While it sounds like it should be located in the fictional land of Westeros (from the hit HBO series ‘Game of Thrones’ for the uninitiated), this exquisite Victorian B&B is in fact safely ensconced within the White Mountains of New Hampshire. You only need the magic of the internet to make a reservation…or even just an old fashioned telephone call to Chris or Roger Croteau, the inn’s charming proprietors.
The Lion and the Rose, safely ensconced within the White Mountain National Forest.
Mind you, there are plenty of lions and roses dotting the premises; the lions because Roger is a Leo and roses…well, just because.
A spectacular 1892 Victorian structure, the home was originally built by a certain Dr. Morrison. My room, sporting a medieval theme, has its own sitting room antechamber as well as a huge king-size bed with decor befitting…well, at least a baron. In fact, the bedroom was originally the place where the good doctor cared for his patients and the sitting room was…well, where patients sat waiting to be examined.
Sporting an Asian motif, you’d be a fool to pass up this wondrous room!
Other rooms in the inn feature ancient Egyptian and Asian motifs and many of the rooms have two person Jacuzzis. I suspect King Tut would have liked the Egyptian room because I am sure I have seen some of the furnishings in the Cairo Museum…or at least reasonable facsimiles.
While many B&Bs claim to give you a royal welcome, the Lion and the Rose actually succeeds. One of the lion-themed acquisitions was a hand-carved, wooden high-backed throne featuring huge felines carved into the arms. Some visiting actors of the local playhouse insisted on providing a crown, so now guests can have their photograph taken ‘on the throne’.
The Inn’s front parlour. Rest in the hand-carved throne. Embrace royalty!
It’s not surprising that guests have given the Lion and the Rose a solid ‘five out of five’ rating on Trip Advisor. I could have paid double the price for a room half the size at the nearby Mount Washington Hotel; however, the views there are free and it is right around the corner from the Lion and the Rose.
The White Mountains boast many hiking trails, as well as white water rafting, kayaking, rock-climbing and many other ways to burn off the calories of the huge and delicious breakfast Chris prepares for her guests. If these activities pale, you can do midnight cave tours or zip-line down horrendously steep peaks, which serve a double duty as precipitous ski slopes in winter.
The White Mountains boast many hiking trails and present some exciting rock-climbing challenges!
Be sure to check out the Vintage train. Buffs would be well-advised to book the 9:30am departure from the nearby Cogwheel Railroad since it is the only one that features a real steam-fired locomotive. Perhaps the oldest tourist attraction in the United States, tourists have been hauled to the top of Mt. Washington, the highest peak in the NE United States for over a hundred-and-fifty years by stagecoach, bus, car and locomotive. Guess which is my favorite.
IF YOU GO…
The Lion and Rose bed and breakfast
Photo Credits
All photos by George Burden – All Rights Reserved
Thank you George! Loved the article and so happy that you stayed with us!