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32 New England Historic Homes You Can Visit

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New England is a region of the USA that is known for its savvy for historical preservation, and when it comes to New England historic homes you can visit, there are plenty in each and every state! Many of these beautifully preserved historic homes in New England have ties to important historical figures, and a visit to these places they once lived, worked, and even visited, give a beautiful glimpse into their world.

Some of these New England historic homes are a part of impressive estates where you can walk the grounds and enjoy the scenic landscapes, some have been transformed into living museums where you can see for yourself what life back then would have looked like.

There are New England historic homes in every state in the region, so chances are that if you’re in New England, there will be a historic home for you to visit nearby!

Table of Contents

New England Historic Homes

Historic homes in connecticut.

Roseland Cottage, Woodstock CT

One of the most gorgeous historic homes in New England, Roseland Cottage is an impressive sight from the moment you arrive on the property. Built in the Gothic Revival style in 1846 and painted a deep pink, this historic CT property is an aesthetic masterpiece.

Featuring all the interior touches that one would expect in a Victorian home in New England, you’ll find dramatic and colorful wall coverings and carpets, and intricate wood work and stained glass. In addition to the beautiful interior, the grounds of this New England historic estate include a carriage barn, aviary, ice house, gardens, and the oldest surviving indoor bowling alley in the United States! 

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Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum, Norwalk CT

Magnificent and grand in both size and style, the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk is one of the most beautiful of all CT historic sites. Built in the Second Empire Style in the mid 1800s, this historic Victorian era country house was an impressive technological feat for its time, with indoor plumbing, central heating, gas lighting, and ventilation originally built into the home.

This Victorian New England gem takes about an hour and a half to tour through, and the stories this beautiful historic home have to tell are many. From the Grand Staircase to the hand carved Black Walnut finishes found in the Library, this historic estate is a feast for the eyes.

The Mark Twain House & Museum, Hartford CT

One of those New England historic homes that holds a special place in United States history, The Mark Twain House and Museum in Hartford CT was home to Mark Twain and his family from 1874 to 1891, and it is where he wrote some of his most popular works. 

The 11,500 sq ft historic home is full of Victorian era features like dramatic wall coverings and design motifs from Turkish, Chinese, Japanese, Moroccan, and Indian elements. The Conservatory and its fountain are particularly lovely, but the entire home and its grounds are a wonderful way to explore historic New England.

Leffingwell House Museum, Norwich CT

One of the Colonial era historic homes in Connecticut, Leffingwell House Museum was built around 1675 as a two room home, and was built up to the structure that is seen today over the next few decades. This historic property has gone through many changes in its life, including from private home to pre-Revolutionary War tavern!

Today you can see Colonial-era furnishings and artifacts throughout the home, including pottery, table ware, decorations, and more. 

Florence Griswold Museum, Old Lyme CT

The Florence Griswold Museum is a popular historic site both for its beautifully preserved home and grounds and its dazzling collection of art works and history as an art colony. Built in 1817 in the Georgian architectural style, the home itself is absolutely gorgeous with antique furnishings and artifacts, including a gorgeous antique piano.

Even the gardens on this historic estate have been recreated using the artwork created by the artists of the time who used the lovely gardens as their muse. The grounds, the art museum, the scenic landscape, and the beautifully preserved home serve to make this historic New England property a must visit if you are ever in coastal Connecticut!

Historic Homes in Maine

Castle Tucker, Wiscasset

Built in 1807, Castle Tucker was redecorated in the Victorian era to reflect the tastes of the era, and today it remains a beautiful Victorian New England home you can visit. Situated high on a hill overlooking the Sheepscot River, the grounds and the home of this historic estate reign over the Wiscasset harbor down below.

There are 33 rooms in this historic New England home, full of antique furnishings and decor including a Hallett & Cumston grand piano and a cutting edge (of the time) walnut and oak custom made indoor sink. This historic Maine home is a beauty.

Hamilton House, South Berwick ME

Built around 1785, Hamilton House is a historic New England home in a scenic setting overlooking Maine’s Salmon Falls River. Built in the Georgian style, this historic property has a simple elegance to it, and it remains decorated in the early 20th-century style of its private owners at the time.

In addition to the beautiful period furnishings and decor, this historic New England home has an interesting feature: two commissioned murals that are as whimsical as they are brilliant. The grounds are absolutely picturesque on this stunning historic New England estate.

Victoria Mansion, Portland ME

Dramatic. Magnificent. Ornate. These are just a few words that describe the Victoria Mansion , one of the most gorgeous historic homes in Maine. Also known as the Morse-Libby House, this historic home was built in the style of an Italian villa between 1858 and 1860. Features such as the grand staircase and intricate woodworking, ceiling features, and more seem to be everywhere you look, making this historic home a true feast for the eyes.

Over 90% of the original interiors remain in this beautiful New England historic home, and the antique furnishings and decor are just as lavish as the structure of this elegant Italian villa-esque home. This is one of those must visit New England historic homes.

Sayward-Wheeler House, York Harbor ME

Overlooking the York River in York Harbor Maine stoically rests the Sayward-Wheeler House , said to be home to one of the best preserved colonial interiors in the United States of America. Built around 1718, today there are still furnishings and belongings in the home that predate the Revolutionary War.

This beautiful New England historic home sits unassumingly on the shoreline, sometimes shrouded in coastal fog, lending it an air of mystery. If you’re a fan of colonial historic homes in New England, this one should certainly be added to the list.

The Olsen House, Cushing ME

Made famous by its role in the Andrew Wyeth painting Christina’s World , The Olsen  House is a historic Colonial house in New England that as of this writing, is undergoing a significant restoration process to preserve this beautiful historic property. What began as a simple cabin in the 1700s transformed over the years to what can be seen today and what was locally known as a summer house.

While it is not currently available for physical tours, you can take a virtual tour of this historic New England home to tide you over until you can return in person!

Historic Homes in Massachusetts

Beauport, the Sleeper-McCann House, Gloucester MA

The Sleeper-McCann House , also known as Beauport, is one of the finest historic homes in New England. Built in 1907 and once the summer home of one of America’s first professional interior designers. Interestingly, each of the 40 rooms of this historic New England estate have their own theme defined by a color, pattern, object, or historical/literary figure!

Original details like the hand-painted Chinese wallpaper in the China Trade Room abound, and the entire home sits on the rocky edge of Gloucester Harbor, providing stunning water views from this historic home in New England.

Gibson House Museum, Boston MA

One of those historic New England homes that seem to be frozen in time, providing a perfect time capsule peek at Victorian New England, Gibson House Museum is a well-preserved house museum. 

Built in 1859, Gibson House was a private residence until the 1950s, and still has the original kitchen! This is one of the neatest Victorian homes in New England you can visit, so if you’re in Boston and would like to see what life was like in the Back Bay Neighborhood of Boston 100+ years ago, add this one to your list.

Old House at Peace field, Quincy MA

The Old House at Peace field is one of the nation’s most treasured historic homes, as it was once the home of four generations of the Adams family, beginning with John and Abigail Adams, the second President and First Lady of the United States. Originally built in 1731, it was a simple structure until Abigail Adams began the expansions that made it into the impressive home it is today.

The entire property is an interesting sight to see both for its carefully preserved history and its cultural significance, but one of the most popular points of interest at this historic site in MA is the Stone Library , built by one of John Adams sons in 1870 to house his incredible collection of books. Book lover or not, this is an amazing library to visit!

The Mount, Lenox MA

One of the finest historic homes in New England that you can visit, The Mount is a spectacular estate in the beautiful Berkshires of Massachusetts. The estate was built in 1902 and borrows elements from Italian, English, and French architectural design. 

The rooms of the Main House are impressive to tour through, but the grounds themselves are landscaped so beautifully that a walk around the property is a delightfully immersive experience in the tranquility of the space, and they host community events throughout the year in the gardens around the home. If you can’t tour the inside of this historic home, at least tour the grounds!

House of the Seven Gables, Salem MA

One of the most popular historic homes in New England, the House of the Seven Gables in Salem was built in 1668 and expanded as the years went on to become the dramatic multi-gabled home that was made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel of the same name. 

Today this historic home is one of the “largest timber framed mansions in North America still on its original foundation,” so it is a true testament to the preservation efforts that have been made to keep this national treasure strong and sturdy for generations to come.

Naumkeag, Stockbridge MA

Similar to The Mount, Naumkeag is another incredibly impressive historic home in the beautiful Berkshires region of Massachusetts. This 48-acre estate is home to a historic home with 44 rooms and 8 acres of gardens, meadows, and farmland. 

Throughout the year, Naumkeag hosts a variety of community events and festivals, so even if you’re not interested in touring this historic home in New England, you should certainly keep an eye out for their yearly events so you can enjoy the gorgeous grounds of this beautiful estate.

Paul Revere House, Boston MA

Another one of the most popular historic homes in New England, the Paul Revere House is one of the stops on the Boston Freedom Trail, so it’s easy enough to roll right into a great historic tour in Boston! 

This historic home is downtown Boston’s oldest building and was built around 1680, then transitioned from private house (at one time the home of the great Paul Revere, of course) to boarding house to shops until it was purchased by Revere’s great grandson and restored to its prior glory. It is said that 90% of the original structure remains, so this historic New England home is a grand testament to preservation efforts.

The Old Manse, Concord MA

One of those New England historic homes with great cultural significance, The Old Manse in Concord has housed several of America’s literary greats including Nathaniel Hawthorne and Ralph Waldo Emerson, and it is even said that Henry David Thoreau even planted the original heirloom vegetable garden that is found on the grounds!

Built in 1770, this historic home is one of simple elegance and cultural significance, as many of the most foreward thinking individuals of their time would meet on its grounds to exchange ideas. Today, it is a site of great interest for those with literary interest, especially.

Lizzie Borden House, Fall River MA

Likely the most infamous of historic homes in New England – on this list, at least, the Lizzie Borden House is a beautiful Victorian home in New England that is of course, well known for the great tragedy that took place within its walls in 1892.

Interestingly, it has now been converted to a B&B, so this is a historic home in New England you can stay in for yourself! If you’d rather not stay overnight on this historic property, tours are available. 

Historic Homes in New Hampshire

Castle in the Clouds, Moultonborough NH

Beautiful Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough NH is just as impressive a historic home as its name suggests! Built 1913-1914 by a husband and wife as a country estate, it changed hands numerous times over the years until it became known as Castle in the Clouds.

In addition to touring the 16-room historic home, there are also beautiful walking trails and two restaurants on the grounds where you can enjoy a meal and the delightful views of this picturesque property. Castle in the Clouds is currently undergoing many restorations as of this writing in 2022, so be sure to check in with the property to see if access is available.

Strawbery Banke Museum, Portsmouth NH

Located in charming downtown Portsmouth NH, Strawbery Banke Museum is not just one historic home to visit, but several! With 32 historic buildings dating as far back as 1695 (most on their original foundations!), many are furnished and used for a variety of exhibits in this living museum in NH.

