Hanover (Etna), New Hampshire $279,000

"Is it hard to show this place?" we asked Judy Ferm, as she walked us through the kitchen. Judy grew up ere in the '60s and the house is still in her family; her father (the only neighbor near) is the owner.

"Not anymore," she replied. "I guess after showing it a few times you get used to it."

Sill, she seemed a little sad as shetold us how the kitchen used to lookbefore it was updated, and sadderstill when she pointed out the partof the bedroom in the big ell whereshe slept. We wouldn't blame her abit: it would be hard to see an oldhome like this pass on to new owners. This is the kind of home most people can only dream about-a rambling, comfortable house with character and charm and large rooms, outside about six acres of fields bordered by more fields and trees and views that stretch down the Connecticut River Valley into Vermont. Judy's brother is planning on digging a pond up back (in a perfect spot for one) before the place changes hands, and her father plans on keeping the surrounding land much the way it is now—private and undisturbed. We were here for close to an hour at sunset and not a single car passed by, and it was hard to believe the Hanover green was only a ten-minute drive away.

Judy Ferm is handling the sale forMcLaughry Associates BetterHomes and Gardens at their Norwich office, (802) 649-3830.