Quiet, modernized family heritage property on beautiful Province Lake
| Sleeps | 7 |
| Bedrooms | 1 |
| Bathrooms | 1 |
| Half Baths | 1 |
| Space | 800 sq ft |
| Property type | cottage |
| Minimum Stay | 7 nights |
Overview
1 queen master, LR Queen fold down, Loft area sleeps 4, Total 7... 1 1/2 baths
Best description is one found in our logbook.
The verse spells PROVINCE LAKE using the first letters on the left column.
Quite clever and fun. Thanks to our Pennsylvania guests from August, 2013.
P eaceful
R elaxing
O ut in the boats... everyday
V enturing across the lake to Maine
I ncredibly beautiful weather
N estling into our books
C ampfires lakeside, s'mores galore
E njoying grilledfood on the deck
L aughing together
A dmiring the stunning view
K eeping an watch out for the loons
E veryone enjoying our week here, Thank You
The Big Camp History: Ben B. Towne, Sr. (B.B.,our grandfather) started coming to Province lake in the 1920's for camping trips. As the photo shows, the old model A Ford would have provided a somewhat long and bumpy journey from Boston. When the cabin next to the campsite became available in the 1930's, B.B. was quick to purchase it. Fondly called 'The Big Camp,' this same lake cabin has been a family retreat for over 80 years. Ben B. Towne,Jr.,his son,inherited. Ben's wife, Joy, lived there every summer until 2010 when she moved to a retirement home.Our family (of the three siblings) bought the family camp and we are just now making The Big Camp available to a select clientèle.
We are seeking renters who will respect this heritage property while enjoying the same quiet and restfulness which has created in our memories 'the most beautiful spot on earth.'
Scrapbook of local attractions: We are continually updating a binder which has local hikes, points of interest, restaurants and things to do when you are not at the camp.The dock is at the foot of a long stairway coming down from the deck. It is private from the general public.
The dock and its' sitting area are shared with the owner .The owners of the property have a small camp on an adjacent lot and stay occasionally in the ' Li'l' Camp'. (see photos) They will help the renters with any questions or concerns on the Saturday night. Owners are most often only around on the weekend.
Well behaved dog(s) are welcome. The lake is ideal for swimming dogs. . Please do not bring your cat.
Plan on bringing your bicycle and helmets as the road into the lake has recently been paved and offers a very smooth albeit hilly ride to the corner store.
Log Book: A log book has been kept at the lake since 1940's. We ask all our guests if they would write some comments= even draw pictures! Many of the reviews I added to the website are directly from the logbook.
About Francois Lamothe, DDS (retired)
Francois married into the Towne Family. Cindel, his wife, had been going up to the family camp every summer of her life. at one time the property was a three season home for her parents.
when her mother was going into a retirement community in Connecticut, we bought the property for future generations to enjoy. He is semi-retired from his dental practice now only working one day a week....
Francois Lamothe, DDS (retired) purchased this cottage in 1981
Why Francois Lamothe, DDS (retired) chose Effingham
This property and the lake are the most relaxing spots on the planet. ( in my humble estimation) Everyone who has been a guest here seems to agree. Forget the hustle and bustle of city life. relax and enjoy our quiet lake in New
Hampshire.
What makes this cottage unique
There is a feeling of letting go immediately upon your first view of the lake from the deck. Cindel and I can spend endless hours just sitting and letting the sun relax our minds.
Guestbook comments from the manager
"Appreciated the beauty of the place, the nature, the silence
(so different from Paris!) The earthquake was a great
Experience, a big noise in that silence...fortunately, no tsunami
Came from the lake!! we hope to come back another time..."
Amenities
Effingham Cottage Accommodation and Amenities
- cottage
- Guests provide their own meals
- 800 sq ft
- Max. occupancy: 7
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters ...
- pets considered
- children welcome
- non smoking only
- Lake
- Lake View ...
- Lakefront ...
- Rural ...
- Waterfront
- Waterfront ...
- Away From It All
- Family
- Romantic
- Sports & Activities
- Alarm Clock
- Ceiling Fans
- Clothes Dryer ...
- Computer Available ...
- Fireplace ...
- Firewood
- Heating ...
- Internet ...
- Iron & Board
- Laundry Soap
- Linens Provided ...
- Local Activities Guide
- Local Maps
- Local Restaurant Guide
- PC
- Parking ...
- Safe
- Sofa Bed
- Telephone ...
- Towels Provided ...
- Washing Machine ...
- Wireless Internet ...
- fax
- 4 Ring Stove
- Blender
- Coffee Maker ...
- Cooking Utensils ...
- Dishes & Utensils ...
- Grill
- Kitchen ...
- Lobster Pot
- Microwave ...
- Oven ...
- Refrigerator
- Stove ...
