The Mountain Bungalow

The Mountain Bungalow is a four-bedroom, three-bath chalet designed for groups and families who want to anchor themselves in one place and spread out. It's the kind of property where a couple of families or a multi-generational group can actually cook together, relax separately, and gather around an outdoor fireplace without feeling cramped. Newry sits just off Route 2, close enough to Sunday River that skiers and leaf-peepers both land here; the chalet splits the difference between weekend-warrior convenience and genuine mountain peace.

The appeal is straightforward: full kitchen, hot tub, outdoor fireplace, playground for kids, and enough square footage that nobody's bumping elbows. This is not a boutique inn or a resort with a concierge. It's a private rental where you're the household for the duration of your stay.

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Built for group cooking and shared meals. The kitchen is fully equipped - stove, oven, dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, coffee machine - with a dining table large enough for everyone. If you're renting with friends or extended family, this is where the chalet earns its keep. No coordinating restaurant reservations across multiple seatings.

Hot tub and outdoor fireplace set the pace. After a ski day or a hike, the hot tub and the outdoor fireplace with seating become the gathering place. The fireplace is wood-burning and sits on the patio; it's the kind of detail that makes an ordinary evening feel intentional.

Playground and picnic area for families with kids. The on-site playground keeps younger children occupied without leaving the property. A picnic area means you can eat outdoors on warmer days, and the open grounds give kids room to move.

Pet-friendly, with serious amenities. Many vacation rentals tolerate pets; this one lists itself as genuinely pet-friendly from the start. Combined with the kitchen and outdoor space, it's well-suited to a family traveling with a dog.

Proximity to skiing and hiking without the resort feel. You're close to Sunday River and other mountains, and the surrounding area is laced with hiking trails. You get mountain-access convenience without staying in a busy lodge.

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The chalet comprises four bedrooms spread across the property, with three full bathrooms. Linens are provided. Bedrooms come with private entrances to some units - useful if you're splitting the rental across two families or couples traveling together. The sleeping areas are straightforward and comfortable rather than designer-curated; the real living happens in the common spaces.

The living area centers on a sofa, sitting area, dining table, and a fireplace - a setup that keeps everyone in view during a rainy afternoon. A work desk is available if you're mixing a work-from-vacation stretch into your stay.

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Outdoors & Relaxation - Hot tub, outdoor fireplace, picnic area, patio seating, barbecue facilities, outdoor dining area · Playground for children · Hiking and skiing nearby · Petfriendly grounds.

Indoors - Full kitchen with all major appliances, dining area, living room with sofa and fireplace, desk for work, streaming services (Netflix, etc.), minibar, TV.

Practical - Washing machine, dryer, laundry services, ironing facilities · Free toiletries · Private bathrooms · Heating · Safety features (smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguishers).

Languages - Reception staff speak Czech, German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, and Portuguese - a genuine plus for international visitors.

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Because the chalet is a full rental with a complete kitchen, breakfast, lunch, and dinner all happen at home. This is a major advantage if you're traveling with kids, have dietary restrictions, or simply want to eat on your own schedule. A minibar and tea/coffee maker supplement the kitchen setup. There is no on-site restaurant listed in the current facilities, so all meal preparation falls to the group.

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Winter (December–March). Peak season for skiers. Sunday River opens in November, weather permitting, and the surrounding mountains receive snow. Hot tub and fireplace are at their most appealing. Book well ahead. The chalet is designed to handle winter conditions, though road access may require chains or AWD during heavy snow.

Foliage Season (Late September–Early October). Newry and the surrounding mountain valleys fill with leaf-peepers. Hiking trails are crowded but spectacular. Hot tub and fireplace pull double duty in cool evenings. Availability is tight; book 3–4 months out.

Summer (June–August). Hiking dominates. The playground is useful with kids. Outdoor fireplace is less appealing in warm weather, but the picnic area and surrounding trails are at their best. Rates drop compared to winter and foliage. Sunday River operates a summer adventure park if the group includes younger children.

Spring (April–May). Muddy, unpredictable, but peaceful. Fewer visitors. Some trails are still wet. Only book if your group is flexible or fishing-focused.

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• Sunday River Ski Resort - 10 minutes · Maine's largest ski mountain, with 133 trails and winter lessons for all levels.
• Grafton Notch State Park - 5 miles · Hiking trails ranging from short waterfall walks to the challenging ridgeline of Old Speck Mountain.
• Evans Notch - 8 miles · A scenic byway threading through the White Mountains with pullouts, picnic areas, and moderate hiking access.
• Newry Village - 1 mile · A quiet hamlet with basic services; the chalet serves as a home base rather than a walkable town stay.
• Bethel - 12 miles · A larger village with restaurants, shops, galleries, and the Bethel Historic District if you want evening dining or browsing.
• Golfing - On-site golf course access within 2 miles.
• Moosehead Lake region - 40 miles · Scenic lakes and wilderness if you want a full-day drive to moose-spotting or kayaking terrain.

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Is there a restaurant on the property? No. The chalet is a full rental with a complete kitchen, so all meals are prepared in-house. This is a significant money-saver and a plus if you have dietary restrictions or young children with particular tastes.

Is the chalet pet-friendly? Yes. Pets are welcome on-site. The property includes outdoor space and grounds, making it easier to manage pets than a traditional hotel would. Confirm pet policies and any associated fees directly with the owner.

How far is the chalet from Sunday River? About 10 minutes by car. It's close enough for a weekend ski trip without being noisy or crowded. Families often rent for a full week to justify the drive and make the most of the on-site amenities.

Is breakfast included? No. The chalet is a vacation rental, not a bed-and-breakfast. You shop for groceries and cook. A full kitchen and dining setup make this straightforward.

What's the nearest larger town for dining and shopping? Bethel, about 12 miles away, has restaurants, shops, and galleries. It's a 20-minute drive, making it feasible for a dinner out without committing to a long evening drive.

Is the chalet open year-round? The property appears to operate year-round, but confirm directly. Winter access may require chains or AWD in heavy snow. Summer and foliage seasons are typically the safest booking windows if you're nervous about road conditions.

Do you need a car? Yes. The chalet is a mountain property in rural Newry, not a walkable village. A car is essential for accessing Sunday River, Bethel, hiking trailheads, and grocery stores.

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