$460,864Average Value$375Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Orwell’s country lifestyle and close community by the lake
Orwell is on the banks of Lake Champlain, whose waters straddle the border between Vermont and New York. The town is exceptionally rural, and best known as the home of Mount Independence, a significant Revolutionary War site. Days out on the lake, snowshoeing in winter, church dinners in town and views of pastureland shape life here. "Everyone knows everyone. Everyone waves to their neighbors. If a neighbor is in need, the whole community rallies around them, and they are there, which is typical of small Vermont towns," says Nancy Liberatore, a Realtor of 13 years who works for Lakes & Homes Real Estate. Residents also have their share of privacy, as many of Orwell's country homes sit on vast acreage.
Orwell is dotted with small lakes and ponds, with Lake Champlain bounding an entire side of the town.
Red Sky Farm in Orwell has a delightful shop that offers local fresh produce.
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Main Street is a community touchpoint
First Congregational Church & Society of Orwell, the bank and post office are on Main Street. "A lot of people will use those places as a touch base," Liberatore says. "Rather than having their mail through the rural delivery, some choose [to visit] the post office because it's their reason to get out and see who they run into." Local retailers include Barnfinds Antiques and the consignment shop Village Beginagains. Orwell One Stop is a go-to for gas, snacks and deli items. Red Sky Farm, one of several farms in town, has a year-round market selling meat, baked goods, maple syrup and handcrafted gifts. Liberatore says most travel around 15 miles to Fair Haven to grab groceries at Shaw's and dine out at places such as Ruby's Bistro & Bakery and Fair Haven Pizza House & Subs.
Ornate styling of homes in the central town of Orwell give a refined feel to the area.
The Town Common in Orwell has an elegant gazebo with comfortable benches.
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Homes on acres, by the lake or closer to town
Creeks and country roads flow through Orwell. Cabins, Colonial Revivals, ranch and farmhouse-style homes are common, with new properties being rare and the oldest dating back to the 1800s. "People treasure and want to buy these older homes, and so we are seeing those being modernized and renovated and plumbing and electrical upgrades," Liberatore says. "Very seldom do you see someone tear one down." Some properties are on Lake Champlain, with expansive waterfront views, while others are in the countryside or closer to town. Differences in lot sizes are vast, from a quarter of an acre to upwards of 90 acres. The median sale price in Orwell is $402,500, but a fixer upper could sell for around $185,000, and a historic home on vast acreage could go for around $750,000.
Homes in the central village of Orwell have a farmhouse style flair.
Cabins on a lake are a great way to live in the town of Orwell.
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Seasonal outdoor recreation, from hiking to boating to ice fishing
Mount Independence is a historical site on the shore of Lake Champlain with a museum and 6 miles of trails leading through grounds where archaeological finds, from cannons to buttons, have been uncovered. Several marinas and a boat launch give access to the lake. Local creeks flowing through Orwell are used by kayakers and anglers. Wintertime introduces different kinds of fun, from snowshoeing to ice fishing to skiing. "Snowshoeing and cross country are right out your back door just about anywhere you live in Orwell, but for skiing, most folks will go to Killington [Resort]," Liberatore says. The resort is around 40 miles away.
Fishing from the old Shoreham Covered Railroad Bridge in Shoreham is a great sport at an historic landmark.
Middlebury is graced by being part of the Green Mountain National Forest, where natural beauty and mountains offer hiking and rustic fun.
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Education begins at Orwell Village School
Students here are part of the Slate Valley Unified Union School District. Orwell Village School, rated C-plus on Niche, is in the heart of town and covers pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Fair Haven Union High School serves seventh through twelfth graders and also scores a C-plus. The school’s principal, counselor and teachers visit Orwell Village School to meet with students transitioning to the next step, helping them get comfortable by answering their questions.
The Orwell Village School has about 118 students and a 13:1 student-teacher ratio.
Fair Haven Union High School serves the region with middle and high school education.
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Main roads through town and a ferry to New York
Main roads connecting Orwell to other areas are Vermont 22A and Vermont Route 73. Route 73 is a path to the Ticonderoga Ferry, less than 7 miles away, which takes travelers to New York.
Orwell can flood
The lower-lying areas near the water in Orwell are prone to flooding. The last major incidence to affect Orwell, and Vermont as a whole, was in 2023.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Photography Contributed By
Jonathan Coon
Video By
Sara Warthen
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Levi Doria,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Orwell, VT sell after 71 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Orwell, VT over the last 12 months is $505,000, up 35% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled in a picturesque, pastoral landscape, this classic farmstead is the perfect setting for your Vermont dream! The property includes a potential building lot across the road with apple & pear trees, and site work showing it could support a 5 bedroom home. Think guest house, family member moving next door- many possibilities! The centerpiece of the property is the 1890s farmhouse that has
One-of-a-Kind Lake Champlain Log Home with 700 feet of private frontage & total seclusion. Built in 2007 by a slate quarry owner as a personal retreat, this extraordinary log home is a showcase of Vermont craftsmanship and lakeside living at its finest. Constructed from massive 12-inch white pine logs and topped with a custom 2.5-inch-thick slate roof, unlike anything you’ve ever seen. This
Freddie Ann BohligFour Seasons Sotheby's Int'l Realty
Discover the possibilities with this beautiful 50+ acre parcel in Orwell, Vermont. Offering a wonderful blend of open space and natural landscape, this property provides the perfect setting for those seeking privacy, recreation, or a future homesite in the heart of the Vermont countryside. A spacious pole barn already sits on the property, offering excellent storage for equipment, vehicles, or
WORKING MARINA ON LAKE CHAMPLAIN. This property includes 13.18 acres, a 2021 sq. ft. ranch style 2 bedroom, 1 3/4 baths and attached 1 car garage built in 1970 and so much more... your very own boat launch, 68 docks, with State permits for 10 additional docks, three permitted campsites, and waterfront cottage with kitchenette and restroom facilities for your lakefront parties and enjoyment.
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