$614,157Average Value$389Average Price per Sq Ft5Homes For Sale
Simple living within the tranquil forests of southeastern New Hampshire
Within Strafford County, the community of Strafford provides quiet seclusion and access to nature amidst the Blue Hills Mountain Range. Strafford offers recreation based around the lake and the tree-covered hills, but being in southeast New Hampshire, residents have access to all types of year-round outdoor fun. In this small, rural community, families can spend the day relaxing at Bow Lake, or picking blueberries at Berrybogg Farm, a tradition going back 45 years. The town also borders the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, and Lake Winnipesaukee’s beaches and hiking trails are just over 20 miles north. “People come here for all reasons – boating, the lakes, beautiful fall foliage, skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. The slowest time is probably the spring, which is technically mud season,” says Kerry Raymond, a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker who sells across New Hampshire. Immersed in nature, Strafford homeowners trade some conveniences for the woodsy privacy, as most errands require a 15-mile drive into the town of Rochester. But those who live here find the trade-off worth it, as they are drawn to the slower pace of life and abundant outdoor recreation in this rural New Hampshire enclave.
With its serene coves and stunning fall foliage, Bow Lake provides a year-round haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
For 45 years, families have been returning to Berrybogg Farm in Strafford, continuing a cherished tradition of filling buckets with sun-warmed blueberries.
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From hiking the Blue Hills to swimming at Bow Lake
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Strafford’s nature preserves and dog-friendly hiking areas, like the Blue Job Mountain State Forest, which offers sweeping views of distant hills that do indeed appear blue. Parker Mountain, the highest peak in the Blue Hills Mountain Range, overlooks Bow Lake, which has a beach and public boat launch. Locals can swim and paddleboard in the lake, and watch the fireworks sparkle over the water on the Fourth of July. OSG Paintball is a popular place to play paintball in the woods, where players can hide in the nooks and crannies of the castle and pirate ship structures. The public Nippo Lake Golf Club is a par-70, eighteen-hole course with a restaurant. For a day trip to the coast, locals can drive about 45 miles to Hampton Beach, a wide, sandy beach with nearby stores and restaurants, or to Rye Beach, a quieter, more residential spot about 40 miles away.
Hikers can explore the wooded terrain of Blue Job Mountain State Forest, located in Strafford.
Just a short drive from the peaceful farmlands of Strafford, the town of Rye offers a welcome change of scenery with its dramatic, rocky coastline and sandy beaches.
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Countryside homes in Strafford
Country roads cut through the forest, relatively free of traffic or stoplights. The rural, residential landscape includes ranch-style homes and farmhouses surrounded by trees. Homes often come with sheds on the wooded lots. Prices range from about $380,000 to $800,000, depending on size and acreage. Occasional outliers can exceed $1 million. Homes with waterfront views around Bow Lake typically start at the higher end of that rage, with prices topping out at over $1 million.
This classic ranch-style home in Strafford stretches low and wide.
Just steps from the water's edge, this Strafford home captures the serene, timeless essence of lakeside living.
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Public education in Strafford is split between two schools
Strafford School, rated C-minus on Niche, serves elementary and middle schoolers in the area. High schoolers may attend Coe-Brown Northwood Academy, a public academy founded in 1867 and rated A-minus. High school students may become New Hampshire Scholars, which requires them to take college preparatory classes; successful completion of the program waives application fees for New Hampshire state universities. The average high school class size for the 2024-2025 school year was 18 students.
Welcome to Coe-Brown Northwood Academy.
Strafford School is a public school in Strafford County serving grades K-8.
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Rochester offers a variety of restaurants and retail
Strafford’s shopping and dining scene is very limited. Those spending the day on Bow Lake can walk over to 7 C’s Kitchen & Market for breakfast and made-to-order burgers. This small outpost also carries groceries like ice cream, beer and wine, produce, and eggs. Otherwise, shoppers can go to Rochester, where there’s a Market Basket for groceries and Walmart Supercenter for other essentials. Restaurants in Rochester include Granite Steak & Grill, which starts each meal with a loaf of warm, brown bread and homemade cinnamon butter. The steakhouse has a casual atmosphere with patio seating.
There are plenty of dining options in for Strafford in nearby Rochester..
Situated across from the picturesque Bow Lake dam, 7 C's Kitchen and Market has quickly become a local favorite, known for its scratch-made menu and fresh ground burgers.
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Events in Strafford for all ages
Hill Library is a hub for community activities, from book clubs to crafting club to yoga. The library’s community garden invites all ages to take care of the flower beds and admire the butterflies fluttering between the plants. Bow Lake Community Center hosts gatherings as well, like line dancing lessons and a food truck festival. Strafford residents can also rent the building for their own special events on the shores of Bow Lake.
