A Winter Weekend at Top of the Ridge Farm Bed & Breakfast

Every so often, I stay at such a special place that lingers with me long after I leave and my recent stay at Top of the Ridge Farm Bed & Breakfast was exactly that! My mom was in town visiting, and we headed north on a little winter weekend getaway to Top of the Ridge Farm in New Durham, New Hampshire. It was exactly the kind of reset we needed.

Set on a quiet country road atop the New Durham Ridge, it feels like a true escape the moment you arrive. With sweeping views of Mount Washington and the White Mountains, this adult-only, upscale boutique inn is designed for slowing down and settling in.

About the Property

Top of the Ridge Farm is a beautifully restored 1700’s farmhouse owned by Italian innkeepers Tatiana and Gino, and it truly feels like staying at someone’s home. Every detail is intentional, personal, and warm. The home began as a center chimney Cape in the second half of the 18th century, likely around 1760. At the time, the property spanned more than 100 acres and was sold to Durell Stevens by one of the Libby brothers who lived next door.

In 1810, the house was transformed into a Colonial and Federal–style farmhouse. The central chimney was removed (though the original foundation is still visible in the basement), and breeding stables and a tack room were added. While the original barn was sadly lost to a fire many years ago, traces of the property’s past remain, including a small private graveyard at the back of the land, where you can find the stones of Durell Stevens and other family members.

There are just four guest rooms, which gives the whole place an intimate, welcoming feel. Set on six acres of gardens, open lawns, and mature trees, the property is so peaceful. Mornings are for coffee with a view, afternoons for reading by the fire, and evenings for having a drink and charcuterie board, chatting with other guests in a way that feels completely natural.

And then there’s Moose, the resident dog, who happily roams the property and somehow manages to make the place even more charming.

It’s also worth noting: this is one of those places that would be stunning in any season. We loved visiting in the winter, but it’s easy to picture it in peak summer greens and fall foliage.

Rooms, Breakfast, & Hospitality

We stayed in the Shem Wentworth Room, which was everything I want in a cozy New England getaway - spacious, comfortable, and cozy. Facing the front and orchard side of the property, the room felt light-filled and so relaxing. A king-sized bed anchored the space, paired with comfortable seating and an electric fireplace that made winter mornings (and early evenings) especially inviting. The en-suite bathroom felt more spa than standard, with a tiled walk-in shower complete with a built-in bench and an oversized 12-inch rain shower head, easily one of the most luxurious showers I’ve had at a bed-and-breakfast. One of the highlights, though, was the large private deck. Sliding doors opened to a spacious outdoor area which is perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or an evening drink while taking in the surrounding scenery. Even in the colder months, waking up and walking outside to see the snow was magical.

Another thing that really sets this property apart is how personal everything feels. Hospitality here isn’t scripted. It’s rooted in the simple things Tatiana and Gino genuinely love sharing. Breakfast is a perfect example. The menu is extensive, always changing, and everything is homemade. One morning we were treated to freshly baked croissants that felt more like something you’d find at a European café than a countryside inn. And on the first morning, I had scrambled eggs with mushrooms, pancetta, onions as well as sausage, fruit and toast. And the next day, homemade waffles with fresh berries and whipped cream. Everything was excellent and it was so nice to start the day with a fantastic breakfast. It was one of my favorite times of day.

Not only does the property provide breakfast each morning, you can also add-on pizza, paninis, wine, and/or a charcuterie board to your stay. On the night we arrived, we had an incredible charcuterie board with all types of cheeses, fruit, nuts, salami, prosciutto, as well as an aperol spritz.

Those same hospitality values show up in the little details around the property. Tatiana makes her own small-batch soaps and lotions through her brand Panta Rei Made, and you’ll find them throughout the B&B during your stay. They’re thoughtful, beautifully made, and feel like such a natural extension of the experience. You can even take them home or order more later through her online shop, which honestly feels like the best kind of souvenir.

There’s also a deep connection to their Italian roots woven into the stay. From the food to the optional hands-on cooking classes, everything reflects a love of gathering, cooking, and enjoying life around a table. Nothing feels forced or performative. It just feels real, warm, and intentional.

It’s those moments, the shared breakfasts, the handmade details, the conversations that make Top of the Ridge feel less like a place you stayed and more like a place you were welcomed into.

Nearby Attractions

One of the other things I loved about this property is how easy it is to turn a quiet countryside stay into a choose-your-own-adventure weekend. It’s described as in the middle of everything but away from it all which could not be more true!

The property is located in New Durham, New Hampshire which is close to the lakes region, so you’re only 20-25 minutes or so from all the quaint towns surrounding Lake Winnepauskee such as Wolfeboro, Laconia, and more.

We opted to spend some time on the Seacoast, heading to Portsmouth and into Maine, both about 40 minutes from the B&B. Portsmouth is one of those towns that’s perfect for aimless wandering. We stopped at Elephantine Bakery for French-style pastries and coffee. The cardamom honey latte was great, along with the cardamom bun and croissants. From there, we walked around town, popped into a bookstore and a few shops, and took our time exploring. For dinner, I love Botanica and Cure, or driving a little farther to The Carriage House in Rye on the water.

Just over the bridge from Portsmouth is Kittery, the oldest town in Maine. It has a small but charming downtown with a handful of shops and restaurants. A stop at Lil’s Café is a must, especially if you like crullers. For dinner, Black Birch is always a solid choice, and we enjoyed happy hour cocktails and small bites at the newly opened oyster bar, Salty Spirits.

We also spent some time in Dover, which is about 30 minutes from the property. Garrison City Beerworks and Garrison City Provisions are two great spots to check out. They’re connected, with the brewery next door to a specialty market stocked with high-quality foods, many made in New England. We wandered through some shops and stopped into Just the Thing, an antique store with a really good mix of unique, well-curated finds. We grabbed coffee at Breakaway Café (the peppermint mocha was great) and had lunch at Two Bees Cafe & Patisserie, which serves French-style pastries, sandwiches, and other easy lunch options.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say enough good things about Top of the Ridge Farm Bed and Breakfast and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a truly special New England getaway. As we packed up to leave, my mom and I both felt that familiar post-trip sadness and immediately started talking about when we could come back. We’re already thinking fall, and honestly can’t wait to return, see Tatiana and Gino again, and of course, say hello to Moose!