You’ll be able to get what feels like an authentic,real life peek at life in early Portsmouth New Hampshire as you tour these historic New England homes. Strawbery Banke Museum is a must visit for any history lover visiting Portsmouth!

Robert Frost Farm, Derry NH

You don’t have to be a Robert Frost fan to want to see the Robert Frost Farm in Derry NH, but if you are, you most certainly will! Built in 1884, this historic estate became the New Hampshire home of Robert Frost between 1900 and 1911, and many of his great works were penned from the property.

Original items remain in this historic home like the soapstone sink in the kitchen and a large, antique woodstove. It’s easy to tour this historic New England home and feel as if you can imagine what life was like while Robert Frost and his family called it home.

Historic Homes in Vermont

Hildene, Manchester VT

One of the most gorgeous historic estates in New England, Hildene is the Lincoln family home of the only surviving adult son of Abraham Lincoln, and it is one of the crowning jewels of historic homes in America. Built as a summer home at the turn of the 20th century, Hildene is a Georgian Revival style mansion set on a 412 acre estate.

Today, this gorgeous historic estate is home to beautiful gardens, a historic carriage barn, an observatory, a solar-powered goat dairy and cheese-making facility, and so much more! A visit to Hildene, the Lincoln Family Home, is more than just a chance to tour a historic home; it’s an immersive step into how the past meets the present.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion, Woodstock VT

Located in picturesque Woodstock, Vermont, Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Mansion was originally built in 1805, but continued to be expanded over the next several decades until it became the stately historic home that can be visited today.

With period furnishings and decor accenting the dramatic woodwork in this historic home, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you walk through the doors of this gorgeous New England historic gem.

Wilson Castle, Proctor VT

When it comes to architectural prowess, Wilson Castle in Proctor VT has plenty! Built in a combination of various European styles, the English brick and marble facade creates a feeling of drama as you approach this beautiful historic home, and the interiors only continue that feeling!

Of the 32 rooms on this 155-acre estate, you’ll find 84 stained glass windows and antique furnishings and decor that highlight the architectural details found in this gorgeous historic home. This beautiful historic home in New England is considered Vermont’s only “real” castle!

Ethan Allen Homestead, Burlington VT

The E than Allen Homestead of Burlington (yes, that Ethan Allen!) was designed in an architectural style that was typical of the 1780s, and it is a modest representation of life in Vermont in that era.

Several original touches remain in this historic New England home, and you’ll find period furnishings and touches within as well as educational exhibits about Ethan Allen and the part he played in Revolutionary War history.

Justin Smith Morrill Homestead, Strafford VT

Originally built in 1851, the Justin Smith Morrill Homestead in Strafford is a beautiful historic home built in the Gothic Revival style and surrounded by gorgeous gardens. Justin Smith Morrill was a self-made man and influential American politician, and he served in Congress for 44 years.

Today, this historic home in New England is beautifully preserved and hosts events and workshops throughout the year on its gorgeous grounds.

Historic Homes in Rhode Island

Hearthside House, Lincoln RI

Built in 1810, Hearthside House was originally built to impress a love interest, and today this Federal style remains a testament to the style and design of the time with restoration efforts focusing on preserving and upholding traditions as best as they can.

While there was very little in the way of original furnishings and decor left in Hearthside Home before it became what it is today, it has been lovingly filled with antique furnishings and pieces of the period to showcase what this historic New England home would have looked like in its hey day!

Newport Mansions, Newport RI

Oh, the Newport Mansions ! Of course, any discussion of historic homes in New England that you can tour would not be complete without these magnificently preserved estates from the Gilded Age on Rhode Island’s classic coast. 

There are several ways to see these beautiful homes and estates, and you can see more about what to expect while touring the mansions here . If you’re not sure what the Newport Mansions might be like, think “The Great Gatsby” and you got it!

Blithewold Mansion, Bristol RI

Another testament to the Gilded Age of America, Blithewold Mansion is a 33-acre estate that overlooks the Narragansett Bay and is particularly renowned for its perfectly manicured grounds. 

The 45 room mansion is unique in that everything seen in this gorgeous historic New England home belonged to the family whom called this stunning place home! Blithewold Mansion is certainly one of the most stunning historic homes to visit in New England.

Smith’s Castle, North Kingstown RI

Smith’s Castle is a Rhode Island historic home that dates back to the early 1600s, with the property as seen today having been built in 1678. A walk through tour of this historic home today will reveal artifacts and furnishings of the time that help to give a glimpse of life through the years at Smith’s Castle.

In fact, there are regularly costumed docents giving the tours at Smith’s Castle, so if you’re the type of person that feels a tour is enriched by a costumed character, then this will certainly appeal.

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Clemence-Irons, Johnston RI

One of the oldest of Rhode Island’s historic homes, Clemence-Irons House was built in 1691 and is what is known as a stone ender, a particular type of English construction. 

While appearing quite unassuming from the outside, the inside reveals rich woods and interesting window shapes. This is a great historic home in New England for those interested in now defunct architectural styles.

There are so many beautiful historic homes in New England to visit, these are just a few of the most impressive and the most popular. Hopefully you’ve found some great spots to get started delving into beautiful historic New England!

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Islands of New England

About this tour.

The Atlantic coast is calling. Explore New England’s majestic seaboards, from Rhode Island to Cape Cod. Visit Providence and the Gilded Age mansions of Newport. Experience the beautiful islands of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Complete your local experience as you indulge in a traditional seafood and lobster feast. Explore the local charms, walk along historic cobblestone streets, and feel like a true New Englander.

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• Travel Newport's breathtaking Ocean Drive past the sprawling mansions of Bellevue Avenue.

Learn Massachusetts’ history as the former whaling capital of the world at the Nantucket Whaling Museum.

Visit “The Vineyard” and see its famous gingerbread-style houses.

Cultural Experiences:

See Plymouth Rock and step back in time in the town where the Pilgrims landed in 1620.

Cruise Plymouth Harbor and watch your boat’s captain pull lobster traps from the water.

Discover Rhode Island’s Creative Capitol of Providence.

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Celebrate the taste of Cape Cod with a traditional New England lobster dinner.

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Extend your stay in New England with 2 nights in Boston – Massachusetts’s historic capital city. Walk along the winding city streets, home to sturdy brick houses and trendy modern buildings. Enjoy ample free time to discover Boston’s charm, taking advantage of your included Hop-On Hop-Off pass to see the most of the city. Peruse the local breweries, grab a cup of chowder, and walk in the footsteps of the country’s first leaders – this is Boston. Independent You’re not accompanied by a Tour Manager during your extension stay. You’ll access locales you wish to visit on your own, and are free to create your own adventure.

• Cape Cod - Boston
• Extend your stay in New England with 2 nights in Boston – Massachusetts’s historic capital city. As the site of the famous "tea party," Boston has a long history of fighting for independence since the time of the Revolutionary War. Explore the city on your own, perhaps grabbing a bite of some renowned seafood or a cup of famous clam chowder. Consider venturing to the North End for some authentic Italian food, keeping an eye out for a fresh cannoli.
• The day is yours. Use your included ticket for a Hop-On Hop-Off bus to see the most of the city of Boston. Consider walking along the harbor, grabbing a pint in one of the many Irish pubs, or even visiting one of the city’s museums. As the home of 35 different colleges, Boston features a perfect blend of history and modern innovations.
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• Wish Boston goodbye as you depart for home.

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10 of the best historic homes to visit in New England

October 15, 2021 // By Linda Laban

By Linda Laban October 15, 2021

In New England, historic houses are two a penny, of course, but these ten homes have stories beyond brick and mortar, or clapboard and shingle.

Orchard House - Concord, Massachusetts

This was the house where Louisa May Alcott and her family lived when she wrote "Little Women," creating one of literature’s most endearing and enduring works. Remarkably preserved, this Federal-style clapboard house on the outskirts of still-bucolic Concord still has the very furnishings used by the family, including the simple shelf desk in Louisa’s room where she wrote her most famous novel.

Florence Griswold Museum - Old Lyme, Connecticut

Griswold opened up her coastal Connecticut boarding house to artists, nurturing and encouraging them, and charging small rents. For that, she's often called the patron saint of American Impressionism. At the turn of the 20th century, following the nearby Cos Cob Art Colony, her boarders founded the Old Lyme Colony, which became the largest and best known Impressionist art center in the nation.

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Griswold would be happy to see an impressive art museum now stands on the beautiful grounds, and that the paintings the artists added to the interior of her house are still on view. The house, gallery and Cafe Flo are a truly delightful experience.

The Mount - Lenox, Massachusetts

Novelist Edith Wharton (“The Age of Innocence”) built her magnificent home in the picture-perfect Berkshires, surrounded by the estates of America’s wealthy Gilded Age elite. The author and her husband maintained the massive house and extensive gardens as their escape from city rigors.

The couple’s beloved dogs are buried on a hillock in the garden, each with an inscribed gravestone. Take a guided tour for the inside story, which reveals the couple did not lead a quiet country life – and their affairs were far from innocent.

Strawbery Banke Museum - Portsmouth, New Hampshire

Named Strawbery Banke by the first English settlers, and later called Puddle Dock, this salvaged neighborhood is now an outdoor history museum. Begun in 1958, many of the 32 historic buildings, the earliest dating to 1695, are open to tour; some have exhibits.

Costumed interpreters and informed staff bring to life the stories of families who lived and worked there, including enslaved people and the Abenaki, the Indigenous people who owned this land for thousands of years.

Hildene - Manchester, Vermont

Robert Todd Lincoln, President Abraham Lincoln’s son, and his wife Mary built this Georgian Revival mansion in 1905. Lincoln was the Pullman Company’s president and already aged 62. The non-profit Friends of Hildene took over the property in the 1970s, beautifully restoring the house and formal garden, and turning the carriage barn into a lively gift shop.

The 400-plus acres of natural landscaped grounds houses a restored 1903 Pullman car, called Sunbeam, as well as an agricultural and ecology educational facility that includes Dene Farm, with a solar-powered goat dairy and cheese-making facility and a 600-foot floating wetland boardwalk.

The Crane Estate - Ipswich, Massachusetts

Chicago industrialist Richard T. Crane, Jr., head of a very successful plumbing business (among other things), purchased the land overlooking Ipswich Bay in 1910. It was to be the Crane family’s summer home complete with a grand house that Mr. Crane built twice because Mrs. Crane disliked the first. Finished in 1928, and perched atop Castle Hill, the second house includes lavish Crane plumbing fixtures.

Uniquely, the estate now includes The Inn at Castle Hill, originally Castle Hill Farm, a bed and breakfast at the foot of the hill. The Great House’s undulating half-mile Grand Allée leads from the house to the bluff and passes by the hidden casino complex, where a ballroom and bachelors' quarters were housed.

