Come relax and play! Gameroom, kayaks, paddleboards, fire pit, screen porch
Just imagine arriving on the property, and you immediately feel the warmth of the sun on your face and hear the birds chirping as you first lay eyes on Locke Lake Waterfront Retreat. The trees sway in the breeze as your eye settles upon expansive sparkling views of the lake, right in the lush landscaped back yard beyond the patio. As you enter the house, you will instantly feel at home with the comfortable, modern farmhouse décor. Drop your bags, and step onto the large back deck to take in the full view of the lake, then settle in to the chaise lounge chairs with a drink and listen to the loons while someone starts dinner on the grill. After dinner, enjoy s’mores around the fire pit and listen to the music and laughter of family and friends echo across the lake. You can relax on the couch and watch a movie, or head to the game room and play board games, a rousing game of shuffleboard, or the arcade game Golden Tee, then retire to your bedrooms for a restful evening. When you wake up, you can greet the quiet morning from the screened in porch with a cup of coffee in your hand as you watch the sun rise over the lake. As everyone else awakens, you get ready to enjoy the day of nearby hiking, dock fishing, waterfront swimming, boating, and playing. There is a private dock, nearby walkable beach, boats, a fire pit, a family game room, screened in porch, well equipped kitchen, four Smart TVs, and many comfortable places to unwind at Locke Lake Waterfront Retreat! __________________________________________ -- THE PROPERTY -- 3 beds | 2.5 bathrooms | 2500 sq ft | Private dock and lake access
*FIRST FLOOR* MASTER BEDROOM: First floor master bedroom off of the kitchen with Queen bed and en-suite bathroom with shower, as well as washer and dryer available for use. Closet space and dresser. Wall mounted Smart TV. Nightstand lamps with USB ports for charging. KITCHEN: Fully equipped, stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, large kitchen peninsula w/seating for four, electric stove and oven, granite counters, drip coffee maker, tea kettle, toaster, toaster oven, blender, cooking basics, baking sheets, mixing bowls, cooking utensils, dishware & flatware. Spices, cooking oil, coffee and filters, dish detergent and dishwashing pods, and general pantry items included. Outlet with two USB ports for charging. LIVING ROOM: Comfortable sectional couch, coffee table, large flat screen Smart TV for your favorite streaming services, blankets for snuggling. DINING AREA: Table with seating for 6, right next to the kitchen peninsula with seating for 4. DECK: Large deck with outdoor dining set, chaise lounge chairs, gas grill, and twinkling patio lights. SCREENED PORCH: Modern patio furniture including couch, two chairs with ottomans, coffee table and side table to place your appetizers and drinks, looking over the lake, with twinkling patio lights and ceiling fan overhead.
*SECOND FLOOR* BEDROOM 2: King bed and Juliet balcony offering a bird’s eye view of the lake – sleep under a fabulous shiplap wall after a long day of swimming and boating. Ample closet space and dresser. Wall mounted Smart TV. Nightstand lamps with USB ports for charging. BEDROOM 3: Second floor spacious bunk-room with Queen bed, and two bunk beds (four twin beds), as well as a reading nook offering a fabulous lake view. Closet space and dresser. Nightstand lamps with USB ports for charging by queen bed. BATHROOM: Full bath with bath tub and shower combination, and step stool for little ones. OFFICE AREA: Large, open hallway space between the two bedrooms boasts a desk with monitor, desk chair, charging station, as well as a couch to relax and baskets of toys to keep the kids entertained.
