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.

Rosewood Country Inn in Bradford, NH

Imagine Luxurious Rooms, Antique Beds and Crisp Fires....the perfect romantic escape.
Here the suites await you, luxurious and romantic. Imagine fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and antique beds. Fine linens and country air lure you to sleep. The aroma of a gourmet breakfast awakens you in the morning.
Imagine open common rooms, with comfortable furniture and a crisp fire.

Hiking, biking, kayaking and canoeing beckon on a summer's day. You want to explore country lanes, hike the state parks and discover treasures in the small towns and villages. Ponds, Lakes and streams offer swimming, fishing and old fashioned relaxation. A wide front porch….flower and herb gardens…a deck with a private hot tub. Relaxation surrounds you. In the fall, the parade of colors explodes and they are yours to savor all around the Inn. Rosewood Country Inn is located with access to many trails in the area, a perfect place to snowmobile and cross-country ski in the winter months and walk and bike in the spring, summer and fall.
A bit of history:

"Mr. & Mrs. Edward Messer opened their home in 1896 with 6 guests. Rates were $5.00-7.00 a week and references were required. As business increased buildings were enlarged and cottages were added. At one time as many as eighty-five guests could be accommodated. Entertainment was provided by a bowling alley, a dance hall, golf course, and a casino. In addition to the house, tents were provided on raised floorings set among shade trees."


From Two Hundred Years Plus - 1771-1976
Bradford, NH in Retrospect
Researched and Written by the Bradford History and Bicentennial Committees
The Messer Family continued to operate the inn, then known as Pleasant View Farm, until 1956. In the early 1900’s, Jack London, Gloria Swanson, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Chaplan and the Gish Sisters (Lillian & Dorothy) are among the famous signatures that appeared in the guest registers.

Innkeepers: Dick & Lesley Marquis

Recipes included in the cookbook: Bradford French Toast with Raspberry Cream Sauce, Minced Meatballs, Pecan Pie Squares, Oven Apple Pancakes with Cider Sauce, Wassail Punch

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.