Driving through Strafford County
Strafford is a car-dependent area. The main road through the community is State Route 126, which connects to U.S. Route 202A and U.S. Route 202, which both lead about 15 miles to Rochester. Emergency care at Frisbie Memorial Hospital is available about 15 miles away, while Portsmouth International Airport is about 30 miles away.
Written By
Laura Copan
Photography Contributed By
Jeff Tippett
Video By
Grace Kim
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Johnna Brown,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Strafford, NH sell after 40 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Strafford, NH over the last 12 months is $577,750, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to 154 Leightons Corner Road in Strafford, NH! This beautifully maintained Colonial offers the perfect blend of country charm, modern updates, and everyday comfort on a private 0.70-acre lot in the highly desirable Coe-Brown Academy school district. Featuring 2-3 bedrooms and 1.5 updated bathrooms, this home offers a flexible floor plan to fit your needs. The first floor includes a bright
Move-In Ready Ranch on a Private 1.3 Acre Lot! This well-maintained 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath ranch offers comfortable one-level living with a functional layout and room to grow. The bright living room features vaulted ceilings, creating an open and inviting space to gather, while the spacious kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, ample cabinet space, and direct access to the back deck
Mark ZoellerKW Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty/Rochester
Some properties simply offer a home. Donney Brook Farm offers a way of life. Set on 22 beautiful acres in the rolling countryside of Strafford, this circa 1780 Colonial is for those dreaming of fresh eggs in the morning, gardens that stretch for seasons, evenings by the wood stove & a slower pace rooted in New England tradition. The historic farmhouse offers four bedrooms, two baths, wide plank
Nestled within the private, gated and highly desirable Pointe Trinity community, this meticulously maintained 2002 Colonial offers the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and lake lifestyle. Set on a beautifully landscaped 2.03-acre lot, the home is tucked back from the road, creating a peaceful retreat surrounded by mature plantings and natural beauty. This one-owner home reflects true pride of
Could be converted to year-round! This Sweet BOW LAKE cottage is a beautiful seasonal escape! Brimming with character & lakeside charm, all furnishings convey with the property, making this totally ready for your first stay! Incredibly renovated around 2000 by a talented craftsman, this sweet home beautifully blends rustic cottage appeal with modern comfort. Offering 2+ bedrooms & inviting
Welcome to 154 Leightons Corner Road in Strafford, NH! This beautifully maintained Colonial offers the perfect blend of country charm, modern updates, and everyday comfort on a private 0.70-acre lot in the highly desirable Coe-Brown Academy school district. Featuring 2-3 bedrooms and 1.5 updated bathrooms, this home offers a flexible floor plan to fit your needs. The first floor includes a bright
Seasonal waterfront cottage on one of NH's best-kept secrets! Tucked along the shores of exclusive Wild Goose Pond (spanning Strafford & Pittsfield) this one-of-a-kind contemporary cottage is the quintessential NH lakefront retreat. Coffee on the deck leads to long summer days on the water- with 208' of water frontage, this property was made for making memories! Unlike anything else on the pond,
Seasonal waterfront cottage on one of NH's best-kept secrets! Tucked along the shores of exclusive Wild Goose Pond (spanning Strafford & Pittsfield) this one-of-a-kind contemporary cottage is the quintessential NH lakefront retreat. Coffee on the deck leads to long summer days on the water- with 208' of water frontage, this property was made for making memories! Unlike anything else on the pond,
Move-In Ready Ranch on a Private 1.3 Acre Lot! This well-maintained 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath ranch offers comfortable one-level living with a functional layout and room to grow. The bright living room features vaulted ceilings, creating an open and inviting space to gather, while the spacious kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, ample cabinet space, and direct access to the back deck
Mark ZoellerKW Coastal and Lakes & Mountains Realty/Rochester
Some properties simply offer a home. Donney Brook Farm offers a way of life. Set on 22 beautiful acres in the rolling countryside of Strafford, this circa 1780 Colonial is for those dreaming of fresh eggs in the morning, gardens that stretch for seasons, evenings by the wood stove & a slower pace rooted in New England tradition. The historic farmhouse offers four bedrooms, two baths, wide plank
Welcome to a home that truly leaves a lasting impression. Offering over 4,000 square feet of finished living space, this beautifully designed home features four bedrooms, four bathrooms, two office spaces, and an attached three-car garage. Every inch of this home has been thoughtfully designed, blending timeless style with exceptional craftsmanship and spaces made for everyday living. The
SEASONAL RENTAL AVAILABLE! September 15, 2026 through May 15, 2027.Enjoy lakeside living fall, winter & spring at this well-maintained, fully furnished 3+ bedroom, 2.5 bath home, available for a seasonal rental from September-May! Situated on a quiet road in scenic Strafford, the property includes deeded right-of-way access to Bow Lake! Enjoy the peaceful sounds of loons right from your
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