The best view comes the rooftop terrace, accessed from the third-floor Ship Room – and it does resemble a ship’s cabin. Nearby, Crane Beach is a beautiful pinky-amber sandy expanse not to be missed.

The Breakers - Newport, Rhode Island

When Cornelius Vanderbilt II created The Breakers off Newport’s mansion packed Bellevue Avenue, he intended it to be jaw-dropping. Mission accomplished. Even today, its opulence amazes – they didn’t incorrectly call it the Gilded Age – and the views over the ocean are magnificent, especially from the second-floor Grecian Revival outdoor terrace.

The Breakers is now part of the Preservation Society of Newport County, which owns nine other historic properties: Chateau-sur-Mer, Chepstow, The Elms, Hunter House, Isaac Bell House, Kingscote, Marble House, Rosecliff, and the fun Green Animals Topiary Garden.

Highfield Hall & Gardens - Falmouth, Massachusetts

Built by James Madison Beebe, a Boston-based dry goods merchant and co-founder of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Highfield Hall is now a cultural and community center. The main house’s interior is an art gallery, and there are adult and children’s programs. One room on the second floor is dedicated to the tragic history of the Beebe Family, a mighty rise and steep fall.

The gardens are a delight and also include commissioned sculptures and installations. Walk in the 700-acre Beebe Woods, or make some music on the chimes, xylophones and congas in a dell near the main house.

Victoria Mansion - Portland, Maine

Built by hotelier Ruggles Sylvester Morse and his wife Olive between 1858 and 1860, the Maine natives used the magnificent house as an escape from oppressive summers in their adopted home of New Orleans . Yet, no expense was spared or luxury excluded. One of the top designers of the day, Gustave Herter, created handsome cabinetry and voluptuous interiors. Victoria Mansion has the only surviving examples of Herter’s work.

Also, almost all of the original trompe l’oeil murals painted by the Italian-born artist Giuseppe Guidicini have survived. The house is a trove of treasures, beautifully cherished.

The Old Manse - Concord, Massachusetts

If any town in New England deserves mention twice for its historic homes, it is Concord, birthplace of two revolutions: firstly, the American Revolution on April 19, 1775, and then in the early 1800s, a revolution in thinking, Transcendentalism, a movement headed by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The Old Manse belonged to Waldo’s grandfather, Reverend William Emerson, and the family had front row seats to the Battle of Concord by the Old North Bridge, visible through the windows. Emerson eulogized the April 19th battle in his "Concord Hymn," writing about the "shot heard round the world."

He wrote his acclaimed book "Nature" (1836) here, stating “To lose sight of nature is to lose sight of God.” One later tenant, author Nathaniel Hawthorne ("The Scarlett Letter"), describes the 1770 house in "Mosses from an Old Manse" (published in 1846). Not only did he write that book here, but Hawthorne and his wife Sophia etched messages on a window pane that are still visible today.

About Linda Laban

Linda Laban travels the highways and byways of New England.

Read more about Linda Laban here.

Connect with Linda via: Instagram | Twitter

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Tour a Classic New England Colonial With Major Style

Go behind the scenes at this traditional New England Colonial-style family home renovated with a modern twist.

Generations of Design

Erin Gates is the name and creative mind behind Erin Gates Design . The Massachusetts-based designer hails from Connecticut where she grew up in a design family. Today, she puts her pedigree to good use both as a designer of luxury interiors and the author of two books. She shares her three-bedroom, Colonial home in Newton, Massachusetts, with her husband, Andrew, son, Henry and the two family dogs.

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An All-Around Update

Six years ago, when Erin and her husband purchased their home, they did so directly from the daughter of the original owner. Built in the 1940s, the center-entrance Colonial home still had all of its original features and decor, requiring a complete makeover, from top to bottom. "We did four separate renovations and additions, all with my father's architectural firm, which was fun to partner up on," she remembers.

Visionary Design

The last step of the renovation was turning an old porch into a family room. It took some work, but the end result is another of the designer's favorite spaces. "I adore the vaulted ceiling, the beams and the see-through fireplace. It came out exactly how I wanted it to." Filled with her signature style, it's easily one of the most comfortable rooms in the home. "I feel like it has personality without being eccentric or quirky, and elegant without feeling stiff and formal," Erin muses about her home. "I love that it feels polished but comfortable and says a lot about who we are as a family."

Expansion Experts

As the home took shape through multiple renovations, Erin and Andrew reserved the later phases for expanding the home further, taking on external projects like widening the driveway and adding a stone retaining wall. The basement was one of the family's last renovations. It was converted specifically with Henry in mind, and it has the color palette to prove it. As in his bedroom, reds, blues and whites intertwine throughout the space. With an easel for art and fun art on the wall it's the perfect play space for expanding little minds.

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What My Family Learned on a Literary Road Trip Through New England

On a pilgrimage to the homes of Alcott, Twain, Melville, Stowe, and Dickinson, we realized the great writers of 19th-century America offer a window on our present, and our past.

Shortly after I met my wife, she told me she hoped to one day visit Emily Dickinson's house in New England . She was working at a publishing house in Paris's 14th Arrondissement, across the street from Montparnasse Cemetery, where some of France's most important writers—Baudelaire, Duras, Sartre, and Beauvoir, among others—are buried. As my wife explained to me, it's a common article of faith in France that you can know a country through its authors .

By the time we began to plan our trip to Dickinson's home, we had been married for 11 years and had two sons, ages 9 and 10. After five years in Paris and six in New York City, we had recently moved to the Hudson Valley, and had expanded our range of writers to form a loop that swept east to Hartford, Connecticut; northeast to Concord, Massachusetts; and, ultimately, back west, to the towns in the Berkshire Mountains. It was the only family trip we would take that summer; the pandemic had rendered most of the country off-limits, and our afternoons and evenings had become devoted to reading about and watching the protests against racism and police brutality flaring up across the country.

Before leaving, my wife and I tried to prepare our sons. We painted quotes from Dickinson's poems on our pandemic rock garden. We downloaded an audiobook of Moby-Dick, returned to our favorite Edith Wharton novels, and watched Greta Gerwig's 2019 version of Little Women. The night before our departure, our oldest son told us that he had reservations about visiting old homes no one lived in. My wife explained that the tour was a way to understand what was happening to the country now.

"But the writers are all dead," my son observed.

"Yes, but we still read their books."

"So… Are the houses haunted?"

It was too good an opportunity to pass up. "Yes," we told him. "The houses are definitely haunted."

On the morning we left to visit Mark Twain's and Harriet Beecher Stowe's homes in Hartford, Connecticut, we watched an episode of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, a Japanese anime series from 1980 dubbed into French and English that my wife and I both remembered from our childhoods. We'd been watching the show only a few minutes before we realized that the complicated issues of race raised by Twain's work had become not only simplified, but also more racist in the animated version. We turned off the computer. When our youngest son asked why, I said something about history being complicated and messy.

The night before our departure, our oldest son told us that he had reservations about visiting old homes no one lived in. My wife explained that the tour was a way to understand what was happening to the country now.

Some of the conflict in how we approach the past was on display at the Stowe and Twain homes. For years, two of America's most famous writers lived within shouting distance of each other in what was then a bucolic, wealthy enclave. Compared to Twain's sprawling mansion, which sits on one side of an open lawn, Stowe's cottage-style home, on the other side, comes off as almost self-consciously discreet.

As soon as we entered, my sons were surprised to find familiar faces hanging on the wall—President Obama, James Baldwin , Frederick Douglass, Laura Bush—along with quotes from each that praised or criticized the legacy of Uncle Tom's Cabin, Stowe's most famous novel. It's a uniquely nondogmatic approach designed to invite debate and discussion—something Briann Greenfield, the executive director of the Stowe Center, told us was essential to the work of the foundation, which is determined to use Stowe's work to engage with the moment we live in.

Even from the outside, Stowe's house felt familiar. Walking through the parlor and dining room, which are largely decorated with furniture that belonged to the writer, my oldest son insisted we had been there before. I wanted to whisper to my wife that we had seen these rooms, with their lace curtains and decorative wallpaper, in a Whistler painting or while rummaging through a small-town antiques store. That familiarity made it easy to assume we knew the lives that had been lived inside of them—the bowed heads at the dinner table, followed by piano in the parlor.

While some version of that might be accurate, it's equally true that the stolid ordinariness of the Stowes' lifestyle belied their radical politics. Harriet was the seventh of 13 children in a family of prominent ministers who did more than just preach fire and brimstone. Her father, Lyman Beecher, and brother Henry Ward Beecher were prominent abolitionists. Stowe would outdo them all with the publication of Uncle Tom's Cabin in 1852.

In one seemingly perfect midsize town lived Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott, four writers occupying the same cultural landscape and often the same salon or dinner table.

On the upper floor is the bedroom where Stowe worked, along with a gallery of the numerous translations and adaptations of Uncle Tom's Cabin that appeared around the world, most without her permission. Horrified but not surprised by the ways the novel had been adapted to reflect as many racist tropes as possible, I was reminded that Stowe's legacy was far from settled.

Related : 12 Brilliantly Literary Hotels for Book Lovers

In the modern glass-and-brick Twain museum adjacent to his house, it became obvious that Twain, unlike Stowe, had become a brand. Etched into the walls were some of the pithy one-liners he was famous for, which my children read out loud. "Always obey your parents, when they are present" was a particular favorite.

Twain famously lost most of his money, and as we followed our guide out of the museum and into the house, we got a clearer sense of just how much effort that must have taken. Twain's 25-room mansion is a marvel of American Gothic—an almost comically elaborate marriage of styles that seems intended to overwhelm visitors with its scale and detail.

Twain was a frequent but often reluctant host, and as we entered the house, our guide noted that if we were visiting in 1881, "George would have had us wait downstairs." At some point, according to our guide, George would have returned to tell us, "I'm sorry, but Mr. Clemens has just stepped out." Our youngest son asked me, "Who is George, and why does he say 'Mr. Clemens'?"

I did my best to explain that Samuel Langhorne Clemens was Mark Twain's real name and that George Griffin, a formerly enslaved Black man, had been the butler of the house, and perhaps the inspiration for the character of Jim, the escaped slave in Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.

More trip ideas :Take a Road Trip Visiting Your Favorite Childhood Literary Characters

"Is that why he keeps mentioning him?" my son asked. "Or are you going to say it's more complicated than that."

"Yes. And it's more complicated than that."

Unsurprisingly, Twain's house has been immaculately preserved with original objects from the Clemens family. There is the painting named for Emmeline Grangerford, a character from Huckleberry Finn, hanging above the fireplace, and the Clemenses' carved wood "angel bed," made famous when Twain conducted a newspaper interview in it. There is also the recently restored bedroom where Griffin occasionally slept when it was too late for him to return to his own home in Hartford. That room, like Griffin's elusive presence throughout the tour, is the last and perhaps most poignant reminder that Twain endures in no small part because his novels, like Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin, continue to elicit as much admiration as rage for their depictions of Black lives.

