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Lakefront all-season beauty and fun!

Photo gallery for Lakefront all-season beauty and fun!

Exterior
Living Room
Living area
Our dog Sunny loves it here :)... So will yours!
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
  • Laundry

Explore the area

Map
Jaffrey, NH
  • Shattuck Golf Course
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Monadnock State Park
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Franklin Pierce University
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Keene, NH (EEN-Dillant-Hopkins)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Lakefront all-season beauty and fun!

This 1939 cabin has all the woodsy charm you're looking for and more. Two bedrooms, large living room with skylight, woodburning stove in a beautiful stone fireplace, and a wraparound deck with peaceful, pristine Thorndike Pond sparkling right across the well-maintained dirt road. The property is on 2.7 acres of woods next to Blaine State Forest.
Our private lakefront offers a stunning view of Mt. Monadnock, a dock, firepit, swimming or kayaking in summer and cross country skiing in winter. It has a bunkhouse that sleeps two more guests in summer, attached to a wood-burning sauna that's great for any time of year! Fifteen minutes from all the stores, restaurants, culture and charm of Peterborough. The best fireworks anywhere, best farm animals at Friendly Farm, great hike up Monadnock, glorious fall foliage, family skiing at nearby Crotched Mountain, hay and sleigh rides at Silver Ranch, professional summer theater at the Peterborough Players, ice cream at Kimball's... the perfect, mellow vacation spot for a family or small group in any season.

Property manager

Sarah Durkee

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Laundry
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Flexible check-in available (contact host in advance of arrival)
Minimum age to rent: 28
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Kids are very welcome!
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Sorry, no cats. Dog crate provided on request.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
NO smoking is allowed anywhere on the property.
Please be aware that this is not a 100% childproofed home. Close adult supervision is required for water safety, fireplaces, swings, bunkbeds, etc.
Note: This is a sweet house in the deep woods, which means occasional critters might visit. If you love this about it, we love YOU too :).

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Jaffrey

Located in Jaffrey, this cabin is in a rural area and on a lake. Jaffrey Civic Center and Peterborough Town House are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Monadnock State Park and Monadnock Reservation. Friendly Farm and Ava Marie Handmade Chocolates are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Jaffrey, NH

What's nearby

  • Shattuck Golf Course - 7 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Monadnock State Park - 7 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Franklin Pierce University - 16 min drive - 11.8 km
  • Friendly Farm - 18 min drive - 10.4 km
  • Keene State College - 32 min drive - 28.3 km

Getting around

  • Nashua, NH (ASH-Nashua Municipal) - 57 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Dublin Taproom & Eatery - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Kimball Farm - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Mi Jalisco - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Grappelli's Pizza Co. - ‬21 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lakefront all-season beauty and fun! pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-out at Lakefront all-season beauty and fun!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lakefront all-season beauty and fun! located?

Situated on a lake, this cabin is within 3 miles (5 km) of Monadnock State Park, Monadnock Reservation and Shattuck Golf Course. Jaffrey Civic Center and Contoocook River are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Caryn Hubbard W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best vacation place

Always such a wonderful place to stay. Our family just loves our time there.
Stayed 16 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vee & Mike D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Thorndike Pond

We had a wonderful time. Cabin is quaint. The pond is absolutely gorgeous. Surrounding area is beautiful with lots of antiques shops. Would definitely come back again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rachel C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Our Favorite Place

Our third summer staying at Paul and Sarah's, and it just keeps getting better and better. It's beautiful, it's comfortable, it's peaceful. It's pure magic. Thank you so much!!!!!
Stayed 12 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Home and area!

My family of five had a wonderful week. Loved the rustic feel! We were welcomed with beautiful flowers and well stocked food and essentials. The beach was awesome with a gorgeous view of the mountain. Kayaking was our favorite. We took trips to nearby Keene and Peterborough did some shopping and had lunch. Thank you, Sarah and Paul, for a wonderful vacation! Regards, Liz
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Caryn Hubbard W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous vacation at this beautiful lakeside cottage.

Great experience.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jane C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another great week in Nh!

This a rustic little cabin with it's own private and lovely beach, with a view of Mount Monadnock. If you are looking for a quiet and rejuvenating weekend in the woods of Nh, but near good restaurants, this is the place. We loved it!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Caryn Hubbard W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Vacation!

