5 Scenic New England Retreats with Waterfront and Mountain Views

Along the water’s edge on highly sought-after Big Barndoor Island, this custom-built timber frame home is designed to make the most of Lake Winnipesaukee’s wide horizons and unforgettable sunsets. Soaring timber-frame ceilings set a warm, architectural tone, while expansive windows draw the lake into everyday living. The layout includes two lakeview bedrooms, complemented by a guest bunkhouse for easy overflow. Seamless indoor-outdoor living keeps the focus on the setting, whether you’re starting the day with open-water light or winding down as the sky turns. Protected docking supports effortless arrivals and departures, and interior trails invite unhurried walks across the island. Just minutes by boat from downtown Wolfeboro, it’s a retreat where lake life feels both tucked away and beautifully connected.

Set on 3+ acres of beautifully landscaped grounds in Easton, this private estate balances gracious scale with everyday comfort. Inside, over 5,400 square feet unfolds through a banquet-size formal dining room, a chef’s kitchen with an adjoining family dining area, and a raised-hearth stone fireplace that anchors the main living spaces. A second fireplace warms the living room, while a generous family room, home office, and sunroom with full bath and laundry add flexibility for daily life. The den opens directly to the patio, pool, and sports courts—basketball, tennis, and pickleball—for effortless outdoor gatherings. Upstairs, the primary suite includes a designer bath, and three additional large bedrooms feature walk-in closets. A finished lower level game/playroom, oversized 3-car garage, and recent system updates round out the experience. Minutes to the Easton Reservoir, trails, and commuter routes, it’s designed to accommodate multi-generational living with ease.

Along the water’s edge in Roxbury, this private Maine retreat is defined by its rare cabin compound layout and the freedom it offers. The property includes five cabins, creating a setting that can flex between a multi-generational getaway, a creative refuge, or a host-ready hideout with built-in separation and privacy. With “income potential” noted in the offering, the overall arrangement lends itself to a lifestyle where time at the waterfront can be balanced with the practical advantages of a retreat that may support itself. Days here are naturally shaped by the rhythm of the shoreline, with space to spread out across the cabins and return to quiet whenever you choose. It’s a place designed for unhurried mornings, long afternoons outdoors, and simple, restorative evenings by the water.

From its elevated setting in Newry, this reimagined Maine retreat offers a rare blend of privacy and easy access to the four-season energy of Sunday River, just minutes away. Set on a serene, wooded lot, the cabin is designed for both lively entertaining and quieter moments, anchored by a great room filled with natural light and architectural warmth. Four bedrooms include two elegant en suites, while a secondary living area and a screened porch on the main level add refined places to unwind. Downstairs, the lower level becomes a destination of its own, with a game room, bar, media lounge, and additional accommodations—ideal for hosting in comfort and style. Outside, an expansive deck overlooks the tranquil setting, where a hot tub and fire pit set the tone for après-ski evenings, even after a stop at The Matterhorn Ski Bar.

Perched high on 35 private acres in Quechee, this thoughtfully designed contemporary retreat captures sweeping, long-range views of the Quechee Valley, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park, and the Quechee ski hill. Inside, custom wood trim and quality finishes bring warmth and precision to an open main level made for easy gatherings. A chef’s kitchen flows to a casual sitting area, while the dramatic living/dining room rises with soaring ceilings and a gas fireplace for cozy evenings after a day outdoors. The layout includes four bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and a comfortable in-law suite, offering flexibility for guests and extended stays. Downstairs, a spacious family and entertainment room with a bar sets the stage for relaxed nights in. Meadows once grazed by sheep, a large barn, a two-car garage, and ample parking complete this private hilltop estate.