The chance to own a waterfront vacation home may seem out of reach if you only look at the upper end of the price spectrum where the prices for Lake Winnipesaukee waterfront homes can reach the six million plus range, but there are alternatives. In fact to date this year there have only been twenty six homes sold on the big lake and the average selling price was in the mid $900,000’s. I grant you that’s a lot of money, but it is down considerably from recent highs. So, if you are looking for a Winni lakefront home, now is a good time to buy, especially with interest rates now as low as in the 3%’s.
But the point of this article is that there is another alternative if you are looking for a vacation home here in the Lakes Region. It’s called a “camp.” In the “old days” (my misspent youth) almost all the structures built on the lakes were seasonal rustic “camps.” They were built to use only in warm weather and were not winterized. Most of these were torn down and replaced with large year round homes during the boom times of the 1980’s and 90’s. However there are still a few left around. They are mostly on the smaller lakes and offer a taste of how life was back in the days of yore and are surprisingly affordable.
Recently, I was able to revisit the past at one of our listings on Lake Waukewan at 133 Waukewan Road in New Hampton MLS#4225391. Lake Waukewan is a beautiful deep clean lake-so clean that is the town of Meredith’s water supply. This “camp” sits on the northern shore of the lake with a great view down the lake. As with most “camps,” there is tons of charm and history that goes with the property. As with most camps, this one grew “organically” as more space was needed. The main part of the camp is a converted boat house built in 1890 and later moved to the current site. A sleeping porch was added over the years. The water is crystal clear with 140 feet of frontage. The words “rustic” and “charming” aptly describe this property. If you want luxury, this ain’t it; but if want a great place to enjoy the summer in your own place and can “camp out” for the summer this place is ready to give your family great times and wonderful memories. Best of all, the price for this is a $369,000 asking price.
So, if you are considering a vacation home here in the beautiful Lakes Region of New Hampshire; consider all the alternatives. Maybe a “camp” is right for you.
By: Kim Cedarstrom – licensed Residential and Commercial Realtor® .
You can e-mail Kim at: [email protected]
Kim Cedarstrom is a licensed residential and commercial Realtor© and consultant and president of Great Northern Real Estate and Business Consultants, an affiliate of Roche Realty Group offering a lakefront/residential real estate practice as well as commercial property and business sales services. Kim can be reached at [email protected] or directly at 603-520-6609.
