Gilmanton: A timeless community rooted in history, natural beauty

I was in Gilmanton last week, looking at a beautiful piece of property in an idyllic setting. Imagine expansive open fields bordered by century-old historic stone walls and framed by a vibrant canopy of trees. Gilmanton is a small, scenic, and quiet community of lakes, forests, iconic farms, and historic homes that proudly display the years they were built. In many ways, it’s like going back in time, and it’s a way of life that many people choose, where they can live life at a slower pace.

Gilmanton includes the village of Gilmanton Corners and Gilmanton Ironworks. The Corners are located only 8.3 miles south of Laconia. The town’s rich history goes back to 1727, when colonial gov. John Wentworth signed the charter for what was to become the town of Gilmanton. The settlement was delayed due to the French and Indian Wars. It’s hard to believe that at one time it was the second-largest town in the state, following Portsmouth. However, the original town was larger than it is now — it included parishes in Belmont and Gilford. Gilmanton Ironworks was an unprofitable iron-mining enterprise at that time. 

I’ve always had an interest in the history of this peaceful community. Going back to the days when I sold the former home of legendary author Grace Metalious in Gilmanton. It was in this expanded cape that Metalious wrote a sensational novel, “Peyton Place,” in 1950, which later morphed into a movie and a TV series.

The town has a total area of 59.6 square miles, of which 57.9 square miles is land and 1.7 square miles is water. Four state routes service the town: Route 106, Route 129, Route 107, and Route 140. Route 106 provides a well-traveled connection between Laconia and Concord. Route 140 provides access from Tilton to Alton. 

It’s hard to imagine that Gilmanton’s population was ranked No. 38 in the country in the 1790 census, whereas today the town has a population of only 4,073 for 2025. The population density is only 53.6 inhabitants per square mile. The median age in the town is approximately 46.7 years. The median household income is $114,484, whereas other sources show a mean household income of $118,617. 

There are lots of outdoor recreation opportunities within the town and the surrounding communities. Crystal Lake, at 455 acres in size, is the largest lake, followed by Sawyer Lake, Shellcamp Pond, Sunset Lake, and Loon Pond. Crystal Lake Park includes a beach, boat launch, playground, picnic areas, and a pavilion. Gunstock ski area in Gilford is a 19-minute drive, Mount Major hiking trails and Belknap Mountains are 18 minutes away, and Lake Winnipesaukee in Alton is only 13 miles.

Gilmanton’s population includes a mix of permanent year-round residents and seasonal residents here for the summer. Many capes, lakefront cabins, and quaint cottages are scattered around the lakes and ponds. The majority of this rural community features many stately federal and colonial homes built in the early 1800s, mostly sitting on several acres or acreage parcels. 

You will find many colonials and traditional New England-style homes throughout the town, with a lot of historic homes in Gilmanton Corners. Frisky Hill and Smith Meeting House Road, with its focal point ending at the Smith Meeting House, a well-preserved example of a 19th-century Vernacular Church Building, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. The historic district surrounds this historic church, built around 1840. 

Gilmanton Winery and Restaurant offers wine tastings and features an Italian-inspired menu. A post office, town clerk’s office, church, antique shop, public library, and fire department are located in The Corners. The Gilmanton community farmers’ market is a popular venue from June to October. 

Students attend kindergarten through eighth grade in the Gilmanton school on Route 140. It earns an A- from Niche. High school students attend Gilford High School. The Gilmanton Police Department has a staff of 5 full-time officers, and the Fire Department is a mix of paid full-time staff and 30 volunteer/call members, and a full-time Ambulance Service with 24-hour response. 

There are approximately 2,156 housing units in Gilmanton, with roughly 2,100 single-family units and 56 units with two-to-four units each. The average single-family home size is approximately 1,869 square feet.

Here’s a look at how the real estate market in Gilmanton has been performing the past five years:

2020 — 85 sales with a median sales price of $260,000, average price of $285,000, highest price of $950,000, lowest price of $46,000, 11 median days on the market and total sales volume of $24.23 million.

2021 — 77 sales with a median sales price of $310,000, average price of $343,731, highest price of $1.7 million, lowest price of $60,000, seven median days on the market and total sales volume of $26.47 million.

2022 — 76 sales with a median sales price of $375,450, average price of $411,054, highest price of $1.26 million, lowest price of $75,000, eight median days on the market and total sales volume $31.24 million.

2023 — 53 sales with a median sales price of $385,000, average price of $414,058, highest price of $1.37 million, lowest price of $54,700, nine median days on the market and total sales volume of $21.95 million.

2024 — 54 sales with a median sales price of $441,500, average price of $479,630, highest price of $1 million, lowest sales price of $85,000, eight median days on the market and total sales volume $25.9 million.

2025 to date — 51 sales with a median sales price of $474,000, average price of $479,411, highest price of $1.2 million, lowest price of $206,000, eight median days on the market and total sales volume of $24.5 million.

There are currently 10 single-family homes active for sale in Gilmanton, with a median list price of $669,950; an average list price of $871,470; a highest price of $2.49 million; a lowest price of $219,900; and a total volume of $8.71 million. 

There are currently 18 parcels of land active for sale in Gilmanton that range from 0.13 to 41.50 acres. Median list price of $117,000, average list price of $225,922, highest is $699,000, lowest is $19,900 and total volume of $4 million.

There are also currently 10 single-family homes under contract or pending in Gilmanton, which will add to the 2025 statistics above.

Note: Sales of homes on the lakes and ponds are included in the above single-family home statistics.

In summary, Gilmanton is a quintessential small historic town in New Hampshire, a peaceful environment that has fortunately stayed rural and very desirable throughout the years. 

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This article was written by Frank Roche, president of Roche Realty Group with offices in Meredith and Laconia, and can be reached at 603-279-7046. Visit rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.