When we reached Griffin's room at the end of the tour, our guide pointed out that there are no pictures of him, and that everything we know about him came from Twain or his family. Out on the lawn, my youngest son asked, even though I suspected he knew the answer, how that was possible in a house where so much had been preserved.

In 1885, the Concord Library became one of the first in America to ban the recently published Adventures of Huckleberry Finn —an act of cultural sedition impossible to imagine today, given Concord's reverence for its literary history. In one seemingly perfect midsize town, close enough to Boston to be a suburb but with too distinguished a history to feel like one, lived Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Louisa May Alcott, four writers occupying the same cultural landscape and often the same salon or dinner table.

Before checking in to Concord's Colonial Inn , we stopped at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where the four rest along a ridge overlooking a valley dotted with graves. From there, we made a brief stop at the Old North Bridge, where the first shots of the Revolutionary War were fired. I explained that the next morning we were going to visit Orchard House , the Alcotts' family home.

"Will we see ghosts?" they asked.

"We'll do our best," I promised.

Unfortunately for my children, nothing about Orchard House suggested ghosts.

"This isn't spooky at all," was how my oldest son put it, and he was right. The two-story wooden manor, set back slightly from the road, looked like the quintessential country home. As we walked through, Jan Turnquist, the executive director, frequently asked us to imagine Louisa May and her sisters performing plays in the living room, running through the garden, or writing and painting upstairs. It was easy to picture, given the careful preservation of the original objects the Alcotts lived with, including the desk where Louisa May wrote.

"You see," my wife told our sons. "The house is better than haunted. It's so alive you don't want to leave."

For anyone who has read Alcott, walking through her home is as much an act of memory as imagination, as if it were the embodiment of Margaret's declaration in Little Women, "I know, by experience, how much genuine happiness can be had in a plain little house." That sentiment lived on in the pillow Louisa May used to signal her moods, in May's paintings hanging on the walls, and in the open chest of dolls and toys in one of the bedrooms upstairs that my sons unexpectedly asked if they could play with.

"You see," my wife told our sons, who had never, as far as we knew, asked to play with dolls. "The house is better than haunted. It's so alive you don't want to leave."

Related : The Extraordinary Life of Jan Morris, Travel Writer and Pioneering Trans Person

By the time we left Concord, we had given up hunting for ghosts, in no small part because my children had begun to suspect that there was something more interesting about a house that felt alive. When we arrived at Wyndhurst Manor & Club , in the town of Lenox, they were more concerned as to whether or not the resort, which resembled a medieval Scottish castle, had room service and a pool. The hotel had originally been built as a private residence—one of dozens of ornate summer "cottages" that had sprung up around the Berkshire Mountains at the turn of the century. It was the kind of home where Edith Wharton, whose estate, the Mount, was only two miles away, would have passed a summer afternoon visiting before returning to her own "cottage" to write.

When we arrived at the Mount the next morning, our children ran off to hunt for snakes along the edges of the garden. Wharton lived there for 10 years, trapped in a loveless marriage. While there aren't many objects belonging to Wharton still in the house, there is the beautifully preserved library, which contains her vast collection of books, and perhaps above all, there is the house itself, which Wharton played an instrumental role in designing. Its relentless symmetry, secret doors, and fake windows, along with grounds inspired by French and Italian gardens, transformed it into something more than just another stately country mansion.

The Mount is as much Wharton as The Age of Innocence or The House of Mirth, her two most famous novels. Like a novel, it was constructed by a singular artistic vision laboring to make something grand and sublime.

I asked my sons if they could see the whale yet. This time they barely bothered to respond. There. Is. No. Whale.

While our children explored, my wife and I sat on a bench adjacent to an alley of trees that reminded us of Luxembourg Gardens in Paris, which Wharton, who moved permanently to France in 1911, had also loved. Given her dismal marriage and the critiques of wealth and privilege that run through her novels, we debated, briefly, how hard it must have been to leave that vast house. My wife reminded me of a quote from The Age of Innocence that she had written in her journal after reading the novel: "It seems stupid to have discovered America only to make it into a copy of another country."

Related : Jamaica's Rich Literary Legacy Is Finally Getting the Global Recognition It Deserves

The next morning, as we made our way to Arrowhead , the house where Herman Melville lived in the town of Pittsfield, I told my kids that if they looked closely at the mountains on the horizon, they might be able to see the whale that inspired the novel.

"There are no whales in the mountains," my oldest son said.

"And what about ghosts?" I asked.

"And there's no such thing as ghosts," they said in unison.

"You're both wrong," I said.

Coming from Wharton's Mount, there was something charmingly ordinary about Arrowhead, a large farmhouse near the edge of a busy road. The surrounding fields, adorned with towering pine trees, have an uninterrupted view of the Berkshire Mountains. Before entering the home, we spent a few minutes taking in the view on the porch that Melville dramatically referred to as the piazza. I asked my sons if they could see the whale yet. This time they barely bothered to respond. There. Is. No. Whale.

While my wife lingered over the striking details of the ground floor—the fireplace inscribed with a quote from a Melville story, a pitcher imprinted with leaves nearly identical to one at the Stowe house—my children and I made our way to Melville's study, which holds a replica of Melville's desk.

Our guide handed them the tip of a harpoon and then pointed out the window to Mount Greylock off in the distance. He asked them to look closely, promising that if they did, they would see what Melville saw roughly 170 years ago, when he sat at the desk and wrote that "there floated into my inmost soul, endless processions of the whale, and, mid most of them all, one grand hooded phantom, like a snow hill in the air."

It was hard to imagine a writer whose life was more apt for the moment of isolation and social distancing than Dickinson, who famously spent the bulk of her adult years sequestered in her room.

If they were disappointed at not seeing an actual whale, they kept it to themselves. I'd like to think it was because they were as invested as we were in the story of Melville's life. It was in that room that Melville had written Moby-Dick, Pierre, Benito Cereno, "Bartleby, the Scrivener," and, of course, "The Piazza." Unlike Alcott and Wharton, Melville and his genius went unrecognized in his lifetime, and standing in his office admiring the same view that had inspired him seemed like a small way to amend that.

It would be a few more days, and a brief trip back home to deposit our children, before we could get to Dickinson's house —one of the hundred minor pandemic delays we had grown accustomed to. It was hard to imagine a writer whose life was more apt for the moment of isolation and social distancing than Dickinson, who famously spent the bulk of her adult years sequestered in her room on the second floor of her family's elegant hilltop home in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Of all the homes we visited, Dickinson's was closest to our hearts. In Concord, Jan Turnquist had described how visitors show up at the Alcott house even when it is closed, just to be near it and commune with the writer whose work had shaped their lives. Dickinson's home is sparsely furnished—a piano, a comically bad family portrait. But as Jane Wald, the executive director, noted, most visitors come to see one thing: Dickinson's bedroom.

There is famously only one authenticated photograph of the poet, at 16, which means that seeing the artifacts in that room is one of the few ways, other than reading her poems, that we can tether her to our world.

My wife and I spent more than an hour staring at her rocking chair, taking in the angle of light that fell across the floor, and reading through a replica of Dickinson's manuscript pages. Her poems felt more enigmatic and somehow more tender when read in her handwriting while standing at her bedroom window. I searched for my favorite poem of hers,

For each ecstatic instant

We must an anguish pay…

But I knew better than to get hung up trying to find it. Part of why my wife and I loved Dickinson, especially in a year punctuated with so much loss, was her embrace of everything ephemeral.

When we finally left the bedroom, we noticed that all along there had been a white dress standing upright at the top of the stairs, just outside Dickinson's door. The dress, a replica of the gowns Dickinson wore in her later years, seemed to float or sway just slightly as we stood in front of it.

"Look," my wife said. "There's the ghost we've been searching for."

Touring Literary New England

Hartford, connecticut.

Harriet Beecher Stowe Center : The writer's longtime residence is the ideal place to consider her complicated legacy. The center's engagement with issues of race and justice ensures the house is more than just a testament to the past.

Mark Twain House & Museum : This stunning neo-Gothic Lenox mansion, where Twain lived for 17 years, offers an intimate glimpse into his personal and public life. An adjacent museum gives visitors the opportunity to explore Twain's writings.

Delamar West Hartford : A short drive from theTwain and Stowe houses, this hotel, which opened in 2017, has 114 spare but tasteful rooms. Doubles from $269.

Concord, Massachusetts

Orchard House : Of all the homes in which the Alcott family lived, Orchard House is where Louisa May and her sisters' vibrant spirit is most acutely felt. The writer drew on it for the setting of Little Women.

Concord's Colonial Inn : This is an ideal Concord retreat, a colonial mansion steps away from the center of town with a wonderful pub and restaurant. Doubles from $209.

Barrow Bookstore : A book lover's dream, with an excellent selection of titles from Concord's golden age, including many rare and first editions.

The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Arrowhead : This literary treasure, hidden in the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains in the town of Pittsfield, is where Melville wrote his greatest works.

The Mount : Edith Wharton's gloriousGilded Age estate in Lenox is as elegant as they come, with Wharton's original library and a pair of European-inspired gardens to stroll through.

W yndhurst Manor & Club : Located in the town of Lenox, this family-friendly hotel occupies a beautifully restored Gothic mansion and is well situated for exploring the region. Doubles from $389.

Amherst, Massachusetts

Emily Dickinson Museum : The poet's residence is home to arguably the single most important room in American literature: the bedroom where Dickinson wrote nearly all of her poems. The house is closed until March 2022, but is hosting a range of virtual events in 2021.

Inn on Boltwood : This 49-room hotel, just a few paces from Amherst College and Dickinson's home, combines classic New England charm with up-to-date amenities. Doubles from $229.

Osteria Vespa : Tucked away in a quiet corner of town, this restaurant features traditional Italian dishes like eggplant parmesan. Entrées $18–$31.

A version of this story first appeared in the August 2021 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline New England By the Book.

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I was a little nervous before the start of the trip because there were some complications trying to confirm the trip. It was partially my fault because I did book the trip relatively last minute, but I do believe there was some miscommunication on both ends that could have been avoided from the very beginning. The biggest problem was the method of communication. I did not understand that in order for the information to be relayed correctly, you had to message through the communication portal on touradar's website. That was not explicitly made clear, and it took several days and conversations with multiple people to finally realize that. Once that was made clear, everything ran much more smoothly, but I definitely think for the customer's sake especially new customer, someone needs to be very clear in explaining that and confirm with the customer by having them relay it back to them. Thankfully, once everything was booked and confirmed, the trip ran wonderfully! I had such a blast. My tour guide was amazing and the group I was with were incredible. I am definitely looking forward to booking another trip in the future.

