Spindle Point Lighthouse

[Janet]

Just saw on Curry Realtors website that the cottage and lighthouse at Spindle Point are for sale - $1,695,000. Any takers?!

[upthesaukee]

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words...but 1.7 Million Dollars! Actually, a beautiful sight, and could be one of the most photographed locations on the lake. Here's why:

http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...cat=500&page=4

[KTO]

Let's just hope whoever buys that keeps the lighthouse up.

[Old Hubbard Rd]

The Spindle Point Light House will never sell for that kind of money. The property is basically maxed out. What could be done with a 10K lot??? Not much!! I think it's worth 1/3 of what their asking

[mcdude]

Photo from the Curry Web Site
Link to the
Curry Web Site Ad
This is truly an historic property featured in many very old photos and postcards. A real focal point of this beautiful lake. It was originally part of Colonel Cummings Estate on the Lake in Meredith. Here's a link to the search response on Photopost for "Spindle Point" Click for Spindle Point



Many consider Spindle Point to be part of the Weirs, but it is actually on the point of Meredith Neck.

[JG1222]

According to an article I read, this little $1.7 million real estate transaction would get you the following:

• Three bedrooms
• One and a half baths
• 1,040 sq. ft. of living space
• 1/4 acre of land
• 640 feet of lake frontage
• A $10,000 tax bill every year (the gift that keeps on giving)

Incidentally, the original owner purchased 500 acres of land which included Spindle Point for less than a third of what the annual tax bill is now (although, this was also over a century ago).

In 1949 the relatives of the original owner sold the entire Spindle Point area to a developer for a quick $50,000. The developer divided it up and sold the individual lots.

(Here's a link to the article for anyone interested: http://www.cmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dl...33/1001/NEWS01)

[video tours NE]

I was just recently aboard the Sophie C and learned that the Spindle Point lighthouse was not used as a navigational tool. Colonel Cummings built it for his 2 daughters which were aspiring artists. The Lighthouse was originally used as an art studio for them.

Just thought it was an interesting tidbit :-)

[Dave R]

I bet if someone wanted to build a "lighthouse" like that today, some people would complain about the eyesore and the total disregard for shoreline erosion etc. Since it's "old", it must be good though...

[rkwasson]

Here is a link to the virtual tour showcase for the spindle point house that is for sale. There are a lot of images.
http://www.interactiveproperties.com...owcaseid=46464

[Rattlesnake Gal]

That was a cool tour. I was hoping to see the inside of the lighthouse though, including the view from up there.
The knotty pine throughout the house really gives it a warm feeling. The price however, really takes that away.

[mcdude]

That was awesome! ....thanks for posting the link. McD

[rkwasson]

The Inside of the lighthouse is not safe, as it has not been kept up with, so no one was allowed to go inside to take any photos.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Originally Posted by rkwasson

The Inside of the lighthouse is not safe, as it has not been kept up with, so no one was allowed to go inside to take any photos.

This news is very distressing. Spindle Point, though not registered as one, is one of Lake Winnipesaukee's historical landmarks! Do you know the owners?
(BTW, you have a nice website.)

Lake Winnipesaukee, by Bruce Heald confirms what video tours NE stated.
The Spindle Point lighthouse was constructed by Colonel Charles Cumming for his daughter as an art studio.

Excerpt from the book:

The origin of Spindle Point can be traced to a 500-acre farm owned by John Eaton and later sold to his son, John Morton Eaton in 1847 for $600. In 1901, John Morton Eaton sold the land for $3,000 to Colonel Charles Cummings, who was a 33-degree Mason. Colonel Cumming intended to leave the Spindle Point Farm to the New Hampshire Grand Lodge of Masons for a Masonic home and retreat; however the cost and maintenance of such a project was far too excessive for the fraternity, thus the land was sold to developers.

Colonel Charles H. Cummings, who lived on Spindle point, passed away on January 20, 1920.

The when the Lady of the Lake was dismantled, her figurehead, which adorned her prow, a lady with a paddle in hand, was removed and placed atop the boathouse of Colonel Charles H. Cummings on Spindle Point. In recent years it was removed. She resides at the Tuck Library in Concord. The Lady of the Lake was dismantled in 1895. Did the Colonel have possession of the figurehead for six years prior to the purchase of the farm?

This website states the tower it was established in 1892.

Useless tidbit of information:
The observatory is such a part of the lake that someone on the point hired an artist to paint a scene on a panel with the view of Spindle Point for use in entertainment center.

[Rattlesnake Gal]

This landmark should be preserved. Unfortunately it might be on the path to ruin.
Do any forum members have any experience with declaring an historical landmark?
What is the difference in having a place declared a national landmark as opposed to a NH landmark?
Would it be in the owner's best interest to take this route? Tax breaks, financial aid in restoration etc.
If the owners decide to tear it down or let it crumble, is there anything we can do to stop it?
Does anyone have anything to add to the history of this property?

