July 30, 2009

A Brand New Sign for a 39 Year Old Business!

Posted to Chrissy Smith

As a marketing person, I often times get excited when I see a business doing something new, or innovative. Recently, on my way home I saw some sign posts going up at an established business in our area, but I realized, this was a business that had never had a sign. The business - Schofield’s Septic Service. Schofield’s is located on busy Route 302, just outside of Lisbon NH and they service septic systems all over the North Country of New Hampshire and beyond. I wondered, would this be a sign for them? A few days later, as my husband and I drove by, we both gasped when we saw what now appeared between the sign posts - a beautiful hand crafted wooden sign, with gold lettering - made especially for Schofield’s Septic. “Wow,” my husband said. “That is one beautiful sign. What a class act.” His words said it all, a class act. Schofield’s now had a beautiful sign to go with their always clean trucks that are precisely lined up in the yard in the evening, nice fence posts near the trucks, a nice yard. And Kevin Schofield’s sign got me to thinking, what a great statement he’s making. If you own a business in an field that not everyone talks about all the time, septic systems aren’t exactly cocktail conversation, what a way to say that you run a nice clean operation. One that you wouldn’t be embarrassed by when they come up your rural country road to pump your septic tank, or run a camera down the line, or have a NH certified septic system evaluation.

I called Kevin, I wanted to know more about this beautiful sign. He said he knew what he wanted and he found the right person to do it. He had a vision. The business was started by Kevin’s dad, Conrad in 1970 when he moved to the greater Littleton area. However, Conrad had worked for his father in Massachusetts, where they had a septic service that started in 1948. You can still find Conrad on the job sites and at the shop - I think he could probably tell you where tanks and systems are, just by memory. An amazing family, and an amazing sign.

If you ever need septic service, we have a number of great services around, including Schofield’s. Schofield’s can be reached at 603-838-6028 and by email at: schofieldseptic@roadrunner.com.

Posted by:Chrissy Smith



July 29, 2009

What Does a Retired Teacher Do After 32 Years?

Posted to

What does a retired teacher of 32 years ever do to fill her time after retirement? First start out with a new past-time, selling real estate for Peabody & Smith Realty with the main office in Littleton, NH. Be sure to check out the website. The newest office for Peabody & Smith Realty is right on Main St. in Plymouth NH and our territory is the Lakes and Mountains of New Hampshire which encompasses the entire central area of NH.

The listings and sales are keeping me busy and my teaching colleagues at Plymouth Regional High School have sent many clients my way. With still a couple hours left over in the week I have been able to get out and enjoy for myself in the many splenders that the Lakes and Mountains of central New Hampshire have to offer.

Sue’s first great adventure was rafting with two great kids, Kelly and Tyler and Outback Kayaks in North Woodstock. I paddled down the Pemigewasset River with eight of my close teacher friends. We went in our personal kayaks down the river on what was the first sunny day for the summer of 2009. All was fine until the first lady flipped her kayak in the fast set of rapids, with many sighs of relief and once the adrenaline relaxed we resumed paddling down the river. It seemed that every time we hit some rapids someone went over. By the time the third kayaker went over we were relaxed enough to at least laugh a little.


At the conclusion of the afternoon we left the river’s edge with too many bruises to count and stories about the , “one that we didn’t get through” to share with anyone that would listen for days on end. There were many perks on the maiden voyage, we saw two beautiful Blue Herrings on the sides of the river, and in flight. We also saw some bearutiful pieces of property that caught my eye. Just imagine a home on the beautiful Pemi River of NH. Check out this property that we have listed. Stay tuned for the next exciting chapter of “Sue’s First Retirement Summer” as we day trip to the zip line at Tenney Mountain in Plymouth, NH.

Posted by:Sue Sampson



July 28, 2009

Fishing in the Ammonoosuc River located in Downtown Littleton NH

Posted to Joy Moore

I am an avid fisherwoman, when I’m not working and for years I’ve been asking all my friends, why I never see anyone fishing in the Ammonoosuc River in downtown Littleton NH. Our Peabody & Smith office used to be on Main Street, and the river access wasn’t as easy as our new location, here at 11 Riverglen Lane, and I thought that perhaps I would get myself into the river and give it a try, but I still wondered why I hadn’t seen anyone fishing.

