If you know of anyone who might be interested in attending one of the bookstore events Academy Award Winner Ernest Thompson is doing throughout New Hampshire, including TONIGHT, October 27, at Gibson’s Bookstore in Concord at 6:30 PM, feel free to pass along this link: https://ernestthompson.us/thebookofmaps/thebookofmaps-events/

And to learn more about the book 207 | News Center Maine did a nice story on Ernest and THE BOOK OF MAPS. To watch, click here.

How lucky are we to live in a region that still has local book stores and local writers.  Tonight is a chance to get out and support them.  Enjoy this beautiful fall day!

Curious about the Latest News in the Hot Winnipesaukee Real Estate market?

Last spring there was a time period where we expected the real estate market might slow down because of the pandemic.  Do you remember those days? In fact, just the opposite happened. 

Please see attached a market snapshot showing a breakdown of Lake Winnipesaukee single family sales in the past 2 years.

The average list price increase year over year was 11%.

The average selling price increase year over year was 15% 

Please see this Winnipesaukee Market Snapshot to review the listing and selling prices in the individual towns.

These statistics are drawn from the Northern New England Real Estate Network for single family residential properties from 4/27/2019-4/27/2020 and from 4/27/2020-4/27/2021. The information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed.

With lumber prices expected to continue to rise, the cost of real estate is not likely to go down any time soon.  CNN Business posted the following May 5 article by Matt Egan: "New Homes Cost $36,000 More Because of an Epic Shortage of Lumber." The full article is     https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/05/business/lumber-prices-home-building-costs/index.html.  You can follow him @MattEganCNN

Please email me with any questions about the Lake Winnipesaukee or Lakes Region NH real estate market. I can be reached at nicole@nicolewatkins.com. Or call me at (603) 707-7575.

#Winnipesaukee #WinnipesaukeeMarketStatistics #LakeWinnipesaukee #NicoleWatkinsNH #Waterfrontrealtor

It's never just another day in the second home real estate market. A couple's future may change when they pick up a magazine and see a beach home that steals their hearts. A family may drive by a home with a soul-stirring lake view while on a ski vacation and decide to act on their dream of a second home..... but in an entirely different region than what they were previously thinking. Real estate is a dynamic business and even more so in the second home market since COVID-19.

The Escape Home latest Newsletter "Helipads, Mud Rooms and Ivanka Trump's Next Home" has several quotes from Blue Water's Construction's Jason Beane regarding changes they've seen in the design/build business since COVID-19.

"Even in the northeast, where the winters can get extremely cold, vacation-home builders are designing more outdoor living space that can be used for several seasons. Jason Beane, a designer at Blue Water Construction & Development, which builds custom homes in the lakes region of New Hampshire, said his company has traditionally built vacation homes that were used mainly in the summer. But now the buildings are designed to be used year around."

“The outdoor kitchen and outdoor living space has always been a big design feature in our vacation homes, but now the outdoor space is being designed for three seasons, not just one season,” he said. That means adding more heating elements inside and outside. “We’re even heating up the garages now,” said Beane.

"A popular feature is the three-season porch, a screened-in room off the main house typically with lots of windows and skylights. For comfort in colder months, the rooms are designed to include gas heaters or fireplaces and glass inserts that replace the screens in the fall. “Screened-in porches have always been popular, but we’re seeing more of that than ever.” Blue Water specializes in Adirondack timber frame homes.

Journalist constance Mitchell Ford sums up her builder interview stating, "The big question now is whether these design trends—and our embrace of spending more time outdoors in the cold—will be long lasting or just a temporary response to the pandemic. If so, the basement office can always be turned back into the wine cellar."

Check out a few of The Escape Home's other recent newsletters.

The Escape Home has also teamed up with Pacaso, a platform for co-ownership of second homes to identify the shifting climate around second home ownership since COVID-19. Click to read their second home market trend research.

If you are looking for your escape home, browse Adriondack homes, homes with acreage,orcondominiums.You can adjust the searches by selecting to search by Newest First, Most Recently Updated, or Lowest Price First.

Not sure which type of property would suit you? Feel free to search MLS.

If you're already a Lakes Region home owner, may your winter dreams be of summer boating!

Take care and stay well!

Meredith, New Hampshire has increasing desirability as a lakeside resort town. No doubt, as we adapt to the guidelines for the 2020 pandemic, larger numbers of people will flock to Meredith.  

