La Belle Cabin: A Design-Forward Mountain Rental in Campton, NH

La Belle Cabin began as a family project, built hand-in-hand by Lyle Blais and his father, lifelong contractor Roger Blais. Together, they transformed a wooded hillside into a sleek, black-clad retreat with panoramic mountain views and playful surprises hidden throughout the home. Every detail reflects care, collaboration, and a love for building that runs through the family.

“I’m just proud of what we did and what we accomplished.” — Lyle Blais

The Owners

Lyle and Liza Blais, both lifelong New Hampshirites, bring precision and creativity from their aviation careers — Lyle as an air traffic controller and Liza in private jet charter — into every decision about their cabin. Their first build, a primary home in Lee, New Hampshire, taught them the joys and challenges of hands-on construction. Summers spent framing walls, finishing woodwork, and watching their children play at the pool created memories they wanted to share with future guests.

Lyle emphasizes that while the idea for the cabin was his, Liza’s design vision shaped nearly every interior detail.

The Setting: Southern White Mountains

The cabin sits on the quieter western side of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, near Loon Mountain, Waterville Valley, and Cannon Mountain. While it offers easy access to skiing, hiking, and summer adventure, it avoids the busier atmosphere of North Conway.

Located in Waterville Estates, the lot was chosen for its proximity to the community center with indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and pickleball courts, and a pond — all just a short walk away.

Lyle notes that the west-side location strikes a perfect balance: peaceful surroundings with plenty of nearby activity.

The view played a decisive role. Climbing the lot early on, Lyle realized the site would capture layered mountain peaks — and the cabin’s orientation was designed to highlight them.

Architecture: Scandinavian Restraint

Inspired by modern cabins in Québec, the Blaises created a Scandinavian-inspired home with clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and a bold black exterior softened by warm wood accents. The front façade features Modern Mill Acre siding made from recycled rice husks — a nod to sustainable materials and thoughtful design.

Lyle says that standing out with a unique design is essential in today’s rental market.

The structure sits naturally within the hillside, appearing as though it belongs to the forest rather than disrupting it.

Inside: Openness and Light

The middle level is the heart of the home, with a kitchen, main living area, bath, and laundry oriented toward a dramatic wall of mountain-facing windows. Above, a lofted primary suite shares the full-height window wall, overlooking the living space below. The lower level offers a second living area, a bunk room, and a queen bedroom with walkout access to the driveway.

Originally, the cabin was more closed off. Several walls were removed, and the stair core was opened to allow light to travel freely throughout the space. At the center is a floating walnut staircase with cable railings, rebuilt twice to achieve the perfect visual balance.

Lyle explains that Scandinavian influence guided every choice — clean lines, warm wood, and a commitment to avoiding clutter.

Nearly every vantage point frames mountains or forest. The main deck floats among the treetops, immersed in early morning light and birdsong. Some guests use the cabin as a basecamp for outdoor adventures; others never feel the need to leave.

The Secret Reading Nook

From the start, the Blaises wanted an element of surprise. A hidden reading nook was carved out of the primary suite. Cozy and private, it offers seating, books, and a skylight, creating a space guests love to discover.

The location is intentionally a secret — guests are invited to find it themselves. If you need a little nudge, a quick text to the owners will help you uncover it.

Lyle says the mystery is part of the fun — it’s a playful touch for both adults and kids that brings out the spirit of childhood forts.

How They Host

Guests at La Belle Cabin are treated to meticulous care. Lyle and Liza prioritize cleanliness, comfort, and responsiveness. Lyle even keeps his phone on overnight to ensure any need is met immediately.

Lyle shares that their goal is for every guest to feel fully cared for, so they can relax and enjoy their stay.

With over 70 five-star reviews, their hands-on approach clearly resonates with families, couples, and groups of friends.

The Name

The name La Belle Cabin honors Liza’s maiden name, LaBelle, while also translating to “the beautiful” in French — a poetic reflection of both the home’s design and the pride the family poured into building it.

Lyle says the name felt perfect as soon as they realized its double meaning, combining personal history with a simple, elegant descriptor.

Why They Built It

La Belle Cabin was designed to function both as a personal retreat and as a thoughtfully managed rental. The hillside site and unique roofline presented significant challenges. Lyle balanced a full-time career while building alongside his father, solving problems on the fly and ensuring every element met their high standards.

Looking back, Lyle describes the project as one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of his life — one that ultimately exceeded all expectations.

The long-term goal is simple: pay off the cabin and, one day, enjoy it entirely for themselves.

Why We Love It

La Belle Cabin feels intentional, warm, and lived-in. The windows draw the mountains inside, the deck floats above the treetops, and the hidden reading nook sparks curiosity and joy. Families can gather in open spaces or retreat into quiet corners. It’s modern but inviting, refined yet playful — a cabin built with care, designed to hold memories long before it ever became a rental.

Photography by Peter Curialle