Maggie's Farm

Barnard, VT. (pop. 958). Here's the Barnard Inn site. If you have cash, it's a good time to buy a VT getaway.

The first place is a c. 1850 hill farm with 65 acres (photo on right), so it would work for horses or cattle with plenty of room for a shooting range too. It's a restored 2300 sq.' Cape farmhouse with barn and outbuildings. As a farmer at heart, I'd check out the barns first. They are asking 1.1 million. Details here.

Second is the c. 1791 Cape farmhouse (photo below), also completely restored with additions bringing it up to a generous 7600 sq.'. I think they did a good job expanding the living space without altering the  humble appearance of the old farmhouse. Those metal roofs aren't charming, or in keeping with the style, but they are practical as heck in snow country - and they last forever. It's on a paltry 12 acres with ponds and stream. Too little land for cattle, but I'd guess there's some good turkey hunting there. They are asking only 3.9 million. Details here. (Prop. taxes a hefty $35,000)

Since I already have a fine New England farm, if I had a few million burning a hole in my pocket I think I'd consider picking up a pied a terre in NYC just about now, or later in the Spring when prices will drop even further. Trouble is, with boats it's not the price - it's the maintenance, and with houses it's the property taxes (plus the maintenance).