Whether you’re rounding up friends for your annual ski trip or organizing a family reunion during peak foliage season, New Hampshire is the ideal destination for a big group getaway. But for a group this size, a hotel just doesn’t cut it. You’ll pay more, end up scattered across multiple rooms, and still have nowhere to actually spend time together. A vacation rental, on the other hand, offers the perfect mix of togetherness and personal space.
The right rental gives you the best of both worlds: plenty of space to gather, plus enough bedrooms to sneak away for some quiet time. With fully equipped kitchens, you can skip eating out for every meal, and not have to deal with the drama of making a reservation for a table for ten.
With thousands of vacation rentals across New Hampshire, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. So we did the hard part for you. We narrowed it down to three standout stays perfect for big groups, each packed with space, character, and classic New England charm—plus unbelievable amenities like a private saltwater pool or baby grand piano. You can stay in a hilltop retreat once owned by Robert Frost, a grand home with Bretton Mountain slope views, or a historic cottage set on a sprawling 1,400-acre Gilded Age estate. Even better? All three are dog-friendly, because no great family vacation should leave anyone behind.
The Gingerbread House, Bretton Woods
If you’ve ever driven through Bretton Woods, you’ve probably spotted the iconic Gingerbread House and wondered what lucky person lives there. Well, for a limited time, it could be you. This eye-catching house sits above Fabyan’s Station restaurant and is available for rent. Originally owned by a member of the Marsh family (the masterminds behind the Mount Washington Cog Railway), today you can watch a different train, the vintage Conway Scenic Railway, roll past from your spacious outdoor deck.
Ideal for large groups, the Gingerbread House has multiple communal spaces and five bedrooms. On the main level, you’ll find a living room with views of Bretton Woods’ ski slopes, a wet bar (for après-ski drinks, of course), a king bedroom, a twin-over-twin bunk room, and a bathroom with a walk-in shower.
Upstairs, two wings offer privacy without feeling isolated. One wing includes a fully equipped kitchen, dining area with seating for eight, breakfast bar for seven, queen bedroom, twin bedroom, and a bathroom. A deck off the kitchen has a picnic table and grill for warmer months, and overlooks the slopes. The North wing has another full bedroom and a small bathroom with a shower. Just a two-minute drive from Bretton Woods, it’s a no-brainer for your next ski escape.
The Holden Frost House, Franconia
Ever driven by one of the long, winding private drives you see in the White Mountains and wondered what’s at the top? In this case, it’s your own private getaway, the Holden Frost House.
Built in 1919 by poet and editor Raymond P. Holden on land purchased from Robert Frost, this grand estate feels more like a boutique hotel than a vacation rental. Modern conveniences meet historic charm here, with EV charging, air conditioning, high-speed Wi-Fi, Amazon TVs, and even an Xbox One. The views alone could inspire a sonnet (or at least a dramatic Instagram post) as practically every window in the house overlooks the White Mountains.
The house’s Great Room has soaring timber ceilings, a working baby grand piano, and a pellet stove that practically begs you to curl up with a book or an overambitious novel-writing attempt. There’s a sunroom-turned-game-room for less serious pursuits, a bright, fully updated kitchen that somehow makes group cooking fun, and a dining table perfectly positioned in front of a picture window to gather around.
Outside, you’ll find your very own saltwater pool, hot tub, fire pit, and porch swing overlooking the mountains.
The Rocks Gardener’s Cottage, Bethlehem
For those craving solitude or just a really scenic place to hide from the world, the Rock’s Gardener’s Cottage offers the perfect escape from it all. Set within The Rocks, a 1,400-acre historic estate in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, the property was once the summer home of John Jacob Glessner, co-founder of International Harvester. Today, it’s preserved by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests, and draws visitors who come from far away for its Olmsted-designed gardens (yes, the same designer behind Central Park and Golden Gate Park), outdoor amphitheater, and sweeping scenic views.
The Gardener’s Cottage is cozy but fully equipped, with a living room, modern kitchen, and three bedrooms upstairs. Contemporary amenities like air conditioning, new kitchen appliances, and a spacious laundry room ensure a comfortable stay. Right outside your door, you’ll find miles of trails, along with seasonal activities like maple tapping, syrup tasting, and Christmas tree cutting.
And for true crime fans, here’s a fun fact: the estate was also home to Frances Glessner Lee, nicknamed the “mother of forensic science,” for her meticulously detailed miniature crime scene dioramas used to train investigators.
