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

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

“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

Land investments can be made for any number of reasons; to build a home on, for weekend escapes, investment purposes, in preparation for retirement, pure enjoyment and for revenue production.

After an approximate area is selected it is a good idea to spend time getting generally familiar with the various terrain and water features and the locale in general. Approach it as a fun discovery effort. Drive around, sight see and talk to area people where you have developed an interest. I do recommend seeking the advice of a professional real estate agent who should be able to pass along important information on and existing limitations of land in that area. Their expertise may prove to be quite valuable in researching and negotiating on specific properties as well as supervising the transaction to closing.

If you are considering building it’s a good idea to speak with a local contractor or architect. They will be able to discuss with you any limitations the land may have in your future plans and bring together rough building estimates influenced by terrain and sub-surface features. Any offer of course should be dependent upon a survey.

Again, in referring to building lots; topics where you want to make sure of will be in zoning classifications, existing easements, building restrictions, fencing prohibitions, landscaping rules, height and roof considerations, availability of utilities, septic planning, unusual deed restrictions, association fees or rules as well as potential future taxes associated with outstanding views.

These are some of the important considerations prior to purchase. Land is something where an out of state buyer definitely wants to “cross all the Ts and dot all the Is”. It is also my opinion that the inherent natural resources and quality of life present in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire will only grow in their appeal to others in less well blessed and over taxed states.

jferriman@spencerhughes.com (603) 520-5385