Squam Lake Retreat | Multi-Level, Sleeps 10

Summary:

Tucked into the trees in the heart of New Hampshire's Lakes Region, this newly renovated Holderness home pairs cozy New England character with room for the whole crew. Part of the Yankee Trail Motel property, it offers an open-concept main level, a flexible upstairs retreat with built-in alcove beds, and a sprawling wraparound deck — plus a shared seasonal pool and fire pit on the grounds. It's the perfect basecamp for a family lake getaway, with Squam Lake access half a mile down the road.



The Space:

From the moment you step in off the wraparound deck, this home strikes the balance between updated and inviting. Wide-plank pine floors, warm wood-beam ceilings, and knotty-pine accents give it authentic Lakes Region charm, while a renovated kitchen and fresh finishes keep everything comfortable and easy. With three bedrooms plus a flexible upstairs bunk retreat, there's space for everyone to spread out.



★ Main Level — Living, Kitchen & Dining ★



The heart of the home is a bright, open-concept main level where the kitchen, dining, and living areas flow together and out onto the deck through the slider.



The renovated kitchen is a showpiece — crisp white shaker cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, a picket-tile backsplash, and stone-look counters, fully stocked for cooking in after a day on the water. You'll find a full-size range and oven, microwave, dishwasher, and a dedicated coffee bar with a Keurig coffee maker (coffee, creamer, tea, and sugar provided). Pull up a stool at the counter, or gather around the handcrafted farmhouse dining table that seats eight beneath the beamed ceiling.



Just beyond, the living room invites you to sink into comfortable seating in front of the stone-surround gas fireplace and a large flat-screen smart TV — sign into your own streaming apps for movie nights. Windows on multiple sides let the treeline in from every angle.



Also on the main level: the King primary bedroom with its own private en-suite full bath, a second full bathroom off the hall, and a dedicated laundry room with a full-size washer and dryer.



★ Upstairs — Flexible Family Retreat ★



Upstairs is where families and groups really spread out — a semi-private second living space all its own, with a porch off the upper level that offers a private entrance to that second story. It opens with a handy kitchenette (stainless fridge, sink, microwave, and its own Keurig coffee) plus a wall-mounted TV, so early risers and night owls never have to trek downstairs.



Upstairs, the Queen bedroom — with its pine accent walls — is the only enclosed, private bedroom. The rest of the second story is a bright, open loft-style space where the additional beds are arranged: a pair of twin beds tucked behind a privacy curtain, and — the kids' favorite — two built-in full-size beds nestled under the eaves, each with its own curtain for a cozy, tucked-away feel. A third full bathroom completes the level.



★ Sleeping Summary ★



✔ Bedroom 1 — Main level — King bed (private en-suite bath)

✔ Bedroom 2 — Upstairs — Queen bed (the only enclosed bedroom upstairs)

✔ Upstairs open loft — Two built-in full-size beds in the eaves

✔ Upstairs open loft — Two twin beds behind a privacy curtain

✔ Sleeps up to 10 guests



★ The Outdoors ★



Step out from the main level onto the expansive wraparound deck — the true hub of summer here. There's a high-top table with two barstools, a gas grill for cookouts, and comfortable lounge seating to soak up the sun or relax in the shade of the trees. The wooded lot gives the home a private, tucked-away feel while keeping you just minutes from the water.



This home sits on the Yankee Trail Motel property, so guests are also welcome to enjoy the shared amenities on the grounds — cool off in the seasonal in-ground pool with its sun-lounge seating, or gather around the shared fire pit near the motel office for s'mores and stories on a cool evening. (Please note the pool and fire pit are shared amenities on the property, not private to the home.) And if you'd like a morning off from cooking, a home-cooked breakfast is served on-site each morning during the season for $15 cash — eggs, omelets, pancakes, home fries and more.



