Imagine a home where the journey to your front door is as exciting as the destination. This furnished island home on Lake Winnipesaukee, located in Gilford, N.H., offers just that. Accessible only by boat, this unique property provides a serene retreat with breathtaking views and a rustic charm that captures the essence of lakeside living.
The property, listed for $889,500 is a summer home built in 1952, spanning 1,037 square feet with three bedrooms and one full bathroom. The 11,761-square-foot lot includes 150 feet of waterfront, making it a prime location for those seeking a tranquil escape.
The Journey to the Island Oasis
Reaching this island paradise requires a bit of adventure. After driving into Gilford, a boat ride from the town’s Glendale Docks is necessary to access Locke’s Island. The home is situated on a slight rise, offering panoramic views of the lake. A fishhook-shaped breakwater provides a safe harbor for watercraft, along with a two-boat-sized dock.
The property features a unique entryway that begins with a walkway leading from the breakwater to a stairwell on the right side of the home. This stairwell rises to an enclosed porch with tall windows, allowing for seemingly endless lake views. The porch, painted in a shade of teal, leads to a private deck with direct lakefront views and stair access to the water.
A Rustic Interior with Modern Amenities
Step inside to find a home that embraces its rustic roots. The flooring is knotty pine, the ceiling has exposed support beams, and most walls are also knotty pine, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The open floor plan combines the living room and kitchen into one spacious area.
The living room features a stone-faced fireplace with a stove that is fueled by both propane and wood. A pair of tall windows flank the fireplace, and a ceiling fan ensures comfort on warmer days. The kitchen is separated by a butcher block-topped peninsula with seating for two, and the flooring changes to ceramic tile. The electric range and refrigerator are white, and the cabinets are unpainted wood.
Upstairs: A Cape-Style Layout
Moving upstairs, the layout resembles that of a New England Cape-style home. At the top of the stairs is a family room flanked by the primary and a secondary bedroom. The floor is painted a pale white, but the ceiling and walls remain knotty pine. A four-drawer dresser is built into the wall, and the ceiling has a central fan and two large skylights.
The primary bedroom offers a design departure with walls and ceiling painted a calming pale blue. It features its own skylight and a pair of windows looking out to the lake. The secondary bedroom, although smaller, is a mirror image of the primary with a skylight and windows on one exterior wall, offering a view of the tree lot.
Downstairs: Additional Living Spaces
Returning downstairs, a rear entry hall provides access to the final two rooms. The bathroom is a standout feature with a pair of casement windows on each of the two exterior walls, allowing sunlight to flood the space. It includes a shower-only bathroom with an insert with a glassed door, a single stand-alone vanity, and two linen cabinets along with a medicine cabinet.
The third bedroom is 143 square feet with white walls, a painted floor, a knotty pine ceiling, and large windows on three walls. A full-size washer and dryer are stacked in the rear entryway hallway. The water is drawn from the lake and then processed through a filtering system, and the septic system must be pumped every three to five years.
Short-Term Rental Potential
While the current owners did not rent out their home, the property has significant short-term rental potential. John B. Ayer, Gilford director of planning and land use, noted that Gilford has short-term rental rules that should be reviewed by the next owner should they want to rent it out.
According to Ayer, if the homeowner is in residence for more than nine weeks and rents it for less than nine weeks, they do not need to get a conditional use permit. However, if they rent it for more days than they occupy it, then they need the conditional use permit. This flexibility makes the property an attractive option for those looking to generate income through short-term rentals.
The home is being sold furnished, making it ready for immediate occupancy or rental. With its unique location and charming rustic design, this island home on Lake Winnipesaukee offers a one-of-a-kind living experience.
