Exeter Mill

Pros

• The location is unbeatable, on the Squamscot River at the head of the tide in Exeter.
• It sits across the narrow river from historic downtown Exeter, providing easy walking access to dinner, shopping, and town hall.
• There is plenty of open space, trails, and BBQ stations for nice weather.
• Wildlife and birds are plentiful, with the Phillips Exeter Academy crew teams practicing on the river.
• The old mill building features beautiful tall ceilings and windows, as expected in a converted mill.
• The riverfront combined with loft-style charm is described as pretty amazing.
• The property offers historic charm and character, with maintenance realities accepted as part of owning such a place.
• The canal-sized river views toward town evoke a canal-like Amsterdam vibe.

Cons

• The cost of buying waterfront property with location and amenities would be prohibitive.
• There are challenges associated with owning an old mill building.
• Old mill properties sometimes have maintenance issues that surface, such as a pipe breaking.
• A brick mill building around 150 years old with all updated systems and maintenance-free operation does not exist.
• Problems will surface and require repairs in such properties.

Review

The property sits on the Squamscot River at the head of the tide, where the Exeter River flows into what will become the Piscataqua River. It's a location that pairs water with accessibility, sitting across a narrow channel from historic downtown Exeter. That proximity means you can easily walk into town for dinner, shopping, and town hall, turning a riverfront address into an everyday advantage rather than a private island. The setting is continuously alive with water views and the sense that you're just steps away from the pulse of the town.

The river is not just scenery here; it's a lively outdoor space. There is plenty of open space for strolling or casual recreation, trails for exploring, and even BBQ stations for gatherings when the weather cooperates. Wildlife and birds are a common backdrop, adding a natural rhythm to daily living. The river is also used as a stage of sorts, with Phillips Exeter Academy crew teams practicing on the water, giving the area an active, collegiate vibe that blends seamlessly with the historic surroundings.

Architecturally, the standout is the old Mill building, which preserves the charm of a bygone industrial era. Tall ceilings and expansive windows are hallmarks you'd expect in a converted mill, and they invite generous natural light while maintaining a sense of loft-style living. The property sits on what many describe as a "campus" of buildings: a blend of older, character-laden brickwork and newer structures that have joined the mix over time. Across Chestnut Street from the Mill, two new construction buildings anchor the modern side of the campus, signaling growth while the old charm remains an integral part of the identity.

There's no shortage of justification for the appeal, either. Waterfront properties with this exact combination of river access, town proximity, and livable charm are rare, and the overall package - riverfront views dreamt up with the convenience of urban access - can feel unattainable to purchase. The comment about the cost of acquiring such a property underscores how distinctive this location is: you get the riverfront perks and the atmosphere of loft living without having to choose between old-world character and modern conveniences.

Yet there are honest caveats that come with owning an historic mill. The reality check is that a brick mill building that's around 150 years old is unlikely to come with every system updated or be maintenance-free. The writer draws a vivid parallel to buying an old house: you should expect some fixes to surface. They illustrate this with a personal anecdote about an 1868 water pipe break in a Dover mill they once lived in, a reminder that aging infrastructure can and will require attention. The upshot is that if you prize charm and character, you're signing up for ongoing maintenance and repairs as part of the package.

Ultimately, the space is described as a rare blend of waterfront drama and urban living, where the river feels nearly canal-like and the town is within easy reach. Looking out over a river that seems to bisect the campus from the town, there are days when the experience feels like living on a canal in Amsterdam - an evocative image that captures the unique mood of the location. The sentiment is one of embracing the old girl - the mill - while riding the benefits of its setting, amenities, and walkable access to Exeter, accepting that the tradeoffs come with the territory of charm and history.

This part of Exeter, New Hampshire, offers a convenient and diverse array of amenities for seniors living in the area. With multiple cafes such as Starbucks and Panera Bread nearby, there are plenty of options for dining and socializing. Additionally, pharmacies like Walgreens and Rite Aid are easily accessible for healthcare needs. For medical care, Exeter Hospital and various physicians' offices are within close proximity. Transportation options include C&J Bus Lines and Portsmouth International Airport at Pease for easy travel. The area also features places of worship like St Joseph's Church and parks such as Amesbury Town Park, providing opportunities for spiritual enrichment and outdoor recreation. Overall, this neighborhood presents a well-rounded environment with essential services for seniors looking to settle down in a vibrant community.

Cafes

• Me & Ollie's (0.2 miles)
• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• The Juice Box (5.6 miles)
• Aroma Joe's (6.1 miles)
• Horseshoe Cafe (6.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (7.2 miles)
• Starbucks (8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (5.6 miles)
• Osco Pharmacy (5.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (6.1 miles)
• Rite Aid (6.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Thirsty Moose Taphouse (0.4 miles)
• McDonald's (0.9 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (1.4 miles)
• Memories Ice Cream (4 miles)
• Smuttynose Brewing Company (5.3 miles)
• The Old Salt Restaurant at Lamie's Inn (6.1 miles)
• The 401 Tavern (6.2 miles)

Physicians

• Exeter Pediatric Associates (0.5 miles)
• Core Gen Surgery And V (0.5 miles)
• Core Cardiology (0.5 miles)
• Exeter Hospital (1.3 miles)
• Rockingham Vna & Hospice (1.3 miles)
• Exeter Internal Medicine (1.8 miles)
• Exeter Endodontics (1.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Exeter Hospital (6 miles)
• Anna Jaques Hospital Billing (9.3 miles)
• Portsmouth Regional Hospital (9.7 miles)
• Hca Health Services of New Hampshire (9.7 miles)
• Portsmouth Regional Hospital (9.8 miles)

Transportation

• C&J Bus Lines (7.1 miles)
• Pease Planesense Air Force Hangar (8.8 miles)
• C & J Bus Lines (8.9 miles)
• Port City Air (9.1 miles)
• Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM) (9.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Joseph's Church (8.9 miles)

Parks

• Amesbury Town Park (8.9 miles)
• Portsmouth Plains (9.6 miles)