The New Hampshire Seacoast’s 18-mile coastline has become one of New England’s most sought-after family vacation destinations. Hampton Beach and Portsmouth draw over 4.5 million visitors annually. If you’re considering buying a vacation rental property in the NH Seacoast area, you’ll find incredible opportunities here. Short-term rentals enjoy high occupancy rates during the beach season and can generate substantial income for property owners.
Still, success in this competitive market requires intentional design choices that cater to families. According to a report by Business NH Magazine, there has been an increase in “multi-generational travel” to New Hampshire. Parents, children, and grandparents are all vacationing together.
Whether you’re looking to purchase your first vacation rental or want to enhance a property you own, certain design choices can help you stand out and maximize your investment. Here, we’ll explore some New Hampshire Seacoast vacation rental designs that make short-term rental properties irresistible to families.
Coastal Architecture That Balances Charm and Function
Every place has its own architectural identity. Often, vacationing families want to see that identity reflected in both the landscape and the architecture.
Historically Inspired Roofs
New Hampshire Seacoast rental designs are definitive in this regard. With the right choices, property owners can blend New England’s charm with historic maritime practicality to create an unmistakable aesthetic.
Shingle-style homes with gambrel roofs, like Patrick Ahearn’s harbor-facing design in Hampton, are a defining feature of many high-value rentals. These designs make for a beautiful look, and they are directly inspired by New England’s architectural history.
Widows’ walks are iconic flat rooftop platforms seen on top of houses along the entire New England Coast. They offer more than just panoramic ocean views. Historically used to spot incoming ships, they now serve as premium observation decks for families to watch sunrises or stargaze.
Depending on the design and appeal of the widow’s walk, properties with this feature can encourage higher nightly rates compared to rentals without.
Deep eaves and cedar shakes are not merely aesthetic choices. The overhangs protect windows from salt spray corrosion, reducing long-term maintenance costs. Untreated cedar naturally weathers to a silver-gray hue that blends with the coastal environment.
This durability is critical in a region where the average annual snowfall exceeds 60 inches, and nor’easters test building materials.
Multi-Level Decks
Multi-level decks have become a hallmark of New Hampshire Seacoast rentals. They’re particularly popular in Hampton Beach, where tidal wetland setbacks limit horizontal expansion. Properties with tiered decks may encourage more rental inquiries compared to those with a single-tier design. These structures allow families to dine, relax, and play in distinct zones while complying with local zoning laws.
(Source: New England Home Magazine)
This renovation of a Hampton Beach cottage was featured in an article by New England Home. It demonstrates how property owners can modernize the external elements of a New Hampshire Seacoast home for today’s families. By converting garage bays into family rooms and adding a primary suite above, TMS Architects increased usable space without expanding the footprint of the structure.
These types of adaptations are crucial for attracting large families, as many would prefer to rent out an entire home together rather than separate rooms or condos.
Interior Designs That Welcome Families
Most travelers and vacationers may prioritize rentals near amenities that have reliable Wi-Fi. However, families often prefer unique surroundings when they are on vacation. They need internal spaces that are peaceful and restorative, but that also allow them to immerse themselves in the spirit of the region.
Nautical Themes Without Kitsch
The key lies in creating subtle nautical elements that spark imagination without overwhelming the senses. Here are some suggestions that can help in this area:
(Source: Homes & Gardens Magazine)
Navy-and-white palettes appear in many of the short-term vacation homes in Coastal New Hampshire. These colors can be included in wallpaper, pieces of furniture, or striped area rugs and throw pillows. Paint manufacturer Benjamin Moore suggests pairing “warm white paint colors and sandy neutrals with deep blue accents” to “infuse any space with nautical-inspired reverie.”
These colors are also practical for families with small children. Colors like white and eggshell tend to hide sand, while darker blues tend to hide snack spills while maintaining a crisp, coastal feel.
