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Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

9.4

Exceptional

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 773 sq m

Popular amenities

Beach view

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Fireplace

Barbecue grill

Outdoor space

Explore the area

Madison, NH

Fryeburg, ME (FRY-Eastern Slopes Regional)32 min drive

Most relevant reviews

4/10 Poor

The pond was beautiful in October with the Fall foliage all around. Even better than in the pictures! Canoe and kayaks...

Tim W.

Oct 26, 2023

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

3 Single Beds

Living room

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Lakefront cottage on Big Pea Porridge Pond w/ private dock, beach, kayaks, canoe

Little Bear Cottage

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Spend a quintessential New Hampshire summer at this cozy, two-bedroom cottage on the shores of Big Pea Porridge Pond, a lakefront retreat that comes with a private dock, a small private beach, as well as a canoe and kayaks to take out on the water whenever you please. This home is nestled among trees that become a spray of color each autumn, with gorgeous views of the lake that you can enjoy from the large screened porch, the back deck, and the picnic table in the yard. You'll be able to spend your days swimming, boating, playing horseshoes, and flipping burgers on the grill outside. As for the evening hours, you can roast marshmallows around the seasonal firepit, mix cocktails at the tiki bar in the screened porch, and curl up in front of the two TVs - one Smart TV and one flatscreen with a Roku - for a night of your favorite movies and shows.

What's nearby:
This lakefront home sits on the southern shore of Big Pea Porridge Pond in Eidelweiss Village, a community with five association beaches (including Thusis Beach just down the road). When you're not exploring Little, Middle, and Big Pea Porridge Pond by kayak, you'll be less than five miles south of downtown Conway, where you can meet up with the iconic Kancamagus Highway for a spectacular foliage drive in autumn. If you're visiting in winter, you'll have your choice of nearby ski slopes, including King Pine (eight miles south), Cranmore (11 miles north), and Attitash (18 miles northwest). You'll also be a few minutes' drive from the Conway Scenic Railroad and a wealth of tax-free outlet shopping in Conway and North Conway.

Things to know:
Free WiFi
Full kitchen
Window AC is available in the living room from Memorial Day to Columbus Day; fans are provided throughout the house
Kayaks, a canoe, and life jackets are provided

This property is managed by Vacasa New Hampshire, LLC.

*Please note that this home is in a family-friendly neighborhood, with a Good Neighborhood Policy and quiet hours. Any violations (including those of maximum occupancy) can result in immediate eviction without refund.

Parking notes: There is free parking available for 3 vehicles.

Dock details:

Due to local laws or HOA requirements, guests must be at least 25 years of age to book. Guests under 25 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the reservation.

Property manager

Vacasa of New Hampshire

Premier Host

Languages

English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Amenities

Kitchen

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Barbecue grill

Beach view

Fireplace

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.

For information about quiet hours, please refer to the listing description.

Important information

You need to know

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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

North America

Madison, NH

Getting around

Fryeburg, ME (FRY-Eastern Slopes Regional) - 33 min drive

Restaurants

‪Starbucks - ‬14 min drive
‪Dunkin' - ‬10 min drive
‪Dairy Queen - ‬15 min drive
‪Burger King - ‬14 min drive
‪Fiesta Jalisco Mexican Restaurant - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lakefront cottage on Big Pea Porridge Pond w/ private dock, beach, kayaks, canoe pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Lakefront cottage on Big Pea Porridge Pond w/ private dock, beach, kayaks, canoe?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lakefront cottage on Big Pea Porridge Pond w/ private dock, beach, kayaks, canoe?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lakefront cottage on Big Pea Porridge Pond w/ private dock, beach, kayaks, canoe located?

Situated on the beach, this holiday home is 3.1 mi (5 km) from Conway Lake and within 6 miles (10 km) of White Mountain National Forest and Madison Boulder Natural Area. Beach Area no. 2 and Beach Area #1 are also within 6 miles (10 km).

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

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9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.2/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

8/10 Good

Nistelle S.

16 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute and peaceful little spot

We had a nice little stay at this cottage! The place was a little bit quirky and needed some very minor things to be fixed/repaired and it could have been just a little more clean(found some food on the floor that had been hidden under the cupboards and couch)but it met my expectations and it didn’t disappoint.The spot was very private and quiet like we wanted. Overall a good spot for families, especially those with young kids. Just a note for other parent's...there aren't locks up high on the doors to keep toddlers inside and they can open the slider door which goes to the porch where the screen is no longer really attached and the door to outside/to the water doesn't lock well. So we bought some door knob child safety covers to keep our little boys inside(2&3.) we also used a broom handle to keep the slider door from being opened. We left those covers behind for future families that may want them while staying there. Would absolutely book this cute little place again.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather H.

16 June 2024

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great getaway

We traveled down to NH for a few days to show our kids where we got married and goto to story land. We loved this little cabin, it was perfect for our family. It was equipped with everything we needed, plenty of extra towels and linens. The home was very clean upon arrival and we had 0 issues during our stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mark B.

21 May 2024

Inexpensive Waterfront Retreat

Good privacy. Great location. Close enough to town with easy access and far enough away from downtown tourism noise. Clean and comfortable. Plenty of room for a couple or small family. Great lake frontage and dock. At this price point the place is a super bargain.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

4/10 Poor

Tim W.

26 Oct 2023

On a beautiful pond but cabin needs a deep clean and new couch

The pond was beautiful in October with the Fall foliage all around. Even better than in the pictures! Canoe and kayaks available for guests to explore the pond which was a great bonus. It was very quiet and peaceful during our stay. We didn’t hear anything except the wildlife outside. The cabin is ‘rustic’ and in desperate need of a deep cleaning. The shower curtain was completely moldy at the bottom. The floors were dirty and the baseboards are covered in a layer of dust. The screened in porch could use a good cleaning too. The towels and bed linens were clean and seemed like high quality. The furniture is old and worn out- especially the couch. It needs to be thrown away and replaced! It’s so uncomfortable and we were actually sore from sitting on it in the evening!! The kitchen is filled with old utensils and random cookware. One bedroom is missing the roller blind in the window so we had to “make our own” with some bath towels in order to sober the window to sleep and for privacy. This place is all about the location on the pond. The cabin itself needs cleaning, repairs and updates!!

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

JOHN e.

25 Oct 2023

Stay on the lake

The place was great. Right on the lake. Private beach area. Inside was a nice set up. Would rent again. Only complaint was no shade in one of the bedroom windows. For sleeping in and private that needs to be fixed.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Rebecca G.

2 Oct 2023

Beautiful view

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

4/10 Poor

Nathaniel P.

26 Sept 2023

Liked: Location

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Moldy and Unavailable Contact

We would highly recommend against paying money to stay here. Upon arriving at the property, the front door deadbolt lock was not operational. We were able to gain access through the bathroom door. The bathroom had a large hairball and an incredibly dirty and moldy shower curtain. Trying to remain positive we continued to check the place only to find that the screened in porch had 4 broken screens, poorly duct taped up and the carpet was wet. Then, we headed to the bedroom to find every crevice in the paneling full of mold. Not only is my partner allergic to mold, it was disgusting. We weren’t able to sleep in the room, and had to sleep on the children’s bunk bed as well as in the living room. We tried for the duration of our three stay day to get Vacasa to help but each time the service reps said the “local team” would call us. They never contacted. We also tried to resolve the situation with VRBO and were told that the mold was only a “minor” risk to our health, not a “major” risk. So even though the place was in a condition that no one should have to pay a hefty amount to stay in, they didn’t help at all. FINALLY after a cumulative ~5 hours on the phone with both companies, Vacasa (still not the local team) ended up giving us a refund. We hope to save others from this miserable and unpleasant experience. Except for the private beach and lake - that was lovely, just disappointing that it is paired with a home in this condition.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sandra B., Hooksett NH, USA

23 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Spectacular view

1st week of September with temperatures in the 80’s. Couldn’t ask for better weather. When we entered the home we saw a spectacular view of the pond from the kitchen and living room. Perfectly bordered by the trees on either side it’s picture perfect. We had a wonderful stay floating in the pond and we even met a couple of kayakers. This is a beautiful and peaceful place to relax.

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Joseph d.

21 Sept 2023

Fantastic location and views

The pond.. steps away from the house and private.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chawntell M.

6 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Best Family Vacation

We absolutely loved the location of this house. The private beach and the view in the morning are just incredible. The house was big enough for our family of 6 to have a very comfortable stay. We spent many hours outside enjoying the pond and using the canoe and kayaks. I would rent this house again in a heart beat. I would love to see the foliage from here in the fall. Also great communication with vacasa and the property manager whenever we needed to discuss anything with them or ask a question. I wouldn’t hesitate to stay at this property, it’s perfect!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

4/10 Poor

Jacqueline C.

4 Sept 2023

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Don’t Rent From Vasca

I checked in to the cottage on Saturday at 4 o’clock. I woke up on Sunday morning and a bear had gotten into the trash from the previous guests. The trash was filled with dirty diapers. The smell was horrific I couldn’t even stay outside on the deck without smelling feces and urine. I got a hold of Vasca at 8:30am and by 3 o’clock I had no answers. I had two kids with me and this was at the entrance of the cottage. So every time we enter to the cottage, we would pass a big pile of trash with at least 30 diapers it was disgusting. We had to leave. We could not stay the night. The smell was creeping into the cottage. I alerted Vasca that I was leaving. Nobody replied to me. I had to contact them on Monday to see what is going on. I asked them to refund me Sunday night, but they refused stating that trash pick up is on Sundays and Thursdays. No one showed up on Sunday. This is ridiculous.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

29 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Little bear cottage

Very cute private spot, kids loved the water and we enjoyed hanging on the lake in the kayaks and canoe. Place was clean and tidy but had its quirks, but so does every place. We would stay again

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maureen M.

8 July 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place for family

Stayed with our 3 kids , perfect spot on private beach with plenty of yard space. Appreciated the ac and cleanliness of home. Close drive to Conway.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kim T.

1 Feb 2023

Cute and Clean

Great location on the pond. Very clean. Comfortable beds. Spacious porch. Only recommendations I have are to have somewhere to hang towels in the bathroom (the only hooks were inside the shower) and to supply some dish towels and a teapot in the kitchen. Would definitely come back! Nice spot!

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Homer A.

15 Oct 2022

Perfect Lakeside Getaway

Perfect location on beautiful Pea Porridge Lake, with is own little beach and dock! We visited during fall foliage season and loved being able to kayak or canoe each evening on the peaceful lake. Close enough to the shops and restaurants of North Conway but secluded enough to get away from the crowds. The cottage itself was very clean and cozy, bathroom and bedrooms recently renovated with very comfortable beds and good linens. Good wifi, everything worked well. We'll be back!

10/10 Excellent

bianca c.

26 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great mountain getaway

Great place for a small group of friends or family to gather. Its on a lake with beautiful mountains surrounding it and a quiet and cozy atmosphere. Definitely a wonderful break from the city. Will definitely be returning.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Christina B.

7 Aug 2022

Vacation Gem

Our family of 5 had a great vacation week at Little Bear Cottage. The house was well stalked and the beds were super comfortable. We all enjoyed the kayaks and this property has an awesome location on the pond. Living room furniture was very comfy after a long day of playing in the pond. Looking for a pond getaway with waterfront look no further.

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

19 July 2022

Perfect for family of water-loving children!

This is our third year staying at this property. It is perfect for our family (ages 9, 7, 4), since the kids love swimming, jumping off the dock, kayaking, and fishing. The property is clean and well-kept, the location is amazing, and there is something for everyone to do. The neighborhood is quiet, which offers the adults peaceful moments while the kids are entertained. The neighborhood is close enough to touristy attractions (Conway, North Conway, Storyland) while far enough removed to provide some respite from the hubbub.

10/10 Excellent

Christopher N.

13 July 2022

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome Location!

Loved the easy access to the water and kayaks! The horseshoe pit was a big plus.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

George Tracy R., Nashville, Tennessee

16 Oct 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tucked away home on a peaceful pond

We loved our stay! Being so close to the water was so relaxing and being novice kayakers, we had plenty of time and space to practice. We were able to get to the White Mountains within 15 minutes for hiking and leaf peepin' but we spent the majority of our time on the pond exploring. We did see a loon and chipmunks and we grilled out a couple of times. The house was comfortable and we had plenty of room to spread out. We would definitely come back here next time we are in the area.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Rich D.

23 Aug 2021

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice Weekend for a Wedding

Stayed in this cabin to attend a family wedding in nearby Sebago, Maine. Cabin was clean and tidy with good accomodations for the 4 of us. Loved the lake access with use of the canoe and kayaks!!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Carrie D.

1 Aug 2021

Bliss on the lake

This was our second visit to Little Bear Cottage. We LOVE It! You can't beat the view of the lake and the easy access to the water. With a little sandy beach, dock, two kayaks and a canoe, it allows for fun and relaxing days on the water. The screened in porch is a great bonus. We hope to be back next summer!

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

26 July 2021

Scott M.

The place was great ! The whole family had a blast!

This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kate S.

17 July 2021

Lovely little lake house

This is our 3rd visit to this little house and we have had another wonderful trip. The lake continues to be a wonderful and fun attraction for our 3 kids who also love staying in the bunk room. This little house has nice beach access, kayaks for the kids to use and everything you need for a nice stay. The outdoor porch provides extra room and a nice breeze. The new couch and updated bathroom and new porch table and chairs were a wonderful surprise. We are very sad to go and hope to be back next summer. Thank you for wonderful summer memories for our little family! We have enjoyed ourselves, again, very much!