A New Hampshire Lakefront Estate Hotel Aims For Five Stars

Forbes

18-06-2025

The Lake Estate on Winnisqaum
The Lake Estate on Winnisqaum
New Hampshire is renowned for its majestic White Mountains, a sandy seacoast, and the Lakes Region, which gave birth to the beloved film On Golden Pond. While the northern New England state has plenty of resorts, inns, and hotels, it has always lacked a bona fide luxury accommodation befitting its natural splendor.
That may be about to change with the August opening of The Lake Estate on Winnisquam, a brand new 114-room luxury resort & spa in the heart of New Hampshire's Lakes Region. The resort is situated in Tilton, a classic New England town on Lake Winnisquam, the state's fourth-largest lake, which is located near its more famous brethren, Lake Winnipesaukee.
While the Lakes Region, located south of the White Mountains and approximately 90 minutes north of Boston, has long been a popular summer vacation destination, prime real estate on the most desirable lakes has traditionally been the domain of wealthy summer residents. In this case, the owners have secured an ideal location on 36 acres with 3,400 linear feet of private shoreline along Lake Winnisquam.
The Lobby Lounge at The Lake Estate on Winnisqaum.
The Lake Estate on Winnisqaum.
The resort has been modeled after a private estate and inspired by New Hampshire's 19th-century grand hotels. The stated aim is to become the state's first Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond property. When that happens remains to be seen, but it's safe to say that this is New England's most anticipated hotel opening of the season.
There are 96 guestrooms and 18 suites, situated in a new 150,000-square-foot building of stone and cedar shingles, reminiscent of the grand lake estates of a century ago. More than 70 percent of the rooms, which are decorated in soothing blues and greens for their calming effect, will have a water view. Throughout the hotel, a private collection of 19th and 20th-century American paintings, objects, and crafts will be on display.
Suite at The Lake Estate on Winnisqaum.
The Lake Estate on Winnisqaum.
The property will have two private beaches, an outdoor infinity pool, two hot tubs, a tennis court, and four pickleball courts. The Spa is a 5,000-square-foot full-service facility for both resort guests and day spa visitors, offering a comprehensive menu of massages, facials, body treatments, and wellness therapies featuring minerals and botanicals from the local landscape. The Spa will feature eight treatment rooms, dry saunas, two relaxation lounges with a double-sided fireplace overlooking the orchard, an additional 1,500 square-foot terrace with a year-round outdoor heated mineral spa, a meditation garden, and a dedicated spa fire pit.
Chef Chris Viaud, Director of Culinary Arts.The Lake Estate on Winnisquam
ERIN MCGINN
Two-time James Beard Foundation Award nominee and Bravo TV Top Chef alum Chef Chris Viaud has been picked as the Director of Culinary Arts, overseeing The Restaurant and the poolside Folly Bar.
The property will feature amenities that have traditionally been hard to come by in New Hampshire hotels, such as a wine cellar, a beachside bourbon bar, and a library that houses a grand piano. Lakeside diversions will include a small fleet of kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards, on a body of water the owners refer to as 'Lake Winnipesaukee's calmer cousin.'
The architects are Samyn-D'Elia Architects of Holderness, New Hampshire, with interior design by Manuel de Santaren, Inc. of Boston.
What's unusual about this ambitious project is that it involves no hotel chains, management companies, or investment companies. The Lake Estate on Winnisquam is funded and will be managed by New Hampshire residents. Ed and Patti Rocco are the respective General Manager and Estate Manager, both long-time veterans of the hospitality industry. The primary investors are New Hampshire natives Dan and Elaine Dagesse.
The Lake Estate on Winnisquam is aiming for the stars – and the diamonds –with graciousness, luxury, and high design. Only time will tell if they reach that lofty goal.