by Suzie Laskin

When I tell people that I live in Chatham, New Hampshire, the response is usually, “Where’s that?”  Most people have never heard of Chatham.  Chatham is geographically large, but there are probably more moose than humans.  It is predominantly the White Mountain National Forest, with fewer than 300 residents. It’s pretty incredible that in this day and age,  there exists a town with so few residents.

I moved here in 1991 from Philly, a city of several million, so being in such a small rural town is something that my friends from “away” think is very strange, indeed.  They wonder what on earth I do there. I love the peace and tranquility of living in the forest. I enjoy cross-country skiing right out my door, hiking  the mountain trails or walking the forested logging roads. I enjoy paddling my kayak on a warm summer day on the nearby lakes, and I love the feeling of being away from it all. Although Chatham is way off the beaten track, between Fryeburg, ME and East Conway, NH, it’s only a 20 minute drive to North Conway where I work and shop.

Chatham also borders on Jackson, NH, but you’d never know that because “you can’t get there from here” unless you’re on foot and enjoy bushwacking through paths that have not been maintained in years. The annual Town Meeting at the old Chatham Town Hall is always interesting. The old building is used only a few times a year – Town Meeting night and Election days.

Chatham is beautiful!  Like many other towns in New Hampshire, it is divided into North, South, and Center. To get from South Chatham to Center or North Chatham, you  drive through Maine. The drive takes you along a scenic back road, through forests, past  The Basin and then to gorgeous Evans Notch where the views of the Baldface Mountain Range are spectacular.  There are an abundance of hiking trails along this route.

Chatham has some truly lovely mountain lakes and ponds.  The Cold River flows from North Chatham.  Province Brook flows into Lower Kimball Lake.  Both Lower and Upper Kimball Lakes are lovely small ponds that are peaceful and quiet.  Upper Kimball doesn’t allow motorboats. Lower Kimball Lake is a little bit larger, and although also very quiet, it does allow motorboats and water skiing. Both these lakes have outstanding views of the mountains to the west.

Mountain Pond, which is perfectly described by its name, has a lovely walking trail around its perimeter and a lean-to shelter. Mountain Pond is a wonderful, quiet place for serene contemplation. If you wish to canoe or kayak, you’ll have to portage your boat for about 1/2 mile to get to the pond from the end of Town Hall Road that begins off of Route 16A in Intervale.

One of my favorite walks is in Center Chatham, following alongside Langdon Brook with its magnificent waterfall. The old logging road alongside the brook takes you up hill for about a mile and a half, and then opens up to a beautiful view of the Baldface mountains.

If you dream of a peaceful, tranquil lifestyle away from the more populated towns of Mt. Washington Valley, I have several lovely properties that might pique your interest.

Beautiful lake views from this year-round home on Lower Kimball Lake

Charming Pine-Paneled Cottage on Upper Kimball Lake

by Suzie Laskin 

Many people dream of owning a vacation home on a quiet, peaceful lake, perhaps not too far from home. A place they where they can escape on weekends, put their feet up, get away from it all, and just….relaxxx….

 Does that dream sound familiar but unattainable? The price of a waterfront home is too much to even consider…. 

Well then, consider this: a cozy, three bedroom house, with a fireplace and a screen porch, living room and dining room windows facing the beautiful lake and a big deck all around. A sandy beach with gradual shallow entry into the water makes it safe for swimming. The only sounds you’ll hear are the calling loons and the rustling of the wind…All this on a quiet, little-known lake that is situated on the Maine – New Hampshire border, for just $275,000. 

Lower Kimball Lake: small, quiet and peaceful. The lake is about 300 acres with little development. Water skiing is permitted, but you’ll more likely see canoers and kayakers enjoying its waters. Great fishing too. 

Serene, Quiet Lower Kimball Pond

If you’re inclined to live there year-round, the house is winterized and in the great Fryeburg school district.  For more information about this lovely property,  click here