Peaceful, rural living in the Green Mountains
Bridgewater is a small community in central Vermont full of fresh mountain air, rugged seclusion and opportunities for outdoor adventures. Its rural location in the Green Mountains provides proximity to the Appalachian Trail and ski slopes at Killington Resort. “Bridgewater is a steppingstone into Killington, so there are some second homes for skiers,” says Eric Johnston, a Realtor at Four Seasons Sotheby’s International Realty who has over 24 years of real estate experience. But there is more to this community than just skiing. The Ottauquechee River runs through Bridgewater, bringing melting snow down from Killington Peak, providing recreational opportunities both in the river itself and on the banks. The river is prime spawning grounds for rainbow trout, and the river is a favorite spot for local fly-fishermen. Alongside the river, locals can go out to eat and kids can play on the pirate ship play structure at Bridgewater Park. And while Bridgewater itself is somewhat isolated, the community is about 7 miles from the neighboring town of Woodstock, where locals can run errands. Bridgewater’s overall CAP Index Crime Score is 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score.
Skiing, snowmobiling and hiking the Appalachian Trail
Locals have their choice of four-season outdoor activities, starting with Killington Resort, one of Vermont’s biggest and most popular recreational areas. It attracts visitors from around the globe, not only for wintertime skiing, snowboarding and tubing, but also for warm weather pursuits like golfing and mountain biking. Pico Mountain Ski Resort is a smaller ski mountain next to Killington Resort, and it’s feasible to ski both in the same day. Smaller still is nearby Saskadena Six, a ski area with about 20 trails. And there are options for those who prefer motorized winter recreation. “Bridgewater has unmaintained class-four snowmobile trails, which follow old town highways,” Johnston says. The trails connect to nearby towns like Barnard and can also be used for cross-country skiing.
When the temperatures warm up and the snow melts, Bridgewater doesn’t shut down; instead, residents here simply trade in their ski boots for hiking boots. The town has several access points to the nearly 2,200 mile-long Appalachian Trail, which stretches across the northern part of the community. Coolidge State Park has campsites and picnic areas in addition to dog-friendly trails that can also be used for horseback riding, and visitors may spot black bears, moose and other wildlife amongst the trees and babbling brooks. The state park borders Calvin Coolidge State Forest, which spans over 20,000 acres. The park and the forest are named after the nation’s 30th president, who was born in the area; people can tour his 19th-century childhood home at the Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site.
Windsor County homes surrounded by nature
Rural roads pass by forests, farmland and the Ottauquechee River. The residential landscape in Bridgewater includes farmhouses, ramblers and Cape Cod homes. The median single family home price is about $250,000; those priced below the median may need renovations. Even the lowest priced homes sit on about an acre, ensuring privacy and seclusion for all homeowners. Homes sell at varying price points, from about $240,000 for a small fixer-upper all the way up to $2.5 million for expansive custom-built contemporaries with stunning views on significant acreage. Condos and land occasionally come on the market as well.
Students are zoned for Mountain Views Supervisory Union schools
Mountain Views Supervisory Union, rated B-plus on Niche, serves the area. Students may attend Woodstock Elementary before advancing to The Prosper Valley School for fifth and sixth grade. Both schools are rated A-minus. The Prosper Valley School embraces the landscape as an opportunity to learn: fifth graders start the year off with a freshwater snorkeling education program in the nearby White River. Seventh through twelfth graders may attend Woodstock Union Middle and High School, rated B-plus. Mountain Views Supervisory Union offers intra-district school choice, allowing students to apply to other schools within the district.
Bridgewater’s casual dining spots and farmstands
Bridgewater’s small shopping and dining scene is mostly concentrated along the river. “Bridgewater is the home of the Long Trail Brewery on the Ottauquechee River,” Johnston says. This microbrewery has served the area since 1989 and is a popular spot to congregate after spending the day exploring the great outdoors. Alternatively, Ramunto’s Brick & Brew Pizza offers deck seating with mountain views; originally built in 1828, today’s guests can dine in this former mill used to manufacture wool. The restaurant shares the building with Woolen Mill Comedy Club, an intimate venue right on the river. Bridgewater Corners Country Store has a deli counter and a small grocery selection. Locals can get Christmas trees, pumpkins and produce at Maple Leaf Farm & Garden, one of the farmstands in the area. There is a wider grocery selection at the markets a short drive away in Woodstock.
Driving down the country roads of central Vermont
Bridgewater is a car-dependent area characterized by country roads. U.S. Route 4 goes through Bridgewater, connecting drivers to Mt. Ascutney Hospital and Health Center in Woodstock. The highway stretches across Vermont and on to New York and New Hampshire. Interstate 91 is just over 16 miles east and Burlington International Airport is about 90 miles north.