Such a fun house and so nice to return to my roots. Just wish it could have lasted a bit longer. Thank you!!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

William E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful vacation on Thorndike Pond

We had a great time staying at this log cabin on Thorndike Pond. The cabin is very cozy and had everything we needed. Our family enjoyed kayaking, fishing and swimming every day. It is very quiet on the lake with the call of the loons during the day and the owls at night. The view of Mount Monadnock is stunning. Thank you for sharing your cabin with us!
Stayed 17 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janus L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Dream Location

My husband and I had a restful time at Sarah and Paul's cottage. The view from the waterfront of Mount Monadnock is amazing. We saw a bald eagle soaring overhead, a family of loons teaching the young to fish, and young raccoons eating blueberries by the water. The cottage is rustic and comfortable. We enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 19 nights in Aug 2019

6/10 Okay

Victoria M., Brookline NH

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Inflatables at the Beachfront Great for the Kids!

We had a lovely long weekend on Thorndike Pond. The Pond is a hidden gem in southwest NH. This location of off the beaten path in a peaceful & quiet setting! Great place to relax & recharge. Sarah & Paul were wonderful Hosts who answered all & any questions about the property!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Caryn Hubbard W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best getaway

3rd year renting from Sarah and Paul. Love the location and everything about the place. Sarah and Paul are so responsive to any questions and always a pleasure to know you can reach out to them about anything. I will be returning 😀
Stayed 16 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Caryn Hubbard W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best lake vacation!

Great vacation. Sarah was wonderful in answering any questions. This is a lovely , quaint , cottage and all my guests that visited just love the peace and quiet along with being on Thorndike Pond. Couldn’t ask for a better place to relax and enjoy life! This was my 4th year renting. Already booked for 2023!!
Stayed 16 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Caryn Hubbard W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfection!

My fifth summer here and always such a relaxing and fun time. My whole family loves to visit and we even have our own kayaks just for this vacation. The new dock is great and kids love fishing from it. Fun to see the various lake wildlife such as the loons and baby ducks, and some turtles. Sarah and Paul are fantastic to respond to any questions. Already booked for 2024!!
Stayed 17 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rachel C., Keene, NH

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The Perfect Week

There aren't enough words to describe how lovely our stay was. We explored Thorndike Pond and looked at the mountain every day, saw loons and even a bald eagle, swam, kayaked, and just stared at the beautiful view. The cove where the beach is located is so peaceful and perfect for the many hours we spent reading by the water. The dock is a particularly magical spot. The cabin was lovely. We love the traditional feel and how shady and cool it is. I wish I had spent more time in the hammock!! Sarah was incredibly communicative and clear leading up to our stay and gave us total privacy during. They supplied everything we needed in terms of linens and towels, and even some extra things like bandaids and extra sunscreen! Thanks so much!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dre D.

Perfect vacation for us!

Our time at Sarah’s cottage was just so lovely. The cottage was just what we wanted, cozy and warm. It’s location on Thorndike Pond was perfect for kayaking and hanging out by the water’s edge. We loved the wood fired sauna contrasted with the September chill of the lake water. My husband actually dove in! We made multiple trips from the sauna to the water and back again, so renewing! Our dog Wren loved her vacation too. She waded around the water’s edge and we walked every day along Thorndike Pond Rd and other nearby locations. Sarah was so helpful and responsive, answering my questions with mirth and humor. Plus, in response to 2 questions about supplies at the cottage, she generously provided them. Thank you Sarah, I hope we’ll be back!!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Janus L.

Spectacular sunsets at the beach over Mount Monadnock!

My husband and I enjoyed three weeks at the cottage with our children and granddaughters visiting during our stay. The lake was gradual and safe for our grands. The bunkhouse was a nice asset to have at the beach. The nights were filled with quiet and the occasional call of a barred owl. We spent our days kayaking, motoring on the pond, swimming and floating. The road was perfect for running/walking and we discovered it was 5 miles around the pond. My husband and youngest daughter hiked Mt Monadnock and Pack Monadnock. The area has many great restaurants and convenient supermarkets. We have been vacationing in this area for 11 years now and still find new things to do! One morning while paddling the lake we counted the motor boats and found only 15. If you like quiet this is the place for you. We loved our time at the pond and enjoyed the tranquility.
Stayed 21 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Rachel C., Keene, NH

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another Perfect Stay

This was our second trip to this truly special spot on Thorndike Pond. What a treat. We had stunning weather most of the time, but even the few rainy days were spent well in the cozy and classic cottage. It has everything we needed. And while nearby areas were scorching, we stayed comfortably cool in the house under the shade of the massive pines, and enjoyed the pleasant breezes at the waterfront. We spent our stay staring out at the water and watching the heron and loons, and reading for hours. We took the kayaks out to the island to pick some of the most delicious blueberries ever. Almost all of our meals consisted of delicious, fresh food from nearby spots like Rosaly's farm stand. The addition of the ladder on the dock was a huge hit!! We didn't even know we were missing it last year, but it makes such a difference! This place is so peaceful that it's actually a little baffling. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jane C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Restful Week on the Pond

