Train Depot in Barnstead, New Hampshire, Transformed into Unique Vacation Destination
Back in 2023 Dan and Maddie Phelps bought the Barnstead Train Depot with a vision to create a place where other nature and history enthusiasts could enjoy through Airbnb and VRBO. It has been a labor of love but these two believe this depot is one of the most unique and historic vacation destinations in New Hampshire.
Let's learn about the depot shall we?
It was built in 1889 on the banks of the Suncook River, this depot served as a gateway for residents of the Barnstead area to New Hampshire and the rest of the country from 1889 to 1947.
Operators of this depot included The Boston & Maine Railroad and The Suncook Valley Railroad. The latter was the first independent short line in New Hampshire. This short line was affectionately nicknamed the “Blueberry Express”.
The Barnstead Train Depot was a key designated stop on this line, and the depot itself is one of the only remaining structures that used to stand on this proud short line.
A little about the Phelps family
Maddie serves as a mental health counselor and grew up in the Concord area. Dan is a pilot and a Veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve. Dan grew up along the seacoast of New Hampshire.
Dan Phelps
(not featured in photo above, their daughter who is now 2 months old)
Who owned the depot before Dan and Maddie?
The previous owners were Nolan and Naomi Avery and they had a vision to save this depot back in the 1970s. Their dedication and work were featured through various outlets such as HGTV, The Weirs Times, and The Concord Monitor. Nolan was a WW2 veteran and a prominent member of the Pittsfield Community. Naomi was an artist and also an active member of the Pittsfield community.
Continuing this power couple's legacy, Dan and Maddie worked on this depot and lived there since 2023.
Work included: A new bathroom, refinishing the floor, a new furnace, removing a buried oil tank, exterior painting, interior painting and multiple property upgrades.
Dan Phelps
Dan Phelps
Dan Phelps
Dan Phelps
Dan Phelps
Dan Phelps
Their next project is to renovate the caboose to accommodate more overnight guests in the future.
Why book a stay at the Barnstead Train Depot?
- Nature: You can see so much! Bald eagles, Pileated woodpeckers, Bluebirds, Herons, Otters, Opossums, Bobcats, Deer, Turkeys, Porcupines and Black Bears. At night the depot really comes alive, with clear views of the stars and a healthy showing of fireflies.
- Waterfront: This goes hand in hand with the topic above. Nothing really compares to the serenity of sitting on the covered porch with a coffee in the morning or a drink in the evening looking out on the Suncook River.
- History: The tracks are long gone, however the memories remain. When you stay at the depot you can really reflect on how crucial this structure was for the people of Barnstead. You can get lost in the thoughts on how many people traveled through it for their own personal journeys.
- Rail Trail: They own and maintain about a mile of the railbed that extends to where a trestle bridge used to be. It's a great way to stay active and see some nature.
Convinced yet? Check out the full listing below and learn more:
Congrats to Dan and Maddie on this labor of love! May it bring many years of joy to you and all who are fortunate enough to stay there!
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Take a tour of the inside.
Gallery Credit: Kira Lew
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