Hidden among the towering pines of Thornton and tucked away beyond a year-round brook crossing lies a rare piece of old New Hampshire. Accessed by deeded right-of-way from a publicly maintained town road, this one-acre parcel has been cherished by the same family for generations and offers a setting that feels worlds away while remaining just minutes from Waterville Valley and endless White Mountains recreation. Built around 1970, the rustic cabin sits approximately 450 feet from the road and remains surrounded by old-growth forest, with seasonal mountain views already visible and even greater view potential with selective clearing. Though unused for roughly the past decade, the cabin retains much of its original character, including a stone fireplace with wood stove, sleeping loft, two bedrooms, and an existing outhouse. With no electricity, well, or septic, the property has long served as an off-grid retreat and presents a unique opportunity for restoration, continued seasonal enjoyment, or simply preserving a disappearing style of New Hampshire camp ownership. The former access road historically allowed four-wheel-drive vehicles directly to the cabin and could potentially be reclaimed. The mostly level lot offers room to expand clearings while maintaining the privacy and tranquility that make this setting so special. Surrounded by former farmland and with nearby access to skiing, hiking, and year-round recreation, this is a property for those who appreciate simplicity, adventure, and places with history. Offered strictly as-is, this hidden retreat is not for everyone—but for the right buyer, opportunities like this are becoming increasingly difficult to find. Whether you're seeking a rustic getaway, hunting camp, family retreat, or a project with character, this is a chance to own a small piece of the White Mountains at an exceptional value.
Active
Listed by: Owl's Nest Real Estate
$40,000
1000 Upper Mad River Road, Thornton, NH 03285
2beds
0baths
252sqft
Single Family Residence
Built in 1970
1 Acres Lot
$-- Zestimate®
$159/sqft
$-- HOA
What's special
- 3 days |
- 962 |
- 72 |
Zillow last checked:
Listing updated:
Listed by:
Tom DeMatteo,
Owl's Nest Real Estate 401-648-5308
Source: PrimeMLS,MLS#: 5095761
Facts & features
Interior
Bedrooms & bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 2
- Bathrooms: 0
Heating
- Wood, Wood Stove
Cooling
- None
Features
- Has basement: No
Interior area
- Total structure area: 252
- Total interior livable area: 252 sqft
- Finished area above ground: 252
- Finished area below ground: 0
Property
Parking
- Parking features: Right-Of-Way (ROW)
Features
- Levels: One
- Stories: 1
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Mountain(s)
Lot
- Size: 1 Acres
- Features: Country Setting, Secluded, Timber, Trail/Near Trail, Views, Walking Trails, Wooded, Mountain, Near Country Club, Near Golf Course, Near Paths, Near Shopping, Near Skiing, Near Snowmobile Trails, Near Railroad, Near Hospital, Near ATV Trail, Near School(s)
Details
- Zoning description: Residential
Construction
Type & style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Cabin
- Property subtype: Single Family Residence
Materials
- Log Home
- Foundation: Pillar/Post/Pier
- Roof: Asphalt Shingle
Condition
- New construction: No
- Year built: 1970
Utilities & green energy
- Utilities for property: None, Electricity Not Available, Sewer Not Available, No Internet
Community & HOA
Location
- Region: Thornton
Financial & listing details
- Price per square foot: $159/sqft
- Annual tax amount: $1,541
- Date on market: 6/19/2026
Estimated market value
Not available
Estimated sales range
Not available
Not available
Price history
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 6/19/2026 | Listed for sale | $40,000$159/sqft |
Source: | ||
Public tax history
Tax history is unavailable.
Monthly payment
Est. payment$--/mo
Payment breakdown
Explore the cost of this home by adjusting the details. Changes won't be saved.All calculations are estimates and provided by Zillow, Inc. for informational purposes only. Actual amounts may vary.
HOA fees may include property taxes on listings classified as Co-Ops. Contact the listing agent and/or owner for fee details.
Mortgage interest rates are dependent on a number of factors, including credit score, down payment, and repayment length. Interest rate data provided by Zillow Group Marketplace, Inc. as of 1/1/1970 from various mortgage lenders with which we have lead or other similar arrangements; the Estimated Payment is an average of those rates.
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Climate risks
Neighborhood: 03285
Nearby schools
GreatSchools rating
- 7/10Thornton Central SchoolGrades: K-8Distance: 4.5 mi
- 5/10Plymouth Regional High SchoolGrades: 9-12Distance: 11.4 mi
Schools provided by the listing agent
- Elementary: Thornton Central School
- High: Plymouth Regional High School
- District: SAU 2 and 48
Source: PrimeMLS. This data may not be complete. We recommend contacting the local school district to confirm school assignments for this home.
A local agent can set up tours, give advice and negotiate with sellers.
- New Hampshire
- Grafton County
- Thornton
- 03285
- 1000 Upper Mad River Road