Equipment
Life Vests
Canoeing & Kayaking
Swimming
Fishing
Grill
Fire Pit
Baby & Toddler Gear
Life Vests
Please use life vests when on the water. NH law requires that all boats have one life vest per person on the boat, and children 12 and under must wear life vests at all times. Note that Marchs Pond is approximately 20 ft at its deepest. Life vests of various sizes are stored in the garage.
Canoeing & Kayaking
We have one canoe and two kayaks available for use. Please use these only if you are experienced and know how to properly operate them. Children may only use the boats when accompanied by an adult.
During warmer months, the canoe is stored near the waterfront entry point, and the kayaks are stored on hooks on trees near the waterfront. Oars, life vests, and canoe seat back rests are stored in the garage.
Water entry for boating is accessible from the cove on the property waterfront via the dock/raft. Please follow guidance on posted signs. We recommended having at least one person who is not boating assist with entry to, and exit from, the water.
If you’re interested to explore beyond Marchs Pond, you can transfer from Marchs Pond to adjacent Chalk Pond at the public boat ramp.
Swimming
For swimming, we recommend entering the water from the public boat ramp on Birch Hill Rd. See map here for location details. Guests are welcome to enter the water directly from our waterfront, but please note that the cove area is shallow, and the bottom is soft.
Fishing
Marchs Pond offers fishing for bass, pickerel, and bullhead. We have fishing equipment available in the garage for use for experienced users. If you are not an experienced user, it is likely that you will make the poles difficult to use for the next guest.
If you do choose to go fishing, please first purchase a NH fishing license from tinyurl.com/pv4mt9xa. We recommend fishing from a boat (canoe or kayak) or from the public boat ramp.
Grill
A propane grill is available for use on the back deck.
To start the grill:
1. Remove the cover.
2. Open the door to access and open the propane tank.
3. Open the lid, and follow instructions inside the door to light the grill. If there are issues with the starter button, use a long-handle lighter to start the flame.
After cooking, please do the following:
1. Turn gas supply off at the grill using the knobs.
2. Close the propane tank.
3. While the grill is still hot, clean the grates using the grill brush (stored inside the grill cabinet).
4. Return the grill brush.
5. After the grill has cooled, put the cover back on.
If the propane runs out, you may take the empty tank nearby at New Durham General Store or Johnson’s Marketplace to swap it out for a full tank. Send a photo of the receipt, and we will reimburse you for the cost. (Note that we do not keep a spare propane tank on the property for safety reasons.)
Fire Pit
You MUST purchase a Category I burn permit here prior to using the fire pit and acknowledge/obey all regulations associated with the permit.
Fire safety requirements include, but are not limited to:
1. You must purchase firewood to burn. Do not burn wood found on the property. Firewood is available at many stores in the area, including Johnson’s Marketplace (~9 min drive) and Hannaford (~13 min drive).
2. Do not operate fires during windy and/or dry conditions.
3. Keep the fire fully contained within the fire pit. Do not overfill the pit. (This will also help to minimize smoke.)
4. Attend the fire at all times.
5. Do not touch the steel when fire is active, as it can get very hot.
6. Ensure the fire is fully extinguished before leaving the fire pit area. To extinguish faster when fire is actively burning, use a long stick to separate the logs inside the pit.
Please clean up the pit after use:
1. After the pit has cooled entirely (which may take 2 hours or more) empty ashes into the woods. The pit has a removable screen and ash pan that can be lifted out to empty ash.
2. Return ash pan and screen into the steel pit.
3. Cover with cloth cover (to prevent rain/snow from accumulating).
Baby & Toddler Gear
Baby and toddler gear available for guest use include the following:
In master bedroom closet
• Three portable cribs (one indoor/outdoor Graco Pack n Play + one BabyBjorn travel crib + one 4moms Playard with bassinet, mini crib, changing table, diaper caddy; for indoor use only; BYO cribsheets)
• 4’ x 6’ playmat
• Two potties (one standalone, one for toilet)
• Babyproofing items (e.g., doorknob and outlet safety)
In kitchen/pantry
• Plates, bowls, and utensils
• Sippy cups
• High chair
In garage
• Infant and toddler life vests
• Kiddy pool
In play room
• Books
• Toys
• Nugget!
There are also two mounted retractable gates for baby/toddler safety – one on the second floor at the top of the stairs and one on the deck stairs.
Although we have provided some minor childproofing, please supervise children at all times. To avoid falling, please make sure that children do not lean or push against windows screens.