Tucked into the rolling countryside of Coos County, 951 Lancaster Rd in Northumberland, New Hampshire is the kind of property that makes buyers pause mid-scroll. A modest two-bedroom farmhouse built in 1917 sits on more than 10 acres of land, offering a rare combination in today’s market: space, privacy, and a slice of New England history, all under one roof.
The home is currently off-market, meaning it isn’t actively listed for sale on Zillow right now. But properties like this one tend to resurface, and buyers who have been watching the North Country for land-heavy listings will want this address on their radar for the next time it comes up for sale or a similar parcel hits the market.
Property Snapshot
Built in 1917, the home spans 1,106 square feet with 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, set on a sprawling 10.2-acre lot. The house is framed in wood with a traditional conventional architectural style and topped with an asphalt roof, giving it the classic look of a working New Hampshire farmhouse that has weathered more than a century of North Country winters. Heating is supplied by a coal system, a detail that speaks to the home’s age and its rural, self-sufficient character.
Zillow’s Zestimate currently places the home’s value at approximately 189,200 dollars, with an estimated value range between 144,000 and 235,000 dollars depending on condition, updates, and market movement. For anyone considering it as a rental, Zillow estimates a monthly rent potential of around 1,869 dollars, which is a strong return relative to the home’s estimated value given the amount of land included.
Why the Land Is the Real Story Here
At just over 1,100 square feet, the house itself is compact. But the 10.2 acres surrounding it are what set this property apart. That kind of acreage opens the door to possibilities most in-town listings simply cannot offer: room for a large garden or small hobby farm, space for outbuildings or a workshop, privacy from neighbors, and potential for future expansion or subdivision, depending on local zoning in the Town of Northumberland. Buyers drawn to rural New Hampshire often aren’t just buying a house, they’re buying breathing room. A property like this one, with a full century of history and acreage to match, checks that box in a way newer, smaller-lot construction rarely can.
Financing Options to Consider
A rural property like 951 Lancaster Rd opens up several financing paths worth exploring with a licensed lender.
A USDA loan is often the first option rural buyers should investigate. Because Northumberland sits in an eligible rural area, qualified buyers may be able to purchase with zero down payment through the USDA Rural Development loan program, provided household income falls within local limits.
An FHA loan is another common route, typically requiring as little as 3.5 percent down for buyers who qualify, with more flexible credit requirements than conventional financing.
A VA loan is available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses, often with no down payment required and competitive interest rates.
Conventional financing remains an option as well, generally requiring stronger credit and a larger down payment, but with more flexibility on property condition requirements than government-backed loans.
Given the home’s age, a buyer relying on FHA financing may also want to ask a lender about an FHA 203k renovation loan, which rolls the purchase price and the cost of repairs or updates into a single mortgage. That can be especially useful for a century-old home where systems like heating, electrical, or roofing may need modernizing over time.
Insurance Considerations
Insuring a home built in 1917 is not the same as insuring new construction, and buyers should budget accordingly. Insurers will typically want details on the age and condition of the roof, the electrical and heating systems, and the foundation before issuing a policy. A coal heating system in particular is worth flagging early with an insurance agent, since it is far less common today and some carriers may require additional documentation or inspection. Because the property includes over 10 acres, buyers should also ask whether any outbuildings, wooded acreage, or agricultural use on the land affects coverage or requires an additional rider.
Due Diligence Checklist for Buyers
Anyone seriously considering a property like this should plan to look closely at the following before moving forward. A full home inspection is essential given the home’s age, with particular attention to the foundation, roof, and heating system. A well and septic inspection matters too, since rural properties like this one are almost certainly served by a private well and septic system rather than municipal utilities, and both should be tested and evaluated. A land survey is worth requesting to confirm the exact boundaries of the 10.2 acres and check for easements or right-of-way issues. Buyers should also verify local zoning and any rules around agricultural use, outbuildings, or future subdivision with the Town of Northumberland. Finally, a title search and review of the tax history is important; the property’s assessed value and tax bill have both climbed in recent years, so buyers should factor current tax obligations into their budget.
The Northumberland, NH Market
Northumberland sits in New Hampshire’s North Country, part of Coos County, an area known for its mountain views, forested land, and a slower, quieter pace of life compared to southern New Hampshire. Property taxes on this parcel were 3,447 dollars in 2024, up from 3,284 dollars in 2023 and 2,635 dollars in 2022, reflecting a broader trend of rising assessments across the region as demand for rural land and second homes has grown. For buyers priced out of larger New England markets, the North Country continues to offer some of the state’s most accessible price points for meaningful acreage.
Final Thoughts
951 Lancaster Rd is a reminder of what a lot of house hunters are searching for right now: not necessarily square footage, but space, history, and room to grow. A two-bedroom farmhouse from 1917 paired with more than 10 acres of New Hampshire land is a combination that doesn’t come around often, especially at price points still within reach for many buyers. Whether or not this exact listing returns to the market, it’s a strong example of what’s still possible in New Hampshire’s North Country for buyers willing to take on a piece of history.
From the Zillow listing:
