5 New England Retreats from Historic Colonials to Lakefront Legacies

On a large lot in Plymouth, this 11-room stately colonial pairs historic craftsmanship with modern conveniences, all within walking distance to restaurants, theaters, and schools in a quaint New England college town. Perennial gardens and an irrigation system frame the outdoor setting, while inside, a cook’s kitchen sets the stage for everyday ease and easy entertaining. After a full day, retreat to a relaxing primary bedroom, then unwind in the salt water hot tub as evening settles in. Wood-burning and gas-powered stoves bring a gentle, lived-in warmth, complemented by air conditioning for summer comfort and a whole-house generator for added peace of mind. An accessory dwelling on site and possible subdivision offer flexibility for the future. Set between the White Mountain National Forest and the NH Lakes Region, life here feels both connected and quietly restorative.

Set on 18 picturesque acres in Cornwall, this spacious ranch balances privacy with everyday convenience, just moments from the covered bridge and the village center. Inside, a sprawling floor plan offers generously sized bedrooms and multiple light-filled rooms, where large picture windows draw in natural light throughout the day. Two full bathrooms add flexibility, including an oversized bath with a convenient laundry area, and Central Air keeps the interiors comfortable. Thoughtful updates bring peace of mind, from a whole-house generator and all new windows to a new hot water heater, new roof, new chimneys, and fresh interior and exterior paint. Outdoors, utility meets versatility with a 10×9 shed, a separate 20×18 garage/barn with two 6-foot-wide doors, plus a new well and a 50-amp RV plug for added options.

Along the edge of Lake Kezar Country Club’s 2nd green, world-famous Ebenezer’s Pub holds a prominent position with Kezar Lake and the White Mountains nearby. The property has been successfully operated as a full-service restaurant, anchored by an extensive collection of Belgian beer that has helped build a strong business and a distinctive destination. Thoughtfully arranged for hands-on ownership, an owner’s residence is attached to the restaurant, allowing daily life to flow easily between home and hospitality. The current operation points to multiple paths forward, including year-round service, beer tasting dinners, and private functions, each offering a different rhythm for the space and its community. Set in Lovell and within the Fryeburg Academy district, it’s a place where work, gathering, and setting naturally converge.

Size: 2.75 acres

Surrounded by over 5 acres in Center Harbor, this spacious 4-bedroom, 3-bath home balances a peaceful country setting with everyday convenience. An open-concept layout is warmed by hardwood floors and abundant natural light, making the main living spaces feel easy and welcoming for both quiet mornings and gatherings. The sunroom—anchored by a cozy wood stove—invites you to slow down and take in views of the surrounding property. A formal dining room, half bath, sitting/office area with built-in bookshelves, and a separate laundry room round out the main level. Upstairs, the primary suite includes a walk-in closet, while three additional bedrooms share a full bath. Downstairs, a finished walkout lower level adds flexible living space with a bonus room/potential sleeping area, and outside, on-property trails set the tone for unhurried days.

Along the crystal-clear shores of West Grand Lake in the storied village of Grand Lake Stream, Maine, this year-round log home offers a rare balance of warmth and wilderness. Built in 1980 and held by only two owners, it showcases hand-hewn logs, soaring cathedral ceilings, and hardwood floors throughout. Expansive windows draw the lake into daily life, framing panoramic views across one of Maine’s most coveted and least accessible waters. A grand granite and field stone fireplace anchors the great room, while open-concept living and dining areas invite easy gatherings and quiet evenings by the fire. Designed for single-floor living, the main level includes two bedrooms and two and a half bath, with a spacious loft overlooking the room below. Outside, permanently protected lands and the lake’s coves and islands keep the setting forever wild.