5 New England Waterfront Finds and Country Charm Retreats

Along the water’s edge on River Street in Ashland, this rare Squam offering centers on a highly desirable large slip—an increasingly hard-to-find way to access pristine Squam Lake. The ease of it defines the experience: convenient to I-93, it invites a more spontaneous rhythm where you don’t trailer your boat, you simply hop in and head out. From there, the lake opens up for unhurried exploration, with countless nooks and crannies to discover across this sought-after setting. There’s also a quiet sense of place in knowing the area’s cinematic connection—Squam Lake as the filming location for *On Golden Pond*—a reminder that these waters have long captured the imagination. Days here can begin on the dock and unfold wherever the shoreline leads.

Size: – acres

Originally built in 1910, this Colonial on Norfolk Road in East Canaan offers the kind of old-house character that invites a thoughtful refresh. Currently configured as a two-family, it includes a 2-bedroom apartment on the first floor and a 1-bedroom apartment on the second, with the flexibility to be converted back into a single-family residence. On the main level, a large country-style eat-in kitchen anchors daily life, complete with a fireplace and pantry, alongside a generous living room and two bedrooms. The upstairs apartment adds its own kitchen and living room, plus a bedroom and full bath—ideal for multi-generational living or a separate retreat. A screened porch opens to a nice backyard, rounding out a home with plenty of potential and a storied sense of place.

Along the water’s edge on Cobbosseecontee Lake, this waterfront offering at Wentworth Cove in West Gardiner sets the tone for an easy, outdoors-first routine. The listing invites a simple plan: bring your boat and start enjoying lake life. Mornings can begin with time on the water, afternoons with unhurried returns to the cove, and evenings shaped by the calm that comes from being lakefront. With the lake as a constant backdrop, everyday living naturally shifts toward fresh air, open skies, and the freedom to head out whenever the mood strikes. Whether you’re looking for a place to spend long summer days afloat or a quiet setting to reset by the shoreline, the emphasis here is clear—life organized around the lake, and the boat that takes you into it.

Size: 2.00 acres

Set on a generous parcel in Manchester, this 9.75-acre offering invites a wide range of future possibilities. The setting balances a sense of space with everyday practicality, thanks to the convenience of public water and sewer connections already available. With its substantial acreage, the land lends itself to thoughtful planning—whether you envision a single homesite with room to spread out or a more comprehensive development approach suited to your goals. Located in the heart of Manchester, it places you close to town while still enjoying the breathing room that larger tracts provide. It’s the kind of property that rewards imagination and patience, offering a grounded starting point for whatever comes next.

Size: 9.75 acres

Set on Robinson Hill Road in Oxford, Maine, this charming, move-in ready farmhouse pairs classic rural character with the everyday practicality of dedicated outbuildings. A barn anchors the property’s working side, while a separate workshop creates space for hands-on projects, storage, or weekend tinkering—inviting a lifestyle where tools, hobbies, and simple routines have room to unfold. The farmhouse itself is presented as move-in ready, offering an easy starting point for anyone drawn to the steadier pace of country living without the immediate demands of a major overhaul. With its straightforward mix of home, barn, and workshop, the setting encourages a more self-directed way of life—morning checklists, seasonal projects, and time spent building, fixing, and making things your own.