Condominium choices with waterfront access in the Lakes Region

There is a lot of new condominium development taking place in Laconia; however, the majority of new projects do not include waterfront amenities that everyone is looking for. I personally feel the best value with rich amenities often in existing resale communities. It makes sense, the majority of them were constructed during the 1980s when the Lakes Region experienced a growth surge and prime locations were available at a much more affordable price.

We are entering our spring selling season with Daylight Savings Time this weekend, and I thought I would outline a number of communities that offer desirable lakefront amenities:

Broadview Condominiums: This sought-after community in Gilford includes 640 feet of shorefront on Lake Winnipesaukee with a gorgeous natural sandy beach with oversized sun deck, 34 boat slips protected by a large stone breakwater, panoramic lake and mountain views, and tennis courts. Fifty luxury townhouses with attached garages offer various floorplans. I sold the land back in the early 1980s to the developer, Dick Anderson, and marketed the units for sale. It is a very desirable lakefront community.

Winnstock Condominiums: This waterfront community in Gilford is next to Broadview Condominiums. It offers spectacular views of “The Broads” and islands beyond. This community was developed in the mid-1970s, when I started in real estate, and I remember selling a number of the units for Mark Slotnick, the developer. The property includes 500 feet of prime shorefront on Winnipesaukee, a sandy beach, a swim platform, a tennis court, day docking, and a mooring field for individual unit owners. Forty-four townhouse units overlook the lake in three tiers, on a gently sloping site. The location is ideal for walking, jogging, and biking on Scenic Drive, which follows along the lake.

Sammoset Condominiums: I originally sold this waterfront parcel to the developer, General Investment and Development Company, around 1980. This suburb property included 22 acres of rolling topography, with 800 feet of gorgeous shorefront on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Magnificent views of the lake and mountains beyond resemble a postcard. This community includes a lovely sandy beach with boat slips and a mooring field along the shoreline. An award-winning outdoor pool with a small clubhouse overlooking the lake, plus a second outdoor pool and tennis courts, complete the amenity package. There are approximately 130 luxury townhomes, beautifully sited throughout the community with various floor plans and mature landscaping. This is a great location for summer recreation and skiing at Gunstock Mountain nearby.

Stonedrift Condominiums: Located in Gilford next to Broadview Condominiums. This small condominium association includes only nine townhomes that share a breathtaking setting on Lake Winnipesaukee. 200 feet of meticulously maintained shorefront on the “Big Lake” is offered with panoramic views. There are two sandy beaches, a community docking system with individual moorings for each unit owner, plus a tennis court. I was involved in this development back in the 1980s, and it's always been a very popular lakeside community with strong demand.

Mallard Cove: Located on Lake Opechee in Laconia with 988 feet of southwest-facing shorefront, two sandy beaches, and tennis courts on 10.8 acres. This community is across the road from the Laconia Country Club and features 30 detached single-family condominium homes and duplexes. Buddy Daw and I purchased this waterfront parcel back in the 1980s and obtained all approvals. It’s a great convenient location with the lake in your front yard and a golf course in your backyard.

Southdown Shores & Longbay: With over 360 acres and almost one mile of shorefront on Paugus Bay, the real estate choices and amenities are unlimited. Nineteen intimate condominium villages, and a vast selection of single-family homes are offered. Forty boat slips, 40 moorings, tennis courts, beach, clubhouse, and skating pond are at Southdown. Longbay features two sandy beaches, a heated pool cabana, community boat slips, two tennis courts, and a clubhouse. We have sold over 1,000 properties over the years in these popular communities.

Rocky Ledge Community: This waterfront community on Lake Winnipesaukee in Laconia includes 467 feet of prime shorefront with dramatic views. Twenty-five condominiums with various floor plans and screened porches are included. A beautiful sandy beach and boat slips surrounded by a stone breakwater for all unit owners, and a tennis court complete the amenity package.

Yacht Club Vista: Situated along 400 feet of gradual sandy shorefront in Saunders Bay of Lake Winnipesaukee in Gilford. This community is home to a huge docking system featuring an expensive sun deck built over the water with permanent boat slips for each owner. A gazebo, sandy beach, outdoor pool, and tennis court are also included. Individual condominium cottages and attached condominium units feature spectacular views.

Misty Harbor: Misty Harbor's 335-foot sugar sandy beach on Winnipesaukee is one of the finest around, with spectacular views of Mount Washington. Located on both sides of Route 11B, Misty Harbor is home to 93 one-bedroom condominium suites, as well as 25 two-bedroom lake view suites. It features an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, and an on-site rental program.

Christmas Island: Christmas Island is a small, gated community of private cottages and townhomes nestled along 1,900 feet of shoreline on Winnipesaukee, on a small bridge island. The community features three natural sandy beaches and 28 individual boat slips in a protective cove for all 28 homes on the island. The luxury townhomes offer 2,200 feet of living space on three levels with brick fireplaces.

Sundown Condominiums: Sundown Condominiums feature deeded beach access to Lake Winnipesaukee with a day dock, tennis courts, and a bathhouse for all Plantation Beach Association members to enjoy. The attractive landscaping includes stone walls and Victorian lighting. There are several architectural designs and floor plans.

Stonecrest Condominiums: Forty-five individual townhomes with several floor plans are set along 200 feet of westerly facing shorefront on Paugus Bay of Lake Winnipesaukee in Laconia.

A natural sandy beach and 12 individual boat slips are included.

Paugus Bay Raquet Club: Spacious three-level townhouses overlooking Paugus Bay of Lake Winnipesaukee. Fabulous pool, tennis, and beautiful landscaping. Association shorefront on Lake Winnipesaukee with a deck, day docks, sunbathing areas, kayak racks, and a sandy beach.

Four Seasons: Garden level and townhomes on a gently sloping site overlooking Paugus Bay of Lake Winnipesaukee. Many of these condominium homes have boat slips on Lake Winnipesaukee with westerly views and a sandy beach.

The choices are unlimited; I have listed just a sampling of water access condominiums.

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This article was written by Frank Roche. Roche is the president of Roche Realty Group located in Meredith, and can be reached at 603-279-7046. Visit rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.