1 EXHIBIT 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the Registration Statement (Form S-3 No. 333- ) of Litchfield Financial Corporation for the registration of Trust Preferred Securities, and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated January 30, 1999, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Litchfield Financial Corporation incorporated by reference in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Boston, Massachusetts April 12, 1999