A Historic New England Farm Stay for Gatherings, Retreats & Reconnection

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Interior
9 bedrooms, free WiFi, bed sheets, wheelchair access
Interior
Terrace/patio
Interior

Reviews

8.0 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Parking available
  • Laundry room
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
Temple, NH
  • Place, Joanne Bass Bross Preserve
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Miller State Park
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Temple Town Hall
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Airport, Manchester, NH (MHT-Manchester-Boston Regional)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Room options

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About the area

Temple

Located in Temple, this lodge is in a rural location, within a 10-minute drive of Joanne Bass Bross Preserve and Temple Town Hall. .This family-friendly lodge is 2.3 mi (3.7 km) from Miller State Park and 3.3 mi (5.3 km) from Solon Mansfield Memorial Library.

What's nearby

  • Joanne Bass Bross Preserve - 5 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Miller State Park - 7 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Wapack Trail - 8 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Temple Town Hall - 8 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Solon Mansfield Memorial Library - 8 min drive - 6.4 km

Getting around

  • Nashua, NH (ASH-Nashua Municipal) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Circle K - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Pickity Place - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Wilton House of Pizza - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Mi Jalisco - ‬14 min drive

About this property

A Historic New England Farm Stay for Gatherings, Retreats & Reconnection


Welcome to Stepping Stones Farm & Retreat Center

From the Owner: I love people and truly enjoy welcoming guests from near and far to our historic family farm. I grew up here, live onsite, and am proud to continue our third generation legacy of hospitality. We welcome people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and orientations. We strive to make every stay at the Lodge inviting, safe, and comfortable.

The Lodge
Our rustic, hand hewn log Lodge comfortably accommodates up to 22 guests. The space is warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully equipped for groups and families.

Guests enjoy:
• Sparkling white linens in 10 guest rooms
• Clean Jack and Jill style bathrooms
• A well equipped kitchen
• Cut flowers on the table and farm fresh eggs
• A classic front porch made for rocking
• High speed internet and handicapped accessibility

It’s the perfect blend of old world charm and modern convenience.

The Farm
Surrounded by lawns, gardens, pastures, streams, dirt roads, and forests, the farm offers a true escape from a chaotic world. Our 28 acres are nestled within hundreds of acres of conserved land and feature:

• Open fields bordered by old growth forest
• A historic three story bank barn
• Riding rings and colonial farm buildings
• Peaceful scenery in every direction

Guests are welcome to stroll the grounds, splash in the pool, dine under the stars, or gather around the fire circle. Horses graze nearby, hens lay fresh eggs, and friendly goats add to the farm’s welcoming spirit. Seasonal pleasures include scenic walks, biking, fall foliage, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and horseback riding. Skiing and snowboarding is available at several mountains within easy driving distance.

A Place with History
Stepping Stones Farm has welcomed travelers since 1754. Stagecoaches once stopped here along the route from Boston to Montreal. The farm has long served as a gathering place for community and connection.

The Lodge itself was built in 1976 using hand hewn logs harvested on the property. Inside, cathedral ceilings, wrought iron chandeliers, and a grand fieldstone fireplace create a space ideal for families, friends, businesses, and retreat groups.

Location
While the farm feels wonderfully secluded, it’s easy to reach and close to local attractions:
• 1.5 hours from Boston/Logan Airport
• 45 minutes from Manchester Boston Regional Airport (MHT)

Nearby highlights include maple sugaring tours and treats at The Maple Station, fresh milk and ice cream at Connolly’s Dairy Farm, and the historic Frye’s Measure Mill Museum. Temple is the gateway to New Hampshire’s Monadnock Region, home to Mount Monadnock, Miller State Park, Temple Mountain, and a rich array of outdoor recreation, arts, dining, and New England history.

Gatherings & Retreats
Zoned rural and residential, the farm offers privacy and peace. Dogs are welcome.

We welcome gatherings of all kinds, including:
• Family reunions and friend get togethers
• Baby showers and milestone celebrations
• Lodging for weddings and celebrations of life
• Corporate & wellness retreats and workshops

Concierge services and AV equipment are available to support retreats and professional gatherings.

The Historic Bank Barn
Our iconic three story Bank Barn, the largest of its kind east of the Mississippi, evokes classic Currier & Ives charm.

