I think that the summer season has begun. We’ve had some rain its true, as well as some unseasonable cooler weather for the past month, welcome to New England. At one time New Hampshire was thought of as a place to go to escape the heat and humidity of Massachusetts. Now the Lakes Region has become the much desired summer destination for those folks seeking to escape the drought and searing heat of an area from San Diego to Miami. I can certainly understand their very sensible objective. Having lived in west Texas, New Mexico and Colorado where the summer sun seems to trap everything in a deep dust dry as chalk, photographs of New England were overwhelming. Even those enamored by the skyline of a city as seen through the velvety smog of their high-rise condominium windows develop an irresistible urge to venture out to the frontiers in search of what, change. Perhaps in an effort to balance their lives and or sanity.

At any rate the cabins, motels and campgrounds are full. The influx of happy visitors, they’re on vacation, is invigorating to our region. I’ll hazard that one out of every three who stay a week or more will make an inquiry as to the local real estate market during their visit. Now, many of our incomers have visited Washington D.C., New York City, Glacier National Park and even Orlando, Florida but I suspect few ever feel the desire to inquire about real estate there. Why is that? Is the Lakes Region that unique? I would say of course, by all means, the primary goal of this blog is to convey this very singular perception.

I’ve written blogs highlighting the desirability of New Hampshire and the Lakes Region for business incentives, living standards and geographical superiority. But, probably for me the tipper is the sense of unity a family experiences while here. One of our agents, Jeremy Osgood, recently listed a magnificent gated waterfront estate in Moultonborough consisting of 4 permanent residences, 4 seasonal cottages, clay tennis court, gym, studio and 2 boathouses. It is difficult to imagine a family compound in a more graceful setting.

Last week’s analytic report on visits to the Spencer Hughes web site tallied 3,935 from a total of 21 countries. An encouraging figure for a firm whose specialty is the limited area surrounding Lake Winnipesaukee. Our realtors have an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the Lakes Region. If they don’t have a ready answer for your inquiries they know how to research for the solution. Enjoy your visit and we welcome your interest.

www.jferriman@spencerhughes.com             Jim Ferriman 603-520-5385

The ideal of the “Zero Energy Home” comprised of wind and other alternative energy sources is a concept which is gaining attention with forward thinking builders including installation costs into the price of some new homes. And a greater number of buyers like the idea of lower/zero electricity bills for a 20 year + life of the turbine.

jferriman@spencerhughes.com  (603) 520-5385

The Lakes Region comprises hundreds of distinctive lakes and ponds and each would seem to have their own unique characteristics. Lakes Winnipesaukee alone is the host to over 200 hundred islands more than half of which have a home or camp in place. The largest islands, Long and Governor’s, are bridged to the mainland and are extensively developed. The majority of the islands are therefore accessible only by boat or after “ice in” by snowmobile.

What is the appeal of a second home that is typically used only 3 to 4 months a year? To me it is a balance of values and of opposites. A special refuge that allows an energizing of the spirit and a sharpening of personal awareness. The reasons that an island home is passed along from one generation to the next may vary but all have a common thread of powerfully shared family memories.

Things to be aware when considering an island property include but are by no means limited to; availability and cost of insurance coverage, mainland docking and parking arrangements, higher construction and remodel costs, communication capabilities, power and energy sources, septic and leach field terrain acceptability and more. With the drawbacks there must be some very positive plus points, I’ll leave these to your imagination.

According to Webster’s New World Dictionary the meaning of the word vacation
is “a period of freedom from activity; rest; respite.” I would also include in this textbook definition “an opportunity for one to become aware of something larger than oneself.” Island folk gain this insight every day and the luckier ones carry it with them forever after.

Jferriman@spencerhughes.com (603) 520-5385