Holland offers a rural lifestyle and waterfront recreation in the Northeast Kingdom
Holland has been a pastoral community in the Northeast Kingdom since 1800 — now dotted with dairy and maple syrup farms. “It's a rural, mainly farming community with beautiful landscapes. It has a very low population,” says Realtor Nicholas Maclure, who works with Century 21 Farm & Forest and has over two decades of experience in the region. Home to approximately 630, the area’s secluded landscape extends to dense woodlands made up of birch and fir trees, which lends to the picturesque fall foliage Vermont is known for, despite that the climate is colder and snowier than most of the state. It borders the Quebec province of Canada.
Farmhouses, contemporary homes and waterfront cottages in Holland
Holland is composed of three villages: Holland Center, Tice Hollow and Holland Pond. The villages have multiacre properties on rolling hills and in forest thickets, although the Holland Pond area also features waterfront houses, which can go up to $550,000. Farmhouses, many with barns, range from $350,000 to $370,000, while contemporary homes go from $340,000 to $350,000. Undeveloped land is priced between $90,000 and $100,000. “There’s a good amount of land, so there’s quite a bit of elbow room. It’s relatively affordable,” Maclure says.
The median sales price in Holland is $259,000, lower when matched against the neighboring community of Morgan at $445,000. The CAP Index Crime Score in Holland is 1 out of 10, which is lower compared to the national average of 4.
Public schools from Holland Elementary to North Country Union High
Holland Elementary School is not currently graded by Niche. North Country Union Junior High School earns a C-plus grade from Niche, while North Country Union High School scores a C-minus. The high school offers unique courses, including a history class about espionage, called "Spycraft," and Science Field Studies, a class about connecting environmental concerns in Vermont and South Africa.
Holland Pond, Petsafe Kingdom Dog Park and more recreation
On the west side of Holland, residents can find waterfront recreation, with views of the Green Mountains. “Holland Pond is a beautiful remote pond with public access,” Maclure says. The freshwater site has kayaking, swimming and fishing, plus it’s adjacent to the Bill Sladyk State Wildlife Management Area, a forest ideal for camping and hiking. About 10 miles west of the community, Petsafe Kingdom Dog Park offers separate sections for small and large pets as well as obstacle course equipment. The Lake Salem Derby Beach House, just south of the dog park, is a rentable event venue next to a public swimming beach and playground.
Shops and restaurants in nearby Derby and Newport
Holland is rural, and as a result, does not have any stores or restaurants, so residents have to drive to nearby towns for retail. “You’re relatively close to Newport and Derby for more eateries, stores and recreational opportunities,” Maclure says. About 10 miles away, the town of Derby has dining options, such as Derby Cow Palace. This rustic restaurant specializes in elk steaks and bison burgers, plus patrons can visit the backyard elk farm. Tin Shed Grill, also in Derby, serves hamburgers and poutine from a casual stand with outdoor seating. For grocery shopping, the nearest supermarket is Shaw's, also located in Derby. Newport is about 15 miles west of Holland and has a wider selection, including Italian and Thai restaurants.
Access to Interstate 91 and a 75-mile drive to Montpelier
Holland is about 75 miles from Montpelier on Interstate 91. Burlington International Airport, the closest major airport, is about 90 miles away. “It’s fairly close to the interstate, so there’s easy traveling north to south, and it’s right on the Canadian border,” Maclure says.
