Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
This vacation home offers space for 10 guests with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It includes 1 hot tub and features a patio. Enjoy lake views while engaging in nearby activities like hiking, biking, and water sports. Families will appreciate the proximity to Squam Lake and Waukewan Golf Club.
Highlights
Scenic water view
Relax and unwind with top-rated water views, offering a scenic experience.
Arcade/game room
A rare find - fun for all ages with on-site arcade/game room.
Modern Squam Lake Retreat: A 2026 VRBO Vacation Rental of the Year
Nestled among pines in a quiet cove, this lakeside home blends luxury with nature. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning views of Squam Lake and the surrounding mountains — the scenery becomes part of every room
The Setting
One of the quietest coves on the lake, with minimal boat traffic, a private hot tub overlooking the water, and a private dock for swimming, fishing, or launching a boat. Center Harbor is 10 minutes away; Meredith is 15.
On the Water
Swim, kayak, or paddleboard right from your dock — kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are included. The calm, clear water is ideal for all ages.
On Land
Dozens of hiking trails nearby, from the peak of Mount Morgan to easy lakeside walks. Nearby towns offer dining, outdoor markets, and seasonal festivals.
The Home
A spacious, open floor plan comfortably accommodates multigenerational groups. The kitchen features a double oven, gas stove, and generous prep space. Inside, gather around the fireplace; outside, dine on the deck, unwind by the fire pit, or soak in the hot tub under the stars.
Amenities
Air conditioning, free WiFi, smart TV, high-end kitchen appliances, private hot tub, private dock, kayaks and paddleboards, washer and dryer, outdoor deck, fire pit, and ample parking.
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Central Escape is a spacious Lakes Region retreat just 5 minutes from downtown Meredith, less than a mile to Squam Lake and 20 minutes to concerts at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion. Enjoy the private year-round hot tub, fire pit, yard games!
Holderness
Central Escape is a spacious Lakes Region retreat just 5 minutes from downtown Meredith, less than a mile to Squam Lake and 20 minutes to concerts at the Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion. Enjoy the private year-round hot tub, fire pit, yard games!
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Center Harbor
Located in Center Harbor, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Lakes Gallery at Chi-Lin and Interlakes Summer Theater are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Annalee Outlet and Squam Lakes Natural Science Center. Travelling with kids? Consider Funspot Family Fun Center and Kellerhaus. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, snowboarding and skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating.
White Mountain National Forest - 22 min drive - 24.3 km
Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook - 23 min drive - 24.6 km
Loon Mountain Resort - 40 min drive - 66.6 km
Getting around
Tilton Station - 35 min drive
Laconia, NH (LCI-Laconia Municipal) - 22 min drive
Restaurants
Circle K - 9 min drive
McDonald's - 11 min drive
The Bob House and The reel n Tavern - 11 min drive
Cumberland Farms - 8 min drive
Dunkin' - 7 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Modern Squam Lake Retreat: A 2026 VRBO Vacation Rental of the Year pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Modern Squam Lake Retreat: A 2026 VRBO Vacation Rental of the Year?
As of 27 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Modern Squam Lake Retreat: A 2026 VRBO Vacation Rental of the Year on 30 Nov 2026 start from AU$4,145, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Modern Squam Lake Retreat: A 2026 VRBO Vacation Rental of the Year?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Modern Squam Lake Retreat: A 2026 VRBO Vacation Rental of the Year?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Modern Squam Lake Retreat: A 2026 VRBO Vacation Rental of the Year?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Modern Squam Lake Retreat: A 2026 VRBO Vacation Rental of the Year located?
This family-friendly Center Harbor holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 3 mi (5 km) of Squam Lake and Waukewan Golf Club. Interlakes Summer Theater and Annalee Outlet are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
The Squam Lake Retreat was simply amazing! We stayed here for a family celebration and the home and surrounding amenities made the week at the house just wonderful. Highly recommend! The host is very helpful and communicates promptly and effectively. I hope we get to stay here again. Lake view is spectacular and the space brings people together great conversation and shared meals.
One of the most beautiful houses I’ve stayed at. The design is stunning, and it’s incredibly peaceful being surrounded by trees and the lake. I would highly recommend this spot for a relaxing nature getaway in New Hampshire.
