Saturday morning started early with reveille at 0600. The Young Marines exited their tents and lined up in three squads for their first formation. Satisfied that everyone was present, the Executive Officer led the platoon through a series of exercises including some self defense movements as part of a physical training regimen. Hygiene and chow was next then they were off on an eight mile hike up Mount Major.  Every Young Marine successfully completed the hike and when they returned, they changed into bathing suits to go swimming in Alton Bay.

 Chow was served promptly at 1900 and the Young Marines consumed four extra large cans of Beefaroni.  Watermelon was provided for dessert. Later, everyone enjoyed smores around the campfire.

This wonderful weekend would not have been possible without the kindness of Mr. Steve Gray of Portsmouth NH. Mr. Gray is the owner of the mountaintop and his generosity was enjoyed by all who participated, Young Marines and staff.

By David Early

                          

The luxurious waterfront, Garvey Estate, at 518 New Castle Avenue (Shapleigh Island) closed on July 14th.

Originally listed for $12 million back on October 3, 2005, my favorite Portsmouth mansion remained on the market for the better part of the last six years with frequent price reductions to a final asking price of $6,975,000.

Set on 7+ meticulously maintained acres, surrounded by water and breathtaking views, this spectacular 17 room, 13,000 sq. ft. estate home had been built back in 2001 by the Garveys.

Considering the current property tax bill of $120,235 (down from $147,390) the “wine tasting room” may come in handy.

                          

As of yesterday, there were 186 lakefront properties (not including land) “FOR SALE”.

The following is a breakdown of  the price ranges:

FOR SALE                                  SALES PENDING     SALES SINCE 1/1/11

Under $1 million          92                         1                           11

$1 to 2 million             49                          2                            2

$2 to 3 million             22                          1                            0

$3 to 4 million              8                           0                           1

$4 to 5 million              9                           0                           0

$5 to 6 million              2                           0                           0

$7 to 8 million              2                           0                           0

$10 plus million           2                           0                           0

Totals                       186                          4                          14

                          

Visitors have long been in awe- “Stirs up feelings similar to a walk in Muir Woods.” This is truly a one-of-a-kind hideaway for the nature lover, who loves serenity and/or entertaining. What makes this parcel so special?

There is just no better place to seek sanctuary in troubled times.

Search your soul as you walk on drivable trails intertwined within this private park. Meditate and reflect on one of the many benches strategically placed amongst the many serene settings. Multiple ponds with waterfalls evoke emotions that encourage a new prospective.

Many nights to remember spent with family or friends around a stone fire pit overlooking the lake and distant mountains as the sun sets. All will force you to acknowledge Mother Natures spectacular accomplishments. Tuck your children into their bunk beds (6) with the lights above dimmed. If you dare to be different, retire to a swinging bed attached to the open ceiling with ropes and overlooking the lake. In the morning choose between an outdoor enclosed shower or an indoor shower with clear curtain. Both provide amazing views while you engage in what has otherwise just become a daily routine. Start your mornings with a hike on your own personal system of trails. It is invigorating and downright spiritual. When the mood strikes you, take a rest on one of the many benches. Rushing and worrying no longer seem to make much sense.

This is a highly unique personalized parcel. A potential purchaser must want more than just a great view lot. Simply there are no other comparable properties. Value will be based off of prospective purchaser’s appreciation for a personal retreat/wellness center totally in sync with nature and all Her wonders. Eventually, 5 to 15 years down the road housing prices may well justify incorporating this peaceful infrastructure into a high-end cluster or condominium project. However,for the foreseeable future, one should limit options to enjoying it as a retreat/wildlife preserve or possibly building their dream house privately set on one of the many knolls which provide spectacular lake and mountain views. Underground utilities currently link the grid to the dwelling along with an existing windmill to supplement electrical usage. A 500 gallon propane tank was installed properly underground and out of sight.

“A dream fulfilled” offered at $685,000 (reduced from $1,200,00)
319 Rand Hill Rd | Alton, NH | 603-387-2488

• 57 Acres -Recreational Playground/Entertainer’s Paradise
• 4-Season Mountain Retreat
• Nature Preserve
• Private Sanctuary
• Wellness Facility
• Home For Horses
• Gentleman’s Farm
• Corporate Retreat/Seminar Center
• Artist/Writer Creativity Center
• Untouched plateau higher-up with even better view potential, ideal for an upscale new home

Features include:

• Panoramic and uniquely private views across Lake Winnipesaukee to the Ossipee mountains and “Castle In The Clouds”.
• Easy to access location within a mile of the “Big Lake” – 20 minutes to Wolfeboro and Laconia; 45 minutes to Concord and Portsmouth.
• 3+1-miles of drivable walking trails with finished gravel surface. Connected to main snowmobile club trails, ideal for cross country skiing, snow shoeing and nature walks.
• 3+1-acres of lawn surrounded by rock walls and cultivated raspberries, blueberries, grapes and apples. -Nicely thinned forest provides easy viewing of wildlife.
• Underground utilities and windmill.
• Selectively placed park benches provide special views and/or solitude.
• Ideal for personal introspection, meditation or quiet conversations. – Three unpretentious and unique post & beam structures:
  • Year-round main cabin (with hanging bed in the loft)
  • Year-round guest house with full bath, 2 bunk rooms and shop below
  • Barn with second level storage
• Privately set and banked go-carttrack providing fun for all ages.
• Multiple ponds and waterfalls.
• Free standing rock fire pit.
• Outdoor mahogany stage wi multiple electrical outlets for equipment.

