Holderness is a small town in Grafton County with a population of just over 2,100 residents. The community is anchored by the Holderness School, a well-known preparatory school that has shaped the town's character for generations. The Pemi-Baker Regional School District serves local families, with Holderness Central School providing elementary education within the town. The town sits in New Hampshire's Lakes Region, where year-round residents balance the quiet of rural living with seasonal activity from visitors drawn to the area's lakes and outdoor recreation. Main Street runs through the center of town, connecting residential neighborhoods with the school campus and essential services. The local economy relies heavily on the preparatory school as a major employer, along with town services and seasonal businesses that serve both residents and visitors to the broader Lakes Region.

Why Holderness?

Home to the established Holderness School preparatory campus
Part of Pemi-Baker Regional School District with local elementary school
Access to Lakes Region recreation and Squam Lake area
Small-town atmosphere with under 2,200 residents
Rural setting with reasonable access to larger towns

Quick Facts

Population

2,164

County

Grafton

Region

Lakes Region

School District

SAU 48

Weather in Holderness

69°F

Partly Cloudy

Today

80 / 63

Tue

82 / 62

Wed

88 / 58

Map

Living in Holderness

What you need to know about making Holderness your home.

Major Employers

Town of HoldernessHolderness Central SchoolHolderness School

Schools & Education

Holderness is part of the Pemi-Baker Regional School District (SAU 48).

Cost of Living

Housing costs reflect the town's Lakes Region location and proximity to the preparatory school, with property values typically above the state average (est.). Property taxes are moderate for New Hampshire standards.

Real Estate

$425,000 (est.) median home price

$18.50 per $1,000 (est.) property tax rate

No state income or sales tax in NH

View listings in Holderness

Commute Times

2 hr 30 min

Boston

45 min

Concord

25 min

Laconia

15 min

Plymouth

1 hr 15 min

Manchester

School District

Regional district

Pemi-Baker Regional School District(SAU 48)

Grades served: PreK-12

Website

Students attend high school in Plymouth.

Holderness serves as a district hub for students from nearby towns in this district.

District towns

Plymouth Campton Rumney Wentworth Thornton Waterville Valley Ellsworth

Holderness local school (Pemi-Baker Regional School District)

PreK-12Elementary

Regional high school (in Plymouth) via Pemi-Baker Regional School DistrictBobcats

PreK-12High School

Hidden Gems in Holderness

Beyond the well-known attractions, Holderness has spots that locals love and visitors rarely find.

Kirkwood Gardens

year-round

This volunteer-maintained formal garden sits on the grounds of the historic Holderness Inn, designed by landscape architect 'Sunny' Kirkwood in the 1990s. The one-acre garden features plants specifically chosen to attract birds, bees, and butterflies, with color-coded maps that educate visitors about wildlife-friendly gardening. You'll often see someone painting or practicing tai chi in the morning quiet, and the 25-by-60-foot bluestone patio provides scenic views with mountain backdrops.

Holderness Historical Society Museum

summer

Housed in a relocated 1800s church building that was moved from Perch Pond Road to Curry Place in 1994, this small museum offers an intimate glimpse into local history. Knowledgeable volunteers share stories about the town's founding and development, with exhibits featuring artifacts and documents from various eras. The displays change regularly and special lectures are hosted throughout the year, making each visit unique.