I would look for an existing cottage you can remove.
We get calls all the time from buyers looking for a lakefront lot to purchase to build their dream lakefront home. I almost feel I should tell you they really almost don't exist. The lot you are picturing when you call is level, has sunsets, a sandy walk in beach, on 1 acre or more with 100 feet of frontage with a open water view of mountains in the background. Maybe if we jump into the $750,000 plus range I might come up with that lot, realty says maybe no! The NH DES has rules in place to make your dream lot almost an impossible dream. Take a quick read at the most asked questions at the Department of Environmental Services. http://des.nh.gov/organization/divisions/water/wetlands/cspa/categories/faq.htm If you are lucky enough to find a lot with a sandy beach can you clear the vegetation to enjoy it, or clear trees to see the lake? I was over at Lake Sunapee looking at a level, wooded 2 acre lot with 200 feet of shoreline last week. Sounds good so far, well the shoreline was rocky with a 6 foot drop down to the lake at the water edge, tons of trees to contend with to open up the view and the lot was over $1.5 million. On the other side of the Lake a listing similar in price with a cottage on it had over 200 feet of sandy shoreline, mountain views and sunsets. With the shoreline rules many options that a new home would have on a vacant lot are grandfathered with an existing home on the lot. The view 90% of the time is already there and you can build on the same footprint and go up a level or move the home back to build a larger home. The old timers did not break any rules when they built their dream homes, there were no rules to follow. A couple of cottage listings I just viewed would fit this perfectly. ( Example ) Bow Lake is 1100 acres, the home had a level lot, sandy beach, views, 1.2 acres of land, 1300 square foot cottage for $410,000 or a Seasonal Cottage on Winnisquam for $349,000. These are building lots that I would build on. You have the views and most of rules are grandfathered to make the permitting go smoothly. Most available land lots on the water in this price range are steep sloping lots with impossible shorelines to develop. Why don't you just call us? We have been helping buyers find lake homes in NH for over 15 years. Look at the testimonials on our website. For additional information on lake homes or lots call Four Seasons | Sotheby's International Realty at 1-888-737-5550 or e-mail at info@nhlakesrealty.com or visit our website to view lake homes in New Hampshire at www.nhlakesrealty.com or www.lakeorskirealestate.com .
Contact us today to find your dream home in New Hampshire or e-mail and we will set you up with a custom e-mail cart designed for you to view the homes you are interested in!!!
We cover all the lakes including real estate on Ossipee, Squam, Sunapee, Winnipesaukee, Wentworth, Great East, Winnisquam, Newfound, Merrymeeting, Bow.