For years I skied the “Champagne Powder” of Steamboat Springs and the advice I gave to talented teenagers was that if they wish to compete on a larger stage they should plan on finishing high school at a ski town in the Northeast part of the country. Why? Edging techniques can’t be taught in 2 feet of powder.

When I myself finally relocated I picked the Lakes Region of New Hampshire partly because of the proximity of Gunstock Ski Resort. Though now I teach by appointment only I did spend a half dozen enjoyable seasons instructing there. For me Gunstock is an instructors dream and the most teachable mountain I have ever experienced.

The secrets of Gunstock lie in the selective nature of the terrain slopes, the low number of mid-week skiers and the uniform consistency of the snow. Once over a period of 4 years a balance impaired skier from Florida, who maintained a second home on the Big Lake, and I worked together in 80 separate lessons that allowed him to become a capable intermediate skier.

The views of Lake Winnipesaukee and its islands from the summit of Gunstock are stunning. This one was taken on at dawn from near the top of the mountain off the intermediate Gunsmoke run. Its no wonder that many of the second homes in the region are principally ski chalets for family and friends. I suggest you check Gunstock.com for this season’s opening date.

Rattlesnake Island

Jim Ferriman Jferriman@spencerhughes.com 603-520-5385

According to a National Association of Realtors (NAR) statistic the combined total of second home sales in 2005 accounted for 4 out of every 10 real estate transactions. The NAR determined that these second home buyers bought 41% of the time for vacation purposes, 31% for use as a family retreat and 28% to diversify their investments.

Now, why would anyone at the end of 2009 care about statistical data from 2005? We can assert that the underlying motivations for the buyers haven’t changed. Mortgage interest rates remain attractive, the stock market is still uncertain, the geo-political scene is roughly the same and congress is no more or less united on any clear objective.

From a realtor’s standpoint home values appeared to have reached a short term peak during the summer of 2006 and since then the difference between the listing and closing price of the average residence has widened, in short the market has shifted to the buyer’s advantage.

The basic axiom of real estate is and has always been that of location. This certainly holds firmly for the second home buyer. The appeal of the area, the activity options available, the quality of life, the distance from the primary residence, the services present and the general interest in the area are key to the second home buyer.

What does the Lakes Region offer in amenities to the second home buyer? The local chamber of commerce of Wolfeboro, Meredith, Gilford, Tuftonboro, Alton and Moultonborough would be happy to recount the outstanding features of the Lake Winnipesaukee area for you and I suggest that you take the time to review all the information available. The key to a happy and successful second home investment is the research effort and continued discussion involving the whole family.

What brought me to the area was water. The Western part of the country is drying up at the same time it is filling up. Water experts have for a number of years warned that the net result for the inevitable water restrictions on land west of the 100th meridian line may well be calamitous for the large population centers. I believe them. And as someone once said, “good waterfront acreage is becoming scarcer and scarcer”.

Well, deer season starts in a week. Most of the Lakes Region fall into the J1 and J2 hunting sections, among the most productive in the state. Time to put away the golf clubs, stow the boat and clean the rifle. Another compelling reason for the New Hampshire second home buyer to consider property in the Lakes Region.

Regards,

Jim Ferriman      Jferriman@spencerhughes.com     603-520-5385

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

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

For some the joy is in the journey. For others it is where the journey can take them. Now I enjoy a day on the big lake by whatever mode of transportation I happen to using. But I have noted that sailing offers additional pleasures over motoring, at least for me. I like the involvement of handling the lines, the feel of the tiller, the positioning of the boat to the wind. That sense of accomplishment of having moved from point A to point B and back using only the natural forces and physics.

There are several sailing organizations operating on Lake Winnipesaukee. The Winnipesaukee Yacht Club dates from 1937 and operates as a private club based in Gilford. The Meredith Bay Sailing Association on Lake Winnipesaukee is a certified community sailing program whose objective is to provide people of Lakes Region sailing opportunities. There are also well established programs at several summer camps along the lake and Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro offers sailing seamanship as part of its curriculum.

I am an avid supporter and member of The Lake Winnipesaukee Sailing Association. The LWSA runs a sailing school for children from 8 to 16 years of age. Their fleet of over 20 boats supports an active classroom and water program for all interests, abilities and means. Sponsoring adult racing activities for a mixed fleet the association offers a convivial atmosphere before, during and after every event. Serious racers can participate in the J/80 fleet events held weekly through the summer months. The LWSA has the impressive national credentials of being named Fleet 1 of the J/80 class sailboat. This season’s kick off dinner will be held May 14^th at the Lyon’s Den in Glendale. This is a very active and committed group supporting and promoting interest in sailing for all ages and skills. Visit them most any Saturday morning a Fay’s Boatyard in Gilford and perhaps you’ll be invited to crew on a boat for the day’s sail. 

