Historic 1811 House: Character, Income, and Mountain Freedom - Home Stories

Historic 1811 House: Character, Income, and Mountain Freedom - Home Stories

The Story Behind

Historic 1811 House: Character, Income, and Mountain Freedom

There are homes that simply shelter, and then there are homes that hold history in their bones. The 1811 House belongs unmistakably to the latter category. Linked to the celebrated Adair Country Inn & Restaurant estate — a landmark of White Mountains hospitality — this property carries more than two centuries of New England character forward into a thoroughly considered present.

Step through the red front door and the narrative reveals itself immediately. Exposed timber ceiling beams, worn to a warm honey tone by generations of seasons, span the gathering spaces with quiet authority. Wide-plank hardwood floors ground each room in authenticity, while two brick fireplaces — one anchoring the living room, one lending warmth to the primary suite — provide the kind of focal points that no designer can manufacture from scratch. They must simply be inherited.

The main living level functions as a complete and gracious home in its own right. Four bedrooms and four bathrooms are arranged across a thoughtful floor plan that balances privacy with connection. The first-floor primary suite is a particular revelation: vaulted ceilings soar overhead, glass doors open directly to the outdoors, and a soaking tub offers a moment of genuine retreat. The bedroom itself is generous enough to accommodate a sitting area, and the brick fireplace ensures that even the coldest February evening feels resolutely civilized.

The updated kitchen speaks to how carefully this renovation was considered. White cabinetry, light stone countertops, stainless steel appliances, and dark-trimmed windows compose a space that is simultaneously practical and visually engaging — a kitchen that serves a family breakfast as comfortably as it supports a dinner party. The adjacent dining room, with its wood-planked ceiling, exposed beams, and long harvest table surrounded by spindle-back chairs, reinforces the home's ethos: warmth without pretension.

Upstairs, a fully self-contained apartment with its own entrance, kitchen, living room, and three bedrooms operates as an entirely independent residence. Currently tenant-occupied and generating income from day one, this suite represents the property's most compelling financial dimension. The layout is genuinely flexible — equally suited to extended family, long-term tenants, or short-term guests seeking a mountain base.

Recent capital improvements have addressed the fundamentals with the same seriousness applied to the aesthetics: a new septic system, new roof, new furnace, and extensive flooring updates ensure that the considerable charm of this home is matched by equally sound infrastructure. The heavy lifting, as they say, is done.

Outside, a handsome stone patio extends the living space toward a level, expansive lawn and a historic apple orchard — part of a landscape legacy attributed to the Olmsted family, whose influence on American outdoor spaces remains without peer. Gentle northerly views complete the picture, offering a reminder, each morning, of exactly where you are.

Bethlehem, New Hampshire occupies a particular place in the American imagination — one that predates the age of ski resorts and interstate highways by more than a century. Perched at roughly 1,400 feet in elevation along the northern edge of the White Mountains, the town earned its earliest fame not for winter recreation but for the singular quality of its summer air. Throughout the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Bethlehem was one of the most fashionable resort destinations in the Northeast, drawing hay fever sufferers, society families, and discerning travelers to its grand hotels and sprawling cottage estates. At its peak, the town hosted more than thirty hotels. That heritage of refined leisure is still legible in the village's architecture, its wide main street, and the unhurried confidence of the community that remains.

Today, Bethlehem has settled into something perhaps more appealing than fleeting fame: it is a genuinely livable, culturally engaged small town with a strong sense of its own identity. The village center along Main Street supports an eclectic mix of independent restaurants, galleries, antique dealers, and working farms. The Weathervane Theatre, one of New England's longest-running professional summer theater companies, has made Bethlehem its home for decades, drawing audiences from across the region each season.

The property sits approximately two miles from the center of Littleton — Bethlehem's larger neighbor and the commercial hub of the North Country — where residents find a full complement of everyday amenities, including grocery stores, hardware suppliers, independent restaurants, and a growing creative economy. Littleton's own Main Street has been recognized nationally as one of the great small-town commercial corridors in America, a distinction that reflects both its architectural integrity and the vitality of its local businesses.

For the outdoor enthusiast, the location borders on extraordinary. Cannon Mountain, with its vertical drop of 2,180 feet and legendary Aerial Tramway, is minutes away. Franconia Notch State Park — home to Profile Lake, the Basin, and the Flume Gorge — is one of the most visited natural areas in New England and virtually at the doorstep. Bretton Woods, New Hampshire's largest ski resort and the site of the historic Mount Washington Hotel, lies under thirty minutes east via Interstate 93. Loon Mountain in Lincoln is similarly accessible. In warmer months, the White Mountain National Forest's 800,000 acres of hiking trails, rivers, and wilderness areas become the primary draw, offering everything from casual walks to technical ascents of the Presidential Range.

