The Cottages at Back River Road
📍 54 Back River Road / Uncommon Drive, Dover, NH 03820
Dover, New Hampshire
Sites
44
Total Capacity
44
Unit Rent
Max Home Size
Foundation/Wheels
About The Cottages at Back River Road
The Cottages at Back River Road is a 44-unit pocket neighborhood developed to address workforce housing needs in the Seacoast region. Situated on Uncommon Drive off Back River Road in Dover, the neighborhood comprises 544-square-foot, all-electric, energy-efficient standalone cottage homes featuring open-concept layouts and functional sleeping lofts.
The neighborhood prioritizes community cohesion and low environmental impact, bordering four acres of conserved open space. Each home includes modern appliances, dedicated parking, individual front porches, washer/dryer hookups, and cold-climate heat pump systems that ensure affordable year-round climate control. The development was created by GSD Communities and Harmony Homes specifically to provide attainable housing for workers such as caregivers, teachers, firefighters, and tradespeople.
Located in Dover, the site offers immediate access to Route 16, Portsmouth, the University of New Hampshire in Durham, and local medical facilities. The 2026 rent is listed at $1,677/month, with water and sewer paid by the landlord and electricity/Wi-Fi paid by the tenant. Pets are allowed subject to screening and a $250 fee.
This is a very different model from Tiny Village Park: residents rent a completed cottage rather than bringing their own house and leasing a pad. The homes are permanent site-built housing, not RVs or THOWs. It provides a blueprint for permanent municipal workforce micro-housing.
What's Included in Rent
Paid Separately
Community Amenities
Electric & Hookups
Electric Service
Rules & Policies
Pet Policy
Certification Requirements
Zoning Notes
Practical Considerations
Excellent example of NH tiny-home workforce housing
All-electric, energy-efficient design with mini-split heat pumps
44 completed units, all occupied
Not a BYO community - rental units only
Developed by GSD Communities and Harmony Homes
Data Sources
AI Confidence: high
Data from publicly available information — verify with community and town before making decisions.
Living in Dover
Dover, New Hampshire's oldest permanent settlement, combines rich colonial history with modern economic vitality. Located in Strafford County where the Cochecho River meets the tidal Piscataqua, Dover serves as a regional commercial hub with a revitalized downtown that has become a model for urban renewal. The city's walkable downtown features brick sidewalks, independent shops, diverse restaurants, and a thriving arts scene centered around the historic Strand Theatre. Dover's economy has successfully transitioned from its mill town heritage to a diverse base including healthcare (Wentworth-Douglass Hospital), education, and technology. The city's location provides easy access to Portsmouth, the seacoast beaches, and the University of New Hampshire in nearby Durham. The Cochecho Arts Festival, year-round farmers market, and numerous community events create a vibrant cultural calendar. The city's neighborhoods range from historic homes near downtown to newer developments on the outskirts, offering housing options for various budgets. Dover's school system serves a diverse population, and the city's commitment to sustainability and community development has earned it recognition as one of New Hampshire's most livable cities. With lower housing costs than Portsmouth and a strong sense of community, Dover attracts young professionals, families, and artists.
View full Dover profile →Looking for More Than Just Tiny Homes?
Explore full town profiles with property tax info, schools, demographics, and more.