Lakes Region Profiles — A former summer camp transforms into Waldron Bay

by Frank Roche

President, Roche Realty Group

Like so many boys' and girls' camps in New Hampshire's Lakes Region, Camp Waldron operated successfully for many years, offering the campers great memories that have lasted a lifetime. This week let's take a look at what this former camp has morphed into today. Waldron Bay, on Lake Winnisquam in Meredith, is sort of a hidden secret, compared to many of the other lake access communities that have stronger road visibility.

Waldron Bay is one of the lowest density communities in the Lakes Region. There is a total of 334 acres of which the original developers set aside a total of 179 acres in conservation and common land area. It has a vast amount of shoreline including approximately 3,760 of shorefront on Lake Winnisquam, which is New Hampshire's third largest lake and is a water body that encompasses 4,264 acres of pristine water. Can you imagine the subdivision plan created only 65 single family home sites, ranging from one to ten acres in size, which were master planned to create a private, tranquil setting in the finest of Lakes Region traditions? Almost every lot boarders the 170 acres of Waldron Bay's preserved, private woodlands, that shelter the community from the noise and crowding of the outside world.

The community is located in the scenic resort town of Meredith and is very accessible from Interstate 93, off of exit 23 in New Hampton. The entrance is located roughly 5 miles from the highway, just after you pass Lake Wicwas.

At Waldron Bay you will find a delightful mix of water access homes and lots, as well as individual waterfront homes. The community has one of the best natural sandy beaches in the Lakes Region, for all residents to enjoy. This private beach includes a wonderful community beach pavilion building, overlooking the shoreline. The inside of the building features vaulted wood ceilings, fir flooring and a massive floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace. It offers a terrific place to lounge by the lake and have family get-togethers. Beach restrooms are located in the same building. There are a total of 21 individual boat slips along the shoreline. A tennis court and kayak racks are also included. The community features paved roads with underground utilities. Many of the homes feature panoramic views overlooking the lake towards Gunstock Ski Area. It is clear that the original developers were more interested in creating a gorgeous functional community than simply trying to maximize the total land area for profits. With its vast conserved lands, this community will remain extremely private for all future generations to enjoy.

During the past two years, there have been two waterfront home sales. The first one at $950,000 and the second at $1,160,000. Keep in mind, both these sales are toward the high end of values for Lake Winnisquam. Both of these were spectacular homes ranging from 3,400 to 4,800 square feet. There was one lake view home directly behind the common beach area that sold for $800,649. There have also been a considerable amount of lot sales that have happened in the same time period. In fact, there were five land sales in the most recent year. Prices ranged from $54,000 to $220,000 for a lot with direct lake views and tremendous privacy. It looks like there are only four lots left available for sale within the association, out of the original 65. Active lot listings range from $89,000 to $199,000. These lots range in size from four to six acres and of course have access to all of the wonderful amenities at Waldron Bay. There are currently seven single family homes for sale within the community. Prices range from $409,900 to $725,000 for properties off of the water and two for sale for $950,000 and $999,000 directly on the water.

If you are out there looking for a very solid water access community on a large lake, with tremendous privacy, I strongly suggest you take a look at Waldron Bay, where you can enjoy all of the four seasons in the beautiful Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Take a look on google.com and type in "homes for sale at Waldron Bay" and you will find that Rocherealtygroup.com shows up first and will direct you to the Waldron Bay community page, where you can find currently listed properties for sale.

Please feel free to visit www.rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market. Frank Roche is president of Roche Realty Group in Meredith and Laconia and can be reached at 603-279-7046.