Life on the water: Discovering Lake Winnipesaukee & Lake Winnisquam

There is something about living on a lake in New Hampshire that is difficult to put into words. It is waking up to the water, taking the boat out for dinner, swimming until sunset, watching the mountains change colors in the fall, and enjoying the simple things that make a house feel like home.

For me, that lifestyle is more than something I sell — it is something I genuinely enjoy. I spend my time boating, swimming, golfing, hiking, and exploring the Lakes Region, and two of my favorite places to be are Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam. I love helping people discover these lakes because I know firsthand how special it is to build a life around the water. As a Realtor with Roche Realty Group in Meredith, my goal is simple: to help people find the home where they can create the memories they have been dreaming about.

Lake Winnipesaukee: Big lake lifestyle

Lake Winnipesaukee is truly in a category of its own. At approximately 72 square miles — spanning 21 miles long, up to nine miles wide, and reaching depths of 213 feet — it is New Hampshire's largest lake. It holds over 625 billion gallons of water and features 264 islands framed by 288 miles of shoreline. But statistics don't really explain what makes Winnipesaukee so special.

The lake gives you the opportunity to spend an entire day on the water without ever getting bored. You can boat from Meredith to Wolfeboro, cruise through Center Harbor, visit Weirs Beach, explore islands, find a quiet swimming spot, stop for lunch or dinner by boat, or simply anchor somewhere beautiful and enjoy the afternoon. For boaters, the size of Winnipesaukee is one of its biggest attractions, with countless coves, islands, and destinations to explore.

The communities surrounding the lake add another layer to the lifestyle. Meredith offers a charming downtown, restaurants, shops, a public dock, and a beautiful waterfront setting. Wolfeboro has its historic Main Street and quintessential New England feel. Gilford offers easy access to the lake, along with Gunstock Mountain Resort, hiking, skiing, and concerts, while Center Harbor, Moultonborough, and Alton each offer their own unique take on Lakes Region living.

This is what I love about Winnipesaukee: you aren't simply buying a house — you are buying a lifestyle.

Lake Winnisquam: Big-lake with a more relaxed feel

Lake Winnisquam is one of the Lakes Region's gems, and I think it deserves just as much attention. At approximately 4,214 acres, Winnisquam is the fourth-largest lake within New Hampshire. It stretches roughly 10.5 miles, has approximately 28 miles of shoreline, and reaches a maximum depth of about 173 feet.

The lake touches Meredith, Laconia, Sanbornton, Belmont, and Tilton, giving homeowners a variety of communities and property types to choose from. Winnisquam is fantastic for boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and simply spending time outside. Its combination of open water, quieter areas, and central location makes it incredibly convenient.

One of the things I hear from people who discover Winnisquam is that they love having a large, beautiful lake while still maintaining a more relaxed, local Lakes Region atmosphere. Waterfront communities such as Waldron Bay offer amenities including a sandy beach, boat slips, tennis, and storage for kayaks and paddleboards. For someone who wants the lake lifestyle without necessarily looking for the scale or price point of Winnipesaukee, Winnisquam can be an incredible alternative.

What makes lakefront real estate different?

Buying a lakefront property isn't the same as buying a traditional home. When I work with buyers looking for waterfront property, I want to understand how they actually plan to use the lake. Are you a serious boater? Do you want deep water for a larger boat? Is a permanent dock important? Would you rather have a sandy beach for the kids? Do you want privacy and acreage? Are you looking for a year-round home or a summer retreat? Do you want to be close to Meredith restaurants and shopping, or are you looking for something tucked away? Those questions matter. Water depth, shoreline, dock configuration, exposure, privacy, access, lot characteristics, and local regulations can all have a major impact on both the enjoyment and value of a waterfront property. That's where having a Realtor who understands the Lakes Region can make a real difference.

Why work with Emily Brock?

I am passionate about real estate, but more importantly, I am passionate about people and this area. I grew up in New Hampshire and have a deep connection to the Lakes Region. I love being outside, being on the water, and understanding why people dream about owning a home here. I'm also a younger agent with a tremendous amount of energy and motivation. I don't look at that as simply being a newer generation of Realtor — I see it as an advantage. I am hungry to work, responsive, detail-oriented, and committed to understanding what my clients actually want. Most importantly, I genuinely care about getting them to the closing table.

Whether you are buying your first home, searching for a vacation property, looking for a lakefront retreat, or selling a property you've owned for generations, I want to be the person you can count on. My background in hospitality and healthcare taught me that people deserve to feel heard, cared for, and taken seriously.

Experience on the waterfront

I have had the privilege of representing buyers and sellers in incredible Lakes Region properties, including:

• 27 Soley Lane, Meredith — A spectacular Lake Winnipesaukee waterfront property with 150 feet of shoreline on 1.84 acres, sold for $1.9 million in August 2025. I represented the property on both the listing and buying sides.
• 18 Lovejoy Lane, Meredith — A Lake Winnipesaukee waterfront property with 124 feet of shorefront, which I represented as the listing agent. The property sold for $1.6 million. 
• 29 South Watch Road, Meredith — A beautiful Lake Winnipesaukee property in Grouse Point featuring sweeping lake and mountain views and a deeded boat slip. The property sold for $3.2 million in May 2026, with the sale handled by me on the buyer's side.

Your dream home could be here

Maybe your dream is a cottage where your kids spend their summers. Maybe it's a year-round home where you can wake up to the lake every morning. Maybe you picture yourself sitting on a dock with a cup of coffee, taking the boat out for dinner, watching the sunset over the mountains, or spending your weekends exploring everything the Lakes Region has to offer.

I understand that dream because I enjoy this lifestyle myself. Lake Winnipesaukee and Lake Winnisquam offer two very different experiences, but both provide something incredibly special: the opportunity to slow down, spend more time outside, and create memories that last for generations.

My job is to help you find the property that fits your version of that dream. I'm not interested in simply opening doors and writing offers. I want to be your advocate, your resource, and the Realtor you can call when you have a question about a lake, a neighborhood, a property, or the market.

If you're thinking about buying or selling on Lake Winnipesaukee, Lake Winnisquam, or anywhere throughout New Hampshire's Lakes Region, I'd love the opportunity to work with you.

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This article was written by Emily Brock, Realtor at Roche Realty Group, located in Meredith. Emily can be reached at 603-268-5393 or at the office at 603-279-7046. Visit rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.