Regardless, every boater on Lake Winnipesaukee has many of choices for itineraries: lunch in Meredith, cocktails in Alton Bay, dinner in Wolfeboro, island hopping and sightseeing everywhere. The big lake is the crown jewel of the Lakes Region and provides unique experiences for everyone sampling the lifestyles offered here in New Hampshire.

Jferriman@spencerhughes.com   (603) 520-5385

I first came to the Lakes Region on a vacation, like many do. My family and I had set aside 2 weeks to learn something about New Hampshire and visit with relatives who had a second home on Loon Pond. The setting presented an entirely different environment for my 3 children who had been born and raised in Colorado. I mean the novelty of a lake outside your back door was something you don’t have in most parts of the west.

But, children being children, by the third day I was given to understand that there was nothing to do. Unless of course one went fishing or canoeing or sailing or water skiing or swimming or kayaking, or just floated out on the lake in an inner tube. I guess it’s all in one’s perspective. So, I drove out to a chamber of commerce kiosk and picked up copies of things to do in New Hampshire. Just a few out of more than 100 brochures.

The next day, we were introduced to Lake Winnipesaukee by booking passage on the Mt. Washington from Alton Bay to Meredith and back. This turned out to be a major hit with everyone. The excitement of activities on the lake and the observance of what seemed like an exotic island life was we talked about that night around the campfire.We decided we wanted to see more of New Hampshire and picked out our favorite places to go.

The following day we all took a drive to the actual Mount Washington and rode the cog railway to the highest point in New England. No one really knew what to expect but we were keen on getting to the top via a steam engine. From the base the climb appeared to be impossible, from halfway up we were sure it was. The views seemed to encompass all of New Hampshire as well as Vermont and Maine. We were, the conquerors of fourteeners in Colorado, impressed. Shopping in the afternoon at the discount stores in North Conway proved to be a real bargain and practical side trip for everyone.

The day after we all went to the Loon Sanctuary in Moultonborough, had lunch in Sandwich at the Corner House and then drove up and over Sandwich Notch into Campton and on to the Waterville Valley ski resort. Earlier in our vacation I had read  “The Road Through Sandwich Notch” by Elizabeth Yates. And so I was able to point out and reflect on the individual histories of many of the 200-year-old stone foundations we saw along the dirt road. This book is well worth reading for anyone curious about the colonial life of the settlers in the interior wilderness of New Hampshire.

Late the following morning we made a visit to the Weirs for a more contemporary view of the life styles of those drawn to the Lakes Region. And then on to the nearby Fun Spot arcadeium completed our required “not to be missed agenda”.

Well rested the next morning we decided to stretch our legs on what we expected to be a stroll of a mile and a half up Mount Major. We came away with yet another understanding of and respect for the physical beauty of Lake Winnipesaukee, not to mention the vertical challenges of hiking in New England.

After the hike we all voted to travel the circumference of the lake itself. Everyone loved Wolfeboro and at Center Harbor we saw the Mt. Washington again taking on passengers for a new cruise. We had an early dinner in Meredith and walked along the town docks admiring the private boats and yachts moored there.

The following morning with our vacation dwindling down to just 4 days we felt we should see the White Mountain region again and so made drive and saw the state’s official emblem. Back then the Old Man in the Mountain still held onto his place on the cliff face in Franconia Notch. A quick trip over the Kancamagus Highway brought us by Loon Mountain Ski area, which impressed the Steamboat Springs skiers.

The next day the realization hit everyone with the same intensity that we only had 3 days left in New Hampshire. We were determined to spend every minute from then on at Loon Pond. I remember wondering what life would be like here for the other 50 weeks of the year. Fifteen years later we would find out.

Its great!

Jferriman@spencerhughes.com       (603) 520-5385

“Luxury camping” is how an early client of mine described his new Winnipesaukee home. That feeling which he and his family experience through the subtle interaction of the home’s architecture and the forest environment. The imaginative design features incorporating oversize timbers, roughly dressed limbs, peeled bark sheathing, branch work patterns on porch railings and imaginative woodland furniture.

These features encompass the “Adirondack Style“, dating back to the 1880s in upstate New York and now found from the Rocky Mountain West to our own New Hampshire Lakes Region. The sweeping verandas, wide staircases and overlarge windows invite the homeowner to become part of the natural setting and provide a sense of new adventure each day. I encourage you to consider embracing a truly unique lifestyle, one which will be treasured by each family member all of their days. The unmistakable style allows nooks and corners of the home to become personalized while sleeping and napping porches allow the experience of becoming part of the natural activities of lake life. Late at night owl hoots, early morning loon calls and afternoon breezes are among everyone’s favorites. 

In the lakes region there are several builders specializing in Adirondack style homes and examples of their work abound. Their creativity imparts a never to be forgotten sense of discovery to those searching for a unique second home experience. After all every man and woman carries in their mind the image of the ideal place, the one true home. For myself I’ll take a secluded Adirondack style home nestled into the shoreline of Lake Winnipesaukee or one of the other beautiful lakes in New Hampshire.

Jferriman@spencerhughes.com   (603) 520-5385