*BASEMENT* FAMILY GAME ROOM: Large family game room with two couches, large flat screen Smart TV, shuffleboard table including a bowling game option that keeps kids entertained for hours, RingO, Golden Tee arcade game, and a direct view of the lake as well as a convenient Half Bathroom. __________________________________________ OUTDOOR LIVING: Large top deck with dining area and grill, downstairs deck with rocking chairs, lakefront views, boat dock, cushioned lounge chairs, outdoor dining table, patio w/ample Adirondack and lounge chairs, screened porch w/comfortable modern furnishings & lake views, beach chairs, beach cart, beach toys, 10 life jackets ENTERTAINMENT: 2 kayaks, 2 stand up paddleboards, 1 canoe with seat cushions and back supports, lake floats, fire pit, gas grill, family game room w/ shuffleboard table, Ringo, Golden Tee arcade game, board games, and various baskets of children’s toys. You have access to the Colony beach, which is walkable and only 6 houses down, including a playground, pavilion with picnic tables, and horseshoe pits. In the winter, enjoy ice fishing, ice skating, and snow shoeing right on the lake outside your door. We are also only a half hour from Gunstock Resort for great skiing, sledding, and tubing! In the autumn, there is outstanding fall foliage, with many hiking trails nearby. GENERAL: Free WiFi, linens/bath towels/beach towels included, washer and dryer for laundry, first aid kit, keyless entry, trash bags, paper towels. FAMILY FRIENDLY: We have several children’s items available such as a standard high chair, pack n play, rock n play, portable high chair, dining booster seat, portable play yard, and baskets of toys. FAQs: Dock available but short term renters are not allowed to bring motor boats (Memorial Day - Columbus Day); Screened in porch protected and closed in via plastic sheeting (Columbus Day to Memorial Day); Grill and fire pit unavailable in winter (November - April) PARKING: Driveway (3-4 vehicles), Garage (1 vehicle), No on street parking permitted. The front driveway is a steep hill down to the house, use caution when exiting the vehicle; emergency-brake usage is recommended. __________________________________________ -- NEARBY LOCAL ATTRACTIONS -- Alton Bay (several restaurants and shops); 8 miles Johnson’s Dairy Bar (ice cream, seafood, steak), New Durham, NH: 6 miles Lake Winnipesaukee (Large lake for various seasonal water activities): 11 miles Bank of NH Pavilion - Gilford, NH for exciting concerts: 23 miles Gunstock for variety of seasonal recreational activities: 19 miles Mount Major - Alton, NH (hiking & snowmobile trails): 11 miles Weirs Beach (Lake Winnipesaukee): 25 miles Tanger Factory Outlets - Tilton, NH: 21 miles Kangamangus Highway, White Mountains - Lincoln, NH: 65 miles away
__________________________________________ Disclosure: There are exterior security cameras on premises and in the garage. **COVID-19: We have an enhanced cleaning protocol and are committed to making sure our home is cleaned and sanitized for our guests to have a safe and comfortable stay. All bedding, including duvet covers, is washed for every new guest. Mattress and pillow protectors on all beds. Cleaning products, hand-held vacuum, broom and dustpan provided for guests. ** NO SMOKING/ NO PETS ALLOWED/ NO PARTIES**
Lakes in the NH region are regularly tested to ensure they are safe for swimming and fishing. Occasionally, the lake may be closed to these activities if safety cannot be guaranteed - we are unable to predict or refund for these unforeseen events. However, kayaking, boating and other 'above the water' and dockside activities can always be enjoyed.
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-The primary renter must sign our Short Term Rental agreement, and provide a copy of ID before checking in
-No parties, no smoking, no pets
-Shoes off inside the home to the extent possible
Important information
You need to know
Property # 2328853vb
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, a security system, a first aid kit and outdoor lighting
About the area
Center Barnstead
Located on the waterfront, this holiday home is in Locke Lake Colony, a neighbourhood in Center Barnstead. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Winnipesaukee and Merrymeeting Marsh, while Scenic Theatre and Strafford Historic Society are cultural highlights. Travelling with kids? Consider Stand Up Paddleboard NH, or check out an event or a game at New Hampshire International Speedway. Fishing and swimming offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails nearby.
Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion at Meadowbrook - 36 min drive - 46.4 km
University of New Hampshire - 41 min drive - 54.5 km
Southern New Hampshire University Arena - 48 min drive - 70.4 km
Getting around
Tilton Station - 32 min drive
Laconia, NH (LCI-Laconia Municipal) - 37 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 11 min drive
Taco Bay - 14 min drive
Dunkin' - 11 min drive
Aroma Joe's - 11 min drive
Johnson's Seafood & Steak - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Come relax and play! Gameroom, kayaks, paddleboards, fire pit, screen porch pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Come relax and play! Gameroom, kayaks, paddleboards, fire pit, screen porch?
As of 24 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Come relax and play! Gameroom, kayaks, paddleboards, fire pit, screen porch on 5 Dec 2026 start from AU$2,258, 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 Come relax and play! Gameroom, kayaks, paddleboards, fire pit, screen porch?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Come relax and play! Gameroom, kayaks, paddleboards, fire pit, screen porch?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Come relax and play! Gameroom, kayaks, paddleboards, fire pit, screen porch?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Come relax and play! Gameroom, kayaks, paddleboards, fire pit, screen porch located?
This family-friendly Center Barnstead holiday home is located on the waterfront, within 2 mi (3 km) of Halfmoon Lake and Upper Suncook Lake. Suncook River is 2 mi (3.3 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
More than enough space and more than what it looks like on the listing. The house is stocked with tons of toys for kids and lots of outdoor water equipment too. We enjoyed our stay with four little ones and would recommend to others!
My family had a wonderful stay! The house was clean, spacious and had everything we needed. Kid friendly! The lake was really beautiful. Wildlife sightings were a highlight. Loons, bald eagles, blue herons! Host was super responsive. Hoping we can book again!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug 2026
We are so glad you enjoyed our lake home and the beautiful wildlife!! We would love to have you back.
