SELT recently completed work on a unique project that blends New Hampshire’s rich history with modern technology. The historic renovation of the John Prescott Chase Farmhouse, located at Burley Farms in Epping, has transformed the 18th century home into comfortable, energy-efficient residences, featuring two workforce housing units. The farmhouse renovation was recently recognized by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance, which honored the project with a 2023 Preservation Achievement Award.
“Watching the transformation of the Farmhouse over the last two years has been extraordinary,” says Brian Hart, SELT’s Executive Director. “The support from LCHIP was critical in helping make this project a success. We are excited for the next generation of Farmhouse residents to enjoy this historic treasure.”
LCHIP (the New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program) provided a cornerstone grant to jumpstart the historic rehabilitation, with its funding matched by private contributions and business tax credits purchased from the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority.
The rehabilitation of the historic building was executed by Bedard Preservation & Restoration and in partnership with Sheldon Pennoyer Architects, Unlocking History, Bruss Project Management, and Resilient Buildings Group.
Substantial foundation and sill work was required and revealed an unusual double sill supporting the house. The outer sill supported the outside walls and roof, and the interior sill supported floor framing. Rehabilitation work also included new clapboard siding which replaced 20th-century siding that had been added after a fire. New air source heat pumps, rock-wool insulation, and air sealing allowed SELT to meet their efficiency goals for the project. The rehabilitation of the historic building was done according to the Secretary of Interior Standards with as close to “net-zero” energy use as possible.
SELT’s objective was to convert the Farmhouse into two units of “workforce” housing. A two-bedroom apartment was created on the first floor, and a small addition accommodated a separate entry and stairwell for the 2nd floor two-bedroom apartment. Currently, SELT is accepting applications for renters. To learn more and apply please visit seltnh.org/farmhouse.
The John Prescott Chase Farmhouse was built in the 1780s and renovated in the early 19th century to reflect late Georgian or early Federal styles. By the mid-19th century, the farm’s owner, John Prescott Chase, updated the interior again with details of then-fashionable Greek Revival architecture. By the early 20th century, the property had become a commercial dairy farm, and was individually listed to the NH State Register of Historic Places in 2013. Now, thanks to its historic rehabilitation, the Farmhouse will once again provide shelter for families.
About New Hampshire’s Land and Community Heritage Investment Program
The New Hampshire Land and Community Heritage Investment Program is an independent state authority created by the legislature in 2000. LCHIP’s legislative mandate is to ensure the perpetual contribution of natural, cultural and historic resources to the economy, environment, and quality of life in New Hampshire. LCHIP does this by providing matching grants to New Hampshire municipalities and non-profits to conserve and preserve the state’s most important natural, cultural and historic resources. The program has provided 530 grants which have helped to conserve close to 300,000 acres of land for food production, water quality, ecological values, timber management and recreation and has supported projects to study and rehabilitate 324 historic structures and sites. Grants have been awarded in all parts of the state and in 195 of New Hampshire’s 234 communities. Fifty-four million dollars of state money have led to a total project value of more than $312 million. The money for LCHIP grants comes from fees on four kinds of documents recorded at the Registry of Deeds in every county of the state.
For more information about LCHIP, visit LCHIP.org or call (603) 224-4113
About SELT
SELT is a nonprofit land trust with a mission to protect and sustain the significant lands in our communities for clean water, fresh food, outdoor recreation, healthy forests, and wildlife. Since 1980, the Southeast Land Trust has worked in 52 communities of southeastern New Hampshire to conserve more than 26,000 acres of land through conservation agreements and ownerships. SELT is accredited by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission. For more information, visit seltnh.org.