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New England Summer & Fall 8 Day Tour from USD $1695 #1 In Value

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• The Best Small Towns In New England For A Weekend Retreat

New England is a region in the northeastern United States comprising six states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. It is known for its historical significance, being one of the earliest English settlements in North America, and has a diverse landscape that includes coastal areas, forests, and mountains. New England is home to small towns that are ideal for a weekend retreat due to their historical sites and natural beauty. In these nine small towns in New England, visitors can explore colonial architecture and museums and take part in outdoor activities like hiking and coastal walks.

Camden, Maine

Camden, Maine , is a coastal town on Penobscot Bay that was established in 1791. Camden has a maritime history and was once a bustling shipbuilding center. The town's geography features rolling hills and harbors. Camden's setting and historic architecture make it a popular destination for visitors. For a weekend getaway, stay at Camden Harbour Inn, which provides elegant accommodations and views of Camden Harbor.

During your visit, hike to the summit of Mount Battie in Camden Hills State Park. The summit has panoramic views of Camden Harbor and Penobscot Bay. Visit Curtis Island Light, a picturesque lighthouse located on Curtis Island at the entrance to Camden Harbor. Accessible by boat, this historic lighthouse is a symbol of Camden's maritime heritage. Explore the gardens and nature trails of Merryspring Nature Center, a 66-acre park with a variety of themed gardens and educational programs. The center is a setting for walking, birdwatching, and learning about local flora and fauna.

Hanover, New Hampshire

Hanover, New Hampshire, is a tow along the Connecticut River in the Upper Valley region. Hanover is home to Dartmouth College, an Ivy League institution established in 1769. The town's history is closely tied to the college, which has influenced its cultural and economic development. The Connecticut River is a backdrop, and the surrounding landscape features hills and forests. When visiting Hanover, book a stay at Hanover Inn Dartmouth, a historic hotel on the Dartmouth College campus with comfortable rooms and fine dining.

The historic campus of Dartmouth College is where you can admire the architecture, including the iconic Baker-Berry Library, and visit the Hood Museum of Art, which houses a collection of art and artifacts. At the Montshire Museum of Science, discover interactive exhibits on topics ranging from ecology to physical sciences and enjoy the outdoor nature trails that have views of the Connecticut River. For outdoor recreation, head to Storrs Pond Recreation Area, where you can swim in the pond, hike on the trails, and have a picnic in the designated areas.

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont , is a town located in Lamoille County in the Green Mountains. Stowe has a history as a farming community and later evolved into a destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is renowned for its natural landscape, featuring Vermont's highest peak, Mount Mansfield, and the Smugglers' Notch. These geographical markers make Stowe a location for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities throughout the year. If you're planning a weekend in Stowe, choose The Lodge at Spruce Peak, a luxury resort providing accommodations and mountain views.

Hike or take the gondola to the summit of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, where you can experience views of the surrounding landscape. Explore Smugglers' Notch State Park, a mountain pass with hiking trails that look at the region's geology and history, as well as drives that showcase the area's nature. For a more leisurely activity, bike or walk along the Stowe Recreation Path, a 5.3-mile path that winds through meadows and forests.

Rockport, Massachusetts

Rockport, Massachusetts , is a coastal town on Cape Ann in Essex County. Settled in 1690, Rockport has a history tied to fishing, granite quarrying, and the arts. The town's geography includes a rugged coastline with rocky shores and harbors—a popular destination for artists and tourists. The granite quarries, once a significant industry, now are spots for hiking and exploration. For your visit to Rockport, consider staying at Emerson Inn, a historic oceanfront inn with gardens and Atlantic views.

Hike along the rocky coastline at Halibut Point State Park, where you can enjoy views of the Atlantic Ocean and explore the remnants of the historic granite quarry. Visit Motif No. 1, an iconic fishing shack and symbol of Rockport's artistic heritage, often cited as the most painted building in America. Then, check out Bearskin Neck, a peninsula with historic buildings, shops, galleries, and coastal views.

Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic, Connecticut , is a historic town along the Mystic River in New London County. Mystic was an important seaport and shipbuilding center during the 19th century. The town's maritime heritage is preserved in its historic architecture and maritime museum. Mystic's geography combines a blend of coastal landscapes, including rivers, woodlands, and wetlands. For a weekend in Mystic, opt for The Whaler's Inn, a boutique hotel located in the heart of downtown Mystic, close to shops, restaurants, and historic sites.

Check out the Mystic Seaport Museum, the largest maritime museum in the United States, which has historic ships, a recreated 19th-century seafaring village, and interactive exhibits. At Mystic Aquarium, you can see beluga whales , sea lions, and various touch tanks, which offer hands-on experiences with marine creatures. Hike through the woodlands and wetlands at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, which offers trails and educational programs focused on local wildlife and conservation efforts.

Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island , is a coastal town known for its sailing history, mansions, and maritime heritage. Founded in 1639, Newport became a prominent port city during the Colonial era and later a summer retreat for America's wealthiest families during the Gilded Age. The city's landscapes include rocky coastlines, sandy beaches, and picturesque harbors, making it a popular destination for visitors. If you're heading to Newport, The Chanler at Cliff Walk is a must; this luxurious and historic mansion hotel has historic rooms and ocean views along Newport's Cliff Walk.

The Breakers is the grandest of Newport's Gilded Age mansions, built by the Vanderbilt family. Visitors can tour the opulent rooms and grounds, which showcase the lavish lifestyle of the American elite during the late 19th century. Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge has coastal habitats perfect for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying ocean views. Fort Adams State Park has a historic military fort with guided tours, along with recreational areas that provide views of Newport Harbor and opportunities for picnicking and sailing.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor, Maine , is a coastal town on Mount Desert Island along Frenchman Bay. Bar Harbor became a summer destination for the wealthy in the 19th century. The town has rocky coastlines, dense forests, and clear waters. Its maritime history and connection to nature draw visitors year-round. During your stay in Bar Harbor, Bar Harbor Inn and Spa is an excellent choice: a waterfront hotel with comfortable accommodations, a full-service spa, and views of Frenchman Bay.

Acadia National Park spans over 47,000 acres and includes diverse landscapes such as rocky shorelines, dense woodlands, and serene lakes. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs, and drive along the scenic Park Loop Road, which offers views of the Atlantic coastline and inland forests. Cadillac Mountain, standing at 1,530 feet, is the highest point on the East Coast. It provides a vantage point for watching the sunrise, especially from its summit, accessible by car or on foot. Jordan Pond, known for its clear waters and surrounding mountains, has a picturesque hiking trail around its perimeter and views of the distinctive North and South Bubble mountains.

Sugar Hill, New Hampshire

Sugar Hill, New Hampshire, is a small town in the White Mountains region of Grafton County. Established in the 19th century, Sugar Hill became known for its nature and agricultural heritage. The town has sweeping views of the White Mountains. To enjoy Sugar Hill, reserve a room at Sugar Hill Inn, which has a romantic bed and breakfast offering cozy rooms, gourmet dining, and mountain views.

Harman's Cheese & Country Store is a historic store famous for its cheddar cheese. Visitors can sample and purchase cheeses, jams, and other New England specialties while experiencing a traditional country store. The Sugar Hill Historical Museum has a collection of exhibits and artifacts that highlight the town's history, including its farming heritage, the impact of the railroad, and notable residents. The museum also includes a restored carriage barn and an old-fashioned garden. Polly's Pancake Parlor is a historic eatery established in 1938, where visitors can enjoy a meal of freshly made pancakes using local ingredients.

Woodstock, Vermont

Woodstock, Vermont , is a historic town in Windsor County, founded in 1761. It became a prominent center for sheep farming in the 19th century, leading to significant economic growth and the establishment of elegant homes and public buildings. The town is characterized by its well-preserved architecture, covered bridges, and scenic landscapes, including the Ottauquechee River that runs through it. For a weekend in Woodstock, stay at Woodstock Inn & Resort, a historic resort with luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and a range of outdoor activities.

Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park has a historic mansion, maintained gardens, and extensive trails that wind through the forested landscape. Sugarbush Farm allows visitors to tour the farm, sample a variety of maple syrup and cheeses, and take in views of the Vermont countryside. Quechee Gorge, known as Vermont's deepest gorge, has hiking trails that provide views of the gorge and the Ottauquechee River below, a popular spot for nature enthusiasts.

New England's small towns offer an idyllic retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life for a weekend getaway. Towns like Camden, with its maritime heritage and scenic hiking opportunities, and Stowe, renowned for its outdoor adventures in the Green Mountains, epitomize the region's appeal. Each town, from the coastal charm of Rockport to the historic allure of Mystic, showcases aspects of New England's history and natural beauty. These nine towns are not only gateways to exploring picturesque landscapes but also hubs of cultural and historical significance that provide visitors with a deeper appreciation of the region.

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New England Home Tourz Offers Real Estate Marketing Products to Real Estate Professionals

Real estate marketing products offered by fall on ray media.

Drone images offer unique and stunning aerial views of homes and properties. Drone photography is included with all of our photo packages unless weather or safety concerns arise while on location.

We provide a 2 – 6 minute video walkthrough of the property with your Real Estate Agency’s Logo as well as the listing agent’s photo and contact information. The video is set to licensed music and covers the entire interior of the home and surrounding landscape. The video will not contain any logo or branding from Fall On Ray Media anywhere in the video. This is your marketing piece, not ours. We will provide a video link for you to share and post on your social media sites. As an added bonus, we will up load the branded video through our Zillow account for an added Zillow listing boost!

The MLS compliant walkthrough video tour is the same as the branded video walkthrough tour–we just remove the agent and agency branding from the beginning and end of the video. The video will be hosted on Fall On Ray Media’s dedicated video platform to guarantee compliance with the MLS guidelines. Once completed, a video link will be available to add into the MLS system.

Fall On Ray Media uses 360° degree cameras to capture the interior and exterior of the home for potential buyers to take themselves on a self-guided 360° vitual tour of the home. When added to the marketing package, Fall On Ray Media will provide a separately hosted tour and a Zillow hosted tour for the property. The hosted tour can be shared on social media sites, websites, the MLS, and through text and email messages. The Zillow 3D tour, uploaded through our Zillow Certified account, provides a 7 day boost to the listing-in it’s home’s town. Zillow claims a listing with a video and a 3D virtual tour will add up to 3 times as many views and saves. 

Floor plans help home buyers understand the layout, flow and size of a home. Our floor plans offer the interior dimensions of every room in the home. Once sent out for editing, the floor plans typically come back within one business day.

(Click on the floor plan for a larger view.)

When necessary we will replace the sky in the exterior images, add fire in a fireplace, add a picture of the exterior of the house to the TV screens, and perform basic object removals from images. This is offered at not additional charge, but may require additional editing time.

Dedicated Property Webpages

Dedicated property webpages are hosted here on NewEnglandHomeTourz.com. Our dedicated property webpages make sharing your marketing efforts easy by having everything on one link and provide a major benefit in Google rankings for the property, your agency, and your agent.