This was a lovely lake house. It seems like the house was set up wonderfully. Our family enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere.We loved that the host had truly thought of everything. All the essentials were there. There was an extra grill tank in case it was needed which is quite rare at any rental property.The early check in was truly appreciated.Check in and check out was easy.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2026
We are so glad you had a great time, we’d be happy to rent to you again!
Lovely house and grounds, well appointed with everything we needed - and more! Floats, boats, life jackets, toys for the kids, fire pit and kindling, s’mores! We had a blast and enjoyed the beautiful lake and backyard.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug 2026
We are so glad you enjoyed our lake home and we would love to have you back!
We loved this home. It was well appointed and had all the amenities as described and more. The host was very responsive when there was an issue and resolved it quickly. We would definitely recommend this to others.
This is a beautiful home, with a stunning lake view. The screened-in porch was our favorite place to hangout. Molly has thought of everything that you will need during your stay, for both children and adults. Her communication, hospitality, and attention to detail is excellent! Our family will definitely be returning.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug 2026
We are so glad you had a great stay, we would love to have you back!
Excellent house on a beautiful, family-oriented lake in NH. As we travelled from the UK, the well-provisioned house was a real treat. Would highly recommend.
Everything about our stay was great! The house was beautiful and had everything we could need. The lake was lovely and peaceful and we enjoyed paddling every day - very appreciative to have the use of the kayaks, canoes and SUPs. The location was great and made for a perfect summer vacation for our family. Would highly recommend! We loved it here
My daughter graduated from UNH this past weekend, so we searched for a relaxing space where we could gather and celebrate her. This space was ser
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 June 2025
We are glad you enjoyed it!
Verified review
6/10 Okay
Shaune G.
7 Sept 2026
Liked: Communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in
Views are just beautiful. Wonderful to have access to paddle boards, kayaks, canoe. And was so nice to have a hefty supply of firewood and s’mores supplied by the owners. But we were disappointed with the condition of the house. We felt like some of the reviews were not forthcoming of the obvious mildew smell inside the house. It was overwhelming. The interior of the house with carpeted bedrooms has a very strong musty, mildew smell. The upstairs bathroom also has a very strong mildew smell. The downstairs bathroom had a strong sewage smell. The washing machine and dryer were very dirty. We were unable to enjoy the lower basement level because of the strong mildew smell. The air conditioners all lacked clean filters. The screen door was broken the door handle to the patio kept falling off. The chairs outside near the fire pit were quite dirty, one broken, the screen on the fire pit was significantly damaged, and there were two active yellow jacket nests which we resolved with some spray but after two of us were stung. There was a bunch of ‘stuff’ in closets like old air conditioners.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept 2026
We’re sorry that we weren’t able to accommodate your request for an early check-in. Because this was a same-day turnover, our cleaning team needed the full scheduled time to properly prepare the house for your arrival.
We’re disappointed to hear that the home did not meet your expectations. We do wish you had contacted us during your stay regarding the concerns described in your review. Had we known you were experiencing these issues, we would have welcomed the opportunity to investigate them and address anything we could.
Some of the conditions described were particularly surprising to us, as they were not reported during the stay and were not consistent with what we observed before or after your reservation. We take concerns seriously, but without being made aware of them at the time, we unfortunately had no opportunity to determine what was happening or remedy it for you.
For clarity, the “stuff” mentioned in the closets includes extra window air-conditioning units that we keep on-site as emergency backups for our guests.
We’re glad you enjoyed the beautiful views and the kayaks, paddle boards, canoe, firewood and s’mores. We’re sorry the overall experience fell short of your expectations, and we appreciate the feedback as we continue to improve the property.
This lake retreat is wonderful. Great location, well appointed and comfortable house, fun lake toys, nice outdoor space with fire pit, dock and gorgeous lake. Lake was not too busy and great for kayaking, swimming and SUP. Great touch was the s’mores fixings left by the host!
The cleanest and most equipped rental we’ve ever stayed in! The indoor pictures don’t do it justice. The lake is beautiful and we loved the s’mores on the fire. If you don’t mind the stairs, this is perfect!
Waking to sounds of ducks and falling asleep to the loons "I'm over here" calls made for a fantastic, relaxing and super healthy visit to the Granite State. The nightly fire pit was a treat to indulge on all the smores you can make, and the personal dock with all the water toys (kayaks, canoe, SUPs) was the real deal closer for us and the property certainly came through with all of them - super fun.
Hosts went above to make sure their guests felt welcomed and comfortable. Fixins for smores, condiments in fridge, other various pantry items etc...Very relaxing by the water, and fishing was a success! We thoroughly enjoyed our stay!
We found the house to be exactly as described & pictured. We did need to reach out to the owners and the response time was great. My husband really enjoyed the fishing and I enjoyed the beautiful and relaxing back yard.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Sept 2023
Sue, thanks for the kind review, and thank you for being such lovely guests!
About the host
Hosted by Molly
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests