New HuntWood Banner with navigation A brief history of HuntWood Cottage with a few vintage photographs. What can I expect from a HuntWood Vacation? Click here to see an interactive photo gallery. Click here for information and links about Waterville Valley. Click here for information on attractions outside the valley but well within driving distance. Click here to inquire about booking your HuntWood Vacation today!

This photograph shows HuntWood cottage (colorized house in the distance) and the 2 other original homes still standing here in Waterville Valley. The landscape has changed greatly since the time of the photo (circa 1910) as you can see not many trees can be found due to the extensive clear cutting of much of what is today the White Mountain National Forest. You can also see the Waterville Valley Inn (White building in the foreground) .

      HuntWood Cottage was constructed in 1886 for the Pond family. Originally conceived of as a hiking lodge, the home was used only in the warmer months of the year when city dwellers would escape to the mountains for fresh air and outdoor activity. For reasons unknown, the Pond family sold HuntWood to the Wood family in 1889 and it was to remain in possession of that family until 2004, when it was purchsed and totally renovated and restored to its previous elegance and beauty. As it was originally built, HuntWood had no kitchen, as all meals were taken at the local inn located at the bottom of the hill. (The path exists today, and was the trail head to the Cascades back in years gone by.) During the hurricane of 1938 HuntWood lost its tower room.  As it crashed to the ground below it destroyed the front entrance and parts of the decking . The roof was repaired but the tower ( we call it the "belvedere") was not replaced until the restoration in 2004. The carriage house and stable with hayloft were converted to year round living space in the 1970's with insulation, heating, plumbing and modern electrical systems being added. (This area today serves as the library and master suite). When the home was sold in 2004 the entire house was fitted with modern plumbing, electrical, and heating systems. The belvedere was restored, and a new modern kitchen was constructed by enclosing one of the outdoor porches. Replastering, wallpapering, carpeting, hard-wood flooring, as well as paint and a lot of hard work went into  what you see here today;An elegant Queen Anne style home ready for you to enjoy a vacation away from the stresses of everyday life.

HuntWood Historic Facts

  • Originally constructed in 1886
  • It is the third oldest house in the valley
  • The original Cascade trail began at the base of the property and that path still exists .
  • Owned by one family for most of its existence
  • Only 2 major renovations performed, the first in the 1970's and the second in 2004
  • HuntWood's signature "Belvedere" tower room was restored in 2004 many years after tumbling down from the 1938 hurricane.

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