Tucked into the forested hills of Orange County, West Fairlee is a quiet rural town where gravel roads wind past farmhouses, wooded lots and seasonal cabins. With less than 650 residents, the community is spread out across wide tracts of land, many with views of Vermont's Green Mountains. "West Fairlee is a small, up-and-coming town," says Darren Sherburne, a Vermont native and associate broker with Four Seasons Sotheby's International Realty. Established in 1797, West Fairlee was once a part of the neighboring town of Fairlee before U.S. Representative Nathaniel Niles settled the new town. Its historic village, which spans Vermont State Route 113, ballooned in size when copper was found in Vershire, another border town. But when miners revolted against unfair labor tactics during the 1883 Ely War, Vershire and West Fairlee's economies began declining. Nearly 30 years later, a fire spread across the town, destroying many of the town's historic buildings and homes, further contributing to West Fairlee's decline. The town’s population plummeted, falling from over 1,000 residents in 1880 to fewer than 350 in 1960.
Today, West Fairlee is a growing bedroom community of Fairlee and surrounding towns. Its landscape comprises vast forests and slivers of farmland, with many homes sitting on large, wooded parcels. Civic establishments include a town hall, two churches, an elementary school and the volunteer fire department. Without a stop light in sight, the town's rural setting attracts those seeking a quieter lifestyle and comparatively affordable homes in the Upper Valley.
West Fairlee offer a lot of green space and walking trails available to residents.
Residents can sail or boat along Lake Fairlee in West Fairlee.
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19th- and 20th-century homes
Most residences are clustered near the old village center along Vermont State Route 113 and its bisecting roads. Dutch Colonials with gambrel roofs stand tall next to modest ramblers and colonial-style farmhouses. Surrounding rural roads lead to secluded log cabins and private estates. Sales prices in West Fairlee typically range from $280,000 to $400,000. However, some smaller properties can sell in the low-$200,000s, while sprawling estates with acreage can range from the $700,000s to the $800,000s. Homebuyers can also build their own mountain retreat, with plots of land averaging around 40 acres priced from $80,000 to $95,000. West Fairlee's CAP Index Crime Score is a 1 out of 10, the lowest possible score.
Homes in West Fairlee range in style and price, but all offer private driveways.
Home options in West Fairlee includes colonial style homes with front porches overlooking the countryside.
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Local parks, trails and lakes in West Fairlee
Lake Fairlee borders the town's eastern edge. Several summer camps dot its shoreline, while Treasure Island is a small public beach with piers and floating docks along its northern point. Lake Morey is another nearby haven for boaters, kayakers and paddleboarders Along the southern point of the lake, Lake Morey Resort is an inn with 130 guest rooms and multiple cottages, an 18-hole golf course and four different restaurants on-site. "Lake Morey Resort hosts a popular summer concert series," Sherburne says. There is limited beach access on Lake Morey, but if residents want a larger beach to explore, they have options. "You can head up to Halls Pond or the state parks in Groton," Sherburne says of the town about 30 miles north.
Outdoor recreation extends into the hillside, with Brushwood Forest offering miles of trails and backwoods terrain for hiking, wildlife observation and seasonal activities such as snowmobiling and snowshoeing. The town even boasts a trail map of its backcountry dirt roads waiting to be explored. Hikers can also take to the many trails cutting through the forests that surround Lake Morey. The area is home to bald eagles, herons and loons, among other wildlife. During the winter months when the lake freezes, ice fishing and skating are both popular activities.
Although the town lacks a central park, residents with kids can utilize Westshire Elementary's playground and athletic fields after school. Fifteen miles away, Bradford features a sprawling wooden castle-themed playground at Elizabeth's Park.
Lake Fairlee offers a private beach to the residents with a lifeguard on site.
Residents enjoy a day on Lake Morey near West Fairlee.
