The Inn at Pleasant Lake has a long history of welcoming visitors from across the country and around the world. Built in 1790 by Caleb Segur, like many New Hampshire inns, it began as a simple cape-style farmhouse and barn. After the Civil War, Colonel William Messer purchased the property. Ideally located across the street from pristine Pleasant Lake with a magnificent view of Mount Kearsarge, he transformed the farm into a summer resort. The colonel raised the roof, added its distinctive gables, and named it the Red Gables Inn.

For more than 150 years of hospitality, a variety of innkeepers have overseen the property. A couple stayed for decades, while others came and went in a flash. Two years ago, the inn once again changed hands when a partnership between Verdigreen Hotels and Heartwood Hospitality acquired both the New London Inn and the Inn at Pleasant Lake.

Husband and wife team Travis and Azie Shelhorse of Verdigreen Hotels bring critical experience and expertise in hotel management, corporate finance, real estate, and design. Along with the two inns in New London, Verdigreen owns half a dozen boutique properties in New York, Florida, and Washington, DC. Longtime friends Matthew Meidinger and Danny Bortnick own Heartwood Hospitality. After several years in restaurant and bar management with Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants, both front and back of the house, their consultancy provides operations and marketing strategy, planning, and execution to new and faltering establishments.

Unforgettable Moments

Matthew Meidinger (left) and Danny Bortnick, owners.

Taking over a historic inn, especially one that has been in continuous operation for more than a century and a half, can be a daunting task. Matt says, “We recognize the strong ties and nostalgia that so many people feel toward the inn.” From its early Red Gables days to becoming a clubhouse for the Slope ’n Shore community to a public restaurant and inn earning kudos for fine dining and prix-fixe multicourse menus, the Inn at Pleasant Lake has been the setting for unforgettable moments for generations.

With five classic rooms and five junior suites, the historic waterfront resort has become well known for its outstanding service, warm hospitality, and outstanding views. The boutique inn provides first-class amenities, from high-speed Internet to a delicious complimentary continental breakfast. Nearby hiking, snowshoe, and ski trails provide winter fun. A cozy fire and drink in the parlor and a wonderful meal in The Oak Room will welcome you home after your outdoor adventures.

Time for a Refresh

After taking over the inn, the partnership found their hands full with some major systems and kitchen renovations. Thank-fully, all systems are now a go and fully operational. Along with infrastructure changes, the dining room and parlor have been updated and the new restaurant debuted last spring. Matt says, “Our goal for the dining room and parlor was to refresh, not do a total renovation. The new look is contemporary while respecting the building’s history and beautiful location. We wanted visitors to turn their attention outward to the outstanding view of the lake and mountain.”

Executive Sous Chef Dylan Cartier.

As the renovations neared completion, the team thought long and hard about menus as well as a name for the new restaurant. Just in time for the busy summer season, The Oak Room launched as the region’s premier chophouse. Chef Dylan Cartier and Food and Beverage Manager Samantha Hagan take hospitality very seriously and are delighted to lead the kitchen crew and waitstaff. Their goal is to ensure you enjoy a warm welcome, superb wines and cocktails, and a delicious meal. 

Born and raised in Newport and educated at the New England Culinary Institute, Chef Dylan’s creativity, attention to detail, and partnerships with local farmers produce beautiful meals of ethically farmed meats and produce. “We are very particular about the products we use and how we prepare them,” he says. Along with traditional steaks and chops, The Oak Room’s menu has seafood and vegan options. Salad or soup and a breadbasket are included. An ever-evolving wine list and a delicious selection of hors d’oeuvres, sides, and desserts are available to complement your meal. 

Classics with a Twist

Food and Beverage Manager Samantha Hagan.

Having grown up in Sunapee, Samantha is a great resource for visitors. She loves sharing her extensive knowledge of what to see and do in the area. Starting out as a part-time server at the New London Inn, Samantha has taken on multiple roles to gain experience and learn all sides of the business. 

From the Black & Bleu Martini to the Smoldering Old Fashioned, Samantha has created an intriguing cocktail menu. “Think of it as the classics with a twist,” she says. Forget mixes or bottled juices, everything is freshly made from scratch. Leaning into the lake, Samantha even has a nonalcoholic Blueberry Island. The blueberry-infused cocktail shares the name of Pleasant Lake’s favorite picnic destination.

Samantha and staff are transforming the inn’s parlor into a favorite gathering spot for both inn guests and locals. She invites everyone to stop in after skiing or snowshoeing for a warm drink, something from the martini cart, or one of her innovative cocktails. Add a cheese and charcuterie board, relax, and enjoy the sunset’s reflection on snowy Mount Kearsarge and Pleasant Lake. 

Looking forward, Samantha is working on a wine club and reintroducing whiskey lockers. More than a few decades ago—before the inn had a liquor license—diners brought along their favorite beverage. Rather than carry in every time, regulars kept a locker. Samantha is developing a list of fine whiskeys for patrons to purchase and store in their lockers. 

The long tradition of hospitality continues today at the Inn at Pleasant Lake. While no longer red, the inn’s gables, the view of the lake and mountain, the extraordinary food, and the warm and welcoming staff await your visit.

The Inn at Pleasant Lake

853 Pleasant Street

New London, NH

(603) 873-4833

innatpleasantlake.com
TheOakRoomNH.com