Inn At Smith Cove

For those seeking a serene and picturesque escape to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, the Inn At Smith Cove in Gilford offers a truly captivating experience. This immaculately cared-for establishment, prominently featured on platforms like "Hotels Near Of Me," provides a unique blend of historic Victorian charm and modern comfort, set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Winnipesaukee. Guests consistently laud its tranquil environment, attentive hosts, and excellent amenities, making it a highly recommended destination for couples, families, and larger groups alike.

The Inn At Smith Cove is ideally located at 19 Roberts Rd, Gilford, NH, directly on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. This allows for breathtaking, incredible views of the lake, particularly from rooms like the Tower Suite. The Inn is situated in Smith Cove, a quiet, no-wake area of the lake, ensuring a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere, away from the busier sections. This provides ample opportunity for guests to unwind, enjoy the sounds of the lake and loons, and even take a nap by the water.

The property itself is a beautifully restored 1894 Victorian Lake House, presiding over an acre of meticulously landscaped grounds. Guests can stroll through charming gardens, relax on the expansive wraparound farmer's porch offering ample outdoor seating, or unwind on the covered dock adjacent to the private sandy beach. The private beach is a significant draw, providing safe, natural sand swimming and direct access to the lake for activities like kayaking and floating. The quiet residential neighborhood further enhances the sense of a secluded retreat.

Despite its tranquil setting, the Inn At Smith Cove boasts a highly convenient location. It's close to all the great attractions of the Lakes Region, including the lively Weir's Beach (approximately 4.6 miles away), the Bank of NH Pavilion at Meadowbrook for concerts (only 1.7 miles away), and various restaurants and stores. Nearby Gunstock Mountain Resort offers winter sports and summer adventure park activities, while other attractions like the Winnipesaukee Playhouse and the scenic train rides are just a short drive away. This blend of peaceful lakeside living and easy access to local entertainment makes it an appealing choice year-round.

The Inn At Smith Cove is managed by its owners, Bob and Marie Ruggiero, who are celebrated as "great hosts" known for their very well-kept landscaping and clean building. Their dedication ensures guests feel at home, providing a personalized and attentive experience that sets this inn apart. Special attention and emphasis are placed on sanitizing common areas, ensuring a safe and clean environment for all visitors.

The Inn's accommodation model has evolved to primarily cater to larger groups, offering the main house for weekly rentals to a single group. This "new business model" (as of 2022, as mentioned in a review) is perfect for family reunions or getaways with friends, accommodating up to 15 people across six guest rooms. All bedrooms, uniquely decorated in individual Victorian settings, come with private baths, a highly appreciated feature for group stays. Many rooms also offer queen beds, air conditioners, and lake views, with some even featuring yellow pine paneling for a warm, inviting feel. The first-floor room includes a 2-person Jacuzzi and a garden view, while four of the second-floor rooms boast lake views. Single rollaway beds are available for larger groups if needed.

When rented as a whole house, guests have access to a newly renovated, fully equipped kitchen, complete with modern appliances and a dining table for eight, allowing for self-catering and a true home-away-from-home experience. The kitchen has doorstep access to a back patio surrounded by gardens, featuring a new gas grill and outdoor seating with umbrellas. The spacious 18' x 26' living room on the first floor offers natural wood walls, period-appropriate wall coverings and draperies, and a fireplace, providing a comfortable space for groups to gather, chat, read, or play board games. Linens and towels are provided at check-in, and a full laundry room with a washer and dryer is available for guest use during their stay. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the Lake House, ensuring connectivity.

Beyond the main house, the Inn also offers four private lakefront cottages available for extended stays. These fully furnished cottages vary in size, are only steps from the private beach, and each provides a lake view, catering to those seeking more space or a longer vacation rental. Guests staying in the cottages also benefit from amenities like private docks and community beach access.

The Inn At Smith Cove's most compelling features revolve around its prime lakefront location and its suitability for group accommodations and extended stays, offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern conveniences.

• Private Sandy Beach: A standout feature, providing safe and natural sand swimming, sunbathing, and direct access to the clear waters of Smith Cove for water activities.
• Convenient Boat Docking: The Inn offers very protected boat docking for up to a 25-foot boat with prior arrangement, a significant advantage for those bringing their own watercraft. This includes free boat launching and proximity to boat rental yards.
• Historic Victorian Lake House: The beautifully restored 1894 main house provides a charming and elegant setting, maintained with immaculate care. Its wrap-around farmer's porch offers ample seating with incredible lake views.
• Exclusive Whole-House Rental Model: The main house is designed to be rented weekly to a single group, making it "perfect for the reunion" or large family gatherings, accommodating up to 15 people across its six bedrooms.
• Private Baths for Each Bedroom: A major convenience for group bookings, ensuring comfort and privacy for all guests.
• Fully Equipped Kitchen: The newly renovated kitchen in the main house allows groups to prepare their own meals, offering flexibility and a communal dining experience.
• Spacious Common Areas: The large living room with a fireplace and ample seating, along with outdoor patios and a covered gazebo on the dock, provide numerous options for relaxation and socializing with lake views.
• Modern Amenities with Historic Feel: Rooms are complete with modern amenities like air conditioning and free WiFi, yet retain the charm and feel of a bygone era with their unique Victorian decor.
• Additional Lakefront Cottages: Four separate fully furnished cottages are available for extended stays, offering more space and privacy, each with lake views and close proximity to the private beach.
• No-Wake Cove Location: Situated on a quiet section of Lake Winnipesaukee, ensuring a serene and peaceful environment for swimming, boating, and enjoying the lake.

The Inn At Smith Cove actively promotes itself as an idyllic lakefront retreat, particularly emphasizing its unique offering for family reunions and multi-generational getaways. Marketing highlights the convenience of renting the entire Lake House, providing a private and spacious setting for groups to create lasting memories on New Hampshire's largest lake. The direct access to the private beach and boat docking facilities are key selling points for water enthusiasts.

Promotional materials often showcase the "incredible views" of the lake from various vantage points across the property, including the Tower Suite, the wrap-around porch, and the gazebo on the dock. The blend of modern comfort with the "charm and feel of a bygone era" is a recurring theme, appealing to those who appreciate both history and convenience. The consistent positive reviews from guests, praising the cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and the helpfulness of hosts Bob and Marie, serve as strong endorsements of the Inn's quality and hospitality.

The Inn is positioned as a year-round destination, ideal for summer water sports, enjoying fall foliage, and winter activities like ice fishing on the lake or skiing at nearby Gunstock Mountain. Its proximity to major attractions like the Bank of NH Pavilion and Weirs Beach is often highlighted, offering a balance of peaceful relaxation and access to entertainment. Special rates and minimum stay requirements (e.g., weekly rentals for the main house during peak season, 3-night minimum for certain off-peak periods) are communicated to potential guests, encouraging direct bookings via phone (+1 603-293-1111) for the best rates and availability. The Inn At Smith Cove promises a truly memorable "home-away-from-home" experience on Lake Winnipesaukee.