Finally, as I was leaving the office Friday night, my curiosity was met as I came out of our office. A young man was walking across the Littleton Bike Shop parking lot with pole in hand headed to the river bank. Well, it didn’t take any hesitation on my part to follow him (he might of thought I was stalking him for a second or two).

“Do you fish here often?” was my first question.

“Yes, fishing the Ammonoosuc River is good fishing, I catch Rainbow here and good sized.”

I stood watching, yes within a short few minutes he had his first fish, a rainbow trout. He pointed out several good points of entry, quick to say some of the rocks are slippery. Which is good to know because I have been known to land in the water a few times on slippery rocks. Me thinks, I will shortly try my luck between the bridges over the Ammonoosuc River, with a fly rod. With my curiosity quelled, while walking my dog Toby this week, we spent our time checking out a good point of entry to the river. Stay tuned for my personal fishing report!

Posted by:Joy Moore



July 24, 2009

65th Anniversay of the Monetary Conference at Bretton Woods, NH

Posted to

Yesterday marked the 65th anniversary of the United Nations Monetary & Financial Conference which set the groundwork for international monetary cooperation. This historic event attended by 730 delegates from 44 nations, was held at the Mount Washington Hotel in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire. The Resort was reportedly selected because its remote location offered seclusion and security was easily managed. Certainly the spectacular setting must have sealed the choice. It is hard to imagine the magnitude of such an event right in my own backyard! Not much has changed in 65 years. Today we still enjoy the same seclusion, security and breathtaking backdrop of Mount Washington, and the natural beauty of this area.

The Hotel is offering some unique specials to help commemorate the date. Click here to find out more.

Please visit our website to find properties currently available for sale at this historic resort.

Posted by:Michele Penner



July 24, 2009

Enjoy a Great Country Fair this Weekend at the North Haverhill Fair

Posted to Chrissy Smith, Events & Activities

This weekend in lower Grafton County visitors and residents alike will flock to the North Haverhill Fair. The is the 65th year of the North Haverhill Fair and it is composed of all things you find at a fair – rides for the kids, farm animals, tractor pulls, arts and crafts, fried dough, vendor exhibits and much more.

As a family, we attend the fair each year and always have a delightful time. The fairgrounds are nice and clean, the price of admission is very fair, and it’s a nice time to get out and visit with friends and make new ones. Rain or shine, we always have a great time and my father drives 2 hours north each year to attend! It’s truly an eventful day and we never miss going to the North Haverhill Fair.

Wondering where North Haverhill is? North Haverhill is about 25 miles south of Littleton, NH, on Route 10 towards Hanover, NH. It is located along the Connecticut River, and just over the river is the state of Vermont. The town of Woodsville is a precinct of Haverhill, and is home to some big box stores, quaint shops, and more. With a population of 4,600 hundred people, the town is comprised of farms, lovely neighborhoods, rural sections and more. A nice feature about Haverhill, is you are only a 25 minute ride to Hanover NH, home of Dartmouth College and Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and you are only a 25 minute ride to Littleton, NH, the 9th best small town in America. So the town of Haverhill is made up of people who may work right in town, or may commute a bit, and come home to enjoy their home in Haverhill.

We have a renovated “green home” in Haverhill for sale, in Woodsville. The owners are known for green building, and this home is all about energy efficiency. It is situated on Park Street, near the Woodsville Elementary School . It is situated on a corner lot with southern exposure for passive solar heating. When they renovated the home, they kept the original charm by keeping the stained glass windows, tin ceiling and interior doors. There is a fuel efficient propane furnace, solar electric panels and more.

So this weekend, visit the North Haverhill Fair, the price of admission will even cover the concert on Friday night with John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band – remember their 80’s hit song, “On the Dark Side” from the movie Eddie and the Cruisers…and feel free to stop by, enjoy a ride around Haverhill and stop by and see the energy efficient home! Another great stop in Haverhill - the Windy Ridge Orchard – they are now in blueberry picking season! We’ll see you in Haverhill, NH!

