Property Details
If you’re feeling the need to escape, there’s a place that beckons – Dixville Notch. Bring your family and immerse yourselves in our gated 7,000 acres of majestic wilderness while still enjoying all the comforts of home. Fall foliage in northern New Hampshire looks like the hills are on fire, wildlife abounds throughout hunting season, and we have some of the most un-touched hunting property in northern New Hampshire. Situated on a private lake, this is truly a unique setting ideal for intimate events, outdoor activities like foliage gazing or hunting, and connecting with each other. Amazing amenities include unlimited golf on our 18-hole private Signature Donald Ross course that has been maintained to ‘winter cut’. It’s a walking course with breathtaking views into Canada and Vermont.
The History
In 1954, Neil Tillotson (pictured right) purchased what was renamed The Balsams Grand Resort Hotel. He also built his home in a private, lakeside location here on the property. Now, his family home is being restored while carefully maintaining the character and timeless charm that Mr. Tillotson intended. Starting in July, 2021, you will be able to book a stay at the spacious and secluded Tillotson House.
Tillotson made his fortune thanks to a patent for a manufacturing process that used latex rubber for products such as toy balloons and surgical gloves. He converted an adjacent barn into a small factory on site at The Balsams where these products were manufactured.
To improve The Balsams profitability, Tillotson first extended the resort’s season into the winter in 1965 through a phased period of winterizing the rooms, creating an alpine ski area across the street, and adapting the hiking trails for cross-country skiing. “Mr. T,” as he was known, was the first voter in the nation during every American presidential primary and election from the time he took residence in Dixville until his death in 2001 – at 102 years of age.
The Location
A 7,000-acre private playground that you have to yourselves (except for the moose and other wildlife that abounds) – you can enjoy the remoteness amidst some of nature’s most beautiful sights. Some of northern New Hampshire’s most pristine hunting exists on the property with an abundance of bear, pheasant, grouse, white tailed deer, and moose. Want to be active? Enjoy over 50 miles of private hiking, biking, or walking trails, or find yourself at one of three small mountain lakes to kayak, canoe, or swim in Lake Gloriette, just steps away from the house. Rather just relax? Lounge in solitude by the lake, experience birding, fish for native trout, read a book, enjoy a quiet lakeside campfire with storytelling and s'mores during the evening, or simply take in stunning views of the Notch while the hummingbirds and loons entertain you. There are several roads throughout the property that are two to three miles long and are passable if you have an SUV if you prefer to watch wildlife from the comfort of your vehicle. Please note that some of the land is under conservation easements and there may be hikers far out on the property, but nowhere near the Tillotson House or golf course.
The Residence
The Tillotson House is nestled among privacy walls of cedar hedgerows and lies on the shore of Lake Gloriette. From this private home, you can look across the glistening lake and take in the grandeur of the cliffs of Dixville Notch rising 1200' above the lake's surface. Previously owned by the beloved past owner of The Balsams, Neil Tillotson, the home was designed to be private despite protruding from the best piece of lakefront property on the entire Balsams estate. It remains so today and is being updated with a nod to its historic past in its current design. The house offers seven bedrooms, six full bathrooms, one half-bath, and is incredibly spacious. There is a kitchen provided for your use during your stay, as well as basic utilities such as laundry and kitchen appliances. Perhaps the best part is the enormous living room with massive picture windows framing the view across the lake. The residence and property are of course, dog friendly.
House: 6300 sq. ft.
Sleeps: 14
Bedrooms: 7 (five with king-size beds, one with a queen-size bed, and one with two twin beds)
Bathrooms: 6 (queen and twins share a bath at end of the hall)
Half Baths: 1
Average price $2,100 (+ NH taxes) per night standard stay. 2 night minimum applies. Weekends, Holidays, and vacation weeks may have special considerations/prices due to demand.
Photographs of the Newly Renovated Interior, Coming Soon!
If you prefer to fly in, there is a private airport, Berlin Regional airport (KBML), only 40 minutes away. The airport’s elevation is at 1161.3 feet and its dimensions are 5200 by 100 feet.
Book your stay by emailing us directly or by calling 603-225-0050.
Scroll to take a virtual tour around our 7,000 acres of pristine landscapes
The Private Signature Donald Ross 18-hole golf course on-site.
The view of Lake Gloriette on a sunny summer day.
Bring your bikes, hiking shoes, or snowshoes depending on the season to enjoy over 50 miles of private trails.
Moose Lake, one of three private lakes on-site that are perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or swimming on a hot summer day.
Lake Gloriette, steps away.
The Panorama 18-hole golf course, a signature Donald Ross course, is currently a walking course. Those staying on the property have exclusive use during their stay.
Neil Tillotson, who owned The Balsams during its last hay-day and built the Tillotson House, casting his vote in the First-in-the-Nation vote. This is a tradition he started in the Notch.
Experience views into surrounding states from private hiking trails.
Your stay is dog friendly, with no leashes required.
The loons will entertain you daily in Lake Gloriette during the warmer months.
The view from Table Rock hiking trail, just moments from the Tillotson House.
Springtime in Dixville.
7,000 acres of fresh air, peace, and room to explore and reconnect.
What Guests of The Balsams Property have Shared
The Property
• The Balsams property is being re-imagined by Les Otten, Former Vice-Chairman of the Boston Red Sox and credited with saving Fenway Park
• You will have a gated 7,000 acres to explore and all the comforts of home
• There are 56 miles of private and private non-motorized trails on the property
• There are several 2-3-mile roads throughout the property which are accessible by SUV in the warmer months
• Wildlife abounds on the property
• We can work with you to accommodate hunting guide needs if required
• Berlin Municipal airport (KBML), 5200 by 100 feet with an elevation of 1161 feet, is only 40 minutes away
• For your safety, certain parts of the property that are under deconstruction or construction will be off-limits
Your Accommodations
• Our Tillotson House features 7 bedrooms, 6 full baths, and one-half bath
• The house comfortable sleeps 14 with ample space for relaxing in common areas
• There is a convenience building located by the golf course with a bathroom, dining tables and chairs, and cooler for lunches or sunset dinners and there are several pull carts for clubs
• The golf course has stunning views into Canada, across New Hampshire, and into Vermont
• The kitchen is fully equipped
• The house has a full dining room, kitchen, and massive living room space
• You’ll have access to laundry during your stay in the house
• Linens are all provided
• The residence and property are dog friendly and dogs do not need to be leashed
• The location is ideal for small, intimate weddings
• Bring your own alcohol or have us fetch from town
• We can also fetch anything you may need or have forgotten, based on availability in our remote location
• The Tillotson House will be cleaned and sanitized, mindful of best COVID-19 cleaning practices
• For your health and safety, we will not be providing turn-down service during your stay
• Bring your kayaks, canoes, fishing boats, bicycles, and hiking shoes if you desire
• There are several kayaks and canoes on-site, and we do have several life vests for use as well (it is best to check with us so that we can accommodate your entire party)
• The three lakes have native freshwater trout, two of which do not require a fishing license
• You will be able to swim at the sandy beach on the shore of Lake Gloriette
• We can be reached at 603-225-0050