New Hampshire’s First Cottage Court Community
Fifteen new homes on Elm Street, in the heart of Keene.
A Cozy Home and a Real Neighborhood on Elm Street
Welcome to Elmside Court, a community of fifteen new cottage homes built around a shared green space on Elm Street in Keene. It is the first cottage court community of its kind in New Hampshire, and it brings back a way of living that used to be everywhere in New England.
Instead of one big house on a big lot, Elmside Court gathers a handful of smaller, well built homes around something everyone shares. Parking is tucked out of sight. The green sits at the center. The result is a home that is simple to take care of and a neighborhood that starts at your front step.
Whether you are downsizing and want to stay in the community you already love, buying your first home, or simply ready for less house and more life, this one was built with you in mind.
COMMUNITY AT A GLANCE
- Fifteen new construction cottage homes on Elm Street in Keene
- New Hampshire’s first cottage court community
- Built around a shared green space, with parking screened from the street
- Two home styles to choose from, a Cape and a Ranch
- Board and batten siding in an earthy tone with exposed fir trusses
- Woods, wetlands and old stone walls along the edges of the site
- Walkable to downtown Keene, Keene State College and the Colonial Theatre
- Quick access to Route 9, Route 12 and Route 101
- Minimal HOA fee for low maintenance living
- Homes priced from $398,000
Why Keene Made This Possible
Keene’s housing study confirmed what anyone working in real estate here already knew. The city needs smaller, more attainable homes, and a large share of that demand is coming from residents who want to downsize without leaving the community they have lived in for years. The same study found that households in Keene keep getting smaller while the housing stock is still built for larger ones.
In May 2024 the City Council adopted a cottage court ordinance, allowing this kind of neighborhood in residential districts served by city water and sewer. Smaller footprints, shared green space, and a real path for builders to bring it to life. Elmside Court is the first community to come out of the ground under it.
HOME HIGHLIGHTS
Two thoughtfully designed plans to choose from: The Cape and The Ranch
The Cape: room to grow, only if you want it
Living on the main floor with an upstairs you can finish as one bedroom or two. Take the space now or leave it for later.
The Ranch: everything on one level
Single level living with no stairs to plan around, which is exactly why so many downsizers ask for it first.
All homes include
- Efficient, well planned layouts with no wasted square footage
- Bright, open concept kitchen, dining and living space
- Main floor primary bedroom
- Energy efficient construction
- Board and batten exterior in an earthy tone with exposed fir trusses
- Modern finishes chosen from a full selection guide, so the home looks like yours
- Private driveway and garage
- Your own yard, plus the shared green at the center of the community
- 895 to 1,790 square feet, 1 to 3 bedroom layouts
Less house. More life.
Who Elmside Court Is For
Downsizing
You are ready for less square footage and less upkeep, but you are not ready to leave your doctor, your church, your coffee shop or your friends. Stay in Keene, just in less house.
First home
You want something new and well built that is actually attainable, not a project that eats every weekend for five years.
Less house, more life
No big lot to mow. No empty rooms you walk past and never use. Just a well designed home and neighbors close enough to wave to.
THE PROCESS
- Planning board approval secured and the cottage court overlay in place
- Site work underway
- First homes available starting December 2026
- Homes are offered first come, first served. Reserve your spot early.
LOCATION PERKS
- A mile and a half to Central Square and downtown Keene, the heart of the city
- About a mile and a half to the Colonial Theatre, a short trip for a night out
- Just under 2 miles to the Monadnock Food Co-op for local food and local goods
- Just under 2 miles to Keene State College, close to campus and everything that comes with a college town
- Just under 3 miles to Bretwood Golf Course, if golf is part of your life
- Hiking trails and a trailhead nearby, so getting outside is a walk out the door instead of a drive
- Just over half a mile to Cheshire Medical Center
- Walking distance to Fuller Elementary and neighborhood playgrounds
- Quick access to Route 9, Route 12, and Route 101
- Stop by our Keene office at 428 Main Street to see the 3D model of the community
FAQs
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What exactly is a cottage court?
A small group of homes built around a shared green space, with parking screened from the street. Keene adopted an ordinance in 2024 that made this kind of neighborhood possible again, and Elmside Court is the first one in New Hampshire.
Are these single family homes that I own?
Yes. Each home is its own home with its own driveway and garage and its own yard.
Is this a 55 and over community?
No. Elmside Court is open to every buyer.
Is there an HOA, and what does it cover?
Yes, and it is kept deliberately minimal. The dues will cover snow removal, grounds maintenance, master insurance, and road maintenance.
How big are the homes?
895 – 1,790 square feet of living space. Both plans are designed so every square foot gets used, which is the entire point of a cottage court.
Can I choose my own finishes?
Yes. There is a full selection guide for cabinets, counters, flooring and fixtures, so two homes side by side do not have to look the same.
How do I reserve a home?
Fill out this form to learn more about plans, pricing and selections.
Where is it?
Elm Street in Keene, just off Route 9, minutes from downtown.