Interstate 93 — accessible within minutes of the property — connects Bethlehem seamlessly to the broader region, placing Manchester-Boston Regional Airport within approximately two hours and Boston itself within a three-hour drive under normal conditions. The combination of genuine historic character, four-season recreation, cultural vitality, and practical connectivity makes Bethlehem one of the most quietly compelling addresses in northern New England.

Featured Highlights

Olmsted-Attributed Grounds

Income-Producing Apartment

Two Brick Fireplaces

Turnkey Mountain Retreat

Historic Apple Orchard

Franconia Notch Access

Curated Content • Presented by Keegan Rice

Square Feet: 5,065

Bedrooms: 7

Bathrooms

Explore Every Detail

Discover the exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful design that makes 138 Guider Lane truly extraordinary.

Historic Charm & Cozy Living Spaces

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This spacious living room features exposed wooden ceiling beams and rich, warm-toned wood flooring, creating a rustic yet refined atmosphere. A brick chimney breast serves as a focal point, housing a fireplace and a television above, while two patterned armchairs and a plush gray sofa provide comfortable seating. The open-concept layout flows into an adjacent area, with a doorway leading to another room, all illuminated by soft, natural light.

This spacious living room features warm, polished wood flooring and exposed timber ceiling beams that add a rustic, historic charm to the space. The room is furnished with two dark sofas and a pair of patterned accent chairs, centered around a wooden coffee table. A prominent, weathered wooden support post stands in the foreground, while a brick fireplace surround is visible on the right, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

This inviting living room features rustic exposed wooden ceiling beams and rich, dark-toned hardwood flooring that runs throughout the space. The room is anchored by a brick chimney breast with an integrated fireplace and a television mounted above, while two patterned armchairs and a dark sofa provide comfortable seating. A large vintage-style New Hampshire poster on the wall adds a touch of local character to the warm, traditional aesthetic.

This spacious living room features warm-toned wood flooring and exposed wooden ceiling beams, creating a rustic and inviting atmosphere. The room is furnished with two dark gray sofas and a pair of patterned accent chairs, centered around a wooden coffee table. Large windows and a glass-paneled door allow for ample natural light, while framed artwork and table lamps add a personalized touch to the space.

This bright living room features a vaulted ceiling with exposed light wood beams and recessed lighting. A large, dark gray sectional sofa sits atop a patterned area rug, contrasting with the light-toned wood flooring. The space is framed by white walls and two windows that provide natural light, with an open doorway leading to an adjacent hallway.

This spacious living area features a large, dark blue sectional sofa positioned on a patterned area rug, set against a backdrop of light wood flooring and white walls. The room is defined by its unique vaulted ceiling, which showcases exposed wooden beams and recessed lighting, creating a rustic yet modern aesthetic. A secondary seating area with two armchairs and a small side table is tucked into the corner, providing a cozy nook near the windows.

This bright living room features a large, dark gray sectional sofa centered on a patterned area rug atop light-toned wood flooring. The space is defined by its vaulted ceiling with exposed light wood beams and white walls, creating an airy, rustic-modern aesthetic. Three windows provide natural light and views of the surrounding landscape, while recessed lighting adds to the clean, minimalist atmosphere.

This dining room features a rustic aesthetic with light wood flooring and a matching wood-paneled ceiling. A long wooden table is surrounded by black spindle-back chairs, positioned beneath recessed lighting. The space is framed by exposed wooden beams and includes a view into an adjacent alcove with a wooden hutch.

This dining room features a rustic aesthetic with light wood plank flooring and a matching wood-paneled ceiling. A large rectangular dining table with a natural wood top and black metal base is surrounded by six black spindle-back chairs. The space is brightened by two windows overlooking the outdoors and is framed by a prominent exposed timber post, creating an open transition into the adjacent hallway.

Renovated Kitchens & Dining Areas

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This bright kitchen features white cabinetry with glass-front upper units and light-colored countertops, providing a clean and functional workspace. A dining table with mixed-style chairs sits in the center, set against a backdrop of large windows that offer a scenic view of the outdoors. The room is defined by rustic exposed wooden ceiling beams and a transition between hardwood flooring and patterned stone-look tile.

This bright and functional kitchen features light-colored cabinetry paired with white countertops and a stainless steel appliance suite. The space is anchored by a unique, multi-toned stone-look floor and is illuminated by recessed lighting and natural light streaming through multiple windows with dark blue trim. The layout provides an efficient workspace with a central range and a corner sink area, offering a clean and well-maintained aesthetic.

