19.6.12

the forgotten motel


Come on in, folks..... there's always vacancy at the Motor Court!


Growing up I have passed this darling abandoned motel countless times; it's not easy to spot, up on a ridge and overtaken by forest, but I learned to look for it among the trees anytime we crossed the river into New Hampshire. The other day I finally got a chance to pull over and take a closer look at this sad, but still endearing, remnant of the area's once-thriving summer tourism industry.



All the cabins have personable names, like "Judy", "Jack", and.... "Sneezy"!


One of my favorite details was the little cut-outs on the screen doors, and amazing clear plastic door handles:




There are around eight cabins, I believe, but the forest has taken over, so they're a bit tricky to spot. A couple are dismantled shells, but most are holding on, cheery red shutters still intact.




Doing a bit of internet sleuthing, I found just a few ads in Google News, in an Ottawa paper from the summer of 1959:

Sigh! It's truly heartbreaking to see quaint, special places like this descending into disrepair, while soulless new chain hotels keep popping up; I imagine this little place is too far gone to fix up even if someone tried. Tastes change and time marches on etc. etc., but I sure wish it weren't too late to check into the Swiss. Motor-Court for a weekend ♥

27 comments:

  1. You always find the most incredible places and look so lovely doing so!

    There are so many fantastic elements still intact at this lovely old motel. Those chairs! And those door handles! It's too bad someone can't salvage these bits and pieces to make a new Swiss Motor Court.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I bet that was a great place to stay in it's time. Holidaying out in the woods - how fun! Shame what's happened it to and lucky it hasn't been dismantled by greedy folk. That sign's probably worth a lot to collectors!

    ReplyDelete
  3. This place is so quaint! I am smitten with the metal chairs on the porch!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I love that picture of the stark red shutters! And the one of the rope 'bridge' is so serene and peaceful.

    <3
    adornedinhollywoodlace.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. What an incredible place! And ha - Sneezy! I've stayed in a few cabins that should have been named that.

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are surrounded by the most fascinating places, its such a shame that they go to ruin, I would love to stay somewhere like this. You look adorable as per usual xxx

    ReplyDelete
  7. How wonderful! While it's so sad that these old places fall into ruin, there is beauty in their decay. Great pictures!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I always found something interesting about abandoned places in the countryside. This motel brings back memories of when I stayed in a place like this in New Hampshire nearly a decade ago. I'd love to see this place brought back to it's former glory!

    Not forgetting to mention that you look stunning as usual!

    -Adam

    ReplyDelete
  9. Such a lovely post. This has made me so sad but I'm so happy that you shared what is left of such an enchanting little place. I would love more than anything to have a stay in sneezy surrounded by all that beautiful woodland. Those door handles are amazing! x

    ReplyDelete
  10. Wow that looks like a wonderful and dreamy place to explore...love the pictures great place to imagine and find some inspiration. Pretty little dress you have on as well ~such a shame someone should bring this place back to life ~Love Heather

    ReplyDelete
  11. Beautifully said, it really is heartbreaking to see wonderful buildings of the past like this charming motel go the way of the dinosaur when so many carbon copy chains abound. It's wonderful that you were able to stop and grab some snaps while these relics are still with us, thus preserving them - at least in spirit - for the rest of time through your photos.

    ♥ Jessica

    ReplyDelete
  12. Why Sneezy? Wouldn't it be fun to do a sneaky camp out with friends in the old cabins. They looks so beautiful and need a little loving.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Oohh... fantastic setting for photos.

    Beautiful dress.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Beautiful! When can I move in? I'm willing to put in some sweat equity!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love your outfit! :)

    One of the things I love about some of the long car trips we've taken is seeing old places like this. Most are sadly closed, but still neat to see and envision what they must have looked like back in the day.

    ReplyDelete
  16. That seems to be the most interesting little motel ever! I love it! Tis a pity it is no longer running!!!!
    Your dress is amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. There are little abondoned motels like this in Florida as well. They look so cool, though! I love your hair, it's so pretty!

    Mabel
    Mabel Time

    ReplyDelete
  18. I wish you could be saviour of all the wonderful buildings you discover and share with us here - you find the mst spectacular spots sand I love the ad you found as a result f your very clever sleuthing! You look like you've stepped into a dream ere with your beautiful gingham frock ad my your hair is growing fast!! xoxox

    ReplyDelete
  19. The red slat shutters are my favorite part. That and the sign leant up against the abandoned car. It's funny the thin line between "I'm sad it's in disrepair" and "I'd rather it be in this kind of elegant, crumbly state than painted taupe and used as efficiencies". Gorgeous pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I just love your blog! It is one of my favourites. I check out every one of your posts without fail! The spots you find to photograph are so amazing!I've nominated you for the "One Lovely Blog" award. You can get it here:
    Butterflies and Daisys Vintage

    Thanks! :)
    Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  21. Cool post! Cute dress. I'm your newest follower! If you would like check out my new blog and follow back :)

    http://southerngloss.blogspot.com

    -Kelsi

    ReplyDelete
  22. Adorable dress! I'm a big fan of abandoned locations too. It always makes you wonder... And love the names of the cabins! How adorable!

    xoxo
    -Janey
    atomicredhead.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. You look so lovely here :3

    ReplyDelete
  24. I want to stay in the Sneezy cabin! It's always a little sad to come across rundown places like this but I'm happy you at least immortalized the cabins in your photos. Lovely dress as always, it looks striking against the red shutters. I would have been tempted to take those vintage red porch chairs!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Amazing post! Very beautiful.

    xoxo
    Lynn

    ReplyDelete
  26. This place looks so lovely. I love abandoned places, too. And the names for the cabins are so cute.
    -Andi x

    ReplyDelete

♥♥♥
Speak right up---I read & cherish your every word!
Just keep things mannerly, please.
♥♥♥