[gravy boat]

Off the cuff -- I predict that someone from out of state will spend the money and buy it, tear down all structures, and build a "cozy" 25 room bungalow.

[rkwasson]

It appeared that the "damage" to the lighthouse was mostly in the wood. The stone structure appeared to be solid. If that is the case, then it shouldn't be difficult to repair. There are a lot of restrictions to lakefront construction, so I don't believe that if someone bought the property it would be possible to just tear something down and rebuild. Also the land is not large enough to build a large home on, so the value is in the location (the point) and of course the lighthouse. So, I think that it will be safe.

[KevinPlante]

Originally Posted by rkwasson

the land is not large enough to build a large home on, so the value is in the location (the point) and of course the lighthouse. So, I think that it will be safe.

You can put quite a bit of house on a quarter of an acre.

[Lin]

While waiting for a couple of pizzas at Anthonys this weekend I picked up a real estate guide. I noticed that the price for the Spindle point property was dropped. If I remember correctly it's now about $1,375,000.

[upthesaukee]

If I could only sneak a check out of the checkbook in my wife's purse....

[trfour]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

If I could only sneak a check out of the checkbook in my wife's purse....

We all know how sorry that you would have us feel for you,........

You are sooo booby trapped!!!!!!!!!!!!!

T

[Lady Di]

Originally Posted by Janet

Just saw on Curry Realtors website that the cottage and lighthouse at Spindle Point are for sale - $1,695,000. Any takers?!

Live Free or Die......???????????????????????????

[Live Free or Die]

I am the original Freedom Fighter?? Did someone call my name??

[csuhockey3]

It is has always been my (now our) favorite place on the lake. I hope the new owners keep it nice and restore it to its original condition.

Note: if anyone would like to loan/donate $1.6m to a college student graduating in December and his fiance' (a high school teacher), don't be shy! Early wedding gifts are also appreciated

Seriously though, I hope the it's around for many many years to come. I can only imagine how many people feel the same attachemnt to this little light house, and it would be neat to "pass down" the stories.

[..//Spindle Point Engagement/]
[..//Related Spindle Point Photo/]

Hope you all are warm and dry and safe. Keep popin' foliage pictures for those of us out of the area if there is any thing left!

[Live Free or Die]

That all the million dollar super-homes going up are not as beautiful as the lighthouse.....

[aastek]

The Spindle Point Lighthouse and house has been in our family for for nearly 40 years and is owned by my Great Uncle ( grandfather's brother ) or should I say his children as he passed away a few years ago. BUT I am totally dismayed as I didn't know it was up for sale. I live in Australia and don't get back to Winne all that often.

The Lighthouse structure as such is in sound condition by the timber frame and stairs have become too dangerous to climb, however I do have dim memories of the views from atop the lighthouse

The house is reasonably large inside alltho' a bit dated. I have many fond memories of staying there, very peaceful and quiet.

I hope the people who buy the property can restore everything back to what it once was.

Kinda wish I could afford the asking price but I don't think even selling my cars,boats and 3 kids could I raise that sort of money !!!

Kurt

[Rattlesnake Gal]

If they're good kids, they might fetch a good price!
I truly hope that the next owners will be able to restore the tower to it's original glory. It's a wonderful property.

[aastek]

Rattlesnake Gal

I was wondering, as it has been probably 40 years since I passed Rattlesnake Island and have very dim memories of my parents taking the bost around the island back in the early 1960's, does anyone live on Rattlesnake Isalnd ??

As a very young child, I was always scared of the island because of the name and would freek out when Dad use to take the boat close to the island

As I get older, I feel the pull of the lake increasing exponentially

Kurt

[Rattlesnake Gal]

Hi Kurt,

Yes, there are many who live on Rattlesnake Island. I would estimate there to be over 150 homes/cottages, with many more individual lots that have not been developed. The heaviest population is on the more protected side, which has the peninsula, though there are quite a few on The Broads side now - these lots seem to be wider, giving a less crowed look to it.

Joseph Melanson was one of the early developers of the land around the lake, including Spindle Point, which he was selling off in the early sixties. (Does that name ring a bell?) Back forty to fifty years ago, he was renting lots for camping on Rattlesnake Island, selling his holdings to Rattlesnake Island Corp in the late seventies.

As a young child, I can understand your being apprehensive. Rattlesnakes had been found on the island as late as 1946. Back on September 26, 1868 a rattlesnake was killed on the island, measuring nine feet in length and had nineteen rattles. (Excerpt taken from Lake Village Time’s.) That’s enough to give anyone pause for a good long while! I for one am very watchful while out hiking around. Who really knows if they have truly been eradicated?

If you haven’t been to PhotoPost yet, there are many excellent Spindle Point photos you might enjoy seeing.
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...x=0&y=0&limit=

Here are some of Rattlesnake Island - http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...0&way=&cat=all

Do a search in PhotoPost of the different areas you remember. Meredith, The Weirs, Wolfeboro, Alton, Paugus Bay etc. there are so many wonderful shots of our beautiful lake taken by our talented forum members.