This bright, open-concept kitchen features white cabinetry paired with light-toned countertops and stainless steel appliances. A dining area with a wooden table and dark chairs sits adjacent to the kitchen, creating a functional space for meals. The room is finished with patterned tile flooring and recessed lighting, offering a clean and practical layout.

This bright, well-lit kitchen features white cabinetry paired with contrasting dark blue window trim and a unique geometric patterned floor. The space is equipped with stainless steel appliances, including a gas range and a dishwasher, set against light-colored stone countertops. Large windows provide ample natural light and views of the surrounding trees, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere.

This galley-style kitchen features white cabinetry paired with light-toned stone countertops and wood-look flooring. The space is tucked under a sloped ceiling, creating a cozy, narrow layout that leads to a doorway at the far end. Stainless steel appliances, including a range and a deep sink with a high-arc faucet, provide a functional and modern aesthetic.

This bright, open-concept kitchen features white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and a central dining area with a wooden table and four chairs. The space is defined by a unique combination of dark, geometric-patterned flooring in the kitchen area and warm-toned wood flooring in the adjacent hallway, separated by a rustic exposed wooden ceiling beam. Large windows with dark frames provide ample natural light, creating an inviting and functional atmosphere.

This kitchen features white cabinetry paired with a stainless steel refrigerator and a long dining table set for several guests. The space is anchored by a distinctive stone-patterned tile floor that adds texture to the room, while a transition leads into a hallway with warm-toned wood flooring. The perspective captures the open-concept layout, highlighting the functional flow between the food preparation area and the adjacent dining space.

Spacious & Serene Primary Suites

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This spacious primary bedroom features a vaulted ceiling, light blue walls, and neutral carpeting throughout. The room is anchored by a large bed with a deep blue quilt and includes a brick fireplace with a television mounted above, a beige sofa, and a dark wood dresser. A set of stairs leads up to an exterior doorway, providing a unique architectural layout with ample natural light.

This spacious primary bedroom features a prominent four-poster wooden bed as the centerpiece, complemented by exposed wooden ceiling beams that add a rustic, historic charm. The room includes a dedicated desk area with a chair, a wooden dresser, and a nightstand, all set against neutral walls and warm-toned wood flooring. A large, light-colored area rug anchors the space, while track lighting provides adjustable illumination throughout the room.

This spacious primary bedroom features a vaulted ceiling and soft blue walls, creating a calm and airy atmosphere. The room is furnished with a large wooden bed frame, a beige sofa, and a dark wood dresser, all set against a neutral carpet. Large windows with white curtains allow natural light to brighten the space, while bedside lamps provide warm accent lighting.

This primary bedroom features rustic exposed wooden ceiling beams and warm-toned wood flooring, creating a cozy, traditional atmosphere. The room is anchored by a four-poster bed with a neutral-toned comforter, complemented by a wooden dresser topped with a television and a bedside lamp. Large windows with green curtains allow natural light to fill the space, while a patterned area rug adds texture to the room.

This spacious primary bedroom features vaulted ceilings, light blue walls, and plush carpeting throughout. A large bed with a dark wood frame serves as the focal point, flanked by two nightstands with lamps, while a brick fireplace with a stone hearth and a mounted television adds warmth to the room. The space is brightened by large windows and glass doors that provide a view of the outdoor greenery.

This spacious primary bedroom features a vaulted ceiling and a large set of glass doors that provide abundant natural light and a view of the outdoors. The room is anchored by a brick fireplace with a hearth, positioned near a set of stairs, and includes a comfortable seating area with a beige sofa. The blue walls and neutral carpeting create a calm, versatile atmosphere suitable for a primary suite.

Flexible Guest Bedrooms & Lofts

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This bedroom features a dual-bed layout with a primary bed against the back wall and a second bed in the foreground. The room is painted in a soft yellow tone and includes a small wooden desk, a nightstand with a lamp, and a built-in storage closet with a sloped door. The space is illuminated by recessed lighting and natural light from the windows, creating a cozy and functional living area.

This bedroom features a multi-bed layout with a large bed in the foreground and a twin bed positioned further back, both dressed in neutral striped bedding. The room is finished with light-toned wood flooring, soft green walls, and two windows framed by blue curtains. A vintage-style desk with a green leather top and a metal task lamp sits in the immediate foreground, adding a functional workspace element to the room.

