Lake Estate on Winnisquam showcases local touches throughout luxury resort

TILTON — Local and state leaders were on the shore of Lake Winnisquam Tuesday night for a symbolic destruction of the key ceremony to open The Lake Estate on Winnisquam, a 114-room luxury hotel on Laconia Road adorning 36 acres of lakefront property. The celebration noted the boost to the local economy through the hiring of 140 local employees, and the contracting of a Lakes Region design firm as well as local craftspeople.

“Our story is just beginning, and we are delighted you are all here to celebrate a new era of luxury hospitality in the state of New Hampshire,” said Ed Rocco, general manager of The Lake Estate, who introduced a slew of guests including Dan Dagesse, the project’s principal investor.

Dagesse shared how he became involved with the property, how it was a "labor of love,” and how local resources helped bring the project to fruition.

“I just want to thank you all for being able to see what was put together, all the great people that were part of this,” he said. “I thank you all.”

The $90 million project, which took roughly three years to complete, has been a significant boost to the local economy, said Gov. Kelly Ayotte, who spoke to a room of 150 people. 

“I’m so proud that this legacy project was also shaped by the hands of so many local craftsmen. Not only is this one of the top luxury places to come, and it’s here in the state of New Hampshire, but you can see it in its beauty,” she said.

Rocco agreed.

“They say it takes a village to create something extraordinary. In our case, it took an entire region. As the governor alluded to, this hotel was certainly built with the hands of New Hampshire craftsmen.”

Two local firms were highlighted during the ceremony: Holderness-based architect firm Samyn-D’elia Architects, PA, and Moultonborough-based Miracle Farms, who reportedly planted 9,000 plants around the 36-acre property.

Throughout construction, hundreds of local contractors worked the job site with support from the Town of Tilton. And for the hotel operations, nearly 150 employees were hired in record time.

“What I have learned throughout this process is the Town of Tilton and the State of New Hampshire are indeed business-friendly. We received nothing but support and clear direction at the local and state level at every turn. Tilton Police watched over our job site. Tilton Fire Department guided us in aspects of building it safely,” Rocco said. “Beyond the brick-and-mortar, we have just hired 150 full- and part-time associates in just eight weeks. We will also call on services outside of the hotel, the many trades in the region, to help us maintain the building and the expansive grounds.”

As for town leaders, they're pleased about the residency of the luxury resort.

“The Town of Tilton has worked with the Lake Estate team and are very pleased. They are great neighbors and as said best by Gov. Ayotte, this beautiful resort is along the gateway to the Lakes Region of NH and right here in Tilton, NH,” said Scott Hilliard, Tilton town administrator, who was in attendance on Tuesday. “The Lake Estate employs many of our citizens and neighbors. The Town of Tilton is excited that they chose Tilton for this magnificent resort, and are very thankful for the economic impact it will bring to our town.”

In a symbolic hospitality gesture, a destruction of the key ceremony was held. According to hotel lore, it is a permanent way to welcome all guests. By destroying the key, the hotel declares its doors will always remain open to guests — and embodies the idea of unconditional hospitality, and that guests are not just customers, but welcomed members of an extended family.

Dagesse’s grandchildren — Melvin, Daniel, Noah and London — were masters of ceremony, releasing a confetti cannon marking the start of the hotel’s new chapter.

The hotel accommodations include New England-style guest rooms and suites in a tranquil blue, green, and cream color palette. Outside, patios and balconies offer a private space for morning coffee, an afternoon book or sunset nightcap, all while taking in calming nature views.

There are three restaurants onsite, all now open for business, although The Folly is limited to Lake Estate guests. With Chef Chris Viaud as director of culinary arts, it's sure to bring a new dining experience to the region. 

Modeled after a formal dining room of a private lake estate, the signature restaurant, the Dining Room, utilizes a farm-to-table approach for their menu which rotates seasonally, and taps into many regional farms. The dishes begin at $5, with grilled filet mignon capping the menu at $68. 

"At The Lake Estate on Winnisquam, my cooking philosophy centers on finding that sweet spot where rustic meets refined — taking seasonal, high-quality local ingredients from our region and elevating them through classic techniques while preserving each dish's essential character and soul," said Viaud. "Every plate we serve tells a dual story of innovation and tradition, with layers of flavor and texture that surprise our guests, but never intimidate them. At the end of the day, great cuisine should be full of character yet without pretense, creating memorable experiences that draw people back to our tables again and again."

For a different experience, locals and visitors alike can head to The Bar, which offers craft cocktails and wine with locally inspired fare at a 55-foot granite bar.

Overall, Ayotte was smitten with the hotel’s vibe.

“It’s so New Hampshire, isn’t it? It really has that lake feel, that New Hampshire feel.”

For more information on The Lake Estate on Winnisquam, visit thelakeestatenh.com.