Welcome to New Castle, New Hampshire. A tiny, undisturbed locale tucked away on New Hampshire's seacoast (nestled in between Portsmouth and Rye) that has endless ocean views literally at every turn you take—on foot or Vespa of course. Vroom vrooom!
Great Island Inn in New Castle, New Hampshire
We checked into New Castle's brand-new Great Island Inn, a stunning to-the-bones renovation of a circa 1820 federal-style home a block from the ocean. How about those eye-candied details? ⚓
It doesn't stop there. Inside there are 6 spacious studio guest rooms, each with a full kitchen, while 2 units afford dramatic ocean views. Think West Elm meets Pottery Barn.
Great Island Inn in New Castle, New Hampshire
Porter has become notorious at claiming hotel beds as his own and this was no exception. Can you blame him? But on the plus side, Henry's Market Cafe next door has a great cup of dark roast and fresh smoothies! What a great mid-afternoon pick me up.
It was the perfect afternoon for a stroll around the "island." We'll just call it an island as it used to be—because everything is better on island time, right?
There was so much historic architecture to absorb. So much. And gardens, how can I forget the never-ending charade of oceanside gardens out of a fairytale.
Dinner was sounding great and although I usually love the accompaniment of room service and trendy restaurants at my luxury hotels, I was overly pleased to cook up a feast in the guest room's kitchen, since cooking kind of is my forte.
It felt just like I was at home. Reba reruns were on in the background (one of those shows that never gets old, right?), Porter was sleeping, rosé was flowing and Corey was... What was Corey doing? He sure wasn't helping me cook!
Great Island Inn in New Castle, New Hampshire
On New Hampshire's seacoast it seems as if lobsters are literally just crawling through the pipes (or maybe trying to escape). Loving the gold faucet.
Great Island Inn in New Castle, New Hampshire
Dinner was perfection. In addition to lobster, we feasted on steamed littleneck clams, oh so sweet corn-on-the-cob and an absolutely delicious salad made with grapefruit, avocado and blackberries. Does it get better than a spread like this in New England?
After enjoying dinner, we couldn't wait to get some fresh air on the hedge-enclosed patio. There's even a grill for next time!
Great Island Inn in New Castle, NH
Refreshments are always a great idea, al fresco. Can you believe that rainbow?
The following morning we woke up to go explore Fort Constitution, a short walk down the street. On the way we even passed a semi-private beach!
New Castle, New Hampshire
Nothing but endless views here...
And a lighthouse of course. Porter was excited because he thought "he discovered it." Just look at that bragging face.
New Castle, New Hampshire
On our way off the "island" and back to Boston we stopped at the Wentworth Marina for some more breathtaking views.
New Castle, New Hampshire
New Castle, New Hampshire