I hope you will find your way back to Lake Winnipesaukee from the Land Down Under. Though much changed since you were here last, it is still the best place to be!

Sincerely,
RG

[aastek]

Thanks Rattlesnake Gal for your reply.

In the 60's and 70's I spent most summers in and around the lake and for 5 years went to Camp Lawrence on Bear island ( I think the parents were happy to get rid of me for the month ) and when not at camp spent the rest of the time at Silver Sands Motel and Marina or at Gilford.

As one gets older, the pull to return gets stronger and in particular after I have looked at nearly every photo on the forum ! If it wasn't for the winter I wouldn't hesitate to live there permanently but it would be hard after enjoying the weather we have in Australia where if it gets down to 40 it is considered a really bad day.

Oh well can't have everything I suppose

Cheers

[fatlazyless]

Originally Posted by Janet

Just saw on Curry Realtors website that the cottage and lighthouse at Spindle Point are for sale - $1,695,000. Any takers?!

That's the first post in this thread from July 27, 2005.

It looks like this same property is now for sale for $995,000 on May 25, 2008. "Spindle Point lighthouse on a peninsular with 670' water frontage, sand beach, 3 bedroom cottage, rapturous, panoramic views. A rare gem" According to the listing in a brochure from a well known, Moultonboro real estate business.

So's, how about that, listed at 1.695mil in July 2005, and currently listed for .995mil, which is a drop of .700mil.

Anybody know if it was sold and this is a resale, or has it not been sold since July, 2005? Also, what is its Meredith assessment?

My my my....very interesting!

[CanisLupusArctos]

Maybe the weather geeks of Winni can hold fundraisers to purchase it as a meteorology compound. We can call it the YFT Ranch (Yearning For Tornadoes) or YFB in winter, when B = Blizzards. Yuki the weather cat will come to live with us. We will restore the lighthouse so we can sit in it on stormy nights and watch the lightning.

[fatlazyless]

Slightly off-topic but still interesting.

Last fall, Waterville Valley replaced all 60 of their street lights with 'dark sky' lighting that illuminates down, and not upward, so as not to obscure the view of the night sky. The new street light fixtures look like skinny antique lamp posts with lanterns, way high up. The Town of WV and the www.reycenter.org will soon be building an astronomy observatory building to be located in the center of the Valley, close to Corcoran's Pond, a 7 acre dugout pond.

On Lake Winnipesaukee's Ellecoya State Park, the www.lwsa.org is raising money to build a community sailing facility. Have no idea how the sailing facility is coming about, and maybe it could be a reach for this year? Last March, the voters of Gilford voted no to contributing ten thousand dollars.

With regard to the Spindle Point quarter acre, peninsular property, methinks it wll soon be sold now that the asking price has been lowered to $.995mil. Maybe someone will fall in love with the beautifull location, pay cash, and steal it for .850mil, exactly half of the original 1.7mil asking price from 2005? ...so sayeth my crystal ball!

[fatlazyless]

I don't know....it's difficult to place a value on a property like this in this market.

Just comparing the Spindle Point property w/ a price of 995k, to the same sized cottage property at 61 Pinnacle Point for 599k.

A 300k premium for that extraordinay location of Spindle Point?

I wonder what the assessment for the Spindle Point property is?

[SIKSUKR]

Originally Posted by fatlazyless

I don't know....it's difficult to place a value on a property like this in this market.

Just comparing the Spindle Point property w/ a price of 995k, to the same sized cottage property at 61 Pinnacle Point for 599k.

A 300k premium for that extraordinay location of Spindle Point?

I wonder what the assessment for the Spindle Point property is?

Seems to me that $150,000 more for the Spindle point property is a much better deal.That parcel has 670 feet of water frontage on it's own peninsular.

[fatlazyless]

Hey, yes 750k for that location on 3/31/08 seems like a super good buy compared to my place, same 1/4 acre size.. Got to wonder what the Spindle Point address is assessed for? Anybody know what the street address is for the Spindle Point lighthouse and residence? The town record is easly assessed on the Vision Appraisal website. Should even include a color photo of the house.

It obviously is a unique spot....what a view...750k seems pretty low. How nice would that place be!

You know, the Spindle Point property is right now for sale for 999k, according to a C21 Lakes Region brochure, so it certainly sounds like it was purchased on March 31 with the intent to quickly resell.

I need to get myself a re sales license and start swapping tails over at the Canoe bar!

...have I got a deal for u!...probably pays better than paint'n too!

[kaj]

I have a direct view of Spindle Point from my cottage on the lake. I hope my view isn't going to be changing . Does anyone know the plans for the property and the lighthouse?

[pats fan]

The spindle Point Lighthouse has finally sold! It closed for $750,000 on March 31, 2008.