Alton Bay McMansion

[Susie Cougar]

winterh is right about the quality and workmanship etc. This is one component of your home which causes it to be labeled a McMansion.
You are also right that a large house does not automatically become a McMansion. What makes it a McMansion is that it is too big for the lot that it is put on. It doesn’t fit in with the other homes around it. It just takes up too much of the available space.
Also, many people feel that it’s too big of a home for too few people. That’s where the negative connotation comes from.

[tis]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

winterh is right about the quality and workmanship etc. This is one component of your home which causes it to be labeled a McMansion.
You are also right that a large house does not automatically become a McMansion. What makes it a McMansion is that it is too big for the lot that it is put on. It doesn’t fit in with the other homes around it. It just takes up too much of the available space.
Also, many people feel that it’s too big of a home for too few people. That’s where the negative connotation comes from.

Where did this definition come from? Is this your opinion? Or did you find a definition somewhere?

[Susie Cougar]

LOL. You caught me.
Whenever I Google anything, I always go to Wikipedia. It is an online encyclopedia for those who do not know. I always want to know the facts and not someone else’s opinion. This is the best place to go when you want that information.

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

winterh is right about the quality and workmanship etc. This is one component of your home which causes it to be labeled a McMansion.
You are also right that a large house does not automatically become a McMansion. What makes it a McMansion is that it is too big for the lot that it is put on. It doesn’t fit in with the other homes around it. It just takes up too much of the available space.
Also, many people feel that it’s too big of a home for too few people. That’s where the negative connotation comes from.

I disagree. The McMansion term is not unique to the lakes region, and is generally used to describe a large house that is relatively non-unique and built according to predesigned plans, usually in close proximity to similar houses that lack unique characteristics. It became widely used, to my knowledge, when builder like Toll Brothers started booming, turning out large numbers of houses with a big footprint (eg: 5,000 sqft and up), but where the construction techniques and finish materials were inferior to "actual" mansions. Think commodity granite countertops and stainless steel appliances from big box stores vs. marble counters and kitchen equipment from Sub Zero and Viking (though including the latter does not make it not a McMansion).

House size relative to property size is not as much of an indicator, IMO, as the general high volume production aspect of the house itself.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

winterh is right about the quality and workmanship etc. This is one component of your home which causes it to be labeled a McMansion.
You are also right that a large house does not automatically become a McMansion. What makes it a McMansion is that it is too big for the lot that it is put on. It doesn’t fit in with the other homes around it. It just takes up too much of the available space.
Also, many people feel that it’s too big of a home for too few people. That’s where the negative connotation comes from.

So how do you know when you pass by in your boat and look at a home that you would call a "McMansion" that it has poor "quality and workmanship"? Wouldn't you need an up close look and some construction experience to determine this?

How do you know that it is "too big of a home for too few people"? How would you determine how many people live in a house?

When you make your decision have you taken attendance to determine the appropriate number of people per square foot? What is the right number of square feet per person for a house?

Just askin'

[Barney Bear]

Two feet on each person, four each on dogs and cats.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

So how do you know when you pass by in your boat and look at a home that you would call a "McMansion" that it has poor "quality and workmanship"? Wouldn't you need an up close look and some construction experience to determine this?

How do you know that it is "too big of a home for too few people"? How would you determine how many people live in a house?

When you make your decision have you taken attendance to determine the appropriate number of people per square foot? What is the right number of square feet per person for a house?

Just askin'

If it's obscene, it's probably a McMansion. You'll know it when you see it.
Just sayin'

[whkhawks]

This was taken a couple of months ago.

[Major]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

Also, many people feel that it’s too big of a home for too few people. That’s where the negative connotation comes from.

Who are these people, Bernie Bros? Who is anyone to judge whether my wife and I want a large home even though she and I live there alone most of the time? Honestly, it's attitudes like this that are destroying America. (I know Suzie may be quoting Wikipedia.) It used to be that we looked up to and aspired to be successful and ultimately wealthy. That drive and ambition is what makes our country special.

[Susie Cougar]

Yes, I was quoting Wikipedia. Thank you for pointing that out. This is not my opinion. I was just reading a definition.

[Kerk]

If the ice would open up there would be less to find something to GAB about !! jm2csw

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Major

Who are these people, Bernie Bros? Who is anyone to judge whether my wife and I want a large home even though she and I live there alone most of the time? Honestly, it's attitudes like this that are destroying America. (I know Suzie may be quoting Wikipedia.) It used to be that we looked up to and aspired to be successful and ultimately wealthy. That drive and ambition is what makes our country special.

The attitude could be shared among Winnipesaukee lakefront owners who watch a neighbor's "cabin nestled in the pines" get torn down.

