All in the family

Cottage Place on Squam a mother-daughter venture. By AMY RAY

Six years ago Beverly Smith’s daughter asked, “What would you think about running a motel and cottages?” Beverly, who had recently retired, replied that she hadn’t ever thought about it.

Now Beverly and Susan Smith own and operate The Cottage Place on Squam Lake – a property containing eight cottages and eight cottage suites on the shores of Little Squam Lake in Holderness.

Going into business together wasn’t such a leap for the pair. They had been coworkers at Plymouth State University and had often talked about running a business together.

“We get along really well,” Beverly said. “We respect each other’s opinions.”

To recapture the feel the cottages had when they were first built 50 years ago, the mother-daughter team has had a lot of restoration and renovation work done to the property. They did as much of the work as they could themselves.

“The more we put into it, the more proud we felt,” Beverly said.

The work has been extensive inside and out – new roofing and heating, restored fireplaces, fresh paint, renovated bathrooms, a new stone wall and restored grounds.

“We uncovered flower beds buried under leaves that have beautiful flowers,” Beverly said.

The fun came from giving each cottage or cottage suite its own unique décor with country flair.

“We love auctions,” Beverly said enthusiastically. They have been able to find authentic furniture, artwork and quilts to help make their guests feel at home.

Pine-scented breezes, the sun sparkling off clear lake water and a melody of loon calls greet guests when they visit The Cottage Place. Squam Lake’s unspoiled beauty was the backdrop for the Academy Award-winning film “On Golden Pond.”

With so much to do, the guests are naturally drawn outdoors. The Cottage Place sits across the street from a 140-foot beach that is perfect for swimming.

“The lake is pristine; so clear that you can see the bottom,” Beverly said. With a large dock available, visitors can bring their own boats to explore the lake or to go fishing. Kayak and boat rentals are also offered.

Guests aren’t the only ones to visit The Cottage Place. “Loons nest here every year,” Beverly said. “They walk around on the dock.” There is also an eagle’s nest by the big lake and the eagle has been spotted flying overhead. “The nest is huge,” she said.

Stays at The Cottage Place usually run from Saturday to Saturday during July and August. Call 968-7116 or visit www.cottageplaceonsquam.com for more information.

Amy Ray is a freelance writer who lives in Rye.