Wolfeboro's Origin Dates it as the Oldest Summer Resort in the United States.

Today's Business Owners Help Maintain Wolfeboro's Long-Lived Popularity.

Wolfeboro's Main Street is one of the most picturesque streets in New Hampshire's Lakes Region. Many of the local businesses and restaurants enjoy stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee. Restaurants such as Garwoods and Jo Greens allow diners to enjoy the views and take in the ambiance and historic architecture. (The photo to the right was taken outside of Garwoods in November 2015. It was a surprisingly warm day with 75 degree weather and a calm lakes at Garwoods and all across Winnipesaukee!).

Tucked along Wolfeboro's side streets are many other charming commercial properties, including boutique cafes and specialty shops. Some of the cache of living on roads such as Sewall Road, Forest Road, and Main Street is the proximity to the quaint downtown amenities Wolfeboro offers.

The below interviews serve as an introduction to some of the local business owners in Wolfeboro NH . While they all come from different backgrounds, there is a common thread to their stories - what brought them to New Hampshire's Lakes Region and how their day to day experience has redefined their expectations of life on Lake Winnipesaukee. Learn more about these local owners and their businesses below. When you are are strolling through Wolfeboro, stop by and meet them for yourselves!

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Beveridge Beer and Soap Shop - Lisa Beveridge

51 North Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH

This shop specializes in selling craft beers from the New England area. There is also a small taproom with five to six craft beers on tap and a menu that features PB&J and PB&Fluff. Lisa also makes homemade soap, several of which are made with beer!

How long have you been in business?
Two and a half years

How long have you lived in the Lakes Region?
13 years

Are you originally from here? What brought you the Lakes Region?
It's beautiful. My husband's grandparents lived up here and we wanted to get out of the city. You come to visit a summer home and you kind of get attached.

What was the driving force behind starting your business?
I wanted to do something for myself, have my own shop.

Do you have a business philosophy.
Drink good beer.

What separates you from other similar businesses in the area?
There aren't any similar businesses right now, so I am pretty unique to this area.

What would you like potential customers to know? Anything new for the future?
There are always new things going on, new events. Winter and Summer beer fest are happening. New beers are coming in every week. Our soap line is expanding.

What do you like to do in your time off?
Work (laughs). I don't have a lot of time off.

What are the top three reasons why people should visit the Lakes Region?

1. Peace and quiet
2. Really nice small businesses, especially in Wolfeboro. Cool businesses throughout the Lakes Region, great restaurants, and new shops are opening up.
3. Come see me!

Find out more about Beveridge Craft Beer and Soap Co.

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Sabol's Art Studio - Gregory W. Sabol, Owner and Artist

76 North Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH

How long have you been in business?
We have been here for six months. We bought the old building, tore it down and built this one.

Where do you live in the Lakes Region?
We live in Effingham on Province Lake.

What drew you to the Lakes Region if you weren't originally from here?
I'm from the area.

What was the driving force behind starting your business?
I had studied art at the University of New Hampshire and sat in on classes at the Art Institute on Commonwealth Ave in Boston, where my brother was studying. I had owned my own businesses for thirty years and then my wife, Alice, (of seven years now) saw my art and encouraged me to get back into it. I am glad she did. We sold the business and built the studio.

What would you like potential customers to know?
My art is here to enjoy. Each one tells a story, but it is here for everyone to enjoy.

What do you like to do in your time off?
My wife and I enjoy history and traveling. We have done mission work in Honduras and Haiti. I have traveled to Russia and Israel. I belong to the Rotary and we believe in giving back.

What are your top reasons why someone should vacation in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire?

1. It is a bubbly place. You can meet people from all walks of life. I have met people from Russia, England, and more. You can sit outside at a coffee shop and talk to great people.
2. The art community here is expanding; more art studios are opening in Wolfeboro; more art events like Art Walk and Paint Wolfeboro are happening than ever before.
3. The lakes and you are close to the mountain and to the ocean.

Find out more about Gregory Sabol and Sabol's Art Studio.

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From Scratch Bakery - Katie Johnson, Owner

36 Center Street, Wolfeboro Falls, NH

From Scratch Bakery is a small town bakery run by Local, Katie Johnson, who uses high quality and fresh ingredients. This bakery offers employment to folks with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Her sister, Kristen, who has Down Syndrome, works at the bakery.

How long have you been in business?
We opened on June 1, 2015.

How long have you lived in the Lakes Region?
All my life! I grew up in Wolfeboro and graduated from Kingwood. I did go away for awhile (chuckles), but I came back. (Katie attended the University of Rhode Island and received a BS in elementary education. She later attended Johnson and Wales for baking and pastries.)

What is the driving force behind starting your business?
The bakery allows me to combine my creativity along with my love of helping people. People with disabilities may face a unique set of challenges, but they also have incredible talents and skills to offer. There aren't a lot of employment opportunities for them in the community.

