Birches Cottage

Birches Cottage is a quintessential New England vacation residence located within the historic grounds of Twin Lake Village in New London, New Hampshire. For generations, this cottage has served as a sanctuary for those seeking to experience the authentic charm of the Granite State’s lake country. As part of a family-owned resort that has been managed by the Kidder family since 1897, Birches Cottage represents a commitment to preserving the traditional "American Plan" vacation. This style of getaway emphasizes relaxation, communal dining, and outdoor recreation, providing a stark and welcome contrast to the fast-paced, digital nature of modern life. Surrounded by the graceful white bark of its namesake trees, the cottage offers a serene atmosphere where the rustle of leaves and the gentle lap of water against the shore of Little Lake Sunapee create a natural soundtrack for a restorative stay.

The philosophy of the community at Twin Lake Village is built upon the idea of an "unpretentious" vacation. Birches Cottage is designed to feel like a home away from home, rather than a sterile hotel room. It is a place where families gather on screened porches to play board games, share stories, and watch the sunset over the mountains. The cottage is integrated into a 200-acre estate that includes wooded hillsides, rolling fairways, and private lakefront, ensuring that guests are always just a few steps away from the natural beauty that defines the New London area. For New Hampshire locals and out-of-state visitors alike, Birches Cottage offers a foundational setting for building lifelong family traditions in a place that feels as though time has comfortably stood still.

Location and accessibility are among the primary reasons why Birches Cottage is a top choice for travelers in the region. Situated on Twin Lake Villa Road in New London, the cottage is nestled in the heart of the Dartmouth-Lake Sunapee region. New London is a sophisticated and picturesque town, known for being the home of Colby-Sawyer College and the historic New London Barn Playhouse. The cottage is exceptionally accessible for those traveling from within New Hampshire or neighboring states. It is located just minutes away from Interstate 89, making it a convenient 35-minute drive from the state capital of Concord and approximately 90 minutes from the greater Boston area. This central location allows guests to enjoy the feeling of deep-woods seclusion while remaining close to the essential services and charming boutiques of New London’s Main Street.

Accessibility to outdoor recreation is also a hallmark of the Birches Cottage location. The cottage serves as a perfect base camp for exploring the surrounding Merrimack County landscape. Nearby Mount Kearsarge and Mount Sunapee offer a wide range of hiking trails that cater to all skill levels, while the town of New London itself features a variety of local parks and public beaches. The resort grounds are designed to be walkable, with well-maintained paths connecting Birches Cottage to the main dining lodge, the private beach, and the various sports facilities. This ease of movement makes it an ideal destination for multi-generational families where both children and seniors can navigate the environment with comfort.

The services offered at Birches Cottage are centered on the resort’s signature all-inclusive model. By operating under the "American Plan," the resort takes the logistical burden off the guests, allowing them to focus entirely on leisure and family connection. This service model is a rare find in modern New England and is one of the many reasons guests return to Birches Cottage year after year. The dedicated staff provides a level of hospitality that is both professional and genuinely friendly, reflecting the long-standing family heritage of the resort.

• Full meal service featuring three professionally prepared meals daily (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) served in the historic hotel dining room.
• Daily housekeeping and maid services, including bed-making and trash removal, to ensure a maintenance-free stay for all guests.
• A supervised "Playhouse" program for young children, offering organized morning activities so parents can enjoy a round of golf or a game of tennis.
• Access to a fully staffed boathouse where guests can receive assistance with watercraft and lake safety.
• Linen and towel service provided throughout the duration of the stay.
• Organized community activities, including the legendary weekly Bingo nights, shuffleboard tournaments, and children’s social hours.
• Box lunch preparation for guests who wish to spend their day exploring the local hiking trails or visiting nearby historic sites.

The features and highlights of Birches Cottage are rooted in its historic architecture and the expansive amenities available to all resort guests. The cottage captures the "summer cottage" aesthetic of the early 20th century, with large windows that invite in the natural light and a layout that encourages group interaction. The proximity to the water and the woods ensures that every window offers a scenic vista of the New Hampshire landscape.

• A classic New England screened-in porch, often furnished with traditional wicker rockers, perfect for enjoying the cool mountain air.
• Unlimited play on the resort’s private 9-hole par-3 golf course, which winds through the scenic 200-acre estate.
• Access to three well-maintained clay tennis courts, available to guests without additional court fees.
• Exclusive access to a private, sandy beach on Little Lake Sunapee, featuring a protected swimming area and sun docks.
• A variety of non-motorized watercraft, including rowboats, canoes, and kayaks, available for guest use at the waterfront.
• A spacious interior designed for family life, often featuring a large dining or activity table for puzzles and games.
• Close proximity to the "Playhouse" and main lodge, which serve as the social hubs of the resort community.

For those interested in inquiring about the availability of Birches Cottage, the resort typically operates on a seasonal basis, with the peak season running from June through the end of September. Because Birches is a popular unit within the village, prospective guests are encouraged to reach out to the management office well in advance of their desired travel dates.

• Physical Address: Twin Lake Villa Rd, New London, NH 03257, USA
• Main Office Phone: (603) 526-6460
• Golf Shop Phone: (603) 526-2034
• Official Website: twinlakevillage.com

What is worth choosing about Birches Cottage is the opportunity to participate in a rare and beautiful vacation tradition. It is worth choosing for those who value simplicity over spectacle. At Twin Lake Village, the "amenities" aren't flashy technology or water parks; they are the quality of the food, the stillness of the lake at dawn, and the freedom for children to safely explore the grounds. Choosing Birches Cottage means choosing a vacation where the "American Plan" removes the stress of meal planning and grocery shopping, allowing families to actually talk to one another across a dinner table every night.

Furthermore, the value of the location is unparalleled for those who love the outdoors. Little Lake Sunapee is a "no-wake" lake, meaning it is exceptionally quiet and safe for paddlers and swimmers. The sense of peace found at Birches Cottage is genuine and deep-seated. For local New Hampshire residents looking for a staycation that feels like a world away, or for visitors seeking the quintessential New England mountain-and-lake experience, Birches Cottage at Twin Lake Village remains one of the most authentic and rewarding choices in the state. It is a place where memories are not just made, but are carefully preserved for the next generation.