Our New Hampshire lakes and our extensive shoreline are inviting. The abundant space of our rural areas has never been quite as appealing as it is now.  We will find new ways to enjoy outdoor activities and loved ones while social distancing, and protecting our natural environment.

Those of us who have been in Meredith or the abutting towns for decades, will continue to love the Lakes Region as a tightly knit, year round community. Many of its best qualities remain unchanged.

Meredith, New Hamphire's town docks are in Meredith Bay, which is featured in this sunrise video.  Clients of mine who buy property in the town of Meredith continue to remark that they've never had a real estate transaction where everyone involved was so nice, which says a great deal about our community. With many quaint shops, the friendliness of the community on main street remains intact. Some shops, such as Lakes Region Nutrition Center, offer curbside delivery and are open on limited days.  

The Meredith Marina is busy putting boats in the water for it clients. And, of course, their service is known to be excellent. If you have questions about how gas fill-ups will work this summer, you can call the Meredith Marina and ask for Matt O'Neil at 603.279.7921. 

Meredith's restaurants such George's Diner and Hart's Turkey Farm have cheerful staff and good food that welcome old and new clientele in spring 2020.  Shops are finding ways to implement the Governor's safety guidelines. Lady of the Lake, Lake Effect, League of NH Craftsman, Innisfree Bookshop, Nahamsha Gifts, and the Great Northern Trading Company are all popular downtown businesses.  Customers can make a private appointment to come into Lake Effect or visit the recently launched website: www.NHLAKEEFFECT.COM. 

Gyms and trainers include The Fitness Edge and Functional Fitness. Functional Fitness NH offers virtual training for your health and safety in 2020.  Spas include Personal Days Day Spa, and the Cascade Spa at the Inns at Mills Fall and Church Landing. Limited services are opening as of May 11th at many spas.

I know our community is rising to the occasion to help one another in 2020. The warmth and joy of the Lakes Region is still apparent everywhere. From the friendly faces of the visitors, to the happy energy of the people who help serve our community, we are fortunate to have such a wonderful vibe in our region. Fortunately, hiking, boating, watching wildlife, and other forms of outdoor activity await you in Meredith and in the New Hampshire Lakes Region.

#NHLakesRegion #Meredith #NicoleWatkinsNH #WaterfrontRealtor #StaySafe #HomeBuyers

It is estimated that one third of the food that we consume each day relies on pollination mainly by bees, although additionally by other insects, birds and bats.  

In the building boom we are currently seeing, and likely to see more of with the low mortgage rates, it is also important to consider the environment that is altered during the construction process.

Below this photo are some tips from Dan Coons of ILEX Wetlands Consultants on creating a bee friendly environment.

For the general do-it-yourself gardener, this will probably help:

https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/pollinators/gardening.shtml 

A little more specific info on plants to consider was found below

 https://www.gardeners.com/how-to/pollinator-garden-design-for-bees/9144.html

a source of pre-packaged seeds

https://www.seedsavers.org/collection-pollinator-garden  

We have shrubs around our house that different species of bees just love. Azaleas and rhododendrons are frequented by bumblebees, the bridalwreath is another favorite, roses, milkweed. Anything with flowers, and the more colors the better. Also, species that bloom at different times of the year.

If you'd like to hire a consultant to help you understand how to work with your land and wetlands, there are many local experts in our community.  For wetlands advice and tree mapping especially, please contact Dan Coons at: Dan.Coons@ILEXwetlands.com 603.520.8533 P.O, Box 2185 Wolfeboro NH, 03894.

If you are interested in helping the birds and the bees, you should also check out this website for bird-friendly coffee: Birds and Beans (https://birdsandbeanscoffee.com/our-mission). #shadegrowncoffeecertification. 

While it is still winter, it feels as though a Happy Spring is right around the corner.  Enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

Fall in New England brings some of the best weather for enjoying the outdoors!

I hope this Winnipesaukee Adventure Video motivates you to enjoy whatever fabulous New Hampshire outdoor activities you like best!

Seize the day!

Are you looking for a golf course? Canoe, boat, or water-ski rentals? 

Remember the local Meredith, Center-Harbor, and Moultonborough area businesses below these photos!

Lemongrass Restaurant and Sake Bar  Meredith Marina, Shep Brown's Boat Basin, a Goodhue Boat Company,
WaukewanGolfCourse
WildMeadowPaddleSportsCanoeandKayakRentals...

Look for this new waterfront listing coming soon!  The home at 121 Eagle Shore Road in Moultonborough features a 43' x 25' sandy beach and a lovely guest house. Contact Nicole Watkins with questions at 603.707-7575.