Narrated video set with background music is also an option. I offer two types of narration, one by myself and one by “Radio Bob” Sherman. Narrated walkthrough video tours are much more detailed video presentation as we are able to highlight details of the home, location, and other amenities for the property.

We also host your Branded Video Walkthrough tour on our YouTube Channel and link back to your website. Just like the dedicated website page aids in your Google ranking, the YouTube link boosts your agency page as well. 

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May – June 2024

A Suburban Estate with French Influence

A couple and their design team breathe new life into a storied estate.

New life for a Shingle-Style Home

It took a special couple to recognize a classic Shingle-style home’s past charm and awaken its bright future.

Tour a Charming Coastal Guest Cottage

A seaside cottage is updated to welcome family and friends in summer and beyond.

A Cambridge Colonial is Reimagined as a Contemporary Home

A 1929 brick colonial in Cambridge is reimagined for the present day

Stylish Family Living in Boston’s Back Bay

With a nudge from their designers, a couple who appreciates traditional style branches out in the Back Bay.

Patrick Ahearn Designs a Contemporary Home on Martha’s Vineyard

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Stroll Through a Nantucket Garden

Hydrangeas, moon gates, and hidden pathways abound at this Nantucket vacation home.

Designer Jill Litner Kaplan at Home

Jill Litner Kaplan brings her longtime loves—including Paris, art, and fashion—home to roost.

Visit a Summer Cottage by the Sea

A beloved coastal cottage receives a gentle but thorough reinvention to accommodate a family of seven.

Cindy Rinfret’s Room at The Kips Bay Decorator Show House

Editor at Large Clinton Smith chats with a Greenwich-based design firm that recently took the tropics by storm.

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See inside historic and elaborate North Jersey homes at these house tour events in May

Have you ever wondered what the inside of some of North Jersey's most historic and elaborate homes look like? Now is your chance to find out.

In May, there are home tours being held in both Morristown and Short Hills, where visitors are invited to explore a curated list of the areas most notable properties. And, even better, all of the money collected from ticket purchases go towards funding vital programs and services in their respective communities.

So, if you're looking for something to do this month while also supporting local initiatives, here are two home tour events taking place in North Jersey:

Historic District House Tour, Morristown - May 19th

The Macculloch Hall Historical Museum will be hosting its bi-annual Historic District House Tour in Morristown on May 19th. This tour, which has taken place for over ten years, is a fundraiser to support the programs and events held by the museum, which is at the center of the town's historic district.

"Macculloch Hall is considered an anchor of the historic district," said Tricia Pongracz, executive director of Macculloch Hall. "So, you've got this gem of a museum that supports the community, and that the community is able to support through this house tour."

The property of Macculloch Hall dates back to the 18th century, and George and Louisa Macculloch built their house there in 1810, Pongracz. A descendant of the Maccullochs lived in the home until the 1940s before it was chartered as a Morristown community museum in 1950.

In addition to Macculloch Hall, tour visitors will be able to explore the Kellogg Club, another historic mansion, as well as six private homes within Morristown's historic district. The self-guided tour begins at Macculloch Hall, where visitors can pick up their tour guidebook for more information on each of the properties.

Pongracz said this year's featured home was used as the set of Meryl Streep's film, "One True Thing." The Queen Anne-style Victorian home was first built in 1886 and is located just one block from the Macculloch Hall Historical Museum.

"What's great about the line up of homes this year is that we have homes that have recently been restored and conserved, or changed on the inside. So, what you're going to be able to see is the breadth and depth of how historic architecture is valued and reinterpreted in a 21st century context," Pongracz said. "Everyone who has moved in is a steward and they know that they're stewarding these historic homes in this historic neighborhood with the hope that these houses and this neighborhood are going to be here in 100 years."

The tour features preserved homes that were originally built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but there is also a home on the tour that was built in the 21st century. While the home is newer than the other properties, Pongracz said it was built in a way that blends into and celebrates the architectural history of the neighborhood.

Pongracz said the event was made possible through help from local businesses and sponsors, including main event sponsors Millea Bros Auctions + Appraisals and Simon Quick Advisors.

"It's our board really working hard to continue to make Macculloch Hall relevant not only to the broader community but within this little architectural environment as well," she said. "The board has a deep commitment to the museum because they value it and they just want this architectural history to survive."

Info: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 19. Limited parking is available along Macculloch Avenue for two hours, and tickets are $60 — a non-refundable donation to the Macculloch Hall Historical Museum — which can be purchased at their website .

Go: 45 Macculloch Ave., Morristown; 973-539-2404,  maccullochhall.org/house-tour .

H.O.M.E. Tour of Short Hills - May 31st

On May 31st, The Warehouse NJ — a non-profit that collects and redistributes used furniture for people coming out of tragedy — will be hosting their 2nd annual H.O.M.E. Tour of Short Hills as a fundraiser for their organization.

Margaret Santana, secretary for The Warehouse NJ and the H.O.M.E. event chair, said they previously funded their work solely through their annual paddle fundraiser. But, as the organization approaches its five-year anniversary, she said they started the H.O.M.E. — Helping Others Move Equitably — tour last year to raise more money so they could serve additional clients.

"We're running around and picking up all this beautiful furniture from beautiful homes and giving them a second life," she said. "So, when we thought of what we wanted to do for our next fundraiser, the idea of a home tour came to mind because one of the things that really strikes us whenever we do a move is that when we take that empty space and we give them a sofa, a bed, a table to eat at, it actually takes that space and makes it a home."

Like last year, the home tour will feature five carefully curated homes throughout Short Hills that have a unique story to tell, Santana said, whether it be a piece of its history, a particular renovation or any meaningful memories that have made it a home. She said that in addition to finding homes from different eras and with varying architectural styles, they included both extravagant "wow" houses and properties that are more relatable to the average person.

Santana said that because tickets sold out within a week or two of the event being announced last year, they made sure to increase the number of tickets available for this year's tour. To maintain the flow of the tour and ensure guests are respectful of the homes, especially given the increase in tickets, she said there will be volunteer docents staged in each home throughout the tour, just like last year.

"We'll basically have people stationed throughout every home. For the homeowners privacy, we also don't reveal the homes until the morning of or the day before for VIP ticket holders," she said. "At every home there is a check in so we can make sure that there are only ticket holders entering the homes. We have it very managed to ensure the privacy of the homeowners."

New this year is an online auction with designer items and unique in-home experiences and services. Running from May 27 to May 31, Santana said that while the items in the auction will be on display during the tour, bidding is open to non-tour attendees as well. Plus, for VIP ticket holders, there will be a Preview Party the night before the H.O.M.E. Tour, where guests can enjoy cocktails at a bonus sixth home.

There are also a variety of high-end, home-related sponsors, including architects and designers, that have helped make the event possible, Santana said.

"It's more of an art than a science putting this together," she said. "We're really proud about the fact that a couple of the homeowners enjoyed being part of the tour so much last year that they're on our committee this year. It's helping a good cause."

Info: 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, May 31 for the H.O.M.E. Tour. Tickets are $75 for general admission and $125 for a VIP ticket — a non-refundable donation to The Warehouse NJ — which can be purchased online .

Go: Addresses of the featured homes will be kept private until the day of the tour, and will only be made available to ticket holders. A tour map and event details will be emailed to ticket holders in the morning on May 31.

Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for  NorthJersey.com  and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on  Instagram @maddiemcgay ,  on  X @maddiemcgayy , and sign up for her  North Jersey Living  newsletter.   Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at  MMcGay@gannett .

These Are The 14 Most Beautiful Places To Live In New England

• North Windham, Maine offers a quiet and picturesque place to live with lakes, nature parks, and a close-knit community. The cost of living is slightly higher than the national average.
• Merrimack, New Hampshire is a family-friendly town with parks, forests, and excellent amenities. The cost of living is slightly higher than the national average but lower than the state average.
• Cranston, Rhode Island is an excellent place to live with historic buildings, beautiful neighborhoods, and convenient modern conveniences. The cost of living is higher than the national average.

Nestled in the northeastern corner of the United States, New England is a region renowned for its idyllic landscapes, rich history, and outdoor escapades. However, the many charming small towns in New England are particularly celebrated, especially among people looking to move and live somewhere more beautiful and peaceful. From the rugged coastline of Maine to the majestic mountains of Vermont, New England offers a tapestry of natural beauty and cultural treasures that make it a dream destination to call home.

It's time to uncover some of the most beautiful places in New England to live, where one can immerse themselves in picturesque surroundings, embrace a close-knit community, and experience the breathtaking landscape of this beautiful region. So, get ready to be captivated by the allure of New England's finest gems.

UPDATE: 2023/11/29 21:39 EST BY REENA JAIN

More Beautiful Places To Live In New England

Living in New England offers a wide range of alternatives, from big cities to historic towns and coastal villages to beautiful neighborhoods. So, for those thinking about relocating to this area, we've added four more of the best places to live in New England to this list.

Related: Quaint & Scenic: 10 Most Charming Towns In New England

North Windham, Maine

Small-town atmosphere, lakes, nature parks, and great amenities for residents.

For those looking for a quiet place to move, North Windham, Maine, is certainly the best place to live in New England. Sebago Lake, several lovely nature parks, a strong sense of community, a small-town atmosphere, and a variety of outdoor activities make this hamlet the perfect place for anyone who prefers quiet settings to big cities.

Surrounded by incredible landscapes, it offers outdoor activities, including boating and hiking. The proximity to Portland provides urban advantages while still retaining a peaceful, scenic lifestyle. The cost of living in North Windham, Maine, is 12.5 percent greater than the national average , and the monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,780, which is 24.5 percent more than the $1,430 national average.

• Facilities available in North Windham: Windham Public Schools, North Windham Union Church, Sebago Lake State Park, Windham Parks and Recreation Department, Windham Indoor Shooting Range, Windham Historical Society, Windham Country Club, Windham Public Library

Merrimack, New Hampshire

Parks, forests, quaint neighborhoods, and excellent family amenities.

Situated along the Merrimack River, Merrimack, New Hampshire, is a lovely place in New England that offers picturesque scenery, parks, forests, and quaint neighborhoods. The town is a family paradise since it places a high priority on education and offers top-notch educational facilities along with a variety of recreational activities.

Merrimack has an average cost of living of $2440 , which is 10.7% more than the national average and 4.6% less than the average for New Hampshire. In Merrimack, the monthly rental cost of a two-bedroom apartment is $2,120, which is 48.3% more than the $1,430 national average and 28.3% more than the $1,520 state average. So, ideally, this town is a great place to live for families.

• Facilities available in Merrimack: Merrimack School District facilities, Local parks for outdoor recreation, Medical facilities and clinics, Local stores and shopping centers, Dining options within the community, Access to local roads and highways.

