Lake Winnipesaukee in Winter (photo courtesy of The Lake Winnipesaukee Watershed Association)

The very names are beguiling, intriguing, beckoning – Bearcamp, Shellcamp, Mirror, Crescent, Crystal, Great East, Dan Hole, Halfmoon, Hermit, Huntress, Lily, Locke, Merrymeeting, Sunrise, Suncook, Sunset, Loon, Province, Silver, Horn, Rust, Wentworth, Pine River, Saltmarsh.

The Indian names – Chocura, Wicwas, Pemigewasset, Winnisquam, Paugus, Winnipesaukee, Waukewan, Winona, Ossipee, Squam, Kanaska, Opechee.

They all can be found in this area. By this area I mean the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Glacier gouged, spring fed, interconnected by subterranean rivers each lake carries a history and fondness in the heart for those that have spent time on their waters, be it a vacation or a lifetime. Second home buyers immediately feel they somehow belong here, have always belonged here. The capacity for the homing sentiment is not something to be denied.

I have no complete information but the newspaper at times makes reference to various famous residents of the Lakes Region, usually in the obituaries. People who have, or had, the wherewithal to live anywhere yet chose New Hampshire. Not surprising to me, after all I did. Our Spencer Hughes website, recently remodeled, is a very good place to start a search for your ideal Lakes Region home or property. I look forward to assisting you in your discovery of what some believe to be the most beautiful place on earth. Check the comments section to register your opinion.

Jim Ferriman
(603) 267-9866

Those of you lucky enough to live along the shores of Lake Wentworth already know that the most notable event in all of the Lakes Region is the Cardboard Classic. The Classic is a duct tape and cardboard boat race, the pinnacle event of Family Day at the New Hampshire Boat Museum. It happens in early August every year.

This year, boat builders at the museum were on hand to assist family and youth teams in the design and construction of these remarkable water crafts. Certificates were given for the most original crafts and the longest floaters. The family event also included toy boat building, a cook out, and the unforgettable War Canoe Water Skier event. The event was a great success.

Check out these Lake Wentworth properties, paddling distance to the Cardboard Classic:
80 Townsend Shore Road, Wolfeboro NH  -  MLS# 2785112
70 Churchill Rd., Wolfeboro NH -  MLS# 2782090
Mark your calendars and start collecting cardboard for next year.

A few more serious Lakes Region boat shows  include:
The 33rd Annual Alton Bay Boat Show
The 36th Annual Lake Winnipesaukee Antique & Classic Boat Show

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