Sundeck Cottages History
1969-2022COTT FAMILY ESTABLISHES A GENERATIONAL BUSINESS
In 1969 the Cott family - Bill and June Cott along with their son and daughter-in-law Bill and Judy Cott - purchased Sun Deck Cottages together. Their partnership and stewardship formed the foundation of what we know of today as Sundeck Cottages.
In 1971, cottage 6 was rebuilt into a 3-bedroom cottage with screened in porch. 1979 saw an expanded cottage 7 (also to a 3-bedroom). Just a few years later, in 1982, the original recreation hall was transformed into cottage 11 (becoming the owner’s cottage) and a new recreation hall was built. Finally, in 1991, the boathouse and sundeck was greatly improved becoming a beloved feature of the property where people gather and relax to this day.
The focus for the Cott family was to always provide a family-friendly lakefront vacation experience for families. For 53 years, their efforts established a generational repeat business where guests would return year in and year out. The Cott family poured their hearts into Sundeck Cottages and this love shows through to this day.
1953 - 1963PURCHASE OF RIVETT’S PINES AND THE LAUNCH OF SUN DECK COTTAGES
The original property (called Rivett’s Pines) was purchased by Phyllis and Bud Soule and renamed Sun Deck Cottages.
The original property consisted of the main lakefront house, a two-level barn, icehouse & boathouse. Phylis and Bud soon built cottages 1, 2, 3, and 4 on the lakefront, converted the icehouse into cottage 5 and the barn into cottage 6. Cottage 6 was originally a 1-bedroom apartment over the first floor barn.
From 1957 - 1962, cottages 7 - 9 were added establishing the first 10 cottages that we know today.
1963-1969RUSSO FAMILY OWNERSHIP
In 1963, Fran and Kay Russo family purchased the property from the Soule family and ran the existing business for an additional six years. Eventually the business became too much for them to manage.
1980 SUMMER VACATIONS TO REMEMBER
In 1980, Carl and Alice Johnson start vacationing at Sun Deck Cottages. They invite their grandson, Carl, to stay every year until he goes to college. This cements a deep love of Sun Deck and Lake Winnipesaukee that would last into adulthood.
2023 - PresentSUNDECK COTTAGES LIVES ON
After conversations with the Cott family, the Johnson family agrees to purchase the property and commits to continuing the business.
Rebranded as Sundeck Cottages, the Johnson family continues the tradition of providing a family owned and operated vacation resort for future generations to come.
Our family is honored to take over ownership of Sundeck Cottages from Bill and Judy Cott. We are the Johnson family: Carl (me), Monique, Halen and Logan.
I grew up in Nashua, New Hampshire and was fortunate to spend a few weeks every summer on Lake Winnipesaukee. When my grandparents – Carl and Alice Johnson – came to Sundeck, it was clear that this very special place would become our annual summer retreat. I have so many memories of those times – diving contests, shuffleboard, potluck dinners, and playing tag with friends until nightfall. As soon as we had our own children, I knew that they needed to share this same experience. I’ll never forget the swell of pride that I felt when my kids both shared how much they loved Sundeck and how special it was to them as well.
We strive to preserve the sense of tranquility and overall feeling that makes Sundeck so special. Over the years most lakefront cottage communities have disappeared from the lake. We are proud that so many of our guests have been returning for decades and are committed to providing lakefront vacations for generations to come.
We welcome you to Sundeck Cottages!
THE JOHNSON FAMILY
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