Posted by:Chrissy Smith



July 17, 2009

Annual Hayseed Festival

Posted to Events & Activities

Are you planning a weekend getaway? Don’t miss the annual Hayseed Festival Sunday July 26th from 3-8 PM at the Gazebo on the Dow Field in Franconia, NH.

Bluegrass, Country and Folk music at it’s best with Food and Family outdoor fun. Bring your chairs, blanket and park yourself for the day in beautirul Franconia. There is a playground for the kids, river and majestic views to Franconia Notch and Lafayette. The Annual Hayseed Festival, don’t miss this memory making day.

Located just across from the Dow Gazebo is this fabulous 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo perfect for the skier, young professional or retired couple. Come be part of the “hub” of the Village and enjoy the turn key ownership of this newly updated and spacious condo!

Looking from the Bridge to Dow Field and Gazebo

From the front door looking to kitchen and dining room


Posted by:Beth Horan



July 17, 2009

The Village at Maplewood Condo Complex in Bethlehem, NH

Posted to Community Lifestyle, Events & Activities, Ski Homes in NH

The Village at Maplewood (VAM) in Bethlehem, NH is an extraordinary condominium complex located “north of the notch” in the breath taking White Mountains of NH. Come enjoy the quiet setting at VAM that offers walking trails throughout, plentiful with green/common space and a rec center with a new indoor pool, hot tub, work out center and meeting room. Homeowners vary from full time/professionals to retirees and those that are passionate about vacationing here every free minute they can.

A beautifully appointed end unit town home with 3 full levels of living has an enhanced landscaping and yard area, hardwood floors, a beautiful oak mantel and a finished walkout lower level. Or maybe you’d prefer a 3 bedroom with unfinished walk out basement ready for you to finish off to suit your own needs. Also a 5 bedroom 3 level middle unit is large enough to accommodate lots of guests or have 2 families share.

In any of these townhouses you will find a 1st and 2nd floor master suite with private baths, large living room with a fireplace, and an open kitchen and dining area with lots of natural daylight shining in. Located just between Cannon Mountain/Franconia Notch State Park , Bretton Woods Ski Area and the Mt. Washington Hotel you’ll have your choice of areas to ski at, plentiful hiking and the White Mountains as your big back yard.

From the Village of Maplewood stroll to town and enjoy one of the most enjoyable dinners at the Chef owned Cold Mountain Cafe and then catch a free concert on the green. The farmers market at Wren has the most wonderful fresh produce, specialty foods and locally made gifts and art, not to mention how warm and wonderful the people are in this community.

The Village at Maplewood in Bethlehem, New Hampshire is definitely worth a look! Email me at beth@peabodysmith.com if you have any questions.


Posted by:Beth Horan



July 16, 2009

Ripley Falls Trail in Crawford Notch State Park

Posted to Community Lifestyle

If you are looking for a good, relatively easy hike for first timers, kids or just a quick hike with great rewards, Ripley Falls is the trail to try.

Located off of Route 302 East just past the Willey House on the right, you can park at the entrance and hike up the road, or drive on up closer to the trail head and park.

The sign indicates that Ripley Falls is a 20 minute hike one way and just about a half mile in length. The time frame is fairly conservative for hiking non-stop, but a good gauge. The trail starts out crossing over the Conway Scenic Railroad tracks and then heads into the woods and up the trail. It is a bit rocky in spots, and moderately steep, but still quite manageable. Should you be feeling a bit more adventurous, there are other longer and more difficult trails just a tenth of a mile in, however, Ripley’s is well worth the hike. The trails are easily identified, but if ever in doubt just follow the blue tree markers. With all the rain we have had, the trail mid-July was still quite muddy in spots, so be sure and wear an old pair of sneakers if you don’t have hiking boots.

If it is a warm day, you will want to spend lots of time at the top, dangling your feet in the pools of water, and enjoying the sight and sounds of the spectacular 100 foot waterfall. Be sure and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy. We hiked a bit later in the day, so we chose to reward ourselves with an ice cream cone at the Willey House! Definitely worth the trip!

