What is the Rosewood?
The Rosewood Country Inn is a wonderful time-capsule of the Victorian age. The original structure was built in the 1850’s and expanded in the 1890’s as a luxury resort for the wealthy escaping Boston by train. The original grounds were quite extensive and included a golf course, main house, tents and cottages accommodating up to 85 women, children and on weekends, husbands coming to the country side to enjoy the crisp coolness of the New Hampshire summers.
Today, the Rosewood Country Inn remains a testament to that bygone era with the original main structure on 12 beautifully landscaped acres. Only a short hour and a half’s drive from Boston, we are perfectly placed between the ski resorts of Mount Sunapee and Pat’s Peak for skiing in the winter or antiquing, hiking, zip lining, golfing, fishing, boating, cruising in the fantastic Lake Sunapee region in the summer. The grounds include a gazebo which is a perfect back drop with a pond and Mount Kersarge in the distance behind it. A stunning setting for either an outdoor summer/fall wedding, group meeting or simple couples’ escape from the stresses of everyday life.
Nearby snowmobiling, cross country skiing, or snow shoeing trails are within walking distance of the inn. Various restaurants are available in both Bradford and nearby villages.
Year round events can be held in our amazingly large dining room, with seating for up to 60.
The rooms themselves are individually decorated and quite spacious for a home of this vintage, each with its own bath. Four suites include Jacuzzis and the vast majority include a gas fireplace to help provide an extra spark to your stay.
TWO HUNDRED YEARS PLUS 1771-1976 BRADFORD, NH IN RETROSPECT
Researched and Written by the Bradford History and Bicentennial Committees
“Mr. & Mrs. Edward Messer opened their home in 1896 with 6 guests. Rates were $5.00-7.00 a week and references were required. As business increased buildings were enlarged and cottages were added. At one time as many as eighty-five guests could be accommodated. Entertainment was provided by a bowling alley, a dance hall, golf course, and a casino. In addition to the house, tents were provided on raised floorings set among shade trees.”
The Messer Family continued to operate the inn, then known as Pleasant View Farm, until 1956. In the early 1900’s, Jack London, Gloria Swanson, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Mr. & Mrs. Charlie Chaplin, the Gish Sisters (Lillian & Dorothy) and the Keebler family are among the famous personalities that walked through our doors and enjoyed a stay in the Inn. Check in dates are recorded in the registries and some of the older town’s folks remembered the events.
