Table Of Contents
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Whatever your reason may be for staying in Meredith, NH, The Ballard House Inn offers a serene and picturesque backdrop for your home away from home. We are just minutes from Lake Winnipesaukee, downtown Meredith, Gunstock Ski Area, and centrally located in the heart of the beautiful Lakes Region.
Our Inn sits on over 10 acres of rolling meadows and private forest, The Inn is also bordered by 178 acres of town owned recreational land consisting of beautiful hiking trails, walking paths, small ponds, and plenty of wildlife.
Our guests often mention the setting at the Inn is so private and serene yet close to so many fabulous restaurants and shops of the Lakes Region.
Each morning you will start your day with a full country breakfast, consisting of such items as Brian's Baked French Toast Casserole or Lynn's Puff Pancake with Maple Walnut Syrup, or some mornings it may be as simple as scrambled eggs and home fries. Which ever it may be, we are confident you will start your day feeling refreshed.
Brian and Lynn will be on hand in the morning to assist you in planning your day, and helping you make the most of your stay.
Upon your return in the afternoon, you will be greeted by Newton, their golden retriever, and offered homemade afternoon refreshments.
Please check our Specials Page for a very special thank you to you, all of our guests!
Meet the Innkeepers
Your hosts Brian and Lynn purchased the Wilbur Ballard House in May of 2012. Brian and Lynn have dreamed of becoming innkeepers for over 15 years. Originally from Pennsylvania, they planned on moving to the New England area, narrowed their search to New Hampshire and felt the Ballard House was a perfect fit when they first saw it. Prior to opening the Inn, Brian was a builder and Lynn was in Sales. They both enjoy traveling, food and love to spoil their pets! Brian, Lynn and Newton look forward to meeting you!
Stuck for that special gift for a birthday, wedding, anniversary - or just a plain old 'thank you'. Why not reward your nearest and dearest with a Ballard House Inn Gift Certificate? With a redemption value of your choosing, it is the perfect gift for that very special occasion.
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The historic Wilbur W Ballard boarding house was built in and around 1784. The Ballard House was built to house some of the many local travelers and students that attended and visited The Belknap College. As time went on The Ballard House has been the home to many different families over time. In 1946 Helen Hegarty purchased the home for her family. As years went on the house was then sold to the John Dever family in the early 1980’s this is where Meredith Tire Company was established and run out of the barn adjacent to the family home. Then in 1989 Townsend Thorndike of Annalee Doll Company purchased the home and manufactured the world famous Annalee Dolls right out of the barn as well. In 2002 the Houle family purchased The Ballard House, and today the Ballard House sits fully restored to its original charm it once had. It is easy to understand why The Ballard House Inn is so popular with tourists and locals alike.
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Christine W - Arlington, VA
“The absolute best!”
Reviewed July 16, 2012
We were looking for a last-minute place to stay for a night in the Lakes Region after a long day of driving, and from the minute we called for a reservation until we checked out, the whole experience was wonderful. Brian was so friendly, welcoming and attentive. The house is stunning and although it's 250-some years old, you would never know it from the beautiful renovations and modern amenities--but still retaining the New England charm (not to mention, kept impeccably clean). We only stayed for a night (wish it could have been longer!) but truly felt at ease and like we were in our own home. Enjoy a complimentary beer, wine, coffee from the swing on the back porch with a view almost too picturesque to be real. I can easily see why this was rated the top B&B in the Meredith area on TripAdvisor. Stay here and you will not be disappointed. Hoping I can return again soon.
Simon K
“A lovely stay”
Reviewed July 14, 2012
Brian was helpful and friendly and gave personal attention to make sure that everything was just right. Lovely bed, great views and a very convivial house. A beautiful hour sitting on the porch with a drink looking over the trees to the lake. Gluten an dairy free pancakes for me and amazing French toast for my wife.
Steve H
Tampa, Florida
“An unbelievable B&B...the best ever!”
Reviewed July 13, 2012
Perfect in so many ways; Brian, Lynn and Newton were great hosts. The Inn was immaculate and very well appointed. So close to the lake and downtown Meredith but not too close. The lake-view from the swing on the back porch was amazing. An open coffee and wine bar, gourmet breakfasts with fresh herbs from the back porch, the cool breezes on a hot summer day, a rabbit hopping by but in no hurry. Family members stop by to see us for but an hour and they are all planning their own visits now. We're planning our next visit too with quests. I can't imagine how beautiful it would be in the Fall or how great it would be in support of skiing at nearby Gunstock. We felt like we were family and have friends in Meredith now... anyone would. An unbelievable experience! Well done Brian, Lynn and Newton and many thanks!
Kristen K
Washington, District of Columbia, United States
“You must stay here at the most hospitable B&B around town!”
