The Mountain House - a Private Chalet with Sunset Views
- Minimum stay:N/A
- Internet:No
- Pets allowed:Yes
- Wheel chair accessible:No
Nestled amidst of Cannon and Bretton Woods, the classic AT hikes in the Franconia, Zealand, and Crawford notches, fishing in the Amonoosuk, swimming at Forest Lake State Park, the shops, cafes, and gristmill of Littleton's award-winning Main Street, the antique stores and regional crafts shop of Bethlehem, bird watching at Pondicherry Reserve, and much more is the Mountain House.
The Mountain House is my private home that I open to guests when I am not using it. Snug into the hill for enviro-friendly insulation, this is an easy living chalet and retreat for people who love to be close to nature. It's built for simplicity and comfort; it's not a designer home. We sit on ten private balsam fir, maple and birch acres, with sunset views across three ridges of unbroken forest.
The home of an amateur cook, the kitchen features solid cookware and real knives. There is no TV, but the closet full of toys and art supplies, a boombox, a bookshelf stocked with local nature books and guest-written novels, glass-faced wood-burning stove and outdoor fireplace, hammock, VCR, sunset-facing deck (perfect for evening meditations), new south-facing sunken patio for morning coffee, the natural gardens around the house, a telescope and sleeping bags for evening star watching, the irresistible 'nap couch,' outdoor toys, and the summer birdsong concert are usually entertainment enough.
The main bedroom is graced with a mountain view and a brand new pillow-top full bed. The second room overlooks the moss garden and features a full bed. There are several extra futons and mattresses for additional sleeping. Some guests even pitch tents in the meadow to accommodate adventuresome extras. A spiral staircase connects downstairs and up - though most canine friends prefer to take the deck stairs to the second floor.
Guests have made the Mountain House even better - they have left books, recordings, poems, paintings and photos of moose, reset the stone fireplace, and contributed wonderful ideas on making the house even more comfortable. See the guestbook for their comments
Keywords: Chalet
Property Type
- Chalet
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Suitability
- Children Welcome
- Pets Considered
Bedrooms
- 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 6, Beds for 4-6
- Bedroom 1
- Bedroom 2
- Convertible bed(s)
- Double Beds (1)
Bathrooms
- 1.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
Kitchen & Dining
- Kitchen
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Cooking Utensils
Amenities
- Parking For RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Stove
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- VCR
- CD Player
- Stereo
- Music Library
Communications
- Telephone
Outdoor Features
- Outdoor Grill
- Deck / Patio
Location & View
- Mountain View
Activities
- Live Theater
- Cycling
- Cross Country Skiing
- Mountain Biking
- Tennis
- Fishing
- Snowmobiling
- Swimming
- Snowboarding
- Hiking
- Golf
- Skiing
- Miniature Golf
- Wildlife Viewing
- Sight Seeing
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Shopping
- Boating
- Cinemas
- Restaurants
- Sledding
- Rock Climbing
Other Activities
- Nature Centers, More - See Above
Reviews
Write a review-
So disappointing
So disappointing
- Guest cmt
- Date of stay 02/01/13
- Review Submitted 02/18/13
Another couple, my husband and I rented the chalet earlier this month. As my friend puts it, we felt "had." Jacki was so good with her communication and description of all the activities, I will say that was a huge plus. We knew where to go hike etc. ANd the listing looks good because there are so many reviews--I didn't notice until I started reading closely our second night there that they go back a decade and there are very few recent ones. I suspect that this was once a nice place that just hasn't been cared for over the years. We arrived on a cold weekend and there was only a few logs inside the chalet for starting the fire, wish the caretaker had loaded it up for us. The carpet was stained. The linoleum in front of the fireplace had holes in it (which we didn't notice until we moved the couch there...) The exposed plumbing in the bathroom was leaking into an empty trash can—more holes in the linoleum, including a soft spot that we kept stepping on that eked us out. The 2nd bedroom upstairs had a bed that consisted a futon mattress, perched on top of two box springs and the box springs were slightly narrower than the futon mattress, so the edges of the mattresses were unsupported from underneath. The bedside tables were stained lawn furniture. The dining table was broken and propped up by