Rock-studded areas tend to be quieter. Moultonborough and Melvin Village come to mind—and points north.
The "Basin" in Tuftonboro is usually quiet, as excessively-sized boats find it undesireable.
With respect to looking at properties in winter:
1) Your prospective property's scenic view may be great in winter; alternatively, the hardwood trees will be full of leaves in summer, giving more privacy but less view.
2) Expect Summer's natural haze to diminish a mountain view that is spectacular in Winter.
3) The sun will be rising and setting
'way-off to where it is in winter: a summer sunset directly into your biggest windows can affect your comfort (and thermo
$tat) to extremes.
4) The sun (or lack of it) at your waterfront may be a deal-killer for you: Face south for most sun. (
East for a fast morning warm-up of the lakefront).
5) Ascertain that the waterfront area in front of your prospective place is not a noisy location. If you face E or SE, you may have early-morning ski-boats taking advantage of a windless (lee) shore.
Conversely, facing the prevailing NorthWesterlies will provide "white sound", making the immediate area seem more tranquil.
(Ski-boats—not to be confused with Jet-Skis or "Ski-
Craft"—are trending noisier in more than one respect).
Rafting is another concern.
6) Neighboring excessive-sized McMansions tend to draw gawkers and big wakes. Rubber-neckers' noise and exhaust are left by "hole-shots" when leaving.