Ellsworth offers secluded living in the White Mountains
Ellsworth is known for being the only dry town in New Hampshire. But the lack of readily available liquor doesn’t detract from the area’s appeal. The Grafton County town attracts retirees and second-home buyers looking for secluded living among the dense forest of the White Mountains, without sacrificing convenience to shops and restaurants. “It’s rural, but it’s a 10- to 15-minute drive to another small, rural town,” says Juli Kelley, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty Center Harbor, who lives south of the community in Rumney. Ellsworth offers proximity to hiking trails, lakes, ponds and popular ski resorts. The interdenominational Saint John of the Mountains Chapel has served the community since 1940. In addition to seasonal worship services, the church, facing Ellsworth Town Hall, organizes outings and potlucks.
Remote single-family homes with private wells and septic systems
Ellsworth offers true off-grid living, with cabins, log homes and custom designs hidden in the forest off winding dirt roads. Properties have private wells and septic tanks, and some are powered by generators. Most homes cost between $190,000 and $425,000. However, new construction can reach nearly $1 million. Potential buyers should note that many roads in the community are private, and much of Stinson Lake Road is closed in the winter. Grafton County has a moderate wildfire risk, according to the First Street Foundation.
Outdoor adventures in the White Mountain National Forest
The White Mountain National Forest surrounds Ellsworth. The town has a trailhead for the Three Ponds Trail, best experienced in the fall when the foliage turns into an earth-toned palette of yellow, red and orange. Nearby, Brown Brook Falls babbles during the warmer months and is frozen in time during the winter. The town offers close access to Stinson Lake, where residents can cruise around in a boat and reel in various species of trout. “Stinson Lake is a hidden gem, and we like to keep it that way,” Kelley says. North of town, the Appalachian National Scenic Trail climbs more than 4,000 feet in elevation before reaching the top of Mount Moosilauke. South of town, avid rock climbers flock to the Rumney Meadows Climbing Area, known for its sweeping views of the landscape. The region is a tourist destination for winter sports. Hotspots such as Loon Mountain Resort feature ski slopes, terrain parks and gondola skyrides. Those who love to golf can enjoy rounds at Owl’s Nest Resort, which features two 18-hole courses that are open to the public.
Shopping and dining options in Campton and Plymouth
Ellsworth residents drive to nearby towns to shop and dine. Campton is less than 10 miles away and offers mom-and-pop shops and restaurants such as Sunset Grill, known for its friendly service and comforting American fare, and Mad River Coffee House, a popular stop for breakfast and lunch. Plymouth , a livelier college town around 12 miles away, has a larger selection of restaurants along Main Street, where boutiques neighbor live music venues and a movie theater. Plymouth also has grocery stores, such as Hannaford and Market Basket, various national retailers, and Speare Memorial Hospital.
Two B-rated public schools in nearby towns
School Administrative Unit No. 48, which Niche does not yet rate, serves Ellsworth. Students can start at Campton Elementary for kindergarten through eighth grade. The school feeds into Plymouth Regional High, which offers seven career-focused pathways at its career and technical center. Both schools earn B ratings. Plymouth State University is about 11 miles away.
Interstate 93 is less than 10 miles away
As there is no public transportation in Ellsworth, a private vehicle is necessary for getting around both the town and much of Grafton County. Interstate 93, a major north-south route in New Hampshire, is nearby to reach larger cities such as Concord , the state capital, and Manchester , home of Manchester-Boston Regional Airport. The cities are 53 and 70 miles away, respectively. There is no public transportation in Ellsworth. Eligible residents can book non-emergency medical transportation through Transport Central.