What is your business philosophy?
A workplace where employees can use their individual strengths, get help when they need it and don't have keep to a breakneck pace. A worker of any ability level would like that.

What would you like potential customers to know? Is there going to be a new product for your business in 2016?
Wedding cakes! We do wedding cakes.

What do you like to do in your time off?
(laughs) I have no free time. I am heading up to Kingswood today for career day. There is always something to do.

Top three reason to vacation in the Lakes Region?

1. It is beautiful and a great place to be outside
2. The people are friendly
3. The skiing

Learn more about Katie and From Scratch Baking Co.

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Country Bookseller - Karen Baker, Owner

23 North Main Street, Wolfeboro, NH

How long have you been in business?
It will be 22 years on July 1st.

How long have you lived in the Lakes Region?
22 years; I moved here to open the shop.

What drew you to the Lakes Region, if you weren't originally from here?
I wanted to open a book store, so I crisscrossed the state looking for a small community that could support a bookstore. I fell in love with Wolfeboro. I am originally from Upstate New York but spent time in California and was living in Connecticut when I decided to open the business!

What was the driving force behind starting your business?
I was an English major working in the corporate world and I was not happy. I went to a seminar and they asked us to write what would be on your tombstone and I thought only, here lies Karen. Then they asked what we wanted to be written and I knew I wanted more. A friend gave me the book, Do What You Love and The Money Will Follow, so that's when I decided to open my own business.

What is your business philosophy?
Books are like food for the brain. If you help someone learn to enjoy reading, you give them the world.

What would you like potential customers to know?
We are here seven days a week and we serve locally roasted coffee and locally baked pastries. We are always willing to do special orders.

What do you like to do in your time off?
I love to read and spend time with friends. I love going out to eat and, of course, I love to read.

Top reasons why someone should vacation in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire?

1. A great bookstore
2. Fresh air and fabulous outside activities.Friendly people. It's a throwback in time, to a gentler, slower paced lifestyle.

Find out more about The Country Bookseller.

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There are currently 126 properties, including residential homes, mobile homes, and condo listings in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. The average listing price is $913,648. The median listing price is $378,500.

Interested in living in Wolfeboro? Feel free to search Wolfeboro waterfront homes, Wolfeboro single family homes, and land for sale in Wolfeboro.

Search all Winnipesaukee real estate or search all MLS listings!

 

131 Windermere Road Offers Ideal Location for Boaters, Crystal Clear Waterfront, and More.

Lake location offers views and proximity to lakeside towns.

Lake location offers views and proximity to lakeside towns.

Lake location offers views and proximity to lakeside towns.

Privacy, Lake and Mountain Views, Superbly Private Sandy Beach.

Moultonborough NH - So beguiling is the privacy, that you will rightly feel that here, you have found one of the most spectacular Lake Winnipesaukee parcels.

The stunning lake and mountain views will inspire you.  From the moment you enter the home, you'll see these exceptional views. From the living room, sliding glass doors open to the large deck with new composite decking.  Because of the geography of the shoreline,  you'll enjoy a generous amount of sun on this waterfront parcel on the Leeward side of Long Island. (Calm waters when much of the lake has 'white caps' is another great feature for those who enjoy swimming, kayaking, and water-skiing).

Your sandy beach, which curves in slightly and is completely level to the lake is a rare luxury. Stonewalls and walkways on the property create a park-like setting, yet there are enough trees punctuating the lawn to provide cool sitting areas on hot summer days.  Relaxation is easy in this tranquil setting!  Wildlife in the area includes Bald Eagles, Loons, and Herons who also enjoy this exceptional privacy. Day or evening this is one of the most beautiful neighborhoods on Winnipesaukee.

Ample Parking for You, Family, and Guests.

• 2 Car attached garage,
• 3 Car detached garage,  including a backup electrical generator, and
• A newly paved driveway with pervious pavers.

Stellar Waterfront!

Whether you are playing on or near the waterfront, this home offers many of the features most sought-after by Winnipesaukee enthusiasts.

• Crystal clear waterfront,
• Near conservation land on Ragged Island (loon sanctuary),
• Central lake location for boating to lakeside towns and their amenities,
• Stunning views of the Ossipee Mountain Range are protected from further development under conservation easement,
• 1 + acre lot offers plenty of room for entertaining and recreating outdoors,
• Expansive lawn is easily maintained, but can also be converted to a more natural landscape if a buyer prefers,
• Patio with outdoor hot-tub,
• Extensive decking for relaxing,
• A sunny lot also offers mature trees to provide shade on hot days.

Interior features are lovely:

• Vaulted ceiling in the living room,
• Beautifully finished built-ins,
• 2 fireplaces,
• New bamboo floors,
• New kitchen in 2008 with custom tile,
• 2 New baths,
• 4 Bedrooms,
• Master suite w/ steam shower & its own laundry and deck,
• Family room/library,
• Recreational room w/ wet bar.

