0 Taft RoadTownshend, VT 05353Price: $475,000

In the late 1790's, General Samuel Fletcher gave a large parcel of land to young Benjamin Murdock, whose father had died from smallpox while serving in the Revolutionary War. Benjamin built a cabin and then a house, cleared and plowed the land, and with his wife raised 8 children. That land is now known as Murdock Mountain. Entering the property is like stepping into the past. The deep stone wells that he built still hold clear water, the stone house foundation sits under the shade of a huge oak tree, and the boundaries of the now forested fields he plowed are lined with stone walls and centuries-old trees. The hilltop land is criss-crossed with the stone lined roads they built to travel to town and visit neighbors. Murdock Mountain has exposure and views to the east, west, south, and north. The forestland has not been logged for nearly 50 years, and encompasses pine, oak, maple, hickory, birch and hemlock, and one of the largest ash trees in the state. The 150+ acres is located in Townshend, but is accessed via a private road, Murdock Dr in Brookline. This property represents a chance to own an untouched piece of nature and Vermont history, and is being offered for sale for the first time in many years. Buyers agree to keep the property enrolled in the UVA program after the sale or pay any fees.