This spot was perfect for me this week! It is a charming cabin with the pond and beach right across the dirt road. I am from this area originally, so I knew what to expect, but this was even better than I expected. So peaceful and quiet day and night. With the wi-fi I could get my work done easily and then head out for a walk around the pond, a swim in the pond or a kayak ride exploring the perimeter. The owners were very helpful and responsive. I loved having the kayaks inflated before I got there and the logs ready in the fire pit. For most of the week I was the only guest but some family visited for one night and there was plenty of space. The temperature was in the high 80s all week, so we enjoyed sitting out on the deck for meals or down at the waterfront for a glass of wine. The enjoyment was so self-contained! My whole drive back to NC, all I could think about was this get-away and looking forward to doing it again! Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020

8/10 Good

Amy H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Casual lake cabin, cozy and charming

The property is lovely. A cabin built in the 30's retaining its true north country lake cabin feel. A fireplace insert for taking the chill off the evening, nice (recently rebuilt) deck overlooking the lake with great afternoon breezes. Gas range, firepit, wifi. No reliable cell signal (use wifi calling), no cable TV so bring your login/password info for access to your favorite stuff. Great selection of DVD movies (for adults, though) and family games. Two comfortable bedrooms (we slept like a rock) and a generous supply of linens and (especially) towels. Also a well-stocked kitchen with great pots & pans. A thoughtfully selected collection of tea, pancake/waffle mix, s'mores components, mac & cheese, etc. Great selection of inflated water toys, kayaks, and water shoes. Only negative comment: the cleanliness could be improved. Kitchen and bath fixtures were clean, but floors and walls and ceilings and windows were in need of a good once-over. Host was very caring and responsive, and felt like a friend after our visit.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen W., Alexandria, VA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Sweet, old-fashioned cabin in the woods

Tucked in among tall trees, on a small hill, is this charming, cozy log cabin. It’s like a step back in time, except for the great WiFi and streaming TV. The beds were comfortable, the towels were fluffy, and the owner had filled it with lots of thoughtful touches – like ponchos and umbrellas – that came in handy during some of the rainy days. Drawers filled with anything you might have forgotten (shampoo, bug spray, sunscreen, beach towels). There was also delicious coffee and an assortment of teas and the makings for s’mores and kitchen necessities. It’s only a few minutes walk across the quiet dirt road to the beach and the lake, with a shed full of every possible water toy. We even took naps in the bunkhouse on the days where we stayed by the lake. While there is no AC in the house, we stayed cool even on warm days with a fan and shady trees. The house is wonderfully quiet, too, as is the entire neighborhood. One note: the stone “steps” leading to the house are uneven and there’s no handrail, which might be a challenge for someone with limited mobility. We loved it, and can’t wait to go back! The perfect Lakeside vacation!
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy camp in picturesque location

This camp was exactly what we were looking for. I loved the nostalgic/retro feel. The owners were very thoughtful in everything they provided which was more than we expected, we loved that our dog was welcomed there, and they had a helpful folder of things to do nearby. Extra linens and other things visitors might need were nearly organized. The cabin had enough comforts of home including comfy beds, wifi and roku, but maintained the feeling of getting away from it all. We were surrounded by nature and saw so many cool critters. Amazing views from the new deck and shore, close to hiking. We spent a lot of time lounging and kayaking on the water. It felt very private with few neighbors around. Our only negative comment is that we think the people who rented before us were a little less careful than us with some things around the cabin than we were, and we worry about being held accountable for their damages. Both doors need minor repairs, as does a chair and shower panel. So we needed to be extra careful entering and exiting the cabin as to not damage the doors further, and just avoided the chair and shower panel. We'd love to stay again and are so grateful for this week to relax as a family (including our dog).
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Summer Vacation!