The newly renovated second floor features:
• A lovely central aisle with twinkling lights
• A carriage and sleigh collection
• Flexible spaces for celebration, learning, and gathering

The Wisdom Horse Room is ideal for meetings, classes, yoga, meditation, workshops, and presentations. It is open, light filled, and equipped with internet access.
On Farm Experiences (Additional Fee)
Guests may enhance their stay with unique farm experiences, including:

• “Meet the Minis” – interact with horses and goats, hold a chicken, collect eggs
• Guided historic farm tours
• Unmounted equine experiential sessions- Wisdom Horse
• Horseback riding in the ring or on scenic dirt roads

With four outdoor rings, a large indoor arena, and miles of dirt roads, experiencing the farm on horseback is truly special.

Equine Vacation Stays
We now offer Equine Vacation Stays for riders and carriage drivers. Bring your own horse and enjoy uninterrupted, quality time together while riding or driving on our roads and rings with friends.

Outdoor Living
From spring through fall, guests can enjoy outdoor dining under twinkling lights, grilling, and evenings around the fire circle while listening to owls call at dusk. Wildlife sightings often include deer, pheasants, quail, partridge, and wild turkeys.

Plan Your Stay
All guests receive a detailed Welcome Packet with recommendations for caterers, babysitters and elder sitters, massage therapists, guided farm tours, and horseback riding to help you plan a memorable stay.

Stepping Stones Farm & Retreat Center is a place to breathe deeply, reconnect, and feel at home — a timeless New England sanctuary for rest, celebration, and community.
There's a private balcony. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access is available to keep you connected. The bathroom has a shower and a hair dryer. Conveniences include a phone, as well as a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
Be sure to enjoy recreational amenities including a water park and an outdoor pool.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Internet access

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Books
  • Games
  • Outdoor pool
  • Table tennis
  • Water park

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Spa

  • Massage

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Wheelchair accessibility

More

  • Designated smoking areas

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 4 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Fenced private pool
  • TV

Food and drink

  • Blender
  • Chef service
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dining table
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

More

  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Heating
  • Living room
  • Phone

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 26

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 24
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Beautiful Barn Lodge for Weddings Events!
Lodge at Stepping Stones Sleeps up to 24!
The Lodge at Stepping Stones Sleeps up to 24!
Beautiful Barn Lodge for Weddings Events! Sleeps 26!

A Historic New England Farm Stay for Gatherings, Retreats & Reconnection Reviews

Reviews

8.0

Very good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 5 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 5 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 5 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 5 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 5 reviews

7.2/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Marie N.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Place to Host a Retreat

Very easy to deal with host, perfect setting for our group of 12 to gather and have a knitting retreat. Definitely recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

6/10 Okay

Gabe M.

Disliked: Cleanliness

Fun rustic house

The house feels a lot like a frontier cabin. It’s essentially one 3-4 story main room with 8 bedrooms connecting directly to it on two levels. We enjoyed the large fireplace in the main room, but wished the available seating better matched the room size. The cabin is rustic - lovely wood finishings throughout excepting the lowest bedroom which, along with the downstairs, could benefit from an update and some warmth (temp and decor). Instead of a dishwasher (or two given the size of the house), there’s a complex ‘sanitizer’ situation, which we wish was clearer in the description. The owner was friendly and helpful. She welcomed our group which was nice, but also at one point entered the property on her own accord, which while perhaps well intentioned, felt intrusive. We also ran out of gas for an entire day (no cooking or hot water). This felt like a very avoidable situation, but the property managers did respond promptly. We felt like a reduction in our fee was appropriate considering that significant interruption, but despite promising to do so, several weeks later we’re still waiting. Ultimately, and despite these issues, we enjoyed our time.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place!

Our extended family stayed here for our summer vacation. There was plenty of space both inside and out and everything we needed was there. The owner was very easy to communicate with and we loved being on the farm. The kids enjoyed seeing the animal and swimming in the pool. The adults enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere and hanging by the fire pit. It was very safe for our children as well as it is off a quiet street with very few cars. It is clear the owner loves this house and farm! Recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

4/10 Poor

paula d.

Disliked: Cleanliness

adequate but dirty and run down

The property had the right amount of size and bathrooms as described in the VRBO page. But, it needed to be thoroughly cleaned, have new mattresses, an updated clean kitchen with no ants, and a pool that was clean enough to use. The age of the property had no impact on its rating. The cleanliness was the major issue. Cobwebs were everywhere and it was just plain dirty. The people were welcoming and nice, but the property just really needs tons of work.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

George G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great for a family reunion

It was like living on a farm without having to do all the farm work. My grand kids retrieved fresh eggs in the morning for our breakfast. The property manager goes above and beyond to ensure that you are comfortable with your stay. I highly recommend Stepping Stones!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021