Cranston, Rhode Island

Historic buildings, recreation, pretty neighborhoods, and modern conveniences.

Cranston, Rhode Island, is an excellent place to live in New England, considering that it offers beautiful neighborhoods, historic buildings, modern conveniences, and facilities for recreation, healthcare, and education. Being close to beautiful parks like Roger Williams Park provides leisure opportunities, unspoiled nature, and a variety of cultural events, plus local attractions and activities in Cranston provide much-needed fun and entertainment.

At $2250, the average cost of living in Cranston is 8.8% higher than the national average and 3.3 percent higher than that of Rhode Island. Additionally, renting a two-bedroom apartment in Cranston costs $1,580 per month, which is $10.5 percent more expensive than the $1,430 national average and 9.5 percent more expensive than the $1,430 state average.

• Facilities available in Cranston: Parks and Recreation Areas, Schools and Educational Institutions, Healthcare Facilities, Shopping Centers and Malls, Diverse Dining Options, Libraries, Cultural and Entertainment Venues, Public Transportation Services, Community Centers, Sports and Fitness Facilities

Bristol, Rhode Island

A close-knit port community with colonial homes and great bars and restaurants for social butterflies.

Bristol, Rhode Island, is a lovely city with lots of outdoor activity, a close-knit community, charming coastal architecture, and plenty of historic buildings. The abundance of eateries, coffee shops, and bars provides its residents with an excellent social life. The town's scenic port, tree-lined streets, and well-preserved colonial homes all contribute to its appealing appearance. Residents take pleasure in waterfront activities, picturesque coastline views, and a thriving sailing culture.

Bristol's average cost of living is $2234 , which is 5.5% less than the state of Rhode Island's average and 18.7% more than the national average. Additionally, a two-bedroom apartment in Bristol rents for $1,550 a month, which is 8.4% more expensive than the $1,430 national average and 7.7% more expensive than the $1,430 state average. Overall, Bristol is among the best places in Rhode Island to call home.

• Facilities available in Bristol: Colt State Park, Roger Williams University, Bristol Harbor, Parks, Mansions, Bristol Town Beach, Bristol Yacht Club, Downtown Bristol Shops and Restaurants, Community Center

Portsmouth, New Hampshire

One of the oldest towns in the us with green spaces, festivals, and river scenery.

Situated on the Piscataqua River, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, is a historic coastal city in Rockingham County, dating back to 1623, making it one of the oldest towns in the United States. There are also beautiful parks and green spaces throughout the city, which feature flower gardens, outdoor concerts, and festivals throughout the year.

The average cost of living for a family of four without rent in Paramount is $2617, which is 30% more than the national average, making it one of the most expensive places to live in the world. However, the rent cost may vary for the specific area, ranging anything between $2000 to $2600 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

• Facilities available in Portsmouth: Educational Institutes, Healthcare Facilities, Recreational Venues, Shopping Centers, and Dining Facilities

Portland, Maine

Historic old port district with cobblestone streets, 19th-century architecture, and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene.

Situated on the southern coast of Maine, Portland is a vibrant coastal city in Cumberland County . The heart of Portland is its historic Old Port district. This waterfront area is lined with cobblestone streets, restored 19th-century buildings, and a thriving arts and entertainment scene known for its unique shops, boutiques, galleries, and acclaimed restaurants serving fresh seafood.

The city is surrounded by the stunning Casco Bay, dotted with over 200 islands home to several picturesque lighthouses, and offers opportunities for boating, kayaking, and exploring picturesque coastal landscapes. The average cost of living for a 4-member family in the city is $2912 without rent which is almost 15% higher than the national average.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment may range from $1800 to $2000, depending upon the location of the property.

• Facilities available in Portland: Public Transportation, Bicycle and Pedestrian Infrastructure, Shopping and Dinning Facilities, Hospitals, and Clinics

Burlington, Vermont

A small-town-like city on lake champlain bursting with natural beauty, recreation, and the arts.

Burlington, Vermont, is a picturesque city in Chittenden County on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, known for its natural beauty, vibrant arts scene, and lively downtown, offering a unique blend of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and small-town charm.

The city's downtown area is anchored by the Church Street Marketplace, a vibrant pedestrian-only street filled with shops, restaurants, cafes, and street performers. The living expenditure in the city is about $2,593 for a family of four with additional charges of $1,500 to $2,000 for rent, making it 16% higher than the national average.

• Facilities available in Burlington: Higher Education Institutes, CCTA Public Bus Service, Airport, Healthcare Clinics and Facilities, and Recreational Spaces and Park

Related: Embrace The Bloom: 10 Of New England's Best Spring Destinations For Nature Lovers

Newport, Rhode Island

A historic coastal city with a scenic harbor, sailing culture, and gilded age mansions.

Newport, Rhode Island, is among the best places in New England to live; it's a historic coastal city in Newport County, home to scenic coastal landscapes and vibrant sailing culture. The city's picturesque harbor is a hub for sailing and boating enthusiasts allowing visitors to take harbor tours, charter sailboats, or simply stroll along the waterfront to enjoy the scenic views.

The downtown area of the city is known for its cobblestone streets, colonial buildings, and lively atmosphere. Also, Newport is renowned for its collection of opulent mansions built during the Gilded Age, dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, providing a glimpse into the grandeur of the era.

Newport is one of the most expensive places to live in the United States, with the cost of living being 125% higher than the national average. The living expenses for a four-member family can range between $4500 to $5000 with rent, depending upon one's accommodation preferences.

• Facilities available in Newport: International Airport, Higher Education Institute, Medical Facilities, Roads and Infrastructure, Shopping, and Recreational Venues

Northampton, Massachusetts

Progressive culture, natural beauty, a vibrant arts scene, and historic architecture.

Northampton, Massachusetts, is a charming town in Hampshire County and is one of the best places to live in New England. Located in the western part of the state, it's known for its progressive culture, vibrant arts scene, and natural beauty.

The downtown area of the city is a vibrant hub lined with a diverse array of locally owned shops, boutiques, bookstores, cafes, and restaurants. The town's pedestrian-friendly atmosphere and historic architecture make it a pleasant place to live and wander.

Despite the incredible old town architecture and various urban luxuries, the cost of living in Northampton is higher than most other cities in the state, with the rent and utilities for an average household costing almost $2,200, making it 22% more than the national average.

• Facilities available in Northampton: PVTA Bus Service, Farmers Market, Healthcare Facilities, Higher Education Institutes, Shopping Centers, Restaurants, and Recreational Areas

Camden, Maine

Outdoor recreation and scenic sights bless this charming harbor town.

Camden, Maine, is a picturesque coastal town located in Knox County that offers a charming harbor, scenic landscapes, and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for tourists and residents of the place. The town's harbor is the focal point of Camden, offering beautiful views of sailboats, yachts, and fishing vessels.

The town is among the most beautiful towns in New England to live in, but it's particularly famous for its winter offering, boasting a world-class ski area offering a range of winter activities, including skiing and snowboarding.

The cost of living in the area is about $39,700 a year, including rent, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. It is almost the same as the national average, making Camden an affordable option to live in New England.

• Facilities available in Camden: Higher Education Institutes, Healthcare Clinics, Parks and Outdoor Venues, Public Transportation and Sports Facilities

Due to its proximity to the ocean, Camden can experience rapid weather changes, including the formation of dense fog that may reduce visibility, disrupting the usual pace of life, particularly near the harbor and coastal areas. So, the weather is an important thing to consider before settling in here.

Hanover, New Hampshire

Located on the connecticut river banks, home to dartmouth college and outdoor recreation.

Hanover, New Hampshire , is a picturesque town in Grafton County along the Connecticut River. It is home to Dartmouth College, one of the oldest and most respected institutions of higher education in the United States.

The city is situated on the banks of the Connecticut River, providing residents with beautiful river views and recreational opportunities, including kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and scenic boat tours, making it one of the best New England towns to live in.

The living standard in Hanover is better than most of the cities in New Hampshire, with an affordable cost of living of approximately $37,000 which is lower than the average living cost in New Hampshire and the national average.

• Facilities available in Hanover: Higher Education Institutes, Healthcare Centers, Shopping Centers, Restaurants, Outdoor Recreation Spaces, and Public Transport

Related: These Are 10 Of The Most Beautiful Ocean Overlooks You Can Find In New England

Stowe, Vermont

A popular tourist town in the green mountains with world-class skiing.

Stowe, Vermont, offers a wealth to do and see and is one of the most beautiful small towns in New England to live in. It's a picturesque town nestled in the Green Mountains of northern Vermont. The highlight of the town is Stowe Mountain Resort which features well-groomed slopes, diverse terrain, and breathtaking mountain views.

Additionally, Stowe Village is another notable attraction in the town, featuring quintessential New England architecture, art galleries, restaurants, and cafes, offering a welcoming and charming atmosphere for residents and visitors alike.

The cost of living for an average couple in Stowe is around $57000 a year, including all the utilities, groceries, rent, and transportation expenses. It is almost the same as the average living expenditure for the state of Vermont but higher than the national average for its reputation of being a popular tourist destination all year round.

• Facilities available in Stowe: Farmer Market, Public Library, Shopping Centers, Outdoor Recreation Spaces, Medical Facilities

Related: Which New England State Should You Travel To For Leaf Peeping this Fall?

Mystic, Connecticut

A historic maritime town with a scenic waterfront and quaint downtown area.

Mystic, Connecticut, is a charming coastal town in New London County, Connecticut. With its rich maritime history, scenic waterfront, and a range of cultural attractions, Mystic has become a popular destination to live and visit for its blend of history, natural beauty, and New England charm.

One of the best things to do in Mystic is to explore its downtown area, which boasts a quaint small-town charm with historic buildings and restaurants lined with colorful flower boxes, boasting a lively atmosphere.

Despite not having good public transport and educational facilities, the average living cost for a single adult in Mystic is $42,000 a year, almost the same as the average in the state but slightly higher than the national average, with the major chunk spent on rent, making almost $15,000 for a year.

• Facilities available in Mystic: Luxury Entertainment Venues, Medical Facilities, Outdoor Recreation Venues, Shopping District, and Restaurants

Woodstock, Vermont

A scenic green mountains village with historic buildings and natural beauty.

Woodstock, Vermont, is another one of the best towns in New England to live in; it's a picturesque town in Windsor County, in the heart of the Green Mountains, popular for its quaint New England charm, historic architecture, and natural beauty.

Woodstock's downtown area is a postcard-perfect New England village featuring beautifully preserved historic buildings, charming shops, art galleries, and restaurants, lined with tree-shaded streets, boasting a welcoming atmosphere and making it one of the best towns to live in New England.

The average cost of living for a family of four in Woodstock is over $91,000 a year, which is less than in other parts of Vermont but slightly greater than the average expenditure of similar households in the country.