Windermere Association amenities include tennis courts and the Winnipesaukee  Windermere association beach with sunsets! (This association beach is a shared beach....in addition to your own private beach.)

This Moultonborough Winnipesaukee waterfront home is offered at $1,595,000. 

View the 131 Windermere Road listing sheet.  View the 131 Windermere Road house plans, virtual tour and Photogallery

Contact Nicole Watkins, Exclusive Listing Agent.

for details, to request a color brochure, or to set up an appointment.

You might also want to search all MLS Listings,

all Nicole's Listings and my firm's listings,

or all Winnipesaukee listings.

Please let me know if you'd like me to sign up here to be apprised of new listings, which fit your search criteria as they become available.

 

 

The Number of Closed Winnipesaukee  Transactions is Down, but the Average Selling Price is Up.

 

 

9  Winnipesaukee homes with owned waterfront have sold so far this year compared to  twenty Winnipesaukee homes with owned waterfront having been sold in this same time period last year.  In other words, there were 9  NH waterfront Winnipesaukee residential sales in the time period January 1, 2013 - March 24, 2013 versus  20 NH waterfront Winnipesaukee residential sales in the time period January 1, 2012 - March 24, 2012 .

While the number of sales is less than half, the average selling price of NH waterfront homes on Winnipesaukee has gone up significantly this year.  The average selling price is $914,278 as of March 24, 2013 as compared to only $800,525 on March 24, 2012.  The median selling price for these NH waterfront homes on Winnipesaukee as of March 24, 2013 is $678,500 as compared to a slightly lower median selling price  for NH Winnipesaukee waterfront homes of $640,000 as of March 24, 2012.

More Winnipesaukee Homes Listed at $1,000,000 or More are Under Contract in 2013.

 

 

 

 

 

 

One of the most notable changes in the dynamics of the Lake Winnipesaukee real estate market this year is the shift in the price point of many of the contingent and pending Winnipesaukee sales. The shift is so dramatic that March  2013 compared to March 2012 may be a very good indicator for the rest of the year  on Winnipesaukee.  It certainly appears at the moment that the average selling price on Winnipesaukee by the end of 2013 will be considerably higher than in 2012.

As of March 24th of 2012, only 1 Winnipesaukee home with owned waterfront sold for between $1,000,000 and $1,799,999 so far that year.  By the end of August 2012, only4 Winnipesaukee homes with owned waterfront had sold in this $1,000,000 - $1,799,999 price range.

As of March 24, 2013, by comparison, there are 6 Winnipesaukee waterfront homes with owned waterfront under contract with buyers in the $1,000,000 - $1,799,999 price range.  Even if no other Winnipesaukee homes in this price range goes under contract between now and August 2013, by the end of August 2013, we will be well ahead of the number of sales in this price range as compared to 2012.

(If you'd like detailed information on these contingent and pending properties or a comparison of the past 10 years sales, year to date, please feel free to contact me.)

Breakdown of the 9 Winnipesaukee Homes Sold so Far in 2013, Assessed Versus Selling Prices.

 

 

The 4 least expensive homes that have sold so far in 2012, all of which were priced under $1,000,000, had town assessed values that were higher than the listing prices in MLS.  3 of these lowest selling homes also had less than 100 feet of Winnipesaukee waterfront. The 4  higher priced home sales, had town assessments that were lower than the listing prices.   3 of these higher priced home sales also had in common that they had at least 135 feet of waterfront, except for 134 Black Point in Alton, which, though it had only 90 feet of waterfront, did have a nearly 5000 square foot, 2010 built home and a large 1.3 acre lot.   (Please fee free to contact me for a list of these properties and their assessed values and selling prices).  134 Black Point Road, Alton,  the 4th of these higher priced homes, and the only home that closed above $1,000,000 and below $2,000,000, sold for approximatley $120,000 above the assessed value.

What seems to be happening on Winnipesaukee?  Can we use few sales to try to predict a trend?

Of course trends based on a few sales can be reverse within weeks.  However, it may be that there is a trend for properties with less than 100 feet of waterfront and with town assessments under $1,000,000  that is opposite of  the trend for newer Winnipesaukee homes with 100 or more feet of waterfront.    Properties in the latter category may be holding their value or going up slightly in value.  It is ealy in the year, but we can certainly track this to see if this trend continues.

The 9th Winnipesaukee home that sold this year, 34 Boathouse Road, sold at $2,350,000, but as the town assessment does not yet reflect the value of the finished home, we can't yet compare the assessed value to the selling price or listing price of this home.

Please email me or call me with any questions on these sales or to request other Lakes Region real estate market information. You can also use my website to view all current Winnipesaukee real estate, search by lake or town, or search MLS.

 

 

Related articles

• Winnipesaukee Real Estate Market Conditions - 2012 versus 2013.