newspapers. There was random stuff everywhere, including a disassembled humidifier and a stack of 2x4s behind the couch.Owner response: This guest is correct in many ways. The house reflects my personal preferences, which are for good knives, solid cookware, good music, lots of time outdoors and hot showers. Decor is not my thing, and the house doesn't excel at it. The flooring is old and much of the furniture is more functional than lovely. She happened to arrive just after a hard, hard freeze which took out the water pump. Thanks to the graces of our local tradesmen, there was water for her visit. And two weeks before, the old water heater needed replacing, so, yes the bathroom floor was not in good shape. I hadn't seen the floor, so I wasn't sure of its condition. I know I told this guest these repairs had just been made. The futon I keep so your kid's friend can come along (and EVERYONE is happier) does migrate around the house. It has ended up atop the second bed at times. The second bed, however, is a complete, fairly new box spring and mattress that my Mom bequeathed me when she downsized her house and gave me the bed from her little-used guest room. I have updated the house description to further clarify that the decor is not "House Beautiful" so that future guests will better be able to self-select. And, had this guest spoken to me directly, I would have happily offered a refund in compensation for the bathroom floor. I had no idea she was so unhappy until I saw this review. Happily, the insurance check has arrived and bathroom floor repairs are in progress. The old table, which we always sentimentally loved for its droopy arm, has been formally repaired (sigh), and the end tables have been returned to the deck, from which a guest removed them.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
-
Great Stay
Great Stay
- Guest Dan R.
- Date of stay 04/20/12
- Review Submitted 04/23/12
Went up for the weekend with my son and the house was just as promised. Great sunset first nite we were there. Everything you need in the house. The spiral staircase is a bit cumbersome but cute. The wood stove was great and heated the whole house. Would stay here again definitely.Owner response: Hey Dan: I love hosting father-son weekends. And girls' weekends, and romantic getaways. Thanks for visting -come again for the foliage!
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Winter Wonderland!
Winter Wonderland!
- Guest Kartik
- Date of stay 12/31/11
- Review Submitted 01/09/12
Me and my girlfriend along with another couple wanted to ring in the new year with snow in a romantic setting. We could not have chosen a better place! Its really cozy and inviting. The heating is excellent. We cooked and baked in the fully equipped kitchen. And its just 20 minutes from Bretton Woods which has an amazing hotel and great views of mount washington. Will definitely come again!! Thank You!Recommended for: Romantic getaway, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Mountain Home - Charming
Mountain Home - Charming
- Guest VRBO Fan
- Date of stay 12/26/11
- Review Submitted 01/02/12
A real north country experience. We enjoyed our stay. The cottage was cozy and warm. (very warm) The location was awesome. So many stars! We didn't take out the telescope because the evenings were so cold but with so many stars we didn't need it. In the summer, I would certainly take advantage of the scope. Lots of great reading options between books and magazines. We took advantage of the kitchen for two dinners and it had what we needed. The guys loved chopping wood and tending the fire. This is a rustic cottage so I would not recommend for someone looking for luxury accommodations. The beds are all doubles so keep that in mind when planning for sleeping arrangements. The two boys were able to share a bed comfortably but two adults, especially if one is very tall or wide, can not share the bed comfortably. The spiral stairs are tight and would be difficult for someone with any physical challenges or a larger frame. Overall, we really enjoyed this place and would consider staying again.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Great for a family vacation
Great for a family vacation
- Guest Zsuzsa
- Date of stay 11/05/10
- Review Submitted 11/16/10
We really enjoyed our weekend in the Mountain House. The views are beautiful, and the house is clean and cozy. Jacki gave us a very helpful and detailed info packet. I recommend the place to families.Recommended for: Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Fun with Doug and Kathy at Mountain House
Fun with Doug and Kathy at Mountain House
- Guest Kathy & Doug
- Date of stay 03/01/08
- Review Submitted 03/25/08