- Stove
- Toaster ...
- Dining ...
- Dining Area
- seating for 8 people
- 1 Bathroom,
- 1 Half Bath
-
Master Bath -
toilet
,
combination tub/shower
,
en suite with MBR
The small W/C - toilet , off Living Room
- The half bath is off the back hallway and is is available for the loft an living room sofa sleepers. (so as not to have to access the full bath)
- 1 Bedroom, Sleeps 7
-
Master Bedroom -
1 queen
,
en suite full bath
Living Room - 1 queen , 1 sleep sofa /futon , queen fold down
Loft - 1 queen , 2 twin/ single , overlooks living
- Sliding door closes for the Master Bedroom and en suite full bath. Other sleeping areas are in open space. Fold down queen sleeper sofa is comfortable. (some aren't) We used the loft as a sleeping space for the kids when they were growing up. It is reached by a spiral staircase and has a venting skylight which gets the breezes off the lake at night. The Queen bed in the loft is a platform/mattress . Two single twin beds are on platforms in the loft.
- Books ...
- Books for Adults
- Books for Kids
- DVD Player ...
- Games ...
- Games for Kids
- Radio
- Satellite / Cable ...
- Stereo ...
- Television ...
- Video Game Console ...
- Video Library ...
- Beach Chairs
- Binoculars
- Boat ...
- Boat Dock
- Boat with Paddles
- Canoe
- Deck / Patio ...
- Golf ...
- Kayak / Canoe ...
- Lawn / Garden ...
- Outdoor Grill ...
- Walkway to Water
- Wood Deck
- 2 beach chairs
- unsuitable for elderly or infirm
- wheelchair inaccessible
- autumn foliage
- live theater
- museums
- pond
- restaurants
- waterfalls
- antiquing
- bird watching
- outlet shopping
- paddle boating
- scenic drives
- sight seeing
- walking
- groceries
- cycling
- fishing
- freshwater fishing
- golf
- hiking
- mountain climbing
- sailing
- swimming
- water tubing
Reviews
Wonderful!
4.9/5 -
(15 traveler reviews)
True vacation get away!
I thoroughly enjoyed the time that I spent with my family and friends at the "Big Cabin" on Province Lake. Owners Francois and Cindel thought of everything to make sure that the guests are comfortable. We enjoyed kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating, and fishing on the lake. The lake deck was perfect for soaking in some rays, reading, and catching a glimpse of a local eagle. The house deck is ideal for enjoying a morning coffee or an afternoon daiquiri or two. The house is clean and is filled with board games, puzzles, books and has wifi. The kitchen is perfectly stocked there's a charcoal grill on the deck. We stayed at the "Big Cabin" most of the week but did venture out a few times. We hiked Province Mountain and came across a baby deer. We golfed at Province Mountain Golf Course and saw the most amazing scenery. We plan to visit again next summer! #Fresh air + peace & quiet = relaxing vacation!
Wonderful Getaway!
My family and I searched and searched for a vacation lake house this past year and after much time and research we found this gem! My family includes myself, my husband our 2 children and our 3 year old lab and the house had plenty of space! We loved how secluded the lake was! We spent hours on the lake enjoying the kayaks and especially loved the paddle board (our dog Delilah even got really good at balancing on it!). The town is very secluded but had everything we needed and when we decided to venture out everything was within a 45 minute ride. For the most part we stayed on the lake as it was so tranquil and beautiful! The owners were amazing, they met us there and gave us a tour and at one point during the vacation I had a question and emailed them through the site and Francois called me within 15 minutes. The house had everything we could possibly need. I especially loved the fresh flowers, fresh maple syrup and an amazing picture we received from the owners so we could always remember this amazing vacation! Thank you again for everything Francois and Cindel!
Peaceful, Relaxing and Beautiful
Our family of four stayed at the "Big Camp" for the week along with our 3 dogs whom also enjoyed vacationing with us. First, we were greeted by the owners whom were very welcoming and gave us a tour of the house. The house while small was not too small for our family. It provided all our needs and even had a washer and dryer. Lakeside was absolutely gorgeous and our children had a wonderful time swimming. My wife enjoyed using the paddle boat and I enjoyed the canoe, kayaks and paddle board. The area while secluded had everything we needed relatively close by. The ice cream at the golf course was yummy and close by. Another ice cream place in Maine about 20 minutes away had maple soft serve ice cream which was awesome and they even make their own maple syrup on site. Cindy's close by was a very good breakfast and lunch place with extremely friendly service. You must visit Ye Olde Sale Shop (5 minutes up the road, not sure of the exact name). Overall, the house and lake were great but what really put it over the top was how nice and welcoming Francois and Cindel were.
Beautiful house on stunning lake!