Click the link below to view a video of this beautiful home.

121 Eagle Shore Road 

The Magical Setting on the Winnipesaukee Point will Sweep you off Your Feet!   

40 ft. Plus Sandy Beach.  
Panoramic Lake and Mountain Views. 
4 Decks, including one over the shoreline of Winnipesaukee and a new L-shaped dock.


This 10 room lake property has been renovated in 2012 to enhance the picturesque lake cottage charm, while adding luxurious touches such as a Gourmet Chef's kitchen with exquisite cabinetry and top of the line Viking appliances. interior features include hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, and a fireplace that is a work of art!

This unique fireplace has no mortar and is made of fieldstone that fits together creating a mosaic that is a great centerpiece to an open concept living area that takes in one of the most beguiling panoramic lake and mountain views on Winnipesaukee.

The ever-changing views from this point of land are of of the Ossipees, Castle in the Clouds, and down Moultonborough Bay. Lovely, small Islands in the foreground keep boaters at a distance and make this a great location for swimmers.

The .4 acre waterfront lot and .23 acre back lot allow ample level recreating space. This quiet road is quintessential new Hampshire. Nature's beauty and wildlife is abundant here at this Winnipesaukee jewel with 100 feet of waterfront.  

Offered at $1,265,000. Contact Nicole Watkins for details.

Winnipesaukee and Squam Lake Area Open Houses Wednesday October 4, 2017

Donations Made to Charities as a Thank You for Attendance.

12:30-2:00 101 Neal Shore Road Meredith NH Broker Open House.

 Brokers may bring clients. (Luncheon and donation to cancer research by Liberty Title  & Bank of New Hampshire's Tammy Cote). 

2:30-4:30 103 Pinnacle Park Road Meredith. Brokers ONLY. Cargill Construction, $2.8 million (A $250.00 donation to the NH Humane Society is being made by seller and builder as a thank you for attendance.)

Spectacular custom home for sale on Lake Winnipesaukee, in coveted Meredith bay. The property comes with 2.2 acres of land, 163ft of pristine shore front and 4798 square ft of living space. The orientation is South West and the sun sets are extraordinary. Don't like covering your boat every night, no problem here .....just park your boat in the boat house!  Enjoy the sugar sand beach and boat lift.  There are 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. The open concept features a kitchen, dining room and a great room with beautiful lake views. 

4:30-6:30 77 Ridge Road, Ashland Avaialble with a Dock to Access all of Squam Lake. STUNNING NEW construction. Magnificent views. Broker Open House. Brokers may bring clients.  $892,000 for 77 Ridge Road, Ashland without a dock, $950,000 for 77 Ridge Road with a dock.

For those who attend at least 101 Neal Shore Road, Meredith and 77 Ridge Road, Ashland, a $5.00 donation will be made in your name to the Lakes Region Children's Charity and your name will be entered to win a 2017 raffle to win an autographed New England Patriot's team member Charitable Foundation T-shirt.

Contact Nicole Watkins for details.

This Tuftonboro Neck property is approximately 15 minutes from downtown Wolfeboro, New Hampshire.

58 Eaglemere offers some of the best sunsets, views, and privacy on Winnipesaukee.  

• 3 level
• 3 bedroom bedroom home
• Sit Assessment States potential for 5 bedrooms
• 2 detached garages
•  225 ft on Winnipesaukee.
• 2 additional docks
• fireplace in great room
• large sunroom
• 1st foor master suite
• Only interested in Winnipesaukee NEW construction? Ask about potential for building your luxury dream home on this property (subject to state of NH and town of Wolfeboro approvals (see below rendering of a possible new construction design with turret to match the boathouse).

Do you want an ideal docking system?  Perfect for boating in and out in all weather? 

The 45' x 31' boathouse has a graceful turret. 
(One of only 2 turreted boathouses on Winnipesaukee).
This singular boathouse has 
Partial living space on upper level of the boathouse.

The stunning breakwater along one of the 2 docks at the property breaks the westerly winds and allows easy access to the 2 docks and the boathouse.

58 Eaglemere Road has a deep water dock with an average July water depth of 13 feet at the end of the main dock and the boathouse. 
Click here to view previous blogs and information about 58 Eaglemere, 58 Eaglemere floorpans and photos, or the 58 Eaglemere video

Click here to view additional open houses of other Wolfeboro area properties.

Feel free to contact me about this property or  MLS search here for other NH Lakes Region listings in MLS.