You know that feeling when you turn off a main road and suddenly the air just smells better? That's the vibe when you pull up to the Pleasant Lake Inn New London NH. It isn't some flashy, high-rise resort with a lobby that smells like expensive chemicals. Honestly, it’s the opposite. It is a sprawling, historic farmhouse—originally built back in 1790—that sits right across from the water, looking out at Mount Kearsarge like it’s been waiting for you to show up for two hundred years.
People come here for the quiet.
New Hampshire has a lot of "Grand Hotels," but the Pleasant Lake Inn hits different because it manages to be upscale without being stuffy. You’re in the Lake Sunapee region, which is gorgeous, but this specific corner in New London feels more private. It’s the kind of place where you actually talk to the other guests over breakfast because you’re all sitting in a room that feels like a massive, cozy country kitchen.
The History You Actually Feel
Walking through the hallways, you notice the floors aren't perfectly level. I love that. It reminds you that this place started as a Cape-style farmhouse and served as a waypoint for travelers long before cars were even a thing. In the 19th century, it was known as the Red Gables, and it’s seen the evolution of New Hampshire tourism from rugged stagecoach stops to the refined bed and breakfast experience it is today.
Most people don't realize that the inn played a huge role in the local community as a working farm for decades. That connection to the land is still there. You aren't just staying in a hotel room; you’re staying in a piece of Merrimack County history. The current owners have done a massive amount of work to keep that soul intact while making sure the bathrooms actually work well and the beds are actually comfortable. Nobody wants "historic" plumbing.
What Staying at Pleasant Lake Inn New London NH is Really Like
There are about 11 guest rooms. Each one is different. Some have views of the lake, others look toward the woods.
- The Rooms: They are named, not numbered. You might find yourself in the "Kearsarge" or the "Sunapee." Expect quilts, lots of natural light, and that specific silence you only get in rural New England.
- The Food: This is probably the biggest surprise for first-timers. The inn is home to Oak + Grain, which isn't just a "hotel restaurant." It’s a legitimate culinary destination. They do the farm-to-table thing but for real, sourcing from local spots like Spring Ledge Farm just down the road.
- The View: Mount Kearsarge basically dominates the skyline across the water. In the autumn? It's ridiculous. The reflection of the oranges and reds on Pleasant Lake is enough to make you put your phone down.
Seriously, the breakfast is included, and it isn't a stale bagel and a yogurt cup. You’re getting locally roasted coffee and dishes made with eggs that were probably in a nest twenty-four hours ago. It makes a difference. You can taste the seasonality.
Dealing With the "No Beach" Misconception
Here is something people get wrong. Because it’s called the "Pleasant Lake Inn," some folks expect a massive private beach with a tiki bar.
Nope.
The inn is located across a small, quiet road from the lake. They have a private parcel of lakefront property for guests, which is great for launching a kayak or just sitting on a bench to watch the loons. But if you want a giant sandy expanse for a hundred people, you walk or drive a tiny bit further to Elkins Beach. The inn's waterfront is about peace. It’s about taking one of their canoes out at 7:00 AM when the mist is still sitting on the water and the only sound is your paddle hitting the surface.
The New London Vibe
New London itself is a "college town" in the sense that Colby-Sawyer College is right there, but it feels more like a sophisticated village. You’ve got the New London Barn Playhouse nearby—one of the oldest summer stock theaters in the country. If you stay at the inn during the summer, getting tickets to a show there is basically mandatory.
You’re also close to:
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- Mount Sunapee: Great for skiing in winter, obviously, but the hiking in the "off-season" is even better.
- The Fells Historic Estate: Incredible gardens and a massive estate that makes you feel like you've stepped into a Gilded Age novel.
- Local Artisan Shops: The town center has actual boutiques, not just chain stores.
Why This Place Works in Every Season
A lot of New England inns shut down or get depressing in the shoulder seasons. Not here.
In the winter, the inn is the ultimate "hygge" spot. You come back from skiing or snowshoeing, and there’s usually a fire going. The wood-paneled common areas feel like they were designed specifically for drinking a glass of scotch and reading a book you've been putting off for six months.
Spring brings the "mud season," yeah, but it also brings the sap running in the maples. The local sugar shacks start pumping out steam, and the inn’s menu starts featuring ramps, fiddleheads, and all that bright green stuff that tells you winter is finally dead.
Summer is the peak, for sure. The lake is the draw. Swimming in Pleasant Lake is different than the big lakes like Winnipesaukee. It’s cleaner. It’s quieter. There aren't a thousand jet skis screaming past you every five seconds.
Things to Keep in Mind Before You Book
If you’re looking for a "smart hotel" where you control the lights with an iPad and never see a human being, you’re going to be disappointed. This is a high-touch, personal environment.
The stairs can be steep—it's an old house, remember? If you have mobility issues, you definitely want to talk to them ahead of time to make sure you get a room that works for you. Also, because there are only 11 rooms, this place fills up fast. Especially during foliage season or graduation weekends for the college. Don't try to "wing it" in October. You won't find a spot.
Real Talk: The Cost
It isn't a budget motel. You are paying for the atmosphere, the gourmet food, and the fact that you can walk out the front door and be at a pristine lake in thirty seconds. For a weekend getaway, it’s a solid investment in your mental health. Most people find that once they stay here, they become "regulars." There’s a guest book vibe where you see the same names appearing year after year.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip
To get the most out of a stay at the Pleasant Lake Inn New London NH, you shouldn't just show up and hope for the best.
Book your dinner reservation the moment you book your room. Oak + Grain is popular with locals and people driving up from Concord or Manchester. If you wait until you check in to ask for a table on a Friday night, you might be eating a sandwich from the gas station instead.
Pack for the weather, even in summer. New Hampshire evenings get chilly the second the sun drops behind the mountains. Bring a real sweater.
Check the Barn Playhouse schedule. If you can align your stay with a production, it turns a good weekend into a great one.
Ask the innkeepers for hiking tips. Everyone knows the main trails at Sunapee, but there are smaller, local loops near Clark Lookout that give you a view of Lake Sunapee without the crowds.
Actually use the lakefront. Don't just look at it from the porch. Take the kayak out. Even if you aren't an "outdoorsy" person, being in the middle of that water at sunset is the whole point of being in New London.