The History of The Gunstock Inn

     The original building was an old barracks built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps to house the CCCs while building the nearby Gunstock Ski and Recreation Area.  The old barracks contained timbers from various barns which were taken down throughout the state to build the bunkhouse.  The present 27 room Inn was constructed around these beams to preserve the history of the old building.

     The once "bed and breakfast" bunkhouse has been transformed into a full-service inn, complete with guest rooms, private baths, air-conditioning, cable TV, 25 meter indoor swimming pool, fully equipped fitness center, tavern and restaurant. 

How Gunstock Mountain Got Its Name

     According to an article published in the Manchester Union in May, 1895, Gunstock Mountain owes its name to an unusual incident.  It reports that Green Chase and two companions went wildcat hunting in Gilford and as the snow was quite deep, wore snowshoes.  When chase stopped to repair a broken binding on one of his snowshoes he spotted a large cat on a ledge directly over his head.  He raised his musket to fire, but the hammer broke.  Seeing this, his companions fled.  Chase then took the musket by the barrel and swinging it like a club, dealt the animal a tremendous blow which killed it, but broke the gunstock.  Thus, the mountain we know as "Gunstock" got it's name.

A group of young men from Harvard University in the 1930's visits Gunstock.  Second from left (standing) is Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.

About the owners…The historic Gunstock Inn at 580 Cherry Valley Road, Gilford, acquired new owners this past spring (2006); Richard and Maurine Bastille of Massachusetts and Edward and Louise Bastille from California. Richard and Maurine were the proud owners of Highland Manor Rest Home in Worcester, Massachusetts. Louise and Edward have roots in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, respectively. Both ordained ministers of the United Church of Christ, Edward served as Chief of Chaplains at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center and Louise was pastor of the Congregational Church of San Mateo UCC, San Mateo, California. The Bastilles’ mother, Evelyn Bastille of Worcester, Massachusetts, joins them in their venture.

Richard and Edward are brothers who sentimentally share that they are returning to roots in New Hampshire where their great-grandfather lived. All are enjoying the beauty of the area and especially the ever-changing, amazingly beautiful view of Lake Winnipesauke and the Ossipee Mountains from the deck of the inn, which, by the way, they invite you to stop by and take in for yourself.

The Bastilles have invested heart and soul into the inn; replacing all the mattresses in the 25 rooms, putting on a new roof, addressing various infrastructure issues, and redecorating to their taste. Louise and Maurine especially enjoyed redecorating the dining room to create a warm French ambiance. Their next project will be to brighten up the Fitness Center and enhance its program with the hiring of an Aquatics Fitness Director. Future hopes and vision include using the inn for more groups and retreats.