Surrounded by 156.75 acres of fields dotted with marketable Christmas trees, endless woodlands with rushing brooks and trails, old stone walls and bridges, c. 1800 Sundance Farm is a hidden New Hampshire treasure. Equidistant to our state capital and our popular seacoast and only 1.5 hours from Boston, the main house has three generous bedrooms, including one on the first floor, 2.5 baths and a host of historic features beautifully blended with modern day necessities. The entire property is in wonderful condition inside and out as it has been lovingly maintained by the same family for over 30 years.
The two story front section of the house has the typical two over two room layout flanking a center entry. Downstairs, the front parlors are being used as a living room and master bedroom that has direct access to a large bath. Upstairs are two generous bedrooms that share a lovely and whimsical tiled bath with tub and separate shower. A walk-in attic on this level might be converted into yet another bedroom on the second floor. The walk-up attic is perfect for off-season storage.
Back downstairs, the ell of the house has been transformed over the years into three rooms and a powder room. The inviting dining room has a brick fireplace that has an efficient woodstove hooked into it. The charming maple kitchen, recently remodeled, is a large galley design with tons of cabinets, great counter space and a breakfast bar. Its windows peek out at the fruit trees and farm pond. A family room with brick fireplace was added, of course with finish that is in keeping with the antiquity of the original structure.
Finally, for sun lovers, along the southeast wall of the ell, you will find a fabulous tiled solarium with a freestanding woodstove. Well-designed and blocked from prevailing winds by the front structure, the solarium is privately sited away from the driveway and gives you a wide view of the back field into the woods. Watch deer and turkey often with the occasional moose strolling by. The space provides great solar heat as well as excellent sunlight that streams into three rooms in winter months. The owners have found that the sun supplies the necessary heat so the woodstove isn’t used. The solarium can be closed off from the kitchen and dining room with sliding doors, if preferred.
Energy awareness is integral to Sundance Farm. As previously mentioned, the house has two woodburning fireplaces, the one with the woodstove in the dining room and the other in the family room, plus the freestanding stove in the sunroom - all are fed with an endless supply of firewood harvested from the property. Passive solar heat from the solarium and 20 energy-saving windows recently added further warms this lovely home. History meets efficiency here.
Have frequent guests or want a caretaker, groundskeeper, or nanny? In the 1980’s a detached four car garage was added to the homestead with an apartment incorporated into the structure. There is a kitchen/living area and ¾ bath on the ground level and two generous rooms up accessed by a spiral staircase. The apartment has its own well and septic system. This unit has been used mostly as a workspace for holiday decorations and was rarely rented out. New replacement windows were added this year to further increase its energy efficiency.
Besides offering a great outdoors experience, what else could you do at the farm? A new generation of caretakers could come home to a relaxed way of life and run it as a seasonal tree farm as it is presently operating or wholesale what is standing and open the land up to animals or agriculture. Or, you could enjoy the farm as a second home until retirement and have an onsite caretaker keep a watchful eye from the apartment.
In the immediate area there are working farms and productive hayfields giving the approach to the farm a rural flavor. The beauty is that you are only 10 minutes from town and 20 minutes into Rochester, the Lilac City, for major shopping and dining. Route 16 south will take you to Dover and on to Portsmouth. Summertime fun is 20 minutes northwest at the southerly tip of Lake Winnipesaukee in Alton and Maine’s famous York County Seacoast is just an hour east. Gunstock Ski Area is a quick 45 minute drive. You will enjoy four seasons of New England’s best from the farm.
Highlights:
- 34’ x 48’ Two story barn built in 2003
- 4 Car garage for vehicles and equipment
- Heated workshop
- Paved driveway and parking
- 10+ acres of Christmas trees in all stages of growth w/tools related to tree business included in the sale. Read a local article here.
- Spring-fed farm pond
- Forestry management plan in place with a 5-year plan recently completed
- THE LAND IS NOT UNDER A CONSERVATION EASEMENT AS MANY OF THIS SIZE ARE.
- All but 7 or so acres are in Current Use tax status
