A Trophy Property—An Extremely Rare Offering
Grand, historic properties like this White Mountain Estate rarely appear on the market. The historically renowned property has enjoyed only three owners in its 150+ year history. The Bemis Cottage Estate represents one of the very few residential properties sited within the protected one million acre White Mountains National Forest, forever ensuring protected vistas. With its unique attributes, The Bemis Cottage Estate provides unparalleled opportunities for the individual, family, or astute investor.
Setting: A Tranquil Mountain Idyll
The 130 acre, grand, historic Bemis Cottage Estate provides a self-contained world of its own: the grounds feature resplendent perennial gardens, a tranquil pond, mature pines bordered by forested mountain scenery, and the gorgeous Saco River. This estate is located in Crawford Notch, amid the spectacular scenery of New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
All this—and just three hours to Boston.
Details: Rustic Elegance
Offering 11,000 sq. ft. of rustic elegance, the Main Residence features multiple Gathering Areas: a Gustav Stickley Arts & Crafts parlor, a music room, a library/tea room, a conservatory, a restored tavern-style historic dining hall, and a commercial kitchen with butler’s pantry. An elegant, Old-World style central foyer with a sweeping balustrade leads to eleven architecturally eclectic Master Ensuites with fireplaces—several with sitting rooms, spa baths, & balconies, all overlooking the panorama of the White Mountains.
History of Property: The Bemis Cottage
Mountaineer & Renaissance man (real estate entrepreneur, dentist, horticulturalist, educator, natural scientist, and pioneer in American landscape daguerreotype photography), Dr. Samuel Bemis purchased thousands of acres from Abel Crawford along Crawford Notch in the White Mountains, ultimately deciding, in 1856, to create a mountain idyll—a world of its own—as his permanent residence.
For design ideas, Dr. Bemis traveled to England, as well as consulted various published images of English country manors, both medieval and representative of the burgeoning Gothic inspired, English Arts & Crafts style. From these exemplars, Dr. Bemis designed and constructed his mountain estate, from wood milled and granite quarried from his own property. He oversaw the construction details and supervised the building of his residence—the twenty-room, multi-gabled stone manor, known affectionately as The Bemis Cottage—along with an English barn, a schoolhouse for local children, and other farm outbuildings.
The Bemis Cottage reigns supreme as one of the premier examples of the renowned “Cottages of the White Mountains,” (authored by Bryant F. Tolles, Jr. in 2000) that have made the region famous for its superlative architecture. Several unique architectural features of The Bemis Cottage contribute to its charm and grandeur: granite slabs & pillars; old-growth wood used for beams, woodwork, & cabinetry; eleven brick chimneys; a Gustav Stickley designed Arts&Crafts parlor, featuring original lighting, fireplace, & woodwork; a hidden ‘ghost-walk’, and the salvaged & restored Mount Crawford Hotel Tavern, now serving as a spacious Dining Hall.
This White Mountain Estate has operated in several capacities, including as a mountain estate, a family compound, and as an inn. While much of the original lands ultimately formed part of the White Mountain National Forest, The Bemis Cottage Estate retains a vast holding of 130 privately sited acres of mature forest, mountains, and pristine river frontage.
A charming Mountain Idyll.
Property Details
Overview
Surroundings
Interior
Ensuites
Surroundings: Nature’s Playground
The Bemis Cottage Estate is located among the state’s most favored recreation: enjoy hiking the Whites, including several trails on the property, or to the summit of Mt. Washington; kayaking in mountain lakes and rivers, including the Saco River that borders the property; golfing or skiing at neighboring resorts, including the historically renowned Mt. Washington Hotel & Bretton Woods; tour along with two scenic railways through the mountains, or enjoy theater and concerts, hosted by area repertory companies and musical ensembles.
Whatever your interests, you are sure to enjoy them here!
Skiing:
http://www.brettonwoods.com/
http://www.cannonmt.com/
https://www.attitash.com/
http://www.cranmore.com
http://www.timefortuckerman.com/
Kayaking:
http://www.nhtourguide.com/things_to_do_nh/canoeing_kayaking.htm
Hiking/Climbing:
http://www.visitwhitemountains.com
http://www.outdoors.org/lodging-camping/lodges/highland/
http://www.northconwaynh.com/echo-lake-state-park/
Golfing:
http://www.mtwashingtonvalley.org
http://www.brettonwoods.com/activities/golf/overview
http://www.maplewoodgolfresort.com/
http://www.mountwashington.org/
Theatre & Music:
http://www.wvtheatreplayersnh.org/
http://www.jeansplayhouse.com
http://www.barnstormerstheatre.org
http://www.mountaintopmusic.org
Railways & Tours:
http://www.thecog.com/
http://www.conwayscenic.com/
http://www.mtwashingtonautoroad.com
The Bemis Cottage: 1860 White Mountain Estate 