Our Bed and
Breakfast History
Pleasant View Bed and Breakfast was built prior to 1832 by Edmund Brown, a local blacksmith. It was deeded to Reverend Amos Brown, son of Edmund Brown, and then passed down to his son, Silas Brown. In a deed dated from 1832, “with cleared land extending to the shores of pristine Newfound Lake”, located over 1 mile away, Pleasant View was one of the seven biggest farms in New Hampshire. Although not a working farm anymore, and over time the land reduced to 9 ½ acres, the character of Pleasant View remains while keeping up with today.
Pleasant View has been in the business of putting up guests since the turn of the last century (1900 that is); when two men came over the mountain from Dartmouth and asked if they could stay the night.
From the early 1930’s to as recent as the late 1960’s, Pleasant View in addition to being a working farm, acted as a boarding house. Several people who were children when they stayed here in the 40’s and 50’s have come back to stay. The picture, to the right, taken in the early 1950's, shows several of the guests that stayed here enjoying a picnic.
Since 1960 Peasant View has served as a boarding house and convalescent home until in 1989 when it became a bed and breakfast. Still in the business of “putting up guests”, Pleasant View continues a long tradition to make your stay welcoming and warm.
The Inn Today
In May 2004, Pleasant View was purchased by Heidi Milbrand with the intention of bringing back the Inn to her full grandeur. Today finds the farmer’s porch back on the Inn as well as the entire Inn renovated, ever keeping in mind the history of this grand old structure, but adding many modern conveniences such as free Wi-fi access, guest computer, flat screen TV's, private baths throughout, a hot tub, and pool. Many previous guests and owners have stopped in and are amazed by the transformation of Pleasant View.
In keeping with the tradition of greeting guests, Moshannon, on the left, and Cascade, on the right, Pleasant View’s friendly labs, are always happy to give a friendly welcome and lend a paw.
So, come by, stick around, sit a spell, or stay a few days, and watch us grow!
About the Inkeeper
Before purchasing her first bed & breakfast, Heidi Milbrand was an Aquatic Resources Program Specialist for the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. With a B.S, degree in Outdoor Recreation, it was the perfect job for her. She was basically on, in, or near the water almost every day of the year. Doing everything from stocking fish to teaching kids how to canoe safely, to writing lesson plans and training instructors in water rescue. While working full time, she pursued her Master’s in Parks & Recreation Administration.
In 2001, after retiring from the state, she purchased The Inn at Elizabethville (PA) – a small, 7 room inn – and ran it for a little over 3 years. Her husband took a job in Nashua NH, and so began the search for her second bed & breakfast.
She found Pleasant View B&B in Bristol NH and purchased it in May 2004. Since the purchase, the B&B has been completely updated with all the guest rooms having private baths, TV’s, a/c and their own heating units. Some of the rooms even have private terraces. Also, a new farmer’s porch has been added and a pool and tub can be found off the sunroom.
Heidi has obtained her Restaurant Management certificate while running the inn. She is the president of the New Hampshire B&B Association, sits on the board of directors of the New Hampshire Lodging & Restaurant Association, and is the Bristol town rep for the school board of the Newfound Region Area School District.