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Nearby amenities in Thetford, Fairlee and Bradford
The town is part of a broader regional network of small communities along State Route 113, with Fairlee, Thetford and Bradford offering shopping and dining options within a short drive. Baker’s General Store is the nearest grocer, about 2 miles south of the village. Fairlee's small Main Street features a Dollar General and several local restaurants like Jan's Fairlee Diner, an old-school diner serving up classic American breakfast staples. Six miles north, Bradford's walkable village center, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, features a restored 1847 gristmill turned riverside restaurant. Up the road, Colatina Exit is known for its Italian pizzas and pasta. Bradford is also home to Hannaford, Tractor Supply Co. and Farm-Way Inc., a family-owned outfitter that sells everything from outdoor gear to home decor.
Dining options near West Fairlee include Colatina Exit in Bradford.
Stop by the local Bakers General Store for all of your daily needs in West Fairlee.
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Education across state lines
Rivendell Interstate School District, which earns an overall C-minus from Niche, serves four towns across Vermont and New Hampshire, including West Fairlee, Fairlee, Vershire and Orford. Students on the north side of town are zoned to Samuel Morey Elementary School, which earns a C, while students on the south side of town are zoned to Westshire Elementary School, which earns a C-minus. The district offers after-school care at both elementary schools for a small fee and a summer camp program. Sixth through twelfth graders may then attend C-rated Rivendell Academy. While Westshire Elementary is in West Fairlee, both Samuel Morey Elementary and Rivendell Academy are both across the state line in Orford, New Hampshire.
Students in West Fairlee attend Westshire Elementary School.
Students in Thetford attend Thetford Elementary School.
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Essential services near West Fairlee
A mix of rural and paved roads weave through West Fairlee's car-dependent community. Vermont State Route 113 and State Route 244 are the main arteries through town, while Middlebrook Road and Wild Hill Road run north-south. Lebanon's Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital are about 25 miles away via Interstate 91. Burlington International Airport is about 70 miles northwest via Interstate 89.
Residents of West Fairlee have quick access to Routes 113 and 244 to get around the different nearby towns.
West Fairlee have access to the nearby Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital.
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Written By
Lillie Duston
Photography Contributed By
Anhella Sanchez
Video By
Drew Webster
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About 400+/- feet on the Ompompanoosuc River with 20 +/- acres in Vershire, VT. right on Vt route 113! Less than a mile from West Fairlee. There is a house with a full foundation built in 1965+/-. Front porch, large entry room, Kitchen, living room, full bath, 2 bedrooms, side porch. Septic and well unknown, the house on the property needs total renovation, but has a concrete foundation. The
About 400+/- feet on the Ompompanoosuc River with 20 +/- acres in Vershire, VT. right on Vt route 113! Less than a mile from West Fairlee. There is a house with a full foundation built in 1965+/-. Front porch, large entry room, Kitchen, livingroom, full bath, 2 bedrooms, side porch. Septic and well unknown, The house on the property needs total renovation, but has a concrete foundation. The
Step inside to the family room with in-law space upstairs. Next, you'll find the living room with 20' vaulted ceilings and a cozy hearth, complemented by rich natural woodwork and abundant skylights. The chef's kitchen is an abundant showcase, featuring an ILVE Italian range, vaulted ceilings, vast counter space, and dining for the whole family. Upstairs, you'll find a Master Suite with a full
About 400+/- feet on the Ompompanoosuc River with 20 +/- acres in Vershire, VT. right on Vt route 113! Less than a mile from West Fairlee. There is a house with a full foundation built in 1965+/-. Front porch, large entry room, Kitchen, living room, full bath, 2 bedrooms, side porch. Septic and well unknown, the house on the property needs total renovation, but has a concrete foundation. The
About 400+/- feet on the Ompompanoosuc River with 20 +/- acres in Vershire, VT. right on Vt route 113! Less than a mile from West Fairlee. There is a house with a full foundation built in 1965+/-. Front porch, large entry room, Kitchen, livingroom, full bath, 2 bedrooms, side porch. Septic and well unknown, The house on the property needs total renovation, but has a concrete foundation. The
Step inside to the family room with in-law space upstairs. Next, you'll find the living room with 20' vaulted ceilings and a cozy hearth, complemented by rich natural woodwork and abundant skylights. The chef's kitchen is an abundant showcase, featuring an ILVE Italian range, vaulted ceilings, vast counter space, and dining for the whole family. Upstairs, you'll find a Master Suite with a full
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