HOOKSETT – The historic Eagles Nest Emporium property, located at 1501 Hooksett Road, is set for a major transformation with the planned addition of approximately 14 new cabins behind the existing ones.
The 10-acre property, situated in Hooksett’s flexible Performance Zone, was purchased by its current owner on April 26, 2024, for $1.15 million. Recognizing a strong demand for small cabin rentals, the owner is moving forward with expansion plans to accommodate long-term tenants seeking standalone, home-like rental options.
The existing cabins have already proven popular among long-term renters. A middle-aged couple, who has been renting one of the approximately 400-square-foot standalone studio cabins for the past two years, shared that the demand for long-term rentals at the property has significantly increased. Many tenants are opting for extended stays due to the convenient location, privacy, and affordability, making it an appealing alternative to traditional apartments.
The property, historically known as Eagles Nest Emporium and Indian Cliff, holds deep local significance. Originally, it housed a gift shop selling Native American wares, moccasins, and crafts, while the cabins served as lodging for tourists traveling north to the lakes and mountains during the 1960s and 1970s, a time when Hooksett Road was a major thoroughfare. Unlike many redevelopment projects, this one preserves the original historic cabins and the main lodge instead of demolishing them.
Site plans submitted for municipal review detail significant infrastructure upgrades, including sewer and drainage system improvements, erosion control measures, dedicated fire truck access routes, and new lighting and driveways to enhance accessibility. The project aligns with Hooksett’s ongoing growth, providing much-needed rental housing while maintaining the rustic charm of the property’s historic past.
Further details, including construction timelines and additional project impacts, are expected as the review process advances.
