Deer, moose and even confused farm animals pass through backyards in the rural community of Pepperell. This rustic New Hampshire border town is a rustic residential area where people lay their heads at night after working somewhere else, or at home, during the day. Pepperell is the kind of country town where small businesses like dentists’ offices set up shop on the first floor of 19th-century homes. A Revolutionary War-era bridge is enmeshed with country pastures and acres of farmland here. “At a house I was selling in Pepperell, we literally saw a lady walking her horse home,” says Judi Martin, Realtor with Keller Williams Realty in the Merrimack Valley. “You don’t see that as much in Billerica or even in Chelmsford.”
Craftsmans and colonials
Craftsman-style homes with barns, colonials down winding driveways, antique houses and brand-new custom homes sit on lots with multiple acres of land. Home prices range between $280,000 and nearly $1 million, and the average home in Pepperell is valued at about $580,000. Housing prices are currently high in the Merrimack Valley, says Martin, but as inventory starts to come online, that could change. “There are still people with money buying houses, but I think it’s going to start to slow,” she says. “We still don’t have enough inventory, but once we start getting it, the prices will come down because interest rates are too high.”
Built in 1749, The Nathan Shipley House is one of many historical homes in town center.
Pepperell is chock full of historic homes to marvel at.
Early 20th century craftsman homes on a quiet street are common in Pepperell.
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Farms and trails
As a country town, Pepperell has several operating farms. The seasonal Kimball Fruit Farm does pick-your-own berries, apples and pumpkins from the summer into the fall and former thoroughbred horse breeding center Kimstead Farms is known for its sweet little goat kids and its produce. Clover Luck Farm, a family-owned establishment that raises cows, pigs and hogs on its pasture, sells fresh eggs, milk and cheese. The 11-mile Nashua River Rail Trail runs through the woods from Ayer, through Pepperell and up to the New Hampshire border. The trail includes a horse-riding path that starts in Groton, but non-equestrians can walk, hike or rollerblade down the path. Neighbors launch canoes and kayaks into Heald Pond, a 32-acre waterway with a nearby walking trail that goes by a former working apple orchard. The orchard still has edible apples for hungry hikers.
The town of Pepperell allows access to an 11 mile bike trail to support seasonal activities.
Pepperell has plenty of options for land or water based fun.
Kimball Fruit Farm is a local fruit stand and orchard located in Pepperell.
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Local delights with fresh ingredients
Pepperell has a handful of local restaurants, including Italian eatery Mariano’s Ristorante, which serves pizza, pasta and cocktails in a cozy dining room. From-scratch empanadas and rice bowls are available at The Lazy Bubble, and Dr. Davis Ice Cream makes its own homemade frozen desserts.
Stores in Pepperell have a classic look and feel to them.
Pepperell Quality Market in downtown is a supermarket selling a wide range of food
The Barn Door is a gourmet grocery store located in Pepperell.
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North Middlesex Regional School District
Pepperell is part of the North Middlesex Regional School District, which also includes Townsend and Ashby. The town’s elementary school is Varnum Brook Elementary School, which serves kindergarten through fourth grade and has a B rating from Niche. After they graduate from Varnum, kids move on to Nissitissit Middle School (rated B) and then to North Middlesex Regional High School (rated B). Students can also choose to attend Nashoba Valley Technical High School in Westford. In nearby Groton is Groton School, a 380-student private school serving grades eight through 12. Founded in 1884, the school was expanded and renovated in 2015 to maintain its historical structure while also adding a Fabrications Lab, state of the art science classrooms and laboratories and gathering places. Eighth graders at Groton take English, math, science and Latin, plus one of three world languages and one term each of steel drums, visual art and theater as part of their required curriculum.
Varnum Brook Elementary School serves grades K-4 in Pepperell.
Nissitissit Middle School serves students from the Pepperell neighborhood.
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Routes 111 and 113
Location-wise. Pepperell is a bit off the beaten path. It’s connected to Routes 111 and 113, and it’s awhile before any major highways appear. But for commuters to southern New Hampshire, those who work from home and even Boston workers who don’t mind an hourlong drive, it can provide a rural way lifestyle.
The Fourth of July and historic bridges
The Fourth of July is a big deal in Pepperell. The celebrations start in the morning with a parade, and at night there’s a huge fireworks display. Pepperell is proud of its covered bridge, a historic site that has connected land over the Nashua River since about 1740. During the Revolutionary War, the bridge site was patrolled by an all-female battalion. The women successfully apprehended a British spy who was attempting to get a message to his side. The bridge became covered about 70 years later and was most recently renovated between 2008 and 2010. It’s one of three car-friendly covered bridges on public Massachusetts roads.
Kelly was born and raised in the area, and even though she attended college out west, the lure of New England brought her home to raise her family. She knows the area well and loves to share her knowledge with her clients.
With an accomplished sales career in the construction industry, the next step for Kelly to become involved in real estate was a natural transition. She focuses on her customers needs and works diligently to find perfect solutions for them whether they are buying or selling a home.
Kelly looks forward to assisting new and past clients with improved marketing and company support. She is a member of the North Central MA Association of Realtors, MA and National Association of Realtors and MLS-Pin Multiple Listing Service. Kelly is also a member of the NCMAR Top Producers Club.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
