather (snow!) ,everything was perfect. Thanks Marion and Bette Davis for this wonderful weekend
10.0
Warm and Inviting home
This was our third stay at this wonderful
home. Warm and comfortable with plenty of room for just watching TV or
reading and playing games.
We even experienced the first snowfall
of the season. Was magical.
Thank you Marion for sharing your wonderful home.
Carol B
10.0
Great experience
We stayed at this wonderful cottage in October and it had everything that we could imagine. The house was very clean and well stocked to cook our nightly dinners. We enjoyed a Bette Davis movie every night along with a campfire in the evening. The area is quiet and peaceful, but still close enough to places to explore. Marian was a wonderful host and we would love to return to this special place in NH.
10.0
A great house in an amazing area!
I meant to write this a few weeks ago. This is a great historical house that is well maintained with a nice mix of modern amenities.
It was exiting to learn about Bette Davis, the house was very comfortable and relaxing. The area is very chill great hiking and nature activities without the traffic and bustle of North Conway.
The host was responsive and cared that we had a great time and we did. We will be back
10.0
Sugar Hill Treasure
History, a place with a story. Impeccable, well managed, really a perfect spot.
10.0
Great Home
Thank you for a lovely stay!
10.0
A wonderful stay: relaxing and historical
A wonderful experience. Not only is the home everything described, but it is so much more. Quiet, secluded, comfortable. The history added so much to the stay, and if you have knowledge of historical New England the artwork, heirlooms, woodwork, decorations and nearly every piece of furniture is something to take a long look of appreciation. It's far enough away to feel away, but close enough to access services and enjoy the whites. Our children loved the home and experience and we were sad to go. Hope to come back in the future.
A tip for future guests: go to the market nearby. They have everything you need and the prices are better/same for meats and vegetables. Save the drive time.
10.0
A wonderful place for a summer sojourn.
My wife and I, and our family, will always have pleasant memories of our summer visit to the Butternut Cottage. The two of us stayed for an entire month while, over that time, our son, his wife and assorted family members and friends joined us for two and three day stays. It was a wonderful place for the two of us to spend the twilight after a long hike sipping wine in the screened-in porch or, when we had guests, for a pleasant get together with loved ones. The kitchen was well equipped for both simple and more complex cooking. Each of the rooms had its own charm. Within a day or two we felt quite at home. We really appreciate the effort Marion has put into making the place welcoming and accommodating.
10.0
Magical!
A must stay if you are a fan of Bette Davis! You can almost feel her presence as you enjoy your time in this lovely home. So peaceful and quiet. We loved having our morning coffee on the screened in porch, just listening to the birds chirping. Although it rained for most of our stay, there are plenty of movies, books and games to pass the time away. We will definitely go back!
10.0
Perfect house-perfect location!
We've rented from VRBO over 25 times. So, from experience, we can say this place is GREAT! Marion is excellent with all communications. You can tell she really loves this house. We stayed two months and hated to leave. The house is charming and peaceful. The pictures are accurate and the front living room is an inviting place to relax and just look outside! Plus, the Bette Davis connection and history of the house makes this rental even more special. It is rural but an easy drive in every direction, and the views around Sugar Hill are breathtaking! Would definitely rent again.
10.0
Sweet Sugar Hill
This is the 3rd time our family has stayed here and we think it's our home away from home. We LOVE it, the area, and all of the great things that we discover when we are there. We'll be back soon!
10.0
A wonderful home
We had a wonderful time at Butternut
Cottage. This was our second time here.
It is an amazing home especially the memorabilia of Bette Davis. Our friends
joined us this time and they were equally
captivated by the history. We hope to return again in the future.
10.0
Wonderful Escape
Absolutely beautiful property and the history is amazing!! Loved staying here. The house was incredibly clean and Marion was very responsive to any questions we had. Looking forward to a return visit!
10.0
Another lovely stay
We came back after a wonderful stay this summer and had another peaceful respite. A wonderful location, a wonderful time of year to enjoy the cottage. Beautiful foliage and a flock of turkeys greeted us each day. Can't wait to come again in different season!
10.0
Butternut Cottage lived up to my high expectations!
Butternut was built by Bette Davis—a woman I have admired since I read her autobiography This n’ That when I was 17. Having the opportunity spend a few days in her home was a dream come true. Marion has created a wonderful shrine to Ms Davis in the “barn” and the entire house is in the way Ms Davis would have preferred it, colonial antiques tastefully displayed with a warm and homey vibe from the fireplaces. The screened in porch was perfect for peaceful meditation overlooking the forest in all its splendor. The kitchen is well stocked with pretty much anything you might want to cook and immediately felt like home. Super clean, great communication with Marion, who was very accommodating with a last minute special request. Thank you Marion and Butternut for a restful five days. I left feeling more energized and inspired. Hope to return, perhaps next time for an extended stay.
10.0
Wonderful retreat
We had a few days to unwind after a family trip and thoroughly enjoyed our three peaceful, quiet days at Butternut Cottage. Even the teenagers fell in love with the charming house and sat down for a screening of All About Eve. The property was a lovely space for our dog to play and for my husband and I to enjoy a glass of wine while listening to the birds. We cannot wait to return again!