I have just had the most relaxing and beautiful vacation in years! This lake house is a perfect destination. It is beautifully appointed and so very comfortable. I was there for a recent week with my dog, Margold, and she gives this a perfect rating also! We were so sad to leave. We are consoled by having a reservation for next September - we can't wait to come back! Thank you Cindel and Francois for being so welcoming and helpful - especially with that little key inident! So funny! Thank you for having us! Dana West and Marigold from Connecticut
Our Family LOVES the "Blue House"
This is our second time staying at the Big Camp aka the "Blue House". Our boys 8 and 5 don't want to stay anywhere else on vacation. This was our second summer vacation trip up from NC to see family in the area and nothing compares to the "Blue House". The owners are accommodating and the cabin is well-appointed with thoughtful extras. Everything about this cabin is comfortable and homey. We were greeted with fresh flowers and a complimentary bottle of Maple Syrup on the table. There are great pics of how the camp has changed over the years. Our youngest boy was finally old enough to sleep in the upstairs loft this year which they nicknamed the boys' loft and actually looked forward (amazingly) to bed time in the cozy upstairs. The main bedroom is spacious and fit a pack and play for our 20 month old with room to spare. The boys especially enjoyed taking the kayaks and canoe out and caught tons of fish. We had s'mores one night at the fire-pit, played board games and SpongeBob Uno on our one rainy after-noon and had an all-around great stay! For those traveling with kids, besides the fantastic lake there is a great Nature Center in Holderness- the Sqaum Lakes Science Center, great easy family hiking and rock hopping off the Kancamagus, and of course StoryLand- all within an hour or so drive! We can't say enough how much we love coming up to stay at the Big Camp. Thanks so much to the owners for sharing your family's heritage camp with us. Sincerely, Your Very Loyal Fans from NC!
Perfectly extraordinary!
Our week at the Big Camp can be summed up in one word: perfect! Okay…let’s throw in two: extraordinary! The house is immaculately clean, and its open layout meant there was plenty of space for our family of four to spread out and enjoy the sweeping lake views visible from just about every window. The master bedroom is spacious, and the bed is super comfortable; the sleeping loft is bright and airy, and the beds there are equally comfortable. The kitchen is well stocked with everything you need to cook up – or in our case, grill up – fabulous meals. The cottage sits atop a bluff overlooking the lake, and it’s the best place to enjoy this spectacular setting, whether you’re enjoying a morning coffee while debating the merits of a blueberry muffin versus a raw fish with the resident kingfisher (word to the wise: never debate a kingfisher – they’re very loud and you will lose), or appreciating a good glass of wine against the backdrop of a full moon and the haunting call of a loon. We visited the Big Camp in late June/early July, and while we made excellent use of the kayaks and stand-up paddle board, the water was also warm enough for swimming. Cindel and Francois are the ultimate hosts – warm and welcoming, and they’ve thought of everything to ensure that guests have a fabulous stay, from the detailed Big Camp guide with recommendations for restaurants, day trips, and hikes (and which, incidentally, makes for a very fun read) right down to the fresh NH maple syrup on the table! We arrived at the Big Camp following hours of driving north on traffic-packed I-95 in the pouring rain, so it’s a special place indeed when, as we drove away on our last day, it took us just seconds to agree that we can’t wait to do it all over again!!!
Map
Pristine Province Lake is 1000 acres (About 2 square miles.). Boating, fishing, sailing and yes, even swimming! The lake is 17 feet deep and is not unbearably cold. In August, it is over 80 degrees in a hot summer. Public launch and private dock for your boat or PWC. Golf at mountain view Province Lake Golf, a challenging and fun 18 hole course within 3 miles. Shop at tax free outlets in Conway and North Conway- about 35 minutes away. Hike in the White Mountains- exhilarating summits and waterfall hikes are easy day trips from the lake. Local restaurants provide 3 star service. However, once you relax on our large deck, you may not want to leave!!! We hardly ever left.
Other Activities: No Smoking in camp
Golf: Provence Lake Golf Course is an award-winning public course. Rentals of equipment are possible. overlooks the lake and distant mountains.
There is a driving range and a practice putting green. Large patio area with gazebo and Saturday night live bands. Mulligans Pub has excellent food and live oldies bands on Saturday night. We bring our dog to the ice cream patio- can still hear the music and have waiter service there. Dress code is no denim, no t shirts.You know, golf stuff.
Photos
Rates & Availability
- Available
- Unavailable
Additional information about rental rates
| Refundable damage deposit | $95 |
| Tax Rate | 9.0% |
At all times, because we have so many inquiries, the deposit and/or a firm commitment will secure the reservation. In three years of rental, this system has been the most reliable. The rate of Lodging tax in New Hampshire is 9%. We are registered with the NH tax and revenue department.
Manager's Cancellation Policy
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