The Ell

On Main Street in Lovell - a quiet village wedged between the White Mountains and the Maine lakes region - sits The Ell, a 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom private suite carved out of a historic building. It's the kind of place where the decor doesn't try too hard (reading nooks, wide-plank floors, good linens) and the host actually knows where you should hike. The property sits on shared grounds with the main house, where there are chickens, two dogs, and a large porch for the kind of rocking-chair thinking that gets harder to do anywhere else. It's less hotel than it is a well-appointed corner of someone's life you're invited to share for a weekend.

The decor is intentional and tastes expensive without feeling show-offy. Guests consistently mention the wide plank hardwood floors, tiled bathrooms, thoughtfully arranged reading nook, and fixtures that read like they were chosen rather than ordered from a catalog. Towels and linens are genuinely luxurious - the kind you notice when you dry off. The color palette and furnishings create a cozy, curated atmosphere that would feel at home in a design magazine, but it works as an actual place to sleep.

You get real privacy and real space. Two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, dining table, and a sitting area mean you're not tripping over your travel companions. The host is transparent that some shared spaces exist on the property (porch, laundry), but reviewers consistently report feeling completely private despite that arrangement - a rare balance.

The host actually cares. One reviewer noted a guest book filled with local information and hiking recommendations. Free coffee, tea, and fresh cream are stocked. A Venmo-payable honor-system snack bar offers gourmet extras if you want them. These are small gestures, but they compound into the feeling that someone thought about what you'd need.

It's positioned for mountain access without being remote. Seven and a half miles from White Mountain National Forest with hiking that doesn't require a full-day drive. Close enough to Story Land for families in summer, Mount Washington for ambitious day trips, and the lakes region if you want water instead of peaks.

The suite occupies its own space within a historic structure, offering two bedrooms and two full bathrooms. Hardwood and parquet floors run throughout; bathrooms feature tile work and classic fixtures. The living room connects to a dining area, and a sitting nook provides a quiet refuge. This is a full self-contained suite, not a hotel room - you're renting a residential space with hotel-level cleanliness and amenities. One reviewer mentioned the absence of a microwave (possibly a wiring constraint), which is worth knowing if you plan extensive reheating.

• Suite - Two bedrooms, two baths, full living and dining areas. Comfortable beds, luxury linens, excellent natural light.

Comfort & convenience - Free WiFi, private check-in and check-out, free on-site parking, coffee machine, electric kettle, refrigerator with complimentary tea, coffee, and fresh cream · Flat-screen TV with board games and puzzles for quieter evenings · Designated smoking area available

Bathrooms - Two private bathrooms, each with bathtub and shower, free toiletries, hairdryer, fresh towels · Socket near the bed for charging

Kitchen & dining - Dining table, coffee machine, refrigerator, cleaning products for a longer stay · Minibar with gourmet snacks available for purchase via Venmo or cash

Outdoors & shared spaces - Large covered porch with rocking chairs · Shared grounds with backyard · Access to full-size washer and dryer · Two friendly dogs and property chickens for a touch of rural charm

Safety - CCTV outside property and in common areas, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detector

Summer and early fall (June–September) - Peak season for hiking and lake activities. Story Land is fully open. The property sees regular bookings during this window; the shared porch and outdoor spaces are most appealing. Warm evenings for rocking and reading.

Fall foliage (late September–mid-October) - White Mountain National Forest hits peak color. Hiking trails are busy but rewarding. The property is at its most photogenic with trees turning gold and red. Shoulder-season pricing begins.

Winter (December–March) - Quiet time on Main Street. Skiing is 45 minutes north at major resorts. The historic building and fireplaces make for cozy weekends. Fewer tourists, lower rates, and snow activities nearby.

Spring (April–May) - Mud season, limited hiking, but wildflowers and returning wildlife. Fewer guests overall. Best for couples seeking genuine solitude rather than activity-focused trips.

"Loved the set up, great value for money, has everything you'd need for a weekend getaway while being accessible to sights and activities in New Hampshire."

• Faryal, United States · Group · 10/10

"The decorating, cleanliness and cost were excellent. Highly recommend for couples."

• Jacob, United States · Solo traveler · 10/10

"The atmosphere and decor from the reading nook to the bathroom fixtures to the wide plank floors was created thoughtfully and tastefully."

• Lyn, United States · Couple · 10/10

"The host was very helpful during our stay. It was cozy and welcoming!"

• Lori, United States · Solo traveler · 10/10

"Comfortable and well furnished rooms. Excellent. Recommend highly and planning to return."

• L, United States · Family · 9/10

The only minor friction across reviews: one guest noted the absence of a microwave, and another mentioned some light dust in corners - both trivial against the overwhelming satisfaction. The property is clearly well-maintained and the host responsive.

• White Mountain National Forest (7.5 mi) - Hiking trails ranging from easy forest walks to steep alpine pitches. Some of the most reliable fall foliage in the Northeast.
• Mount Washington (20 mi) - New England's highest peak; accessible via auto road or hiking trails from multiple trailheads on the west side.
• Story Land Amusement Park (21 mi) - Family-friendly theme park with water slides and rides; open seasonally in summer and early fall.
• Kezar Lake (3 mi south) - Swimmer-friendly lake with public beach access and quiet moorings for kayaking.
• Maine's Oxford Hills (south toward Norway and Paris) - Quieter, less-crowded hiking and fishing than the White Mountain core.
• Mount Meander (17 mi) - Local favorite for a moderate half-day hike with good views.
• Downtown Lovell (walkable) - General store, local restaurants, and the sense of a town that has stayed its own size for decades.

Is breakfast included? No. The suite includes complimentary coffee, tea, and fresh cream in the refrigerator. Gourmet snacks and additional beverages are available for purchase via Venmo or cash. Lovell's limited dining means grocery shopping or bringing provisions is wise for longer stays.

Is there a microwave? No. The suite has a coffee machine, electric kettle, refrigerator, and full cooking facilities in the kitchen, but no microwave - likely due to the historic building's electrical setup.

Can I use the laundry? Yes. A full-size washer and dryer are available on the property for guest use at no extra charge, which is valuable for week-long stays.

Is this truly private, or do I share the space? You have complete privacy in the 2-bed, 2-bath suite and shared common areas (porch, grounds, laundry). The main house is occupied separately. Guests report feeling fully private despite the arrangement.

How far is it to Portland airport? The Ell is 51 miles (roughly 75 minutes) from Portland International Jetport. It's not a destination for quick airport dashes but reasonable for a full weekend or week.

Are the beds comfortable? Yes. Multiple reviewers specifically praised bed comfort and the quality of linens and towels. This is one of the property's consistent strengths.

Is there cell service and WiFi? Free WiFi is available throughout. Cell service in Lovell varies by carrier - typical for rural Maine - so rely on WiFi for important calls or messages.