★ Why You'll Love It ★



✔ Open-concept main level with a renovated kitchen and gas fireplace

✔ Flexible upstairs retreat with kitchenette & built-in beds

✔ Three bedrooms plus bonus sleeping — room for the whole family

✔ Part of the Yankee Trail Motel — access to the shared seasonal pool & fire pit

✔ Optional home-cooked breakfast on-site each morning ($15 cash)

✔ Squam Lake access just half a mile away — kayaking, canoeing & boating

✔ Sprawling wraparound deck & gas grill

✔ Full-size washer/dryer, high-speed WiFi & keyless entry

✔ Minutes to Meredith, Plymouth & the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center



Guest Access:

Guests have exclusive use of the entire home — all three bedrooms and the upstairs bunk retreat, three full bathrooms, the fully equipped kitchen and dining area, the living room, the upstairs kitchenette, the laundry room, and the wraparound deck. As guests of the Yankee Trail Motel, you're also welcome to enjoy the shared seasonal in-ground pool and fire pit on the grounds. On-site parking is available for up to four vehicles.



To ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience, please review the following policies:



• House Rules: No smoking, no pets, no parties, and no unregistered guests.

• Guest Verification & Rental Agreement: A photo ID, guest registration form, and signed rental agreement are required to confirm your reservation. Primary booking guest must have at least one prior stay history on Vrbo and maintain a 5-star guest rating/review history. Reservations that do not meet these requirements may be subject to additional screening, cancellation, or a refundable security deposit request at the host’s discretion.

• Age Requirement: The primary guest must be 25 or older to book.

• Early check-in and late checkout may be accommodated upon request, subject to availability and the cleaning schedule. Please note that requests can only be confirmed on the day of arrival or departure, and additional fees may apply.



The Neighborhood:

The home sits in the picturesque town of Holderness, right in the heart of New Hampshire's Lakes Region and just up the road from beautiful Squam Lake — the pristine, quiet lake made famous as the backdrop of On Golden Pond. The Squam Lakes Association, about half a mile away, is your gateway to the water, with canoe and kayak rentals and a boat launch (for motors under 25 HP).



There's no shortage of things to do nearby. The Squam Lakes Natural Science Center is under two miles away — a family favorite with live animal exhibits and lake cruises. Downtown Meredith, with its waterfront dining and shops, is about ten minutes away, and Plymouth's restaurants and college-town energy are roughly fifteen. Funspot, the world's largest arcade, is about fifteen minutes, and the White Mountains and Kancamagus Highway are within easy reach for hiking and fall foliage.



Hungry? Walter's Basin and the Squam Lake Marketplace are just a couple of minutes away, and a short drive into Meredith brings you to The Mug, Canoe, and Breeze by the Bay.



Getting Around:

A personal vehicle is highly recommended — this is a quiet, wooded setting and rideshare availability in the area is limited. There's on-site parking for up to four vehicles, and most lake access, dining, and attractions are within a 5–15 minute drive. It's a true year-round destination, whether you're here for summer lake days, fall foliage, or a cozy winter escape.



Other Things to Note:

✔ High-speed WiFi throughout

✔ Keyless entry for easy self check-in

✔ Cooling via window AC units; baseboard/panel heat for cooler months

✔ Full-size washer & dryer

✔ Fully equipped kitchen plus an upstairs kitchenette, both with coffee provided

✔ Linens, towels, and shower soaps provided

✔ Gas grill & wraparound deck

✔ Shared seasonal in-ground pool and fire pit on the Yankee Trail Motel grounds (the fire pit is located near the motel office; both are shared, not private to the home)

✔ Set in a wooded, natural area — you may encounter local wildlife, all part of the New England setting. Please keep doors closed and food stored.

✔ Trash must be brought to the on-site dumpster before checkout.

✔ Please supervise children around the pool, decks, and stairs; no lifeguard is on duty.



Please note: The primary guest must be 25 years of age or older. No pets. No parties or events. No smoking anywhere on the property — violations are subject to a $500 fine plus any odor-removal and cleaning charges. Unapproved late checkouts incur a $250 fee, and any guests beyond the confirmed reservation count will be charged $50 per person, per night. Early check-in and late checkout may be accommodated upon request, subject to availability and the cleaning schedule. Please note that requests can only be confirmed on the day of arrival or departure, and additional fees may apply.



Interaction with Guests:

Our team is available 24/7 — before your arrival, throughout your stay, and beyond. Whether you have a question about the home or want a local recommendation for the best hike, paddle, or place to eat, we're just a phone call, text, or message away. We pride ourselves on quick, thoughtful responses while respecting your privacy — the home is entirely yours for your stay. We can't wait to host you!