We spent two wonderful and blissful August weeks at Sharon and David's lake front property. From the moment you walk in, you realize this is a special place. The architecture, furnishings, layout, and organization show a tremendous amount of thoughtfulness and care. You could tell that this was not just a rental house. It was someone's second home. It made for an incredibly relaxing and beautiful environment. The house is very well equipped with everything we needed including a canoe, kayaks, and paddle boards. We cooked many meals in the kitchen and always found what we needed in the well organized cabinets and drawers. The hot tub was warm and clean, becoming a daily event. The beds were very comfortable and there was plenty of storage space for our clothes. The wifi has excellent bandwidth. The location is ideal. It is on a quiet road at one of the quieter spots and already quiet lake. We rarely heard any noise or even voices from the neighbors. Being at the south end of the lake it is a very convenient 10 minutes from both Merideth and Center Harbor where you can find everything you need including several grocery stores, many good restaurants, and our favorite, the Moulton Farms market. Communication with the hosts (Sharon) was seamless and pleasant. We couldn't have asked for a better stay.
Excellent spot on the lake. Quiet and relaxing vacation. Comfortable home.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Aug 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the peaceful Squam setting and found the home comfortable. We’d love to welcome you back anytime for another relaxing getaway.
Easily one of our best short term rentals, and the kindest homeowners. The house is exactly as pictured, with plenty of room for our multigenerational family vacation, with folks ranging from 4 to 65. Truly a joyful stay; we hope to be back again. Owners were super responsive and very accommodating.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 July 2025
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and generous review! We’re so glad to hear the house worked well for your whole family — it means a lot to us that everyone, from age 4 to 65, felt comfortable and had a joyful stay. We’d love to welcome you back anytime!
The house was beautiful as were the surroundings. Hiking, swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, and exploring islands on the canoe were amazing! Such a special place. The hosts are very welcoming and hospitable. Great communication.
Words cannot do justice to the beauty of this home on Squam Lake. We had an amazing trip and cannot thank the hosts more for opening their home for rental.
The house was exactly as advertised; we had a fun weekend swimming, hot tubbing, grilling, and playing board games at the big dining room table. The location has a nice secluded feel but is still conveniently close to grocery stores and restaurants if needed. The owner was easy to get ahold of to answer questions.
Beautiful property. House was wonderful and well stocked and clean. Owner very responsive to questions. Kayaks, canoe, paddle boards were great. Nice calm cove. Saw a Bald Eagle and several loons from the dock and while paddling around. Very close to local amenities. Loved it.
The house was beautiful and the view of the lake was breathtaking. David and Sharon were the perfect hosts. The house had everything we needed for a wonderful and relaxing vacation.
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 29 July 2023
So glad you were able to have a restorative getaway! Squam is exactly the right place for a reset. Take care.
Our family had a wonderful stay in this beautiful home. The location was wonderful, on a quiet Squam Lake cove and only a 5 minute drive from Center Harbor. The design of the house was amazing, with communal areas being open and inviting with the best views of the lake. Bedrooms were well laid-out and accommodating. It was a real treat to stay there!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Nov 2023
Hi Bev, we're happy you enjoyed the house and the lake. Hope you have lots of good memories from you stay.
This property was better than pictured. An ideal location for us while visiting friends and family. The owners were very communicative and helpful. We are definitely coming back.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 29 July 2023
So happy to hear the property exceeded your expectations! We look forward to hosting you again.
We enjoyed this home with three generations—it was lovely. The owners were very responsive to a few minor issues. Be sure to look into either renting your own boat or hiring one out for a tour of the lake—so much beauty and history!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 29 July 2023
We love to hear when our guests have wonderful family vacations. So glad you were able to enjoy the house and the lake. We appreciate how communicative you were and how attentive you were to the house rules. Take care and hope to host you again someday.
This property is truly fantastic! Our family visited during the winter holidays and we absolutely plan to go back during the summer. The views are incredible and the house is amazing. Wonderful family vacation! Homeowners are delightful hosts!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 29 July 2023
Thank you so much for this nice review. The house and lake are both pretty special in the winter. Hope to host you again on your next trip back to NH.
About the host
Hosted by David Rose
I'm an author and product designer.
Why they chose this property
The home and its location is remarkable. It features 270-degree views of the water and expanses of glass that let the outside in.
What makes this property unique
Our cove is quiet and peaceful with clear water for swimming. There's some motorboat traffic, but mostly just canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and quiet fishing boats. There's little traffic on the road leading to the property. There are many places to eat and shop for groceries in nearby Center Harbor and Meredith.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests