The Barn Door Hostel opened its doors in 2018, but its story goes back further.

In 2012, Dave Cook, the founder, was working at a summer camp, taking on roles as a manager, group leader, climbing instructor, and environmental educator. This enriching experience made him wonder what life was like outside of his quiet hometown in Connecticut. That fall, Dave decided to leave the East Coast and head west. Using his management skills, he became involved with several non-profit organizations. While waiting for responses to job interviews, Dave found himself running low on savings and spent his first night in a hostel. The walls of the old Victorian house read, "Welcome to the International Travelers House," and that experience sparked something in Dave’s heart. It was a rich experience of sharing, friendship, and community. He turned down his job offers to stay longer at the hostel. First, as a guest paying $25 per night in downtown San Diego—what a deal! Then, as a volunteer, he exchanged his work for a bed and meals. After a few months, the owners offered him a manager position. Nine months later, the hostel became so popular that it was ranked #1 on several travel sites, such as Hostelworld, Yelp, and TripAdvisor. This was where Dave truly found his passion as a host, bringing people together, sharing stories and cultures, and laughing over a good beer and roasted marshmallows.

In 2015, after leaving the hospitality industry and traveling the world, Dave worked as a program manager at a climbing gym. This role kept him connected to his love of hospitality and customer service. "The idea of creating my own hostel came to me after sharing a beer with my partner, whom I met at the San Diego hostel," he recalls. As Dave continued traveling, his dream of owning a hostel grew. "When I was working in the gym, day after day, the idea of creating my own space became a must" In 2016, he left the climbing gym, searched for a suitable property, and eventually turned his attention to Rumney, New Hampshire.

During his search, Dave met his best friend, Dom Pascariollo. "It was Dom who really pointed me toward Rumney. At first, I was looking for properties in places like San Diego or New Orleans—anywhere with great weather and culture." Dom and Dave searched for properties together, asking for help and advice from Dom’s parents. Then Dom took a job in Colorado, and Dave convinced his own parents to invest in the now family-owned business.

By 2018, the property was ready to open and quickly attracted visitors looking to camp in the area. "There are a lot of campsites around, but none that are family-friendly or cater specifically to the large climbing community." Everything changed when the Cook family announced the opening of Barn Door Hostel. "Last summer, the American Alpine Club hosted a climbing festival here. People came from all over—New York, Quebec City, Montreal—to climb and gather around the campfire."

The building that became the hostel was originally a chicken coop in the 1900s. Neighbors said that the barn had four stories. It was later reduced to two floors, with the ground floor becoming a mechanical workshop. Like any workshop, it was cluttered with parts, tools, and old items. From May to September 2018, the site was completely cleared. "We went through two or three dumpsters of insulation, metal, glass, and other debris." Just days after Dave’s 32nd birthday, the build back up began. The rotted wood was replaced, earth was moved, walls were built, and windows were installed. Dave personally designed the interior. Two dorms were created—one with 8 beds, the other with 10. There are also two private rooms on the ground floor: one with a double bed and the other with a bunk bed. Upstairs, there's a private room for 4 people. Finally, the staff quarters offer a large shared room, with an adjoining bathroom and toilet. "For me, two things are essential in a hostel—comfortable beds and good common spaces. I ordered the best mattresses we could afford on our budget and designed the common area to feel like a huge living room, with an open kitchen, comfy sofas, and a space where people can feel at home."

Dom left his job in Colorado and moved to Rumney to help with the hostel's renovations and marketing. He also guides climbers with his company Elevation and manages the local brewery.

Today, Dave lives on the property with his partner, Jill, their child, and his parents, who help with maintenance and management.