Reclaimed materials like driftwood add to the maritime aesthetic of internal spaces, and they can be far less costly than other types of decorations. It may require a little bit of legwork on your part, but guests will greatly appreciate the personal touch of objects you handled yourself.
Finally, multipaned windows are attractive and characteristic of NH Seacoast vacation rental designs because they frame water views widely for families to enjoy together. However, they also serve two other purposes: historic appeal and safety.
The City of Portsmouth’s Historic District Commission says multi-paned windows “are an important design feature that helps define the style and period of a building,” as they were commonly used throughout Colonial and early-Industrial New England. From a safety perspective, multi-paned windows generally provide better protection against weather conditions, such as New Hampshire’s winters and the occasional Nor’easter.
Kid-First Internal Layouts
Couples and groups of friends may fare well by dining out or ordering in while on vacation, but families need rentals that function like a home. Here are some top-performing properties to consider:
Bedroom clusters are interlinked bedrooms or suites that are accessible to each other through pocket doors (a type of sliding door that slides into a cavity in the wall). This design allows parents to monitor young children while still maintaining privacy.
Open kitchens make handling post-beach meal cleanup easier on parents. If you want to make your property family-friendly (and give parents a little bit of peace and quiet), try installing snack stations with mini-fridges to keep hungry teens out of main food prep areas.
Similarly, dual living areas are an essential feature for multigenerational groups. Some New Hampshire Seacoast vacation rental designs include kids’ dens or play areas to give kids some space while the adults spend time together.
Outdoor Spaces That Extend Living Areas
When it comes to family vacations, outdoor spaces are often a deciding factor in whether to book a property or not. Families especially enjoy outdoor cooking and sitting areas, as well as space for children to play.
Decks as Entertainment Hubs
Rentals with decks where families can entertain themselves often go for better rates and are booked more often. Decks that wrap around the home can provide unobstructed views of the landscape or ocean, allowing families to create unforgettable memories.
Decks can be outfitted with lighting fixtures, furniture, umbrellas, and even grills or hot tubs to enhance the experience.
Sitting Areas for Relaxation and Connection
Thoughtfully designed sitting areas are a hallmark of family-friendly NH Seacoast vacation rental designs. Families love having a variety of comfortable spaces to gather, relax, and enjoy the outdoors together.
Covered porches, three-season rooms, and ocean-view balconies are especially popular. They offer shelter from the sun or a place to unwind after a day at the beach. Outdoor lounge furniture—such as cushioned sectionals, Adirondack chairs, or hammocks—creates welcoming spots for parents to read or socialize while keeping an eye on children playing nearby.
Pools: Summer Fun and a High-Value Amenity
Pools are a major draw for families considering a New Hampshire vacation, especially in the summer months. Not every property can accommodate a pool due to space or local regulations. However, those that do often see increased occupancy rates and higher nightly prices.
Both in-ground and above-ground pools provide hours of entertainment for children and relaxation for adults. Heated pools or those with attached hot tubs extend the rental season into the cooler spring and fall months, offering additional value to guests.
Creating a Family-Friendly Retreat with an NH Seacoast Home
Investing in NH Seacoast vacation rental designs that prioritize family comfort, safety, and coastal charm is a proven strategy for long-term success if you plan to treat the home as an asset. It’s an even better choice if your family itself plans to use the home!
By blending timeless architecture, thoughtful interiors, and inviting outdoor spaces, your property will stand out to families seeking memorable getaways.
These design choices can enhance guest satisfaction and drive higher occupancy rates and repeat bookings. If you’re planning to buy, keep an eye out for these features among the region’s homes. As the Seacoast’s popularity continues to grow, property tailored to family needs will remain in high demand.
If you’re ready to purchase a vacation rental or transform an existing property into a welcoming retreat, now is the perfect time to make your mark on the NH Seacoast. Our team is here to guide you—whether you’re buying, selling, or designing your ideal getaway.
