Shaker Inn at the Great Stone Dwelling

The History of the Enfield Shakers began in 1782, when the first Shaker Missionaries from the parent United Society of Believers in the Second Appearance of Christ at Mt. Lebanon, New York, visited Enfield. At first, local members,–"Believers"–lived in their own homes and worked their own farms. By 1793, however, because of persecution by the outside world and inadequate accommodations, the Shakers decided to pursue a secluded, communal way of life. They acquired land on the west side of Mascoma Lake and began a program of building that lasted nearly a century. The Great Stone Dwelling, built in 1837-1841, is the largest main dwelling ever built by a Shaker community. In 1997 the Enfield Shaker Museum purchased this centerpiece of the Enfield Shaker community. The following year it opened to the public as The Shaker Inn and Restaurant, simple yet elegant masterpiece of Shaker craftsmanship, this 24 room inn offers an enticing glimpse into the Shaker way of life. Furnished with historically correct Shaker style furniture, the original sleeping chambers tastefully incorporate modern comforts, including private baths.

The inn is idyllically positioned on the shores of Lake Mascoma. A short walk from the inn is a beach where guests can swim or sun. The beach also includes volleyball courts and horseshoes. Directly across Route 4A is the beginning of a 2,500-acre nature preserve owned by the state. A lovely walk up the hill leads to the Sacred Feast Ground built by the Shakers, which the Museum has restored. Further up the hill the Shakers built reservoirs and canals to supply water to their village. Some are still in use, the remains of others are visible trail side. Home to three mountains, Mount Sunapee, Mount Kearsarge and Mount Cardigan, all three mountains have clearly marked access routes and ample trails. Today, the entire Enfield Shaker Village is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a Historic Village. So when you stay with them, you are helping to preserve a living page of history.

Innkeepers: Clint Dickens & Janet Ellis (formerly Don Leavitt)

Recipe included in cookbook: Shaker Inn Chosen Vale Crab Cakes.

Used by permission of Rick Miller.

Please note: since the cookbook was published, this inn has been turned into Enfield Shaker Museum. Follow them on Facebook!

This BnB (along with delicious recipes and wonderful stories) is featured in Sunrise Sunset Across America, Bed & Breakfast cookbook. Purchase it by clicking on the link in the upper sidebar. Click on the review to read more about it.