Reviewed July 10, 2012
This is most definitely the top B&B's surrounding Meredith/Lake Winnipesaukee area. From the moment it was booked until we checked out everything was impeccable. Brian, the owner's hospitality, is incomparable to any. The house was incredibly beautiful and the room we stayed in was so quaint, nice and very clean. Every morning the breakfast was delicious from bacon, french toast, granola in yogurt, fruit, quiche and more (every morning's meal was unique). We enjoyed listening to the record player in the living area, Brian's dog Newton, as well as watching the sunset over the lake and mountains on the back porch swing! Brian also gave us great recommendations on restaurants, and a wonderful kayaking place down by town, which we had an amazing experience there as well. Overall, this B&B is the most hospitable one we have ever been to and cannot wait to return. Everyone should definitely consider stay here when you visit. You will not regret it. Enjoy :)
Thank you Brian for making our trip so incredible. Looking forward to coming back! -Kristen & Patrick
Marjorie R
Albany, New York, United States
“Best B&B ever”
Reviewed July 6, 2012
We were given this by 2 of our children for our 50th anniversery. Brian and Lynn made this a real pleasurable experience. Both were so friendly and accomodating...you left feeling like you knew them forever.The place was immaculately kept,the view from our room was beautiful and the porch was a great place to relax. Both my husband and I are on special diets and each morning our breakfast was outstanding. Newton was a great mascot for the place well behaved and soley missed by my husband Bill....Great place to stay!!!! Bill and Marge R
SurfinGators
Fernandina Beach
“What a great place!”
Reviewed June 29, 2012
We picked this B&B for the price ... but we were stunned by the cleanliness and service. We spent a couple of hours on the back porch (both a swing and a really cool retriever named Newton were provided free of charge). Brian was friendly and was constantly ensuring our needs were met. The house and the rooms are gorgeous, the bed was extremely comfortable, and the breakfast was awesome. Keep Opechee ready Brian ... we'll be back (with a new toy for Newton). :-)
jbdunn63
Southington, Connecticut
“Don't Miss This B&B”
Reviewed June 24, 2012
This NH lake area is gorgeous, and there is no better place to enjoy it than the Ballard House Inn. The view from the extensive porch is to die for; Brian, the innkeeper (on his own, as Lynn was away when we visited), is one of the friendliest, most accommodating people we've ever met; the breakfasts are outstanding (and healthy); the rooms are so immaculate that the old saying,"One could eat off of the floors," applies. Last, but not least, is Newton, the Ballard House Inn's dog, a good will ambassador for sure. People who like dogs will love Newton. And people who are not comfortable around dogs will change their minds once they have met Newton! All around, this B&B is a winner.
Southiekevin
Melrose, Massachusetts
“Saturday Wedding...”
Reviewed June 24, 2012
Had to travel from Boston to Meredith, NH for a wedding this past Saturday. One of the recommended places to stay was the Ballard House Inn. Was lucky to get a one night reservation. The place was absolutely amazing and probably the cleanest places I have ever stayed. Brian even drove me down the road to the wedding and picked me up after a few Sam Summers. Thanks again...might start making this a once a month trip. Thanks again...Kevin C
Kathryn R
Los Angeles, California
“Absolutely Perfect”
Reviewed June 20, 2012
Couldn't have had a better experience. Newly renovated, immaculate and the new owner went out of his way to make everyone feel welcome.
wd35hutch
Methuen, Massachusetts, USA
“Wonderful Place to stay”
Reviewed June 3, 2012
My husband, and sisters-in-law stayed here for the weekend, and from the time we arrived it was wonderful. The new owner made us feel very welcome and at home immediately. The Inn was spotless and the rooms all very comforting and warm feeling. Breakfast was great each morning and as I am Celiac, which we had advised Brian, the owner, he even took care to make sure that I had great gluten free breakfasts. Definitely a place to stay if you are going to the Lakes Area it has many great places nearby to see. Have already made our reservations to return in the fall. -
Attractions
Gunstock Ski Area
Mt Washington Cruise Ship
Castle in the Clouds
New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Cog Railway
Conway Scenic Railway
Lochmere Country Club
Waukewan Country Club
Pheasant Ridge Country Club
White Mountain National Forest
Mt Washington Auto Road
Story Land
Santa’s Village
Clarks Trading Post
The Flume
Loon Mountain
Cannon Mountain
Laconia Muskrats ~ New England Collegiate Baseball League
Pirates Cove Miniature Golf
Funspot
Oak Hill Golf Course
Ridgewood Country Club
Lakes Bi Plane
Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center
The Old Print Barn
Interlakes Summer Theatre
Shopping
Local Builders
Local Restaurants
Lago
Giuseppe's
The Lake House
Camp
Town Docks
Canoe
O's Steaks & Seafood
North End
The Woodshed
Mame’s
Patrick’s Pub
T bones
Cactus Jacks
The Lyons Den
Waterfall Café
George's Diner
Tavern 27
Fratello’s
Homestead
CJ Avery’s
Fosters Steakhouse
Italian Farmhouse
Ellacoya Bar and Grille
The William Tell
Lavinia's
Hart's Turkey Farm
Kellerhaus
The Mug
Lakeside Deli & Grille
Real Estate Agents
Proud Members of:
Meredith Chamber of Commerce
Lakes Region Bed & Breakfast Association
Lakes Region Association