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The Dowds’ Country Inn is a historic, family run bed & breakfast in the heart of the beautiful Upper Valley. Voted “Best of the Best” in the Upper Valley six years running, the Dowds’ Country Inn is the perfect place to get away and relax when visiting the area.
The inn was originally constructed in late 18th century as a farmhouse. Even as a private residence it hosted many guests over the past two centuries, particularly while it was owned by Mary Bowden, the previous owner of the property. Since the Dowds’ family purchased it in 1989, the farmhouse has been renovated and restored into a cozy twenty room bed and breakfast, as well as an event venue for weddings, holiday parties, conferences and more. Though it has gone through some changes since its construction in 1780 it still maintains its New England character.
Boasting spectacular original trims, doors and wide plank floors, the inn maintains the country style of classic Yankee architecture. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated, giving every room a unique feel for our guests. The rooms also have names rather than numbers, each of which reflects a bit of our local history. The rear of the inn, originally the barn which housed the carriages and farm animals, has since been reconstructed into 10 additional guestrooms, a banquet room as well as the guest common area. The common area, named the “Carriage House”, still has its original brick floors and exposed beams. It is a great place to relax, read a book, or catch the game on our 50” television. The Banquet Room, though reconstructed, was built with the wide plank floors and exposed beams from the original structure, to maintain the classic country feel of the room. Its simple décor allows for guests to add to its ambiance and personalize the tone of their event. The inn hosts a welcoming atmosphere to every guest that walks through its doors. Whether you’re just looking for a place to relax, get a good night’s rest and enjoy a delicious full country breakfast, or looking to explore and discover a bit New Hampshire’s history, the Dowds’ Country Inn is the place for you.
The architecture of the inn isn’t the only pleasure for guests to explore. The structure rests on 6-acres of land which includes wonderful floral and vegetable gardens. Roam our gardens to see our colorful assortment of flowers, or check to see what is ready to be harvested this season. Relax on the stone laid patio and listen to the water running over the stones of the fountain. Explore the property and you will find hand-laid stone walls that complement the numerous gardens surrounding them. The Dowds’ Country Inn is a picture perfect location to retreat to. Whether you stay for a weekend or a week, we welcome your visit!
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Dowds’ Inn Event Center is a wonderful venue for a rehearsal dinner, a wedding ceremony and a wedding reception. The Dowds’ Inn Event Center is the Upper Valley’s premier event center, a country inn gem only minutes from Hanover, New Hampshire in the charming village of Lyme. The Dowds’ Inn Event Center offers you a lovely yet affordable country setting for your special day. We take pride in helping couples book the event of their dreams, without pushing the limits of their budget. We also help you plan, from the rehearsal dinner through a post wedding brunch, to make sure that the process is as stress free as possible.
Whether you are planning a small intimate wedding or a grand reception for over 350 guests, our staff will help you select the perfect format and style to suit your desires and your budget. You can stay right at the inn and choose a room overlooking the garden or the expansive lawn. Lyme is a quiet and charming setting and the perfect location for your special celebration. Contact us today and we'll begin to planning what is surely to be a weekend of happy memories for you and your guest!