Follansbee Inn

Overview

Follansbee Inn is a beautiful lakeside Bed and Breakfast in New Hampshire, open all year-round and rooted in 180+ years of history.

The B&B is full of 19th century character, incredible hospitality and delicious, made-from-scratch breakfasts. Outside, there’s a private pier with kayaks and paddleboards, a three-mile lake loop for walking or cycling, and Mt. Kearsarge rising in the distance.

It’s peaceful, nature-led stay that still feels warm and sociable inside, a perfect retreat in every season.

The Owners

Follansbee is run by Denis and Kendall, who make your stay feel special from the moment you arrive. Denis is originally from New Orleans and seeking a change in life after practicing law for many years, he moved to Follansbee Inn to assume the role of innkeeper in 2012. Denis was drawn to Follansbee because it is a beautiful, iconic building and its location on Kezar Lake, which he knew would serve guests very well in every season.

A few years later he met Kendall- they were married right here by the lake - and together (with their dog Grace), have poured their warmth and hospitality into the place. Denis has serious breakfast skills, blending Southern heart with New England tradition in every homemade dish. Kendall is queen of the homemade granola station and ensures the inn runs smoothly. They’re present and genuinely enjoy hosting, which is exactly why it feels so easy to relax here.

Why we love it

-Lakeside living: Being right on Kezar Lake makes the stay- kayaking, sunbathing on the dock and tandem rides around the lake (mostly in hysterics). Plus skiing, hiking and classic New England towns are all nearby.
-The hosts: Denis and Kendall are warm, knowledgeable and full of genuinely excellent local recommendations.
-The breakfasts: Denis’ Louisiana-inspired breakfasts are reason enough to return and Kendall’s homemade granola is so good we left with the recipe.

The Setting

Follansbee Inn sits on the shores of Kezar Lake, framed by tall pines and wide water views that change with the seasons. In summer, swim, sunbathe on the dock or kayak out to Blueberry Island; in winter, the frozen lake becomes a place for walking or cross-country skiing. The three-mile loop around the lake is ideal for a morning walk or bike ride, with Mt. Kearsarge rising in the distance.

Beyond the water, you’re close to hiking trails, historic sites and classic New England towns like New London, Warner and Sunapee with independent shops and relaxed local restaurants. You can also explore the White Mountains, Vermont’s Green Mountains or even the New Hampshire Seacoast on a longer day trip.

The details that matter

-Lakeside location
-Great night sleep
-Amazing breakfast
-Easy parking
-Walking trails and ski slopes nearby

Food & Drink

Breakfast at Follansbee is easily the highlight of the day. Denis brings his Louisiana roots to the table, blending New England ingredients with Southern soul - think fluffy buttermilk biscuits and creative egg dishes with a Cajun twist, recipes that feel far from a standard B&B spread. Kendall curates the granola and fruit station each morning. The food is so good we asked for the recipes.

For other meals, there are plenty of local restaurants within a short drive, and Denis and Kendall are happy to share recommendations based on what you’re in the mood for. We’ve also shared some of our favourites in the Our Notes section.

Our Notes (tips)

Go big at breakfast:
Load up on Denis and Kendall’s breakfasts - you’ll want seconds (and probably thirds). We left with a few recipes and zero regrets.

Lake days done properly:
Spend a slow day by the water and kayak out to Blueberry Island for a picnic. Or grab a takeaway pizza and a bottle of wine, sit back on the dock and stargaze - we even caught a few shooting stars.

Morning hike:
Park at Winslow State Park and hike up Mt. Kearsarge for panoramic views. It’s manageable and completely worth it.

Sunapee afternoon:
Head to Mount Sunapee for a boat trip, a glass of wine at Sunapee Cellar & Pantry, then dinner at Wildwood Smokehouse. Go when it opens - it sells out fast and was hands down one of the best BBQ spots of our US road trip.

Wander local towns
Spend a morning in Warner or New London browsing independent shops and cafés.

Go further (if you can)
If you’re not already heading that way, explore the New Hampshire and Maine coastal towns. The lobster rolls alone justify the drive and the scenery feels completely different to inland.

The tandem test
Ride the tandem around the lake path at least once. As a couple, it definitely tests your communication skills. Good luck.