Distinctive Bed & Breakfasts in Greater Nashua – Part 3

This is the third article in a series featuring unique lodging facilities in the greater Nashua area of Southern New Hampshire. Be sure to real Part 1 and Part 2! In this installment, we venture further afield than before.

Quality B&Bs are rare today; there are some, like the two highlighted in this article, that can make your visit to southern New Hampshire – for house-hunting or just recreation – a very memorable experience.

These will not only refresh your spirit, but will give you a taste of the state that has just been named the most liveable in the country for the sixth year in a row.

About 30 miles to the west of Nashua at the beginning of New Hampshire’s Monadnock region, is the lively cultural mecca of Peterborough. The town has had a long distinguished history, celebrated as the first town in America to fund a public library (1833) home of the prestigious MacDowell Art Colony (since 1907) and purportedly the inspiration for Thornton Wilder’s tale of small town America, Our Town. Peterborough is one of northern New England’s oldest communities, and has many fine homes dating from the early 19th century. Although long-established, the town has many newer homes and quiet rural areas as well as a vibrant village center.

A relative newcomer to Peterborough is the Little River Bed and Breakfast, an airy, attractive, and light-filled hostelry on the banks of the Nubanusit River, on quiet Union Street just outside the downtown area. The current owners, Rob and Paula Fox, transformed an 1870’s farmhouse into a stunning B&B five years ago.

Each of the four guestrooms has a private bath, satellite television, wireless Internet, and air conditioning; three rooms have gas fireplaces. There are two common rooms, the first floor living room features a fireplace, television, and board games; the second floor sunroom has books for guests’ use, together with comfortable chairs in which to lounge and read. A great plus is the outdoor deck overlooking the river, which beckons guests three seasons of the year.

A full breakfast is served daily; guests may use the Dining Room’s microwave and refrigerator anytime for food they bring in. The B&B is best for children 12 years and up; there are no smoking and no pet policies. The Foxes are very green-friendly; their B&B has won the Environmental Champion Award from the NH Lodging and Restaurant Association.

There’s a multitude of cultural, recreational, and shopping opportunities available in the region. If you are at a loss about where to go, the very knowledgeable owners can furnish you with recommendations to make your stay very rewarding. More details about Little River B&B may be found at: http://www.littleriverbedandbreakfast.com/

Less than 20 miles east of Nashua lies Hampstead, a town well-known for the antique homes lining its Main Street and the many ponds and lakes that attract summer visitors. Hampstead is ideally situated in Southern New Hampshire – just a few minutes to the beach, Massachusetts, and the state’s largest cities, Manchester and Nashua. The town has many antique, gift, and craft shops, and a church with a Paul Revere bell. For outdoor recreation, Hampstead boasts a 360-acre town forest, and is near the 26-mile long Rockingham Recreational Trail, ideal for hiking, biking, and snowmobiling.

Located in a mid-19th century building on Main Street is the Stillmeadow Bed and Breakfast. Two acres of gardens adjoin the Colonial Italianate house, originally built by a husband for his new wife in 1850. The B&B is now owned by Margaret and Willie Mitchell, who settled in New Hampshire from Scotland four years ago.

The Mitchells have kept their B&B as historically accurate as possible, but added a host of amenities to please the discerning traveller. Their two suites and one room feature air conditioning, television, wifi, robes, slippers, hair dryers, and toiletries. The suites also have microwaves, mini refrigerators, and recliners; one has a daybed.

The proprietors feature locally-grown eggs and produce at the morning meals in the well-appointed Breakfast Room. The parlor has a butler’s pantry with snacks and drinks for guests’ 24-hour use; coffee and tea is also always available in the Breakfast Room. Stillmeadow is a non-smoking home; pets are not allowed. Please contact the owners about their policy on children as guests.

The Mitchells are very fond of their adopted homeland, and can ably assist visitors with information on local attractions. For more information on Stillmeadow, please go to: http://www.still-meadow.com/index.html