The Nettie Brown House, c. 1830, sits on Main Street in picturesque Warren, New Hampshire, on the western most fringe of the White Mountain National Forest, and bordered by the Baker (formerly Asquamchumakee) River. A portion of the Appalachian Trail cuts through Warren's north-western village of Glencliff as it makes its way across Mt. Moosilauke (elev. 4802').
The house was built in the federal, colonial style during the early part of the 19th century when Warren was a (relatively) booming logging and resort town. Vacationers and workers from New York and Boston frequented the area via the rail line (now the Corridor #5 snowmobile and multi-use trail), visting the majestic Mt. Moosilauke or looking for work in some of the large logging operations.
The house, originally two stories, was raised and an additional floor was inserted as the new first floor, making the house three stories tall, towering in the center of Main Street. Nettie and George Brown lived in Nettie's parent's large, white house across the street. They bought this house in the 1930's, living here while operating a funeral parlor in the white house. Nettie was a licensed embalmer and George performed the services and built caskets. Nettie was also very involved in town politics and the historical society, keeping the treasurer's books and recording Warren historical events. Locals who knew George say that he sat on the front porch knitting in his free time.
George predeceased Nettie, who died in the late 1970's. She lived in the home up until her death. Visitors say they sometimes hear Nettie in the kitchen getting a drink of water. We soemtimes here Nettie's footfalls on the large center stairs. The house still holds Nettie's wood-fired cook stove, piano, and a collection of her books.
Current owners, Julie Sforza and Jason Smith, welcome you to explore the quiet beauty of the western White Mountains while staying in this unique home.
We hope you enjoy Nettie's house as much as we do.
