163 Maple Ridge Rd, North Sandwich, NH

4BR | 4BA | $729,000  $595,000 Located on a thoroughfare named for its majestic stand of maples, and near a former stage road linking North Sandwich to West Ossipee, this remarkable Colonial stands as a rare and substantial piece of New Hampshire history being offered to buyers and investors at roughly half its pre-renovation market value. Known as the Walter Bryant Place, the home offers a compelling blend of architectural character, generous scale, and historic provenance. Set on nearly 15 acres of open land, mature trees, old stone walls, and established garden spaces, the property feels deeply rooted in the landscape. Its elevated knoll setting enhances both privacy and presence, while views toward the Ossipee Mountains and a year-round pond just across the road add to the sense of timeless rural beauty. It is the kind of property that immediately conveys age, story, and substance.

This property and several others are the heritage of Major Aaron Quimby (1733 - 1810) (sometimes spelled ‘Quinby’) paterfamilias of one of the oldest and most respected Sandwich families. Deeded the land after serving in the Revolutionary War, Major Quimby (sometimes referred to as ‘the settler’) had previously served in the French and Indian War travelling to Canada in 1755.  Major Quimby bought 400 acres on Rock Maple Ridge, enough to leave significant parcels to his seven sons.  He paid for his purchase with Continental scrip.

The oldest part of the house may have been built by Major Quimby in 1796. The buildings were re-fashioned for General Johnson D. Quinby (1781-1855), who is thought to have established himself here after his father’s death in 1810.

This area, like much of Sandwich, was settled in the era following the American Revolution.  The new settlers were predominantly farmers (as were most of the Founders), although many had other trades, including blacksmithing, cooper smithing, masonry, and more.

Inside the home, more than 3,500 square feet showcase many of the features antique home enthusiasts treasure, including wide pine floors, gunstock corners, hand-hewn beams, exposed timber framing, and generously proportioned rooms filled with natural light from the home's southern exposure. Multiple bedrooms, several gathering spaces, and 3.5 baths provide flexibility for modern living while preserving the home's historic character.

Attached to the home is a garage with a workshop area, and an authentic barn stretching approximately 75 feet in length. 

In its heyday, the farm was among the finest in Sandwich, known for apples, cattle, grain, and honey. The property later passed through several owners before becoming the Walter Bryant Place in 1911.

The surrounding land was laboriously cleared and farmers began planting crops and raising livestock, including pigs, cattle, and sheep.  The grass and clover were so richly abundant that sheep fattened quickly, sometimes becoming too stout to easily move!  The rich land produced plentiful hay which was sold at market.  Bees were kept for honey.

When this house was built, many of the interior furnishings were supplied by itinerant carpenters or local craftsmen who worked in bird’s-eye maple and mahogany. There were pieces, too, by cabinet makers that established themselves in the country round like Tappan or Jewett, Dearborn or Cook.  Several of these crafts shops still exist to this day.

China in the homes consisted of soft paste porcelain and was generally brought from England.  Glassware and tin objects were American made, often being brought to Sandwich from Boston.

Today, 163 Maple Ridge Road offers something increasingly difficult to find: an authentic historic home with acreage, original character, and a true sense of place. For the buyer who values preservation, legacy, and the beauty of a true New England homestead, this is an extraordinary opportunity to restore and enjoy a property of rare age and distinction in one of the region’s most scenic settings.

Presented by Nathaniel Gurien and listed by Maryann Schmidt of Keller Williams Coastal and Lakes & Mountains | Meredith Office. For more information or a private showing, contact: (603) 662 3900 or [email protected]