Rustic "Big Red" Cottage near Sunapee and New London

- Summary: Come relax at "Big Red," sitting on 5 acres at the base of Mt. Kearsarge situated between Mt. Sunapee and Ragged Mt! Enjoy all the seasons here with 20 minutes to ski mountains and 10 minutes to the lake! After a long day of skiing, take a dip in the hot tub or relax by the fire (pit or place)! New London is a must visit town! This charming town is full of shops, restaurants, and beautiful mountain views! Situated in a tranquil neighborhood, but just minutes away from charming downtown New London which has restaurants, bakeries, boutiques, and so much more. The home offers easy access to local attractions in New London and Sunapee, including hiking trails, lakes, and ski resorts, making it a perfect base for exploring the scenic New Hampshire landscape.

- The Space: The home features an open-concept design with ample natural light, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere. The living room is equipped with comfortable seating and a cozy fireplace, perfect for relaxing evenings. Guests can enjoy a modern kitchen outfitted with stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and all the essentials needed to prepare delicious meals during their stay. The property boasts four well-appointed bedrooms, each designed with comfort in mind. The master suite includes a king-sized bed and an en-suite bathroom, while the additional bedrooms offer flexible sleeping arrangements to accommodate various guest needs. For indoor entertainment, the home provides a game room complete with a pool table and dartboard. Outdoors, guests can unwind on the expansive deck or gather around the fire pit in the backyard, the patio (front & back) and expansive 6 acres where you are free to explore/all surrounded by the natural beauty of the area. In addition, you'll enjoy free WiFi, ample parking, two-way fireplace in the living room, and full use of your own washing machine and dryer. We also have a warming/off-slope prep and recovery room with 8 separate Hedgehog Dryer systems to get your gear dry and ready for (re-)use for next day's session! Guests have access to hot tub only if a fee of $150 per stay is paid before check-in. An additional $100 pet fee per stay applies for your pup (2 allowed)!

- Guest Access: Guests can enjoy seamless and secure access to the property through Schlage smart locks located at two convenient entry points:

o Main Entry (lower level, near guest parking area): Easily access the home from the parking area with a personalized code.
o Kitchen Entry (at grade near the kitchen): This secondary entry provides quick access to the kitchen and living areas.

Each guest will receive a personalized access code via email or message prior to their arrival, along with detailed instructions for using the locks. These codes ensure exclusive access during your stay and add an extra layer of convenience and security. Additionally, the property is equipped with two backup emergency lockboxes containing physical keys; access instructions and codes for the lockboxes will be provided in case of emergencies or technical issues with the smart locks. If you have any questions or need assistance accessing the property, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!

- The Neighborhood: Nestled in the serene beauty of New London, NH, 18 Shaker Heights offers a quintessential New England getaway surrounded by natural splendor and small-town charm. This peaceful location is just minutes from the area’s best outdoor recreation, vibrant local dining, and unique attractions.

o Skiing & Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at Mount Sunapee Resort, just a short drive away, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the region. Ragged Mountain Resort is also within easy reach for additional trails and terrain.
o Lake Sunapee Adventures: Enjoy boating, fishing, or a refreshing swim in nearby Lake Sunapee. In the warmer months, take a scenic cruise or rent a kayak for a tranquil day on the water.
o Hiking Trails: Explore local hiking spots like the Sunapee-Ragged-Kearsarge Greenway or Mount Kearsarge for panoramic views and peaceful woodland treks. The New London Town Forest also offers family-friendly walking paths.
o Casual Dining: Savor comfort food and classic American dishes at Tucker’s or The Flying Goose Brew Pub, known for its craft beer and farm-to-table menu.
o Fine Dining: For a special evening, visit Oak & Grain, offering gourmet cuisine in a charming inn setting, or The Coach House, which features seasonal, locally sourced dishes.
o Coffee & Bakeries: Start your mornings with a freshly brewed cup at Blue Loon Bakery, where you’ll also find artisan breads and pastries.
o Shaker Village History: Discover the unique heritage of the area at the nearby Enfield Shaker Museum, where you can learn about the region's fascinating Shaker community.
o The Fells Estate: Stroll through the historic gardens and lakeside trails of The Fells, a stunning estate on Lake Sunapee.
o Shopping & Culture: Downtown New London boasts charming boutiques, local galleries, and cozy bookstores, perfect for a relaxing day in town.
o Winter Wonderland: During the snowy months, the area transforms into a winter haven with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing trails, and ice skating opportunities. Warm up after a day outdoors by the fire at your cozy rental.

- Getting Around:
o Parking: There’s ample parking at the property, including a large driveway. - Scenic Routes: The area around Lake Sunapee is renowned for its scenic drives. If time allows, consider detouring via NH-11 or NH-103 for beautiful views.
o Seasonal Conditions: In winter, be aware of potential snow and ice. Please be aware the home is on a dirt road, and so it is suggested you arrive with a vehicle capable of 4-wheel/all-wheel drive.

- Other things to Note: The barn and the chicken coop are off limits. The chicken coop has an electric fence around it.

- Interaction with Guests: As your hosts, we strive to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience during your stay at "Big Red." While guests have exclusive access to the entire property, including the Big Red Cottage and its surrounding grounds, we may stay on-site in the in-law suite above the barn/garage during periods of inclement weather or as needed to assist with guest requests. During the winter months, plowing and shoveling will be provided for any snow accumulation > 3-4 inches. During a storm/winter months, when the host may or may not be on-site to assist with shoveling and plowing, please do not park in front of the garage. Our goal is to ensure your stay is as comfortable and worry-free as possible. If we are on-site, we will remain respectful of your privacy and minimize any presence or interaction unless assistance is requested. Guests can still enjoy full and uninterrupted use of the Big Red Cottage and all its amenities during their stay. We’re always available to answer questions, provide local recommendations, or address any needs—just let us know! Whether we’re on-site or reachable remotely, we’re here to help make your stay truly memorable.