Posted by:Michele Penner



July 14, 2009

The Mt. Washington Auto Road and the Stay-Cation in the White Mountains

Posted to Chrissy Smith

The stay-cation this summer is certainly something our family is enjoying. With an infant, we decided we’d take day trips to area attraction in our own backyard – this past weekend’s adventure was the Mt. Washington Auto Road.

As a life long resident of Northern New Hampshire, I had never been to the top of Mt. Washington – embarrassing to say the least! Each summer I would say we’ll go and never do – so finally we went this past weekend.

We took Route 302 through Crawford Notch to Glen, NH and traveled through Pinkham Notch to the Mt. Washington Auto Road entrance. My husband said I would hate it because of my fear of heights…I wondered if I’d be able to make it also. We started up the 8 mile road to the top – great views the whole way. I took a plethora of photos, shot some video and turn arounded to the back seat many times to pick up toys our baby had dropped. The weather was clear all the way up. We got to above tree line, and shortly after around mile marker 7, we experienced fog and couldn’t even see the Mt. Washington Cog Railway car a mere 100 feet away – we could only hear it. We ate our lunch and drove the rest of the way to the top, figuring that perhaps we wouldn’t see a thing. As soon as we pulled into the parking log the fog cleared and the views were 360 degrees around, we definately saw Canada, and five states. It was simply amazing, and more than I ever expected.

We went all around the Mt. Washington Observatory, visited the Tip Top House, watched the Mt. Washington Cog Railway train head back down the mountain. We saw a whole bunch of hikers who had made their way to the top, we saw visitors from many countries, and we even saw a few people we knew! We left after spending 2 hours at the top, my 7 year old called it “awesome” and gave it 2 thumbs up. We traveled the eight miles back down, in first gear as they recommend and we didn’t experience any problems. Again, great views all the way down.

We traveled home by way of Gorham on Route 16 then went towards Jefferson, NH and ended up back on Route 302 in Twin Mtn/Bretton Woods NH.

All in all it was an amazing experience, and by the way, even with my fear of heights, I wasn’t scared at all! The stay-cation is great, and it makes me realize how much there is to do in the Western White Mountains of New Hampshire, and frankly, how glad I am to live here. Next week? Perhaps Whale’s Tale Water Park, or StoryLand or Santa’s Village….or perhaps we’ll take a trip up the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway! Whatever it is, we’ll have fun here in the White Mountains, attractions abound in our own backyard! To find out more about some of the area’s attractions, visit White Mountain Attractions; they have a great site and full of useful information.

Posted by:Chrissy Smith



July 10, 2009

Golf at the Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods

Posted to Community Lifestyle

I promised myself (and my husband) that the next sunny day that came around I would take off and we would play a round of golf at the newly renovated course at the Mount Washington Resort. We have the pleasure of living at the resort, so the course is readily available to us. I just had not been able to coordinate any days off with a cooperative Mother Nature!

Fortunately there was a break in the weather the other day and we quickly packed up at the office and headed over to the course. I had yet to swing a club this season and was anxious to get out there. I probably should have spent some time on the driving range before getting on the course, but it was an absolutely beautiful afternoon and because it was midweek and later in the afternoon, we had no one behind us.

There are two courses available at the resort – The Mount Washington Course, which is an 18-hole course on the back side of the Hotel, and The Mount Pleasant Course which is a 9-hole course situated in front of the Hotel. We opted to play the Mount Washington Course. The resort completed renovations on this Donald Ross course last August, and we only had the chance to play it a handful of times last season. While my play was not pretty, the course on the other hand is a thing of beauty. The back drop of the majestic Mount Washington on your way out, and the beautiful grand hotel on your way back in, is just breathtaking. One would almost forget why they were out there…. Perhaps I should have, might have improved my game!

To find out what resort properties are available, please click here.


Posted by:Michele Penner



July 07, 2009

AHEAD Workshop this Thursday - Homebuying in Today's Market

Posted to

We are getting ready to pull some market data for the Central NH/Plymouth NH real estate market to use Thursday night during a presentation I’m giving for AHEAD. AHEAD stands for Affordable Housing, Education and Development and they are part of the national NeighborWorks HomeOwnership Center. They are based out of Littleton but cover Northern and Central NH, its a great organization and one that we are proud to work with.