• Facilities available in Woodstock: Library, Community Center, Public Transport, Schools, Healthcare Facilities, Shopping Centers, Outdoor Recreation Spaces and Restaurants

Money blog: McDonald's changes iconic Happy Meal box; AI-powered mortgage lender cuts rates

The fast food giant has made the change to shine a light on mental health. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news in the Money blog - and leave a comment or your money problem in the box below.

Wednesday 15 May 2024 06:42, UK

• Strong wage growth shrinks hope of interest rate cut
• McDonald's changes iconic Happy Meal box
• AI-powered mortgage lender cuts rates twice in a week  
• Traitors winner reveals what he's spent his prize money on so far

Essential reads

• The 'fast food' trend hitting Michelin starred restaurants
• What is PIP - and what could government changes mean?
• How to make sure your car passes its MOT
• 'Loud budgeting': The money-saving trend that has nothing to do with giving up your daily coffee
• Money Problem: My workplace is bringing in new clock-in system to pay us by the minute - is this allowed?
• Best of the Money blog - an archive

Ask a question or make a comment

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour has been predicted to provide a £997m boost to the UK economy. 

Fans are expected to fork out an average of £848 to see the star on one of her 15 tour dates. 

That's according to data from Barclays, which has added up the total spending of the Swifties lucky enough to get a ticket.

After tickets, fans will spend the most on accommodation at around £121, with other notable costs including £111 on travel and £56 on an outfit. 

Those visiting London, Liverpool, Edinburgh and Cardiff for the concert are expected to spend £79 each on official merchandise, as well as £59 on a pre-show meal. 

The average amount spent on an Eras Tour ticket is £206, yet for 14% of fans, including those who purchased VIP ticket packages with premium seating and exclusive merchandise, the total exceeds £400.

Dr Peter Brooks, chief behavioural scientist at Barclays, said fans of "cultural icons" like Swift have a "powerful" spending power. 

"Whoever came up with the phrase 'money can't buy happiness' clearly wasn't a Swiftie," he said. 

"When it comes to cultural icons like Taylor Swift - like we saw with Elvis and Beatlemania in the 50s and 60s - supporters have such a strong connection to the artist and to the rest of the fandom that the desire to spend becomes even more powerful.

"For non-fans, £848 may seem like an enormous amount to splash out on a concert - but for Eras Tour ticketholders, every pound they spend is an investment in the memories they'll create."

Every Wednesday we get Michelin chefs to pick their favourite Cheap Eats where they live and when they cook at home. This week we speak to Andy Beynon, chef patron of Behind in London - which was awarded a Michelin star after being open for just 20 days. 

Hi  Andy, c an you tell us your favourite places in London where you can get a meal for two for less than £40?

I love Lahore Kebab House in Whitechapel. It's family run and I've been going there for about 15 years. I used to go with my dad - we'd get a couple of lagers from the shop next door, then tuck into lamb chops, tarka daal, the Peshwari naan, which is always cooked fresh on the tandoor, and all the dips on the menu. 

You can't beat a "That Spicy D" from Dom's Subs . There's just something about that burnt chilli mayo and schiacciata piccante. It's my favourite lunch to have on the go, and totally worth the mess. 

Umut 2000 in Dalston is my go-to for a kebab fix. They also do this amazing chargrilled lamb mince on a bed of tomato sauce with yoghurt and clarified butter. So good.

What's your go-to cheap meal at home?

I don't cook at home often, but when I do it's usually a big pot of spicy daal. It's super easy to make and keeps well in the fridge or the freezer. My secret ingredient for making the perfect daal is condensed milk - simply add a spoonful at the end to balance all of the spice.

We've spoken to lots of top chefs and bloggers - check out their cheap eats from around the country here...

Vinted has apologised for a tech issue that has left its sellers facing long delays to withdraw their cash. 

Users have been complaining over the past few weeks about their balance not updating quickly enough after being told they had been paid... 

We reached out to platform about the issue - it said its payment service provider Mangopay was aware of the problem and was "in the process of resolving" affected cases. 

It said a "very small number" of Vinted members have experienced an issue with funds being received by banks after payouts had been initiated. 

"The large majority of payouts are successfully completed every day," it added. 

"Vinted is in constant contact with Mangopay to resolve any cases brought to our attention, however, there may be a further delay as a result, for which we apologise.

"Many cases have already been resolved and we are working as quickly as we can to help resolve the remaining cases." 

Mangopay processes and stores transactions made through Vinted and then pays the cash into users' bank accounts. 

It told us part of its legal obligations require it to verify users' identities for the payment process to be successful.

"Our team works to carry out this verification process as quickly as possible so that users can continue using their accounts as normal," it said. 

"Marketplaces and platforms often have complex payment needs and as a regulated financial institution, we take our compliance, due diligence processes and regulatory obligations very seriously." 

However, it added that from "time to time" the process can be delayed, which means it needs to withhold funds for a certain amount of time, or it "may experience issues with the payout process".

"We apologise for any delays in receiving payments caused as a result of this and are working with Vinted to resolve each case as quickly as possible," it added. 

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Archewell Foundation has been labelled "delinquent" in the US for failing to submit annual records.

A letter was sent to the charity on 3 May by by California's Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, saying it has been "listed as delinquent" for "failing to submit required annual report(s) and/or renewal fees".

The letter said an organisation listed as delinquent is banned from "soliciting or disbursing charitable funds" and its registration may be "suspended or revoked".

It is understood that a physical cheque was sent by Archewell Foundation but not received, and a new one has been sent to resolve the issue.

It is believed the charity was only made aware of this when the delinquency notice was published.

Read more on this story below...

Shares of US video game retailer GameStop have soared again today, fuelled by the return of online influencer "Roaring Kitty" to social media.

Real name Keith Gill, the influencer's first online post caused shares to jump yesterday, with another surge reported today.

The retailer's shares rallied 132% in pre-market trading before falling back to about 80% up as US markets opened. 

Mr Gill shared a meme and more than 10 clips from movies including The Avengers and Tombstone. Though the posts didn't mention any company names, GameStop and US cinema chain AMC were the most-traded stocks by investors yesterday and today, according to data from JP Morgan.

He is credited with helping to fuel the "meme stock" craze during the COVID pandemic, which saw GameStop shares rise more than 1,000%. They later collapsed as interest faded.

Tesco's managing director has seen his pay deal more than double to almost £10m. 

That's 431 times the wage of the average £23,010 salary for a Tesco worker. 

Ken Murphy received a pay packet worth £9.93m for the year to February, the supermarket's annual report revealed.

His pay deal came to £4.4m in the previous financial year. 

The rise was driven by £4.91m from his performance share plan (PSP) after he helped lead the company to higher profits in the face of challenging inflation.

This PSP payment will be paid out in Tesco shares and is based on the company's performance since 2021.

It comes on top of an annual salary of £1.64m and an annual bonus of £3.38m. 

The group's chief finance officer, Imran Nawaz, also saw his annual pay package more than double.

He received a total £4.95m for the year, jumping from £2.27m in the previous financial year.

The retailer was criticised for revealing a £2.83bn profit for the year to February when many customers had been impacted by rampant food and drink inflation. 

Alison Platt, chairwoman of the Tesco remuneration committee, said the pay boost reflects the fact "Tesco has delivered for all of its stakeholders over the last year".

She added: "Tesco remains committed to a competitive and fair reward package for all colleagues and over the last two years we have invested more than £800m in colleague pay, as well as significantly enhancing the range of wellbeing benefits we offer."

Sony's operating profit  has climbed 5% this business year - even as it forecasts lower PlayStation 5 sales. 

The Japanese entertainment and electronics company said its operating profit is expected to come in at 1.28 trillion yen (£6.5bn) in the year ending March.

Sony, a major supplier of image sensors for smartphones, said its chips business is expected to book a 40% rise in operating profit on higher sales and lower costs.

At its gaming unit, revenues are expected to fall with the PlayStation 5 in its fourth year, but Sony said user engagement and cost control could drive future profitability at the business.

It predicted PlayStation 5 sales will fall to 18 million units from last year's 20.8 million. 

Cheaper energy deals for new customers could potentially return in October, with the industry regulator announcing a review of their ban. 

Ofgem is consulting on removing the block on acquisition-only tariffs in an attempt to encourage competition between suppliers. 

The ban was introduced as a short-term measure in April 2022 to protect consumers during the energy crisis, and was due to be lifted in March next year.

Now, the regulator has said that it is the right time to consider removing it as the energy market continues to stabilise.

MoneySavingExpert Martin Lewis welcomed the consultation, saying: "We need anything possible right now to stimulate competition and bring prices down." 

"In normal times, I wouldn't call for firms to be allowed to offer new customers cheaper prices than existing, yet these aren't normal times." 

Melinda French Gates has left the charity she set up with her former husband, Microsoft billionaire Bill Gates, after the couple's divorce. 

In a statement, she said she would step down from her position at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation on 7 June. 

You can see her full statement below... 

The foundation was created in 2000 and it is one of the most influential charitable organisations in the world. 

It has spent billions working to tackle poverty and disease around the world. 

Bill and Melinda Gates announced they were divorcing three years ago after being married for 27 years. 

An AI-powered mortgage lender has cut rates for a second time this week. 

MPowered has reduced all its two and five year fixed deals, with rates starting at 4.37% down from 4.59%. 

"The swap markets are moving at pace at present, and it is important that as a responsible lender we are able to react and pass on any savings we can to borrowers," said Matt Surridge, sales director of MPowered Mortgages. 

"I'm therefore really pleased we are one of the first, if not the first, to cut rates this week, having already cut rates once in the past week." 

The company uses AI in its mortgage process and is a fully digital platform. 

McDonald's has decided to remove the iconic smile from its Happy Meal box in a bid to teach children about their emotions. 

Instead, a sheet of stickers depicting different moods will be placed inside, which children can use to express their feelings. 

A QR code for a mental health hub will also be placed on the red packaging to provide its younger customers with different resources about emotional wellbeing. 

The move comes as part of Mental Health Week, with research by the fast food chain finding nearly half of children feel pressure to be happy all the time. 

Football legend Rio Ferdinand has teamed up with the company to support the campaign, which runs until 19 May. 

The father-of-five said: "It's our job to empower our children to express themselves freely and support them every step of the way in understanding that it's okay to not be happy all the time." 

The Traitors' winner Harry Clark has revealed he's only spent some of his prize money so far, and it's gone towards clearing his relatives' debts. 

The 23-year-old won £95,150 after successfully convincing his fellow contestants that he was a faithful in the second season of the show. 

Speaking on the TV BAFTAs red carpet, the former British Army engineer said his dad has stopped him from spending the cash and has been looking after him. 

"He's got his head screwed on. He's been making sure I can get my first place," he told reporters.

"I've just given my family some dosh, just to pay off their debts and stuff like that, so they don't have to worry anymore. 

"That's all I've wanted to do in my life." 

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