This bedroom features warm-toned wood flooring and light-colored walls, creating a bright and inviting atmosphere. The room is furnished with a bed, a dark wood dresser topped with a television, and a desk with a black office chair, making it a versatile space for sleeping and working. Two windows with neutral curtains allow natural light to fill the room, which is accented by framed artwork on the walls.

This cozy attic bedroom features a sloped ceiling and light-toned wood flooring, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The room is furnished with a bed dressed in a white quilt, a small bedside table with a lamp, and a white storage chest at the foot of the bed. A single window provides natural light, while a white door on the left and a radiator cover on the right complete the simple, clean aesthetic.

This attic-style bedroom features a sloped ceiling and light wood flooring, creating a cozy and minimalist atmosphere. The room is furnished with a bed covered in a white comforter, a small desk with a computer setup, and a tripod floor lamp. A small access door is built into the knee wall, and the space is illuminated by natural light from a window on the left.

This cozy attic bedroom features sloped ceilings and warm-toned wood-look flooring, creating a comfortable and intimate atmosphere. The space is illuminated by a trio of windows that follow the roofline, providing natural light and views of the surrounding trees. A simple bed and a small bedside table with a lamp complete the minimalist, functional layout of this charming loft space.

This bright bedroom features a white bed frame with a textured white quilt, positioned against a wall with wainscoting. Two windows provide natural light and a view of the outdoor landscape, while a modern tripod floor lamp stands in the corner. The room is finished with light-colored walls and patterned tile flooring, creating a clean and minimalist aesthetic.

This bedroom features a neutral color palette with light-toned walls and warm-toned wood flooring. The room is anchored by a bed with a white headboard and a textured white coverlet, complemented by a dark wood dresser topped with a television. Two prominent, rustic exposed wooden support beams add architectural character, while a doorway leads to an adjacent room with a view of a window.

Well-Appointed Bathrooms & Utilities

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This image captures a view from a bathroom into an adjacent bedroom, highlighting a deep soaking tub surrounded by white subway tile. The bathroom features a classic door with vintage-style hardware, while the bedroom beyond showcases warm wood flooring and a window that brings in natural light. The perspective creates a sense of flow between the private living spaces, emphasizing the home's bright and airy atmosphere.

This spacious primary bathroom features a long vanity with ample drawer storage and a large mirror, complemented by a separate tub and shower area. The room is finished with dark, square-patterned floor tiles and white cabinetry, creating a clean and functional aesthetic. A private water closet is tucked behind a door to the right, enhancing the layout's privacy and utility.

This spacious primary bathroom features a combination tub and shower unit with white tile surround and a beige curtain. To the right, a long vanity with a single sink and a large wall-to-wall mirror provides ample counter space, while a doorway leads to a separate laundry area. The room is finished with dark, earth-toned floor tiles and recessed lighting, creating a functional and neutral aesthetic.

This well-lit bathroom features a double-sink vanity with a dark wood finish and a light-colored countertop, complemented by two framed mirrors and a four-light fixture. The space includes a toilet positioned near a window with frosted glass, and a doorway leads into an adjacent room with wood-look flooring and exposed ceiling beams. The overall aesthetic blends rustic architectural elements with functional, modern bathroom fixtures.

This bathroom features a vanity with a white sink and a warm-toned wood cabinet, complemented by a matching oval mirror and wall-mounted light fixture. The space includes a standard white toilet and a shower area partially obscured by a soft-toned curtain. The room is finished with light-colored walls and neutral flooring, creating a simple and functional atmosphere.

This view captures a compact bathroom featuring a vessel sink vanity and a tub-shower combination with light-colored patterned wall tiles. To the left, a doorway leads into a hallway with light wood flooring, revealing a glimpse of a kitchen area with a dishwasher and stone-topped counter. The space is characterized by its unique architectural angles, including a prominent exposed wooden beam, and a bright, airy atmosphere.

This clean and functional bathroom features a white vanity with a single sink, topped by a large, framed mirror and a multi-bulb light fixture. The walls are painted a soft neutral tone, complemented by light-colored tile flooring and a standard white toilet. A towel rack is mounted on the wall, and the space is accented by a small framed piece of art, creating a simple and well-maintained atmosphere.

This functional laundry room features a side-by-side washer and dryer set positioned against a wall tiled with light-colored square tiles. A wire shelving unit mounted above the appliances provides convenient storage for laundry supplies, while a white toilet is situated to the left, indicating a combined utility and bathroom space. The room is brightly lit and offers a practical, compact layout.

