Where in Vermont?
 

My wife and I live in Boston, and we are considering the purchase of a second home in southern or central Vermont to have for weekends (snow, watersports, etc.). We are looking for a rustic home (log cabin or chalet-type) with some land, but we would also like to be able to easily reach a town center for restaurants and such. We are both skiers, but we also lake boating and water.

Based on all of this, can anyone provide a recommendation on communities in this area? Thanks in advance.

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Ludlow & Plymouth come to mind. Nearby lakes, Okemo & Killington for skiing.
Would you consider the Northeast Kingdom? Burke Mountain is an up and coming area and Lake Willougby is nearby. A little over three hours from Boston assuming no traffic.

Check out the Brattleboro area

My fiance is trying to sell our house in Randolph, VT. It only fits your bill in that it is in central Vermont but best wishes. You might want to access Picket Fence, a magazine with a variety of homes in VT and NH selling by owner. I believe they have a website as well.

I have only VT experience around the Middlebury area from a recent year that a son lived there but it seems perfect for your requirements. That area has access to all of your requirements plus driveability to Burlington and the advanteges of a small college town.

Thanks for all of the great responses. I have been to Brattleboro, but I have not seen Ludlow, Plymouth- is there much in these towns (dining, shops, etc.)?

I also like the idea of the Northeast Kingdom- what are the primary locales for cabins and such in this region?

Ludlow is home to Okemo Resort, so there are plenty of shop/restaurants. Plymouth is the next town north.
The Northeast Kingdom is the most rural part of the state. Burke is great 'cause you've got Burke Mountain Ski Area, and Lake Willoughby and Crystal Lake in the summer. There are a couple nice restaurants in East Burke but thats about it. If being in close proximity to shops & restaurants is important, you'd probably not be all that happy up there. BUT, it's worth checking out, 'cause you never know!!

I live just south of Manchester, VT and there are lots of folks who have second homes in this area. There is Bromley Mountain and Stratton for skiing. We have Lake Shaftsbury and a number of other smaller lakes as well for your water and boating. Manchester is a small town with a fair amount of restaurants and shopping. Towns to consider: Arlington, Peru, Sunderland, Manchester, Dorset, there are others. This is a beautiful area with Mt. Equinox for great hiking. Lots to do here!

Just be aware that the property taxes are 50 percent HIGHER for "second homes" here, so you'll pay plenty for the taxes on whatever you buy. We're happy to have this one home here, of course!

Vermonter