59 Acres in Strafford, VT - $174,000
Ompompanoosuc River Parcel #1
Introduction
The ownership is selling their property in two separate parcels, divided by the town line. The +/-60 acre Strafford parcel is well suited to future home development with paved town road frontage and roadside electric service. The +/-220 acre Thetford parcel is well suited to a camp or seasonal off-grid home development with beautiful local views.
Both parcels have significant frontage along the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc River. Both parcels have Restricted Use Areas associated with the reclaimed Elizabeth Copper Mine site.
Location
The parcels are situated in east central Vermont, 11 miles from the New Hampshire border. The local landscape is dominated by abundant forestland, with small farms in the valleys and widely scattered homes along roads. This area is part of the West Branch of the Ompompanoosuc River watershed, a sizable river that runs along both parcels.
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The hamlet of South Strafford is 1.7 miles to the northwest and is host to a general store. Norwich, Vermont, located 10 miles to the south, is the closest large town offering the most amenities. Interstate 91 is just east of Norwich, and across the Connecticut River is the Town of Hanover, host of Dartmouth College. Boston is just over a 2 hour drive.
Access
This parcel is located along Mine Road, which is a paved, town-maintained road that runs directly to Route 132 and South Strafford. Mine Road is not highly traveled, so road noise near the property is limited. There is +/-212 of frontage along the east side of the road. The road frontage has a deep drainage ditch along it. The best place to park is near the Fountains Land sign where there is an area of flatter ground. Alternatively, you can park up the road at 181 Mine Road which is the entrance to the solar farm. Park here and walk back to the sign to access the land. From this point, the terrain slopes away from the road and down towards the river. Old woods trails can be found across the parcel, including one that leads to the river.
Site Description
The land appears to support the construction of a year-round home. The best potential homesite is likely downslope from the road frontage (off the old driveway), about +/-300-400, where terrain levels off and soils appear to support a septic system. A driveway into the land to this location would have to be developed. Electric power runs along the road frontage.
The terrain is variable, with some steep slopes in between modestly sloping areas. Elevation ranges from 1,080 along the road frontage to 800 along the river. Copperas Brook flows through the eastern area of the property.
Timber
The forest resource is scenic and consists of fully stocked stands with maturing trees. Closer to the road, the tree species are primarily pine and hemlock. The remaining majority of acreage supports hardwood species with scattered large diameter hemlocks and pine.
The river frontage is scenic and an easy hike from the road frontage. An old foundation exists along the river which likely supported a water pump house associated with the mine operations. An old woods road runs down to this site.
The river has a considerable width and can not be crossed by foot during spring or high precipitation periods. Wild brook trout are reportedly common, along with rainbow and brown trout.
Restricted Use Area
The property is part of the former Elizabeth Copper Mine whose reclamation and stabilization was finalized by the EPA. As part of EPAs reclamation/remedial action plan, the land includes a Restrictive Use Area covering a total of 79 acres as represented on the property maps and survey. This area can not be developed or disturbed in the future per the Grant of Environmental Restrictions, Right of Access, and Easement deed. Copy provided upon request.
Map
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