10.0
Winter in Sugar Hill
We loved our second winter at Butternut Cottage. It is warm, cozy and so comfortable for our family. We really feel at home there.
10.0
Porch is amazing
The Butternut cottage had everything we needed. Plenty of space for the family, well appointed kitchen. The screened in porch was amazing! We had lazy mornings filled with coffee watching the birds float through the yard. The location was great too. A short ride to Littleton or Franconia Notch.
10.0
Summer climbing getaway
Wonderful home in beautiful secluded location but with easy access to main roads. Home was clean and well equipped. The property manager was very helpful and responsive. We would love to visit again!
10.0
Beautiful home
We couldn't be happier with the location, privacy, and cleanliness of the home. It was well-stocked and perfect for multiple families. The screened-in porch was such a treat. We hope to return next year!
10.0
Charming Butternut Cottage
We loved our time at the Butternut Cottage. The house is so comfortable and lovingly maintained. We are a family of 5 and there was more than enough room for us to spread out. The location is very peaceful. Marion (the owner) was very responsive with questions and concerns.
We are planing to rent again next year and are already very excited to return!
10.0
Our stay was wonderful. Very charming home.
Our family loved all the memorabilia of Bette Davis. We enjoyed reading up about her life and watching her old movies. We look forward to staying here again.
10.0
Charm and history in a wonderful spacious cottage.9
Well equipped property with everything you might need for your stay. Beautiful area and vistas. Cozy!
10.0
A magical get away
We had a wonderful time at Butternut cottage. The home is gorgeous and perfectly appointed. Marion is the kindest and most generous host I have ever encountered— thank you so much Marion! The cottage reflects her excellent taste. It was so clean and comfortable and set in a magical place. We hope to visit again very soon!
10.0
Cozy, charming and historic
Our family spent 4 days at Thanksgiving at Butternut cottage. We loved every minute we were there, drinking in the history, cooking up big meals in the well stocked kitchen and sharing stories next to the gas fireplace. Well appointed rooms, comfortable beds, plenty of spaces for people to gather in. Thank you for sharing this Sugar Hill treasure.
10.0
Staying at the Butternut Cottage was the highlight of our trip!
The Butternut Cottage was so lovely. Clean and expertly decorated. The ambience was definitely there! It was stocked with more than you could ever ask for! The owner, Marion, was a gem and so pleasant to coordinate with. The quaint surrounding towns were so fun to briwsr around in. Staying in a cottage that once belonged to the actress Bette Davis was so fun! I will definitely be back!
10.0
Lovely home and property!
Charming, well kept, home and property.
We were there for a nearby wedding at Bishop Farm.
We hiked Artist Bluff and Bridal Veil Falls that are a short drive away.
Marion is a joy to work with. We were only there for two day so didn't get to spend much time at the house...we will have to come back!
10.0
This is the perfect home for a superior experience in New Hampshire in the Fall.
Such a wonderful home. It’s got history (a summer home of Bette Davis with lots of memorabilia in the home); it’s got location (remote location with wonderful views on a quiet NH road); and it’s a beautiful old home restored with modern conveniences. This is the best rental I’ve ever had. Marion is great. I’m going back next year in the Fall for a week without a doubt. Don’t hesitate on this one!
10.0
Lovely and comfortable!
This is a lovely property, comfortable, spacious,with great gathering rooms. The kichen is well appointed with new appliances. The home itself is tastefully and appropriately decorated.
It is set in a forest and surrounded with a generous well kept lawns, its quietude is relaxing. It is convenient to shopping, and a lot of the activities this beautiful area offers. We enjoyed exploring Littleton and all the surrounding villages. The two week stay whizzed by! Our family highly recommends Butternut Cottage!
The Dansbys
10.0
Comfort and Seclusion
My family stayed at Butternut Cottage for a week and loved our time there. The home is extremely well stocked with towels, sheets, blankets, and paper supplies. While the cottage is quite a ways back in the woods, it's actually a very short drive back into town and to the interstate, making it a convenient location for almost any local activity.
10.0
Lovely
A lovely stay at a beautiful home.
10.0
Charming historic property, filled with amenities
My husband and I took our grown children and their partners and the dog to rejuvenate ourselves in the White Mountains. This property looked very appealing online, and it did not disappoint. Pack only your clothes and food, the house is stocked with bedding, basic toiletries, and household staples, and is very comfortable for six adults. Located well off busy roads, very quiet, yet we were close to great smaller hikes and less than an hour from the trailhead to ascend Mount Washington. We greatly enjoyed this quaint piece of history, made full use of the first-class kitchen, and look forward to coming back in other seasons.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Sugar Hill?
The average price for a rental in Sugar Hill is $251 per night. This rental is $264 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Historic Butternut Cottage - First home of actress Bette Davis in Sugar Hill, NH. 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 Butternut Cottage - First home of actress Bette Davis in Sugar Hill, NH. Enjoy the water!
Is Historic Butternut Cottage - First home of actress Bette Davis in Sugar Hill, NH pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at Historic Butternut Cottage - First home of actress Bette Davis in Sugar Hill, NH?
We found 13 amenities for this rental. This includes pool, air conditioner, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and fireplace.
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