Holidae House Bed & Breakfast

Wonderful Hosts. Perfect For Their Avocation
Two Tennessee transports who’ve recently taken over this established B & B, have jumped In with both feet. John and Jeannette, the new owners, are re-​doing the entire place, top to bottom. We were there as the painters were finishing up the outside, in bright and cheery new colors, with a new awning to match.
The rooms were very nice, the locale wonderful, but our stay was made by J & J. John could not be more friendly and cheerful, and you’d be hard pressed to find a better or more inventive cook and baker than Jeannette. Everything we tasted, every meal we enjoyed, was a treat.
These are two folks who decided to pursue their passion, and though up to their elbows in remodeling, they remain thrilled with the life decision they made to run their own B & B. Ever smiling and cheerful, my hope is that they continue to enjoy their choice and that their business will be the success that they so richly deserve.
If you are in the area, enjoying the summer, leaf peeping or during the ski season, stop in. Not only will you be warmly greeted, you’ll thoroughly enjoy your stay.

The new owners John and Jeanette are such joys! They know a lot of history on every piece of furniture in the house. The breakfast was wonderful as was the conversation. They even have a functioning Victrola! Next time I’m in the area, the Holidae House will be my 1^st choice for accommodations.

Let me preface this by saying I’m a young (23) professional and live in Boston, a bed and breakfast is typically never on my radar. I however was at Sunday River skiing with my girlfriend for the weekend, and this was the only place with open rooms. It was an absolutely awesome experience! I was hesitant at first, feeling like it wouldn’t be as private, or nice as I’m used to, but this is not the case. Lawrence keeps the place beautiful, and the décor is truly unique. Unique being an understatement, but in the right way. We were greeted with homemade chocolate chip cookies, a glass of wine, and a warm English accent. Lawrence then showed us around and to our room, first asking what time we would be up for breakfast. We spent the night out, and came back around 2am without any issues and no one complaining we were loud. We made our breakfast appointment (though just barely) again with Lawrence waiting patiently. I had eggs over easy (from his own hens out back), bacon, and toast with homemade jam, and homemade granola. We spoke with Lawrence over breakfast, he simply put, wants to make people happy, truly happy.
About a week later, I had a hand written postcard from Lawrence thanking me for staying with them. This man is pleased to serve, and make people comfortable. I’m truly confident any top hotel would benefit tremendously in a service and hospitality lesson from Lawrence.
Next time your in the area stay here, I promise you will not regret it.
…just remind Lawrence the Queen wouldn’t be happy seeing him drinking coffee, and not something with a little string attached.

Had a wonderful weekend stay at the Holidae House. Our room and private bath were perfect — spacious and comfortable. Breakfast, made by our exceptionally gracious and kind host, Laurence, was absolutely delicious, with especially noteworthy french toast and home made jams and marmalade. Am very excited to return in the near future.

It was a great bed and breakfast just a few minutes from the slopes of Sunday River! The Inn keepers Lawrence and his wife cooked excellent breakfasts for the guests. They provided afternoon teas and even baked some cookies and breakfast cakes. The Holidae House was a great stay in historic Bethel.

Several things:
— In the parlance of my generation, Laurence KILLS it making breakfast. Fresh eggs from a neighbor’s chickens expertly prepped as you like them (scrambled, fried, poached, soft boiled, etc.), his wife Marcia’s incredible baked goods (everything was great, especially the scones… cranberry orange and apricot ginger), homemade berry jams, masterfully executed French toast and pancakes, crispy bacon… you can’t go wrong with breakfast here. Classics done to perfection. Even the oatmeal is really good… I suspect cream was involved, but I was on vacation and didn’t much care. :) The breakfasts here will set you up for a day of skiing, whether you go downhill or xcountry.
— Clean. Everything is clean. It’s an older building, and the décor has a definite Victorian inflection. I thought I’d be overwhelmed by patterns and things, but I’m happy to say I wasn’t. The bed was firm but comfortable, and the place is heated by radiators, which is FANTASTIC in the winter. (Radiant heat isn’t as drying as forced air.) Also, I loved that there were enough blankets and bedding so we could turn the heat way down at night. Cold room + pile-​o-​blankets = best sleep ever.
— Our bedroom had 2 deadbolts. I felt safe.
— Laurence is very personable. It is his job, after all, but he does it so well. (Unfortunately, his wife was under the weather for the duration of our stay, so we only got to meet him.) I get the feeling that if you don’t get along with him, you’re the one with the problem. Along with just generally being a wonderful host, we had 2 small issues at different times during our stay, brought them to his attention, and they were resolved quickly.
— There’s a well-​chosen selection of after dinner drinks. If I recall, there was a scotch, bourbon, brandy, port, and Bailey’s. We didn’t drink much, but having that there was very nice. Along with the booze, a full electric kettle and an array of teas are available at all times. After a particularly hard day of xcountry that left me very chilly, a spiked tea with honey was perfect.
This is a great place to stay. Just understand that you’re not walking into Your Favorite Chain Hotel, and here, that’s a good thing.

We were traveling in Maine as leaf peepers. Searched for a B and B in The White Mountains of New Hampshire. Since it is a very busy time most places were full, so I expanded my radius and found this delightful Inn. The house is filled with antiques; very quaint and New England. The hosts, Laurence and Marcia are both very warm and helpful. Each morning we were awakened by the smell of fresh coffee; the best of our entire trip. Since Laurence, our humorous host comes from England, there is a varied assortment of teas available all day. Breakfast was delicious! Fresh pressed apple juice, assorted fruits, cereals and yogurts. That was just the beginning. As we looked at the menu of hot options, we enjoyed homemade scones. The hot option options included fresh local eggs, any style, bacon, turkey bacon and sausage, and French toast made from HOMEADE CINAMMON BREAD with real maple syrup. My husband proclaimed this the best he had ever eaten. I agree. To summarize a wonderful stay with all of our needs and desires fully met.

I have spent many nights at this delightful B&B and have never been disappointed. With real Victorian charm, gracious Inn Keepers and memorable Breakfasts, it cannot be beat! I usually end my day of skiing, retreating to my room with a complimentary Scotch, a warm bath and a short snooze on their most comfortable beds before I dine at the many conveniently close restaurants.
I highly recommend making this establishment your destination and I’m positive that Marcia & Laurence will make your Holidae a choice you’ll never regret or forget.