Laurel Cottage

Laurel Cottage is a standout residential offering within the historic Twin Lake Village resort, a cherished destination in New London, New Hampshire. For over 125 years, this family-owned resort has provided what many locals call a "vacation like it used to be." Laurel Cottage specifically caters to the needs of larger families and groups, standing as one of the more spacious accommodations in a village known for its timeless charm and unpretentious warmth. Managed by the Kidder family, the cottage is part of an expansive 200-acre estate that rolls gracefully toward the eastern shores of Little Lake Sunapee. It represents the quintessential New Hampshire summer experience, where the architecture, the landscape, and the hospitality all work in harmony to create a sense of belonging and peace.

The atmosphere at Laurel Cottage is defined by its ability to bring people together. Unlike modern hotel suites that can feel cramped or impersonal, this cottage is designed as a true home away from home. Residents and guests often comment on the cottage's welcoming layout, which balances large communal spaces with private quarters. The resort itself maintains a "non-housekeeping" environment, meaning the focus of your stay isn't on chores or meal prep, but on the simple pleasures of lakeside living—rocking on the porch, playing board games at a large dining table, and listening to the wind through the surrounding birch and pine trees. For those in the Granite State looking for a retreat that honors the heritage of the region, Laurel Cottage is a cornerstone of the New London community.

Location and accessibility are primary reasons why Laurel Cottage remains a favorite for New Hampshire residents. Situated on Twin Lake Villa Loop Road, the cottage is nestled in the sophisticated yet rustic town of New London. This central New Hampshire location offers a perfect blend of seclusion and convenience. The property is easily accessible via Interstate 89, placing it roughly 35 minutes from Concord and about 100 miles from Boston. This makes it an ideal "short-haul" destination for local families who want to escape the city without spending their entire vacation in the car. The town of New London is home to Colby-Sawyer College and the famous New London Barn Playhouse, ensuring that guests have access to high-quality cultural experiences just minutes away from their quiet cottage doorstep.

The resort grounds are designed for easy navigation, with Laurel Cottage positioned within a short, scenic walk of the main hotel lodge and the waterfront facilities. The surrounding geography is a major draw, with the cottage serving as a gateway to the Lake Sunapee region’s vast array of recreational opportunities. From the nearby heights of Mount Kearsarge to the sandy expanse of Bucklin Beach, the location provides immediate access to the best natural features of Merrimack County. Whether you are arriving for a summer of swimming or a crisp autumn of leaf-peeping, the accessibility of Laurel Cottage ensures a seamless transition into the mountain and lake lifestyle.

The services at Laurel Cottage are provided through the resort’s comprehensive "American Plan," which is a hallmark of traditional New Hampshire hospitality. This all-inclusive model is designed to provide guests with a worry-free environment where every logistical detail is handled by the dedicated staff. By removing the need for grocery shopping and cooking, the resort allows families to focus entirely on recreation and shared experiences.

• Three professionally prepared meals served daily in the historic hotel dining room, featuring a rotating menu of New England favorites.
• Daily maid and housekeeping services, ensuring that the cottage remains a clean and restful sanctuary throughout the stay.
• Supervised "Playhouse" programs for children ages 2 to 5, offered most weekday mornings so parents can enjoy the resort’s amenities.
• A fully managed waterfront service at the boathouse, with staff available to assist with watercraft and safety.
• Box lunch options available upon request for those planning day-long hikes or excursions into the Sunapee mountains.
• Weekly social events including organized Bingo nights, children’s dances, and community picnics.
• Professional maintenance of all on-site sports facilities and private roads to ensure a safe and polished environment.

The features and highlights of Laurel Cottage make it unique among the 18 cottages at Twin Lake Village. It is particularly noted for its capacity and the thoughtfulness of its interior layout, which is specifically optimized for large family gatherings. The cottage captures the "summer camp" aesthetic while providing the comforts and structural integrity required for a premium residential stay.

• Exceptional sleeping capacity, with enough space to comfortably accommodate up to 12 guests across multiple bedrooms.
• A signature oversized dining table that serves as a central hub for family meals, puzzles, and long evenings of board games.
• A classic New England screened porch, providing a bug-free environment to enjoy the fresh mountain air and scenic views.
• Unlimited use of the resort’s private nine-hole, par-three golf course, known for its challenging layout and beautiful vistas.
• Access to three meticulously maintained clay tennis courts, available to guests without additional court fees.
• Private sandy beach access on Little Lake Sunapee, featuring a protected swimming area and sunning docks.
• Complimentary use of non-motorized watercraft, including rowboats, canoes, and kayaks for exploring the pristine lake.

For those interested in booking a stay at Laurel Cottage or checking seasonal availability, the Twin Lake Village office is the primary point of contact. Given the cottage's size and popularity for reunions, early reservations are highly recommended, as many families book their favorite weeks up to a year in advance.

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

What is worth choosing about Laurel Cottage is the specific opportunity it provides for large-scale family connection. It is rare to find a property in New Hampshire that can sleep 12 people while still feeling like a cozy, intimate home. The cottage is worth choosing for those who value tradition; it is a place where you can sit at the same table where generations before you have played cards, all while the staff handles the details of your meals and cleaning. The American Plan at Twin Lake Village offers incredible value for large groups, as it eliminates the high cost and logistical stress of dining out with a large party in a resort town.

Furthermore, choosing Laurel Cottage means choosing the tranquility of Little Lake Sunapee. Unlike the larger Lake Sunapee, this water body is known for its peaceful, "no-wake" atmosphere, making it safer and quieter for swimmers and paddlers. The sense of security at the resort is a significant draw for parents, as children can safely roam between the cottage, the playhouse, and the beach. For local New Hampshire families looking for a destination that honors the legacy of the Granite State while providing a modern, stress-free escape, Laurel Cottage is the gold standard of lakeside living. It is a place where the "amenities" are the memories you build and the community you join.