We just returned from Mountain House and had a wonderful time. It looks exactly as it's picture above, but even prettier. Everything was exactly as described with a kitchen full of everything you would need to prepare a feast. The weather was cold and snowy, but we had a wonderful time in spite of (or perhaps because of) the weather. There is quite a bit to see and do in the area and the owner has a wonderful house book filled with maps, brochures, menus, etc. We tried Mr. Lee's, Angelica's and Tim-Bur Alley, which frankly is outstanding. We had lattes at FloraLatte and loved it. I have actually recommended this property to one of my friends. We would certainly return again.Recommended for: Age 55+, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
-
Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Lucia
- Date of stay 01/14/08
- Review Submitted 01/14/08
Thank you so much for renting your house to us. We had a great time. It was very cozy and my husband liked cooking in your kitchen.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Michael S
- Date of stay 01/08/08
- Review Submitted 01/08/08
We loved the Mountain House. Even though the temperature dropped to -12, the house was warm and comfortable. No frozen pipes. Thanks.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Jan J
- Date of stay 10/03/07
- Review Submitted 10/03/07
so everything went fine, the weekend was as beautiful as the house. The leaves are just about to turn red up there, and this weekend the Bretton Woods area was best. The weather was actually very good to us and we enjoyed the nature tremendously. If you like, I will recommend the house to our friends.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
-
Guest comment entered by owner
- Guest Summer B
- Date of stay 07/25/07
- Review Submitted 07/25/07
I don't think we could have picked a better place for our short vacation. The house was great, and your information packet was very helpful.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
Rates
Ski Season 2012-2013; Dec 15, 2012 - March 15, 2013 -- Friday, 5pm to Sunday noon weekend: $375 -- 7 night week, flexible schedules $750 -- 3-Day weekends, $450 for Friday - Monday stay -- Presidents Week - inquire about flexible holiday pricing Return guest discounts available! Dogs welcome. Guests bring their own linens * Guests add 9% NH room and meals tax (NH license 047521)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
This owner accepts HomeAway's most secure form of payment.
HomeAway PaymentsSM is the most secure way to pay and automatically protects your payment up to $10,000 (learn more). Call the owner directly to confirm payment details.
Owner info
Year Purchased: 2001
About the owner: I'm a former technology executive, current musician, gardener, and outdoor person who considers herself very fortunate to be the current caretaker of this quiet, private mountain retreat.
Why the Owner Chose Bethlehem:
I bought this house from my friend, who built it himself, and only sold it to finance the adoption of his lovely daughter from China. I have loved being the caretaker of the woods, wildflowers and wildlife that surround this property, and have taken great pleasure in working up some of the gardens. It is my favorite place to be, in every season. I have been really lucky to have great guests who have left me photos, paintings and poems from their Mountain House stays.
The Unique Benefits at this Chalet:
In the summer, I love to listen to the birds, cook with my garden herbs, sunbathe on the deck, swim at Lake Forest Park, hike the AT, watch the lingering sunsets, have bonfires and roast marshmallows right outside the house, hang in the hammock and listen to Red Sox games, and generally enjoy the quiet of the place. In autumn, the foliage view over three ridges is stunning, migrant birds sometimes fly by, and it is quiet. In winter, I hunker down in front of the fire at night, sleep late and snowshoe up Kimball Hill in the late afternoon sun. I love turning off technology and just being quiet. I also sometimes host music jams - the 'cave room' is really nice for that in the winter.
Contact us
- Primary: (781) 223-1364 (Massachusetts, USA)
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
-
-
Only this one genius dog got up the spiral stairs, most go via the deck
-
-
winter wonderland fun for kids of all ages
-
Nobody can resist the nap couch. Musicians - guitar and bass practice amps!
-
A cook's kitchen: cast iron pans+lids, real knives, crockpot, 5 coffee options
-
The Mountain House: a refuge for nature lovers
-
A snowy meadow and easy highway access; a simple, enviro-friendly retreat
There have been visitors to this page since
the counter was last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2004.
Date last modified - Tuesday, May 21, 2013