In 2017, we were looking to buy a lake house in New Hampshire. We spent countless nights and weekends looking online for the perfect getaway. We started with a lengthy list of must-haves including 4 bedrooms, a substantial lot, neighbors out of earshot, and all within a reasonable driving distance from our jobs in Cambridge, MA.
As we searched, we found a few categories of homes. The first and most common were tiny cabins on tiny lots with neighbors right on top of each other. Another group was the lake mansion; huge lots, gigantic houses, docks, maybe a golf course, and an equally large price tag. Ultimately, we struggled to find anything that was close to what we wanted.
Finally, in December of 2017, we saw a listing for an empty lot in Northwood. It was about 1.8 acres of undeveloped land with over 300 feet of lake frontage. The price was very attractive. We soon learned that the price was low because the town had passed an ordinance prohibiting new construction on lots under 2 acres. To build, we would need to endure a lengthy process of applying for a variance from the town planning board. We decided to make an offer for the property that was contingent on successfully acquiring this variance.
The variance process was 4 months of plans, permits, and inspections. We met the planning board in late April of 2018 and were granted the variance. There was a pretty big group of people that deserve thanks for helping us get through that process.
We picked a builder and met an architect. Several months later we had great drawings and a budget for building Harmony House. We had no idea what we were in for, but we started making plans and decisions right from the start. Roof color, siding, cedar shingle colors, garage doors, stone finishes all had to be determined. We work well with the "flip-o-rama" method of comparing options, so we have drawings of dozens of combinations that helped in our search to capture the lake house feel without getting too "cabin in the woods" or "mountain lodge" or "suburban development" feeling.
Construction started in November of 2018 and ended in the late summer of 2019. Needless to say, we now have a house that is just our style, the right size, and reflects our taste. We are looking forward to enjoying lakeside living for many, many years.
