Franconia, NH – The Gale River Motel, one of New Hampshire's leading eco-friendly lodging in the heart of the White Mountains has been sold.

Former owner, Kevin Johnson and his family have been operating the Gale River Motel since 2002. Over the course of the past twenty years, Johnson has updated the Motel with a focus on sustainable lodging, earning many local and national awards. After enjoying two decades in the hospitality industry, Johnson is filled with mixed emotions to start a new chapter.

Johnson decided it was time to sell in order to take some time for himself and his family as well as to be able to devote more time to the Town committees and non-profit organizations that he cares so much about. "Owning the Gale River Motel has been a wonderful experience for me and my family. My children were raised there and even though they are now grown, they still call it home." said Johnson. "I thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many people from all over the world. While I will miss this interaction with visitors, many are frequent, repeat guests and I look forward to seeing them again when they are in the area." Johnson intends to stay in the area and looks forward to taking the time to enjoy things that his guests have come to love about the greater Franconia area.

The buyers will be operating under Gale River Vacations, LLC and are from New York but have visited the area often. They were looking for an investment, as well as a vacation spot for themselves when in the area and the Gale River Motel checked all their boxes. The easy access to highways, views, proximity to skiing and all four-season recreational activities is a major plus to area visitors, and they will benefit from and add to all that the former owner has accomplished. There are no immediate plans for any major changes to the motel's operation and at least for the immediate future they will continue to offer daily motel units as well as seasonal ski rentals.

Johnson was represented by Mary Doherty and the buyers were assisted by Linda Matheson both of Badger Peabody & Smith Realty.

Badger Peabody & Smith Realty has a dedicated commercial department specializing in the sale of businesses, commercial buildings and lease space. Their commercial department services the North Country, Mt. Washington Valley, Lakes Region of NH, Western Maine and Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. With combined resources of over 10 commercial full-time agents, and eight offices, Badger Peabody & Smith Realty can be reached online at www.badgerpeabodysmith.com