397 Fern Hill, East Dorset, VT, 05251
About This Home
Take a drive up Nichols Hill Road to Fern Hill and head to the very top of the long bending driveway to find a serene, picturesque artist’s retreat 3 minutes from historic Dorset Village. Refreshingly private, quiet and secluded, drenched in natural light. With broad mountain vistas of Mother Myrick and Merck Forest, the top of the property backs gently into a beautiful private forest. The entire property has been carefully curated to encourage wildlife, a rewilding effort in place for 9 years, toxin and poison free. The large, pristine, spring fed swimming pond is the year round home to approximately 50+ healthy colorful Koi and overlooks a soft meadow bordered by old growth forest habitat, much to the delight of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, bees and abundant wildlife. The house is large, eclectic and rustic with a lodge feeling. A simple open concept design with lots of room and a farmhouse kitchen. Abundant windows throughout invite in and embrace the changing light and glistening view all day long. Distressed wide-plank floors, repurposed barn wood walls and beams, natural wood tray ceilings, curving wooden bookshelves and a curving staircase that leads to a half moon studio filled with natural light and sweeping views. Off the farmhouse kitchen find the very substantial screen porch and long sitting porch overlooking the gorgeous, vibrant, spring fed pond which reflects the changing light and soft scenery all day long. Natural beauty and peace, completely private and yet so close to everything.
Getting Around
Car-Dependent
Very Limited Transit
Not Bike FriendlySchools
Construction
Condition
- Year built: 1989
Materials
- Foundation: Concrete
- Roof: Asphalt Shingle
- Construction materials: Board and Batten Exterior,Vertical Siding,Wood Exterior
Type & Style
- Home type: SingleFamily
- Architectural style: Modern Architecture
- Property subType: Farm
Interior
Appliances
- Appliances included: Dishwasher,Dryer,Range Hood,Mini Fridge,Double Oven,Gas Range,Refrigerator,Washer,Tank Water Heater
- Laundry features: 1st Floor Laundry
Basement
- Has basement: Yes
- Basement: Concrete,Crawl Space,Interior Stairs,Partial,Slab,Unfinished,Interior Entry
Bedrooms & Bathrooms
- Bedrooms: 5
- Bathrooms: 5
- Full bathrooms: 1
- 3/4 bathrooms: 3
- 1/2 bathrooms: 1
Features
- Ceiling Fan(s),Dining Area,Kitchen Island,Primary BR w/ BA,Natural Woodwork
- Window features: Skylight(s),Screens,Storm Window(s)
- Flooring: Carpet,Ceramic Tile,Slate/Stone,Softwood
- Number of fireplaces: 1
- Fireplace features: Fireplace Screens/Equip,Wood Burning,1 Fireplace
- Fireplace: Yes
- Finished area below ground: 0
- Finished area above ground: 4,243
Heating & Cooling
- Heating features: Propane,Pellet Stove,Baseboard,Hot Water
- Cooling features: None
Interior Area
- Total structure area: 4,915
- Total interior livable area: 4,243 sqft
Property
Details
- Parcel number: 18005711173
- Zoning description: RR
Features
- Levels: One and One Half
- Stories: 1
- Patio & porch: Covered Porch,Screened Porch
- Exterior features: Deck
- Has spa: Yes
- Spa features: Bath
- Has view: Yes
- View description: Mountain(s),Water
- Water view: Water
- Waterfront features: Pond
Lot
- Lot size: 11.40 Acres
- Features: Field/Pasture,Landscaped,Views
Parking
- Total spaces: 2
- Parking features: Gravel,Auto Open,Direct Entry,Garage,Parking Spaces 3 - 5,Attached
- Has garage: Yes
- Attached garage spaces: 2
- Covered spaces: 2
Climate Risk is Financial Risk
Every home has a financial story beyond the listing price. Below, you’ll see the climate risks that could affect this property — and in Bills & Affordability, how those risks may influence repairs, insurance, utilities, and long-term value.
Biggest Threats for This Home
- Cold Wave
- Inland Flooding
- Lightning
- Winter Weather
How This Home’s Risks Compare
FEMA Declared Disasters Across Vermont Counties
Understanding the Costs
Financial advisors generally recommend spending no more than 30% of your gross household income on housing costs. In practice, many households stretch to 35% or beyond — especially in high-cost markets.
Estimated Costs Today
| Monthly | Annual | |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | $8,090 | $97,080 |
| Home Insurance | $575 | $6,900 |
| Property Taxes | $2,000 | $24,000 |
| Electricity | $539 | $6,477 |
| Total | $11,204 | $134,448 |
Income You'd Need if You Spent...
How Costs Could Change Over Time
Climate risk is quickly impacting all of the major home ownership costs. Adjust the growth rates and percentage of income spent on housing below to see how your housing costs could change over the next 10 years — and what income you'd need to keep up.
Comparing Against the Market
Price Per Sq Ft
vs Other Active Listings
Avg $/sqft
vs Homes Sold Last Month
Median $/sqft
Current Market Trends
Median Price Per Square Foot
The median price per square foot of homes sold in this area each month. Compare this to this listing's price per square foot to gauge whether the home is priced in line with recent sales.
Historicals for This Listing
Zestimate History ($/sqft)
Price History
| Date | Event | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2026-04-01 | Listed for sale | $1,600,000 |
| 2026-01-29 | Listing removed | $1,600,000 |
| 2025-07-02 | Listed for sale | $1,600,000 |
| 2003-10-09 | Sold | $668,000 |
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