Spectacular Acreage & Mountain Views

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This expansive, grassy backyard offers a serene setting with two white Adirondack chairs positioned to overlook a scenic mountain range in the distance. The landscape features a mix of open lawn, mature trees, and natural brush, creating a peaceful and private atmosphere. The clear blue sky and elevated perspective emphasize the property's connection to the surrounding natural beauty.

This rear view of a multi-sectioned residential property showcases a sprawling lawn leading up to a light-colored siding exterior. The home features a mix of architectural rooflines, a prominent brick section, and multiple windows, with a pair of white Adirondack chairs placed on the grass. The perspective is a wide, eye-level shot that captures the expansive backyard and the full length of the house under a bright, clear blue sky.

This image captures a wide, eye-level view of a traditional, single-story suburban home with light-colored horizontal siding and a dark shingled roof. The house features multiple gabled dormers and a central entryway, set against a backdrop of lush green trees and rolling hills under a bright, cloudy sky. A well-maintained lawn with a blooming lilac bush in the foreground and a rustic stone wall adds to the property's charming, rural aesthetic.

A rustic, wood-sided storage shed sits prominently in the center of a grassy backyard, surrounded by a dense forest of tall, slender trees. The shed features a dark metal roof, double doors with decorative X-bracing, and two small windows, presenting a charming and functional outdoor storage solution. The scene is captured from a slightly elevated perspective, highlighting the shed's integration into the natural, wooded landscape.

This high-angle aerial view captures a rural property highlighted by a yellow boundary overlay, showcasing a house situated on a large, partially wooded lot. The landscape features a mix of open grassy areas and dense forest, with a paved road running along the edge of the property. In the distance, rolling hills and mountain ranges provide a scenic backdrop under a clear blue sky.

This aerial perspective captures a sprawling property featuring a multi-sectioned house with light-colored siding and a dark shingled roof. The home is set against a backdrop of dense, mature trees, with a large grassy lawn and a paved driveway area in the foreground. A small wooden shed sits to the left, and the overall setting offers a quiet, rural atmosphere with ample outdoor space.

This high-angle aerial perspective captures a sprawling residential property nestled within a lush, wooded landscape. The home features a multi-gabled roofline with grey shingles, a paved driveway leading to a parking area, and a private backyard with a stone patio. The surrounding grounds include expansive green lawns, mature trees, and a small outbuilding, offering a sense of seclusion and natural beauty.

This high-angle aerial view captures a sprawling, multi-sectioned home nestled within a lush, green landscape. The property features a light-colored exterior, a gray shingled roof, and a paved driveway leading to a small shed, all surrounded by dense forest and rolling hills in the distance. The perspective highlights the expansive yard and the home's integration into its quiet, rural setting.

This high-angle aerial shot captures a charming multi-sectioned home nestled within a lush, forested landscape at sunset. The property features a paved driveway leading to the house, surrounded by expansive green lawns and dense woodland that stretches toward distant, rolling mountains under a vibrant, colorful sky. The perspective provides a comprehensive view of the home's layout and its serene, secluded setting.

Twilight Aerials & Mountain Vistas

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This high-angle aerial perspective captures a rural property nestled within a vast, forested landscape under a clear blue sky. The scene highlights a single-family home with a paved driveway, surrounded by a mix of open fields and dense woodland, with distant mountain ranges providing a scenic backdrop. The composition emphasizes the expansive nature of the lot and its quiet, secluded setting.

This stunning aerial perspective captures a residential property nestled within a lush, forested landscape during a vibrant sunset. The home features a traditional architectural style with multiple rooflines, illuminated by warm interior lighting that contrasts beautifully with the twilight sky. The expansive grounds include a paved driveway, manicured lawn areas, and a stone wall, all set against a backdrop of rolling mountains.

This aerial perspective captures a charming, multi-gabled home nestled against a backdrop of rolling mountains and lush forest at twilight. The house features light-colored siding, a dark shingled roof, and warm interior lighting glowing through the windows, creating an inviting atmosphere. A paved driveway extends to the side of the property, which is surrounded by expansive green lawns and mature landscaping.

This aerial perspective captures a multi-sectioned residential property set against a vibrant, dramatic sunset sky. The home features light-colored siding, dark shingled roofs, and multiple dormer windows, with a paved driveway leading to the main entrance. A spacious green lawn extends from the house toward a dense backdrop of mature trees, creating a serene and picturesque setting.

This high-angle aerial perspective captures a sprawling rural landscape featuring a residential property nestled among dense evergreen forests and open fields. A major highway interchange winds through the background, set against a backdrop of rolling mountains under a clear sky. The scene emphasizes the property's secluded location and expansive natural surroundings, highlighting its integration into the mountainous terrain.

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