Ask for more details or schedule a visit: 603-387-2488

                          

Welcome by Melissa McLeod

Happy Everything by Melissa McLeod

Imagine by Melissa McLeod

Friends by Melissa McLeod

Relax by Melissa McLeod

Patience by Melissa McLeod

Visit Melissa McLeod’s website to view more of her talent.

                          

 Founded in 1877,  The Chase Home originally cared for children of widowed N.H. Seacoast sea captains who may be away for extended periods of time.

Today, The Chase Home offers an amazing residential program for adolescents in crises by providing them with a safe, structured and consistent environment for assisting them in all aspects of their lives.  www.chasehome.org

My volunteer work includes my golden retriever, Shelly….. clearly the kid’s favorite volunteer.

This past week I attended a seven hour training session at the facility  entitled  “No Such Thing As A Bad Kid” presented by child specialist  Charlie Appelstein, MSW.   He spoke brilliantly about the power of a strength-based approach in shaping the lives of at risk children and youth.   The audience consisted of some 50 professionals who in one way or another actively provide  assistance to adolescents within the community.  

More about The Chase Home in blog posts to follow.

                          

STEVE’S MOUNTAIN-TOP RETREAT - “A DREAM FULFILLED”
319 Rand Hill Rd
Alton, NH
603-387-2488

Visitors have long been in awe— “Stirs up feelings similar to a walk in Muir Woods.” This is truly a one-of-a-kind hideaway for the nature lover, who loves serenity and/or entertaining. What makes this parcel so special?

There is just no better place to seek sanctuary in troubled times. Search your soul as you walk on drivable trails intertwined within this private park. Meditate and reflect on one of the many benches strategically placed amongst the many serene settings. Multiple ponds with waterfalls evoke emotions that encourage a new prospective.

Many nights to remember spent with family or friends around a stone fire pit overlooking the lake and distant mountains as the sun sets. All will force you to acknowledge Mother Nature’s spectacular accomplishments. Tuck your children into their bunk beds (6) with the lights above dimmed. If you dare to be different, retire to a swinging bed attached to the open ceiling with ropes and overlooking the lake. In the morning choose between an outdoor enclosed shower or an indoor shower with clear curtain. Both provide amazing views while you engage in what has otherwise just become a daily routine.

Start your mornings with a hike on your own personal system of trails. It is invigorating and downright spiritual. When the mood strikes you, take a rest on one of the many benches. Rushing and worrying no longer seem to make much sense.

This is a unique and highly personalized parcel. A potential purchaser must want more than just a great view lot. Simply, there are no other comparable properties. Value will be based off of prospective purchaser’s appreciation for a personal retreat/wellness center totally in sync with nature and all her wonders.

Eventually, 5 to 15 years down the road housing prices may well justify incorporating this peaceful infrastructure into a high-end cluster home or condominium project. However, for the foreseeable future, one should limit options to enjoying it as a retreat/wildlife preserve or possibly building their dream house privately set on one of the many knolls which provide spectacular lake and mountain views.

Underground utilities currently link the grid to the dwelling along with an existing windmill to supplement electrical usage. A 500 gallon propane tank was installed properly underground and out of sight.

POSSIBILITIES ARE ENDLESS:

• 57 Acres —Recreational Playground/Entertainer’s Paradise
• 4-Season Mountain Retreat
• Private Sanctuary
• Nature Preserve
• Wellness Facility
• Home For Horses
• Gentleman’s Farm
• Corporate Retreat/Seminar Center
• Artist/Writer Creativity Center
• Untouched plateau higher-up w/ even better view potential, ideal for an upscale new home.

FEATURES INCLUDE:

VIEWS

• Panoramic and uniquely private views across Lake Winnipesaukee to the Ossipee mountains and “Castle In The Clouds”.

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

• Easy to access location within a mile of the “Big Lake”
• 20 minutes to Wolfeboro and Laconia; 45 minutes to Concord and Portsmouth.

OTHER UNIQUE FEATURES

• 3+/- miles of drivable walking trails with finished gravel surface. Connected to main snowmobile club trails, ideal for cross country skiing, snow shoeing and nature walks.
• 3+/- acres of lawn surrounded by rock walls and cultivated raspberries, blueberries, grapes and apples.
• Nicely thinned forest provides easy viewing of wildlife.
• Underground utilities and windmill.
• Selectively placed park benches provide special views and/or solitude. Ideal for personal introspection, meditation or quiet conversations.
• Three unpretentious and unique post & beam structures:
• Year-round main cabin (w/ hanging bed in the loft)
• Year-round guest house w/ full bath, 2 bunk rooms and shop below
• Barn w/ 2nd level storage
• Privately set and banked go-cart track providing fun for all ages.
• Multiple ponds and waterfalls.
• Free standing rock fire pit.
• Outdoor mahogany stage w/ multiple electrical outlets for equipment.

This one-of-a-kind property is being offered at $685,000 (reduced from $1,200,000). Purchaser(s) should be environmentally minded and have the desire to utilize the property in the same fashion as the current owner; with no “immediate” interest in subdividing or further development of the property. This is not the right property for anyone who does not desire and fully comprehends the value of its unique features.

In future boom times, the parcel will be very conducive to developing with cluster high end homes or condominiums.
Broker owned for over 20 years.
Steve Gray – 603-387-2488

Front view of main cabin

Back of main cabin & front of guest house

Barn w/2nd level storage

Sunset over Lake Winnipesaukee