This Thursday, July 9th from 6-8 pm AHEAD will sponsor a free workshop with AHEAD called, “Homebuying in Today’s Market”. Some topics will include a look at current market conditions, how to negotiate a good deal, how it works when you purchase foreclosed and bank owned property and how real estate is an asset. We presented this workshop a few weeks ago in Littleton, NH and due to its success, this one will be in another AHEAD service area, in Plymouth, NH. We’ll be meeting at the Pease Public Library, 1 Russell Street, Plymouth NH. If you are interested in attending you can register online or call 603-444-1377. The workshop is free but they ask that you pre-register so they can get a head count.

I hope to see you Thursday night in Plymouth. If there are any specifics questions you would like addressed, please feel free to send them to me at andy@peabodysmith.com.

Posted by:Andrew Smith



July 06, 2009

Our Customer Appreciation BBQ Was Fun - Thanks for Attending

Posted to

We had a great time at our Customer Appreciation BBQ on Friday, July 3rd. We served over 160 hot dogs and 150 hamburgers and had well over 200 people in attendance. We had a little bit of rain (well a bit of a downpour), but that didn’t seem to dampen any spirits! In fact, more people came after the rain. Thanks for attending, we appreciate all your support and look forward to seeing you through the year and helping with any real estate needs you may have.

All in all, our bar-b-que marked the start of a beautiful weekend in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. On Saturday the 4th, the town of Franconia held their annual Old Home Days sponsored by the Lions Club, which is always the 1st Saturday in July. They had a pancake breakfast, parade through the Main Street of Franconia, fireworks at dusk and music at the gazebo. If you missed it this year, save the date for next year - its a great time in the Franconia area.





Posted by:Andrew Smith



July 06, 2009

Landaff NH Moose Sighting and Our One Room School House

Posted to Chrissy Smith

Just the other night, as I was heading out to our Littleton Rotary Club annual meeting, I spotted this very small moose just 15 feet of the main road leading out of Landaff NH. Landaff is where I live, a lovely town of 300 residents and the home of the “Blue School”, our one room school house. The school has been operating for 151 years and is still educating Landaff students in grades k-3 and has a full time teacher Claire Cochrane, who this year was nominated for the NH 2009 Teacher of the Year.

In Landaff you can find great residents all with diverse backgrounds from all over the world, and sometimes you can see moose. This was the smallest one I’ve ever seen, the size of a very small horse and he was about 15 feet off the road. Sometimes in this mud bog you’ll find much larger moose, however, I haven’t seen him yet and I hope I don’t if he’s in the road.

In terms of land, Landaff is comprised mainly of the White Mountain National Forest, but the part that isn’t is full of farms, meadows, forest, and homes dotted through the landscape. Its an active community with a busy Grange, who hold public socials in the winter. We also have the Friends of Landaff, a civic group that raises money for different causes, and the big event in Landaff is the Old Home Day Auction which takes place the 3rd Saturday in August and benefits our all volunteer fire department.

Every now and then we have some homes for sale in Landaff you can see some of them here. Am I passionate about Landaff? You bet! I love my town! The North Country of New Hampshire is a great place to live and work, come see for yourself.

Now, if this moose wanted to relocate to another area out of our real estate territory, I could find he or she an agency in another town - an agency that is like our own - and part of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. The moose would just have to let me know, or tell their agent and then I can help!

Posted by:Chrissy Smith



July 02, 2009

We've Got the Tent Up for the Customer Appreciation BBQ

Posted to Chrissy Smith, Events & Activities

Well the tent is up and we are getting ready for our Customer Appreciation BBQ tomorrow night at our Franconia Office. The tent rising used to take us a good hour, but after six years of this we are getting to be experts. Just half an hour. The rain was a bit drizzly as we were putting it up, but we’re hoping for good weather tomorrow! Feel free to stop by and enjoy a hamburger or hot dog, some salad, a beverage or two and some delicious cake! Its always a great time to visit with friends and make new friends. Come join us 4-7 pm, 383 Main Street, Franconia NH.




Posted by:Chrissy Smith