A lakeside retreat in New Hampshire

Our Story

Buy or Build?

  
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.

Dog Not Included

Amenities

Make yourself at home

  
The house is designed to create a peaceful space that blends elements of nature with modern convenience. 

Harmony House
  • Direct access to Harvey Lake (fishing, boating, swimming, and ice skating)
  • 4 large tubes
  • 2 kayaks and life jackets
  • Two car garage
  • Mudroom with plenty of storage
  • Full laundry room
  • Powder room off the foyer
  • Great room with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the lake
  • Wood burning fireplace in the great room
  • Back deck with grill and seating
  • Master bedroom with gas fireplace
  • Ensuite master bathroom with soaking tub and walk in shower
  • Three bedrooms and another bathroom upstairs
  • Central heat and A/C

Nearby
  • Northwood Meadows State Park (675-acre state park 0.5 miles away)
  • Northwood Lake, Pleasant Lake and Bow Lake are all a short drive away
  • Antique Stores (many)
  • Northwoods Brewery
  • Chucksters (mini-golf, go-karts & a climbing wall)

Directions

How to get to Harmony House

  

From Boston/South

Take I-93 N into New Hampshire

Continue straight to stay on I-93 N (signs for Interstate 93 N/NH-101 E/Concord/Seacoast)
(2.5 mi)

Keep right at the fork to continue on NH-101 E, follow signs for Portsmouth/Seacoast
(6.3 mi)

Take exit 3 toward Candia
(0.8 mi)

Merge onto NH-43 N
(1.5 mi)

Slight left to stay on NH-43 N
(5.2 mi)

Turn left onto NH-107 N/NH-43 N
(3.5 mi)

Turn right onto NH-43 N
(5.8 mi)

Turn left onto US-202 W/US-4 W
(3.1 mi)

Turn left onto Harmony Rd
Destination will be on the right
(0.7 mi)

From VT/West

Merge onto I-89 S into New Hampshire

Take the Interstate 93 N exit toward Interstate 393/U.S. 4/Concord/Seacoast
(0.4 mi)

Keep left at the fork, follow signs for I-93 N and merge onto I-93 N
(3.2 mi)

Take exit 15E to merge onto I-393 E/US-202 E/US-4 E toward Loudon/Portsmouth
(4.8 mi)

Follow US-202 E/US-4 E to Harmony Rd in Northwood
(14.1 mi)

I-393 E/US-202 E/US-4 E turns slightly right and becomes US-202 E/US-4 E - Pass by Wendy's (on the left in 5.0 mi)
(5.1 mi)

At the traffic circle, take the 2nd exit and stay on US-202 E/US-4 E
(8.3 mi)

Turn right onto Harmony Rd
Destination will be on the right
(0.7 mi)

156 Harmony Rd
Northwood, NH 03261