Antique Homes in New Hampshire:
Why These Timeless Beauties Still Dominate the Market
By Camille Craffey | NH REALTOR® & Marine Veteran | Antique Home Specialist
New Hampshire is steeped in American history, and its homes prove it. Across the state, antique properties dating back to the 1700s and 1800s still stand strong, full of character and craftsmanship that modern builds just can't replicate. But antique homes aren't just eye candy, they're a smart buy, a lifestyle, and for many, a legacy worth preserving.
Here’s why antique homes still hold their ground in today's real estate market, and why I’ve built my career helping others fall in love with them, too.
What Qualifies as an “Antique” Home?
In the world of real estate, a home is typically considered “antique” if it was built before 1960—but in New England, that bar is often set even earlier. In New Hampshire, we regularly see Colonial-era farmhouses from the 1700s and early 1800s—true pieces of American heritage.
Unlike the term “historic,” which often refers to homes protected or listed with preservation societies, “antique” speaks to age and originality—and it's those authentic materials, unique construction techniques, and design details that make them so valuable.
Why Buyers Love Antique Homes
1. Craftsmanship You Can’t Replicate
Antique homes were built with hand-cut timber, natural stone, and joinery methods passed down for generations. There’s nothing cookie-cutter about these builds-no vinyl, no particle board, no prefab panels. Just solid bones, forged with care.
2. Timeless Charm & Personality
Wide-plank floors, gunstock posts, beehive ovens, wavy glass windows… each feature tells a story. Antique homes have quirks, but those quirks are character-and buyers who fall for them wouldn’t have it any other way.
3. Established Locations
You’ll often find antique homes in New Hampshire’s most desirable neighborhoods, like:
- The historic villages of Gilmanton or Canterbury
- Riverfront sections of Dover or Portsmouth
- Tucked along country roads in Alton or Hollis
Why? Because they were built when land was chosen for livability, not developer margins.
4. Sustainability Before It Was Trendy
Reclaiming an antique home is one of the most sustainable choices you can make. You're preserving existing materials and architectural integrity-no need for energy-intensive new construction.
But Aren’t Antique Homes High Maintenance?
It depends on what you're comparing it to. Every home needs upkeep-but antique homes require knowledgeable care, not endless costs. That’s where working with an agent who specializes in them makes all the difference.
For example, I help clients:
- Identify which original features are worth preserving
- Connect with local craftspeople who understand old materials
- Avoid renovations that kill value (hint: vinyl siding is a no-go)
Are Antique Homes a Smart Investment?
Absolutely. Antique homes retain and grow value not just because of square footage-but because they’re irreplaceable. Buyers seeking something unique and full of character will always pay a premium for:
- Location
- Original detail
- Proven structural longevity
Properly marketed, an antique home tells a story-and buyers line up to be part of that story.
🧭 What to Know Before You Buy
If you’re considering purchasing an antique home in New Hampshire, keep these tips in mind:
- Get a home inspector familiar with post-and-beam and stone foundation homes
- Expect a mix of modern and original systems—updated electric/plumbing is ideal, but not all charm has to be replaced
- Check if the home is in a historic district (this can affect renovations and tax benefits)
As a Marine Corps veteran turned REALTOR®, I’ve built a mission around helping clients find not just houses, but homes with history. Whether you're buying your first 18th-century cape, downsizing into a cozy Greek Revival, or just want a little help understanding what those old corbels mean-I’m here.
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Schedule a no-pressure antique home consult:
603-682-6278 |
www.camillecraffeyrealty.com/antique-homes