First settled in the early 1600s and incorporated in 1693, New Castle has humble beginnings as a small fishing village off the coast of New Hampshire. Soon after its incorporation, the island housed several military forts that were pivotal during the Revolutionary War. Today, this historic community has a population of about 1,000 people across the one-square-mile island, and many homes date back hundreds of years, preserving a piece of the island’s history. Residents of New Castle Island often live here year-round, enjoying a coastal lifestyle while being within a quick drive from Portsmouth and just over an hour from Boston. “People that live here don’t move. They bounce from house to house, but they’re not leaving,” says Janet Sylvester, Owner/Broker at Great Island Realty and New Castle Island resident for 25 years. “It really is special. There are a lot of people still living here, generation after generation after generation.
Some homes near the water date back hundreds of years
The island’s hilly residential streets typically feature homes with tidy landscaping, pocket gardens and shade trees. A few homes have waterfront views, but even those inland properties are within a quick walk of the water. Some of New Castle Island’s meticulously maintained homes date as far back as the 1600s and 1700s, including Cape Cods, Colonials and saltbox styles with simple wood beam or clapboard exteriors. Homes on the island were built throughout the last several centuries, including the 21st. And even though they were built more recently, many of these newer homes still draw from older styles, with mid-century Colonial Revivals and new traditional homes sometimes spanning over 5,000 square feet, yet still blending seamlessly with the surrounding architecture. “When we sell houses in New Castle, it’s easily as much or more about the location as it is about the house. People are willing to make trade-offs to live in New Castle,” Sylvester says. New Castle Island’s median home price is $2.2 million, and homes typically priced between $1.5 million and $2.7 million.
Stately Colonial homes grace New Castle Island, showcasing timeless architecture and a rich sense of history.
The classic Cape Cod style dominates the architecture of New Castle Island, with its charming, timeless design defining the island's coastal character.
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Many options for coastal recreation
Located where the Piscataqua River meets the Atlantic Ocean, the island has plentiful coastal recreation. “No matter where you live, you go by the water every day,” Sylvester says. And that proximity to the ocean means ocean-going vessels that need somewhere to stay. Safe Harbor Wentworth by the Sea located in Little Harbor is a marina where boat owners can keep their yachts. Kittery Point Yacht Club and Portsmouth Yacht Club are both private clubs that offer access to smaller marinas, in addition to opportunities for sailboat instruction and racing, along with club-sponsored social events. But given the realities of dealing with Mother Nature, mariners need to plan to take advantage of the summer months to get out on the water. “Up here in New England, the season is limited. You put your boat in sometime in May and pull it out in October,” Sylvester says.
The calm water between New Castle Island and Portsmouth, known as the Back Channel, also allows for kayaking and paddleboarding. On the eastern side of the island, locals can lay out on New Castle Beach for views of the deep blue water, Portsmouth Harbor Lighthouse and boats in the near distance. The beach extends into the Great Island Common, which has a playground and picnic area on the water, and Fort Stark State Historic Site, one of two state parks on the island that showcase the island’s nautical history. Wentworth by the Sea Country Club is a private club with an 18-hole Scottish links-style golf course, tennis courts, a pool and clubhouse with a full bar and restaurant just across the causeway from New Castle.
Children delight in endless hours of play on the vibrant new playground at Great Island Common, a beloved spot on New Castle Island.
Golfers on New Castle Island enjoy a day on the green at the Wentworth by the Sea Country Club, where stunning views and a challenging course make for a memorable experience.
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Students attend elementary school on the island
Children living on the island typically attend the Maude H. Trefethen School for kindergarten through fifth grade. This is the only school on the island and has an A-plus grade from Niche. “It’s one of the highest rated in the country and state,” Sylvester says. “There are 30 kids in the school. It’s a nice little community.” At Trefethen, students participate in peer mentorship and learn alongside other grades in the same classrooms. Students continue to either A-rated Rye Junior High School or A-rated Portsmouth Middle School. From there, kids from both middle schools attend A-rated Portsmouth High School.
Maude H. Trefethen School is a public school located in New Castle, NH.
Rye Junior High School serves the older students of Rye, New Hampshire.
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Dining on the island and plenty more in downtown Portsmouth
Wentworth by the Sea is a grand hotel that has operated on the island since 1874. The hotel’s flagship restaurant Salt Kitchen and Bar has an upscale menu that includes fresh seafood and wine pairings. Latitudes, also in the hotel, offer diners waterfront views and favorites like lobster rolls, scallops and tuna. Across the island, The Island Cafe has pastries, made-to-order coffee and more breakfast items. Hannaford and Market Basket offer grocery options across the causeway in Portsmouth. Downtown Portsmouth is about a 10-minute drive away and has many more shopping, dining and cultural options. “Portsmouth is the closest thing to a city on the Sea Coast you’re going to find. Downtown Portsmouth is a huge draw. There's a lot going on there,” Sylvester says.
Coffee lovers of New Castle Island savor the bright, complex flavors of Colombia's finest specialty-grade brews at nearby La Mulita Coffee.
Salt is one of two exceptional restaurants at the Wentworth by the Sea Hotel, offering a memorable dining experience on New Castle Island.
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Flooding is rarely an issue in New Castle
According to Sylvester, flooding is rarely an issue on the island, as it is mostly protected from the direct force of the Atlantic Ocean, which helps reduce erosion. Tides and storms can occasionally flood the causeways, but Sylvester says it only takes a couple of hours to subside in these infrequent cases. “Last year was the first year when there was any water going over both the causeways [at once],” she says.
Getting to Boston and Portsmouth from New Castle
Downtown Portsmouth, about 3 miles west of the island, is accessible by car or bike via Portsmouth Avenue. Wentworth Road also connects the island to the mainland. Boston is 60 miles south and commutable in just over an hour via Interstate 95. Just north of the island is Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Portsmouth International Airport is 8 miles west, and Portsmouth Regional Hospital is 6 miles west.
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