Ginny's Stillwater Cottage, Ashland, NH

Introduction / Overview: A Cozy Cottage on the Water’s Edge

For New Hampshire residents seeking an intimate and restorative getaway in the heart of the Lakes Region, Ginny's Stillwater Cottage offers a unique and highly desirable lodging experience. Unlike the large, bustling resorts or traditional campgrounds, this location provides the peaceful charm of a private vacation rental nestled along the Squam River area, specifically situated on Drews Landing in Ashland, NH.

The name "Stillwater Cottage" perfectly encapsulates the serene atmosphere—a tranquil setting ideal for those who prioritize quiet time, water activities, and a cozy 'home away from home' feel. This area of Ashland places you right near the connector between the Squam River and Little Squam Lake, providing incredible access to the pristine waters of the famous Squam Lake region—made famous by the classic movie, "On Golden Pond."

The personal touch is clear from guest feedback, including a very specific, locally-flavored review: "Ginny is the best host, but requires extra attention and ear scratches. Her owners are ok too I guess." This delightful comment indicates that the property is pet-friendly and often features an endearing canine mascot, adding to the welcoming, unpretentious, and local New England atmosphere that so many New Hampshire locals cherish.

While often categorized loosely with campgrounds due to its outdoor focus, Ginny's Stillwater Cottage is best understood as a highly sought-after, self-catered cottage rental that serves as a perfect base camp for Lakes Region adventures, providing a retreat from the crowds while keeping you close to all the action.

Location and Accessibility: Gateway to Squam and Winnipesaukee

Ginny's Stillwater Cottage is located at 99-1 Drews Landing, Ashland, NH 03217, USA. This location offers significant advantages for New Hampshire residents.

The town of Ashland is centrally located in the Lakes Region, just minutes off Interstate 93 (I-93), making it incredibly easy to access from almost anywhere in the state. From southern New Hampshire cities, the drive is direct and scenic, allowing for more time spent enjoying the vacation and less time sitting in traffic.

The cottage’s specific placement on Drews Landing is what makes it truly special. It sits on or very near the Squam River/Little Squam Lake system. This provides immediate, quiet access to paddling—kayaking or canoeing down the river and through a covered bridge right onto Little Squam Lake. Unlike the large, sometimes overwhelming, waters of Lake Winnipesaukee, Little Squam Lake offers a more peaceful, secluded experience while still being close enough to the amenities and attractions of nearby Holderness, Plymouth, and Meredith.

Services Offered

As a vacation cottage rental, the services are geared towards self-sufficiency and comfort, providing the essential amenities you would expect in a private home environment:

Full Kitchen Facilities: Many cottages in the area are equipped with a complete kitchen, often including a full-size refrigerator, stove/cooktop, and microwave, allowing guests to fully self-cater and enjoy local New Hampshire produce.
Private Bathroom Facilities: Unlike traditional camping, the unit includes a private, modern bathroom, sometimes with a custom shower.
Pet-Friendly Accommodation: The humorous review confirms the welcoming nature of the property for pets (with a friendly warning that 'Ginny' the dog requires attention!), which is a crucial service for many local families traveling with their canine companions.
Outdoor Amenities: Typically includes a private deck or patio, a barbecue grill, and a designated outdoor space for relaxation, often with great views of the hills, gardens, or the river.
Connectivity: Includes essential features like free WiFi access to stay connected, check local hiking trails, or stream entertainment.
In-Unit Laundry: Many fully-equipped cottages in this region include a washer and dryer, essential for longer stays or for cleaning up after a full day of swimming and hiking.

Features / Highlights

The defining characteristics of Ginny's Stillwater Cottage focus on the peace, privacy, and unique proximity to the water:

Direct Squam River/Little Squam Access: The most significant highlight is the ability to easily launch a kayak or canoe right onto the Squam River for a short, beautiful paddle to Little Squam Lake. This is an unparalleled feature for water lovers.
Tranquil Setting: The cottage is specifically cited as being on a quiet street with a great yard and a river location, offering a much-needed break from the hustle of daily life.
Cozy, Home-like Comfort: The cottage provides a fully outfitted space that feels like a private home, a significant upgrade from tent or RV camping, perfect for a deeply relaxing stay.
Ideal Base for Exploration: The location is minutes from the Squam Lakes Natural Science Center, downtown Ashland, and within a short driving distance of major White Mountain attractions and skiing/snowboarding at Gunstock or Waterville Valley, making it a true four-season retreat.
Natural Beauty and Views: The property offers stunning views of the surrounding New Hampshire hills, mountains, and local gardens, particularly during the vibrant foliage season.
Proximity to Local Favorites: Nearby amenities include charming local spots like the Ashland Railroad Station Museum and easy access to hiking trails like those at Whitten Woods.

Contact Information

As a private rental property, booking and specific property management details are often handled through various online vacation rental platforms. However, the essential location information is:

Address: 99-1 Drews Landing, Ashland, NH 03217, USA

Phone: While direct phone numbers for individual private rentals can vary, the best method for initial inquiry and booking is usually through the specific listing on major rental websites, by searching for "Ginny's Stillwater Cottage, Ashland NH" and then contacting the listed property manager or owner.

Conclusion: Why this Place is Suitable for Locals

Ginny's Stillwater Cottage is the perfect retreat for New Hampshire locals who appreciate authenticity, tranquility, and unparalleled access to the state's most beloved natural treasures. It is highly suitable because it provides a genuine "New Hampshire life" experience—a private, quiet lakeside setting that still offers all the comforts needed to unwind and explore. Locals will appreciate the ease of getting to this central location via I-93 and the ability to truly escape the noise without sacrificing convenience.

This cottage allows New Hampshire families to tap into the legendary peacefulness of the Squam Lake region—the very essence of "On Golden Pond." It offers more privacy than a communal campground and more character than a standard hotel, making it an excellent investment in a local staycation. Whether it’s paddling quietly onto Little Squam in the summer, or using the fully-equipped cottage as a cozy home base for foliage viewing and nearby winter activities, Ginny's Stillwater Cottage offers a personal, repeatable, and deeply satisfying New Hampshire experience.