WHY IT RATES: The New England luxury scene just got an exciting new entrant just hours of Boston.-Michael Schottey, TravelPulse Director of Digital Content
Overlooking the picture-postcard village of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, on the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee is the Pickering House Inn, which, upon its Aug. 1 grand opening, will be the first luxury inn of its kind in the state's Lakes Region. The 10-room retreat will be a New England hotspot for discerning travelers seeking exceptional accommodations and services within two hours from Boston.
The historic building, built in 1813 and for many decades the residence of prominent businessman Daniel Pickering, was close to being torn down when in 2016 Wolfeboro residents Peter and Patty Cooke purchased the property. The couple-along with a team of local companies and avid supporters-brought the stunning Greek Revival structure back to life. The new Pickering House will provide up to 20 guests with whimsical, laid-back luxury and an ambiance that lends the feel of a being in a friend's lavish country home.
Interior designs in the guest rooms and common areas, which include the Gathering Kitchen and The Barn, blend rustic chic with modern elegance. Patty oversaw every detail of the interior design process, fashioning each space with a different look and feel. A sample of her keen sense of design is found in the "Wall of Doors," an à la Alice in Wonderland look that came about when she noticed dozens of old doors being thrown out. The doors, cut perfectly like a puzzle, now accompany the stairs leading up to guest rooms.
In the Gathering Kitchen guests will enjoy sumptuous homemade breakfasts, afternoon treats and evening nibbles with cocktails and wine. For early risers, each floor will have a nook where freshly baked goods are available before breakfast. The Barn will host Saturday evening Innkeeper dinners showcasing the Inn's chef as well as visiting chefs from New England and beyond. Demonstration cooking classes held in the Gathering Kitchen will also be an activity for "at home chefs" in the making.
The Pickering House is a three-minute walk to downtown Wolfeboro, which is dotted with artisan shops, galleries and seasonal eateries. Guests may also enjoy Lake Winnipesaukee's many aquatic activities, including stand up paddle boarding, boat rentals, swimming and canoeing, and excursions to other lakeside towns via a boat ride on the M/V Sophie C., the official-and oldest-floating post-office for the lake's island residents. Additional activities include nearby hiking, skiing, antiquing, tastings at local spirit companies, and the popular Great Waters Music Festival.
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