Relax with the Call of the Loons at The Lake House at Ferry Point
By Diane Hayden, PhD
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ebecca Daniels had dreamed of running a Bed and Breakfast for a long time. She always enjoyed traveling around the world and staying in unique places and her experience in hospitality and the service industry had prepared her for the role as an Innkeeper. After living in various parts of the country, she settled in Massachusetts and realized she wanted to be in New England to fulfill this dream. Her parents, Monty and Jeannette, grew up in the Midwest and lived in many places around the country during Monty’s work in the shopping center industry. His experience in the restaurant industry exposed him to many aspects of running a successful business that could be applied to innkeeping. Jeannette is an amazing cook and always enjoyed serving dishes that are pleasing to the eye, as well as the pallet. After Monty’s retirement, the Daniels’ family decided the time was right to pursue Rebecca’s dream of innkeeping. In 2015, they purchased the Lake House at Ferry Point in Sanbornton, the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, and the rest is history. Whether you want to relax or be active, there is no shortage of things to do here. Enjoy an afternoon paddling or boating on the picturesque and quiet Lake Winnisquam, with full use of the Inn’s nice collection of kayaks, a paddle boat, canoe and tubes. Or just relax in Adirondack chairs on their private beach after a day of swimming. Enjoy an afternoon birdwatching on the lake. The Common loon, with their sleek black heads, striking red eyes, and mournful song, are particular favorites in the area. Other common birds you’ll find on the lake are eagles, cormorants, mergansers, and great blue herons. Hiking is one of the most popular things to do in the Lakes Region, or go biking on one of the many easy-to-navigate trails in the area. Take a scenic drive through the White Mountain National Forest. It’s truly beautiful during the summer, but come fall, the mountains will be absolutely ablaze with color; a sight to behold, for sure. Visit New Hampshire’s beautiful covered bridges, there are 54 of them in New Hampshire’s Lakes Region alone.
My main purpose for traveling while Covid-19 is still a concern, was to visit some locally owned B&Bs and Inns in New England to support them and educate readers that it’s perfectly safe to stay. Many people asked me if I was nervous traveling, and although I am not fearful at all, I have to say that the safety and best practices the Daniels’ have implemented here reassured me even more. Here are just a few of the changes: 1. Staggered breakfast times so only 4 couples are in the breakfast area at one time and appropriately distanced. Or you can have your breakfast to-go. 2. Removal of all throw pillows and other decorative pieces that can’t be washed/sanitized from the rooms. 3. Afternoon cookies are wrapped on individual plates. 4. Disinfecting all touch points frequently throughout the day. 5. The check-in process is accomplished via non-contact and appropriate distancing levels. Only one guest and the Innkeeper present at the desk. Masks are required inside. Pens and room keys sanitized each time a person comes in contact with these items. 6. Cleaning products and procedures meet the New Hampshire Re-opening guidelines and standards. 7. Staff is checked prior to each shift and wear face coverings as required. 8. Staff will not enter your guest room throughout the duration of your stay unless agreed for a specific need. They exchange and replenish items in your room on an as-needed basis while maintaining physical distancing. They are clearly going above and beyond to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all of their guests. Now, let’s get to our room! This was one of my most favorite rooms I’ve ever stayed in. The Lake Winnisquam Room, named afwww.NaturalNutmeg.com
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