We were guests at a wedding in Nashua, but decided to stay somewhere we could also spend some vacation time as a family. We stayed for 8 nights, and could have definitely stayed longer. The cabin itself is a charming, unrestored but lovingly maintained mid-century log cabin. It’s a true gem— comfortable, homey, and full of warm wood and authentic touches, but with modern amenities as well. TV and WiFi are available, though we spent most of our time unplugged. Sarah and Paul thought of everything when stocking the cabin. When We needed to iron a shirt, there was an iron. There were toiletry items, appliances, some basic food staples, kayaks and water toys in the bunkhouse, water shoes, and more. The gas grill on the wraparound deck is perfect for easy summer meals. The lake was the highlight of our stay. It’s quiet and peaceful, without a lot of loud motorized watercraft, and the view is fantastic. The water is clear, cool in the summer, great for kayaking, canoeing and swimming. Our dog retrieved balls from the lake all week, and our son explored the lake in a kayak. We had fires in the fire pit at sunset and made s’mores. The bunkhouse was perfect as a home base at the lake. Communication with Sarah and Paul was easy, prompt and courteous. We had no major issues during our stay, but appreciated knowing we were taken care of if anything came up. The location itself is a refreshing getaway from city/suburban life, but within an hour of Nashua and Manchester if you want mall and big box shopping. Brattleboro, VT is also within an hour. We loved Kimball Farm and hiked both Mount Monadnock and Pack Monadnock. If we had stayed longer, we may have taken some daytrips into Boston (2 hours) or even the White Mountains (2-3 hours). All in all, we had a great stay!
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Cathleen B., Cos Cob, CT, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Classic NH Camp Experience on "Golden" Thorndike Pond

Great location on a secluded, quiet lake, yet 10 minutes to town for restaurants, shopping/ice cream. Property was spotlessly clean and well stocked with the basics. NH Camps are unique - a back to the 50's family vacation. The owners made sure we had plenty of games to play each night, and some fun DVDs. But honestly, TV was the last thing we wanted to do. We brought our own lake toys (two inflatable kayaks were also provided). Paddleboarding each morning and each night at sunset was fantastic. There is a small island managed by the Nature Conservancy that makes for a fun destination. Also, you can walk around the lake - about 5.5 miles. Oh, and Mt. Mondadnock is just about 2 miles away. Everyone on the lake was very friendly. The only power boat we saw was a couple that took a 5mph cocktail cruise each night! Otters, Loons, Great Blue Herons etc. Great, relaxing getaway at the end of the summer. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Scott G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful and peaceful getaway

Amazing setting. Great area with dock and bunk house on the water across a well maintained dirt road from the cottage. Well equipped kitchen. Very comfortable large living room with wood burning stove for cool evenings. Close to Jaffrey and Peterborough. Kitchen and bath a little outdated, but functional. Overall if was homey and comfortable and the getaway we were looking for. Although we didn’t need anything from the hosts, Sarah and Paul, they offered assistance if necessary and I have no doubt they would accommodate anything we needed.

10/10 Excellent

wendy r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just beautiful!

Incredible experience from start to finish! Sarah and Paul, the most gracious hosts.. the views, the cozy home.. we could not have asked for anything more .. it was all included! Can’t wait to return!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

About the host

Hosted by Sarah Durkee

Host profile image
My husband and I have been songwriters for children's television for many years. Early in our career, we started writing songs for musicals at Andy's Summer Playhouse in nearby Wilton. When we first went up there from our NYC life and laid eyes on the then-unoccupied little house on Thorndike Pond Road, it was love at first sight! We've been going up there with our two kids since they were babies. They're now young adults, and they still love it as much as we do. Maybe someday they'll be catching frogs there with their kids, too :).




Why they chose this property

There's something about the house that has a lot of soul! It was built in 1939, an era when so many families were building places where they did all the work themselves. We love every decision they made, the way it sits high on the property, the woodwork and rafters and wrought iron hinges, the stone hearth with its funny vintage "Heater-ator" vents, the cute masonite wallboard in the kitchen and bath... even the wallpaper is still the original.
I guess you could say we think a house's character and imperfection is what makes it perfect!
We are also so appreciative of the people who work to make sure Thorndike stays clean and peaceful. Being able to hear loons, not jet skis, is such a wonderful experience. We hope every visitor will feel the same total relaxation in that natural setting, surrounded by those sweet-smelling, majestic pine trees.
For us, the Jaffrey/Peterborough area is the perfect balance of woodsy getaway and a great community! The arts, music, theater and history are all there, along with great food and active outdoor fun, tucked away in some of the prettiest countryside in New England. And when you need the shopping and amenities of malls or a terrific small city, the big box stores and Keene are just a short drive away.

What makes this property unique

The view of Mount Monadnock is so gorgeous in all seasons! And we love how our spot gets the very last of the sun going down behind it every day.

Last but not least... the bunkhouse might be my favorite thing. It's so homey, it inspires fun fantasies of actually living in it :), wood smoke curling from the little chimney, snow falling outside.

Languages:

English