The Fells

The inside of this colonial revival summer cottage on the shores of Sunapee Lake [1] might be impressive, but it’s the outside that really shines. The former residence of Secretary of State John Hay, The Fells (456 Rte. 103A, Newbury, 603/763-4789, www.thefells.org [2], house tours 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Wed.–Sun. late June–early Sept.; weekends only late May–late June and early Sept.–mid-Oct., $6 adults, $2 children 6–15, free children under 6) is surrounded by acres of terraced gardens that include a 100-foot row of perennials, a rock garden of rare alpine plants, and a Japanese lily pool.

The owners took particular care to meld the landscaping with the natural environment of the lake. In addition, a mile-long nature trail ambles through the property.