Larger roofs driveways and parking areas with their greater "impervious surfaces" replace cabins that are otherwise just a dot in the environment. "Oversized" doesn't just apply to boats.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Major

Who are these people, Bernie Bros? Who is anyone to judge whether my wife and I want a large home even though she and I live there alone most of the time? Honestly, it's attitudes like this that are destroying America. (I know Suzie may be quoting Wikipedia.) It used to be that we looked up to and aspired to be successful and ultimately wealthy. That drive and ambition is what makes our country special.

Everyone has a different vision of a "wonderful life". For some, it's the accumulation of material things and for others it's just living well.
I for one, value people on how they act rather then how wealthy they are.

[Susie Cougar]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Everyone has a different vision of a "wonderful life". For some, it's the accumulation of material things and for others it's just living well.

Very true, Biggd!

[JADAQ]

I ice fish in front of this place, it was real nice to see all the garbage and building materials plowed over the hill this winter into the lake. Hope they clean up their mess.

This place has now been under construction for over a year. Quite the build.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by JADAQ

I ice fish in front of this place, it was real nice to see all the garbage and building materials plowed over the hill this winter into the lake. Hope they clean up their mess.

This place has now been under construction for over a year. Quite the build.

Expect three years to completion--maybe four.

[JEEPONLY]

McMansions aside, just wait until until your new neighbor decides to build boat storage buildings near the camp you've owned for fifty+ years.

It's all legal, and unstoppable- so keep buying jet skis, snowmobiles, tractors, bigger boats/cars and more property. Rent stuff, buy stuff, sell stuff! Put up more lighting, and video everyone that even breathes on your property. This is the new world.

Every time someone talks about making updated changes in the area, they should realize that, inevitably, they are part of what some others may consider to be negatives.

Change is good- it's simply the changing of the guard.

"So it goes"

[Alton Bay Ace]

Originally Posted by JADAQ

I ice fish in front of this place, it was real nice to see all the garbage and building materials plowed over the hill this winter into the lake. Hope they clean up their mess.

This place has now been under construction for over a year. Quite the build.

Interesting.

Question(s): You actually watched as the builder plowed trash and construction material in to the lake? Did you call anyone? Police? Dept of Environmental Services? Anyone? Did anyone else see this happen or was it just you? Is there any evidence of this crime left in the vicinity? Since the lake was frozen it seems unlikely that the trash would have moved anywhere.

[Alton Bay Ace]

Gee, I don't know, I was just there and did't see any trash for construction material in or even near the water. can you possibly be mistaken JADAQ?

[LakeTimes]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay Ace

Gee, I don't know, I was just there and did't see any trash for construction material in or even near the water. can you possibly be mistaken JADAQ?

House looks amazing Alton Bay Ace!!! Can't imagine the itch you have for everything to be completed!!!

[MeredithMan]

Beautiful place...love the design/architecture. Congratulations!

[JADAQ]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay Ace

Gee, I don't know, I was just there and did't see any trash for construction material in or even near the water. can you possibly be mistaken JADAQ?

Considering it was over a month and a half ago no wonder you didn’t see anything!
It was stuff plowed up from the snow and put over the banking, eventually making its way down onto the ice. Don’t worry now, it’s long gone just like the ice.

[Alton Bay Ace]

Aw, come now, JADAQ, really. The scene of the crime what, washed away? My next phone call will be to my builder, I'm sure he'll have some information on the mysterious and unlawful dumping of material into the lake or even the accusation of such a crime. I doubt he'd want anyone to think that he'd ever do anything even approaching such an unlawful act since he's been LIVING and BUILDING custom homes on Winnipesaukee for almost 30 years. That could put a serious dent in his reputation as a builder.

Stay tuned everyone, I'll be sure to post the results of my conversation.

Thank you all others for your kind comments on the house. My wife and I came up with the initial ideas and our fabulous architect turned it into a real plan! We very excited to see it finished and should be moving in sometime in June, if all goes well.

[ishoot308]

Congrats on your beautiful new home Alton Bay Ace!!

Dan

[Biggd]

From the picture it certainly doesn't look like what I would consider a Mc-Mansion or even a mansion for that matter. It looks like a beautiful home.
Good luck in your new home.

[4 for Boating]

May I ask around how long something like this took to build?

Sans the design/permits...
From the point of the first hammer hit/shovel to what you are hoping for in June?

Side question > how was the process of finding a builder - did you have to wait multiple years for the one you selected to be able to start given their backlog?

BTW - Very nice home > congradulations and enjoy!

[Alton Bay Ace]

Originally Posted by 4 for Boating

May I ask around how long something like this took to build?

Sans the design/permits...
From the point of the first hammer hit/shovel to what you are hoping for in June?

Side question > how was the process of finding a builder - did you have to wait multiple years for the one you selected to be able to start given their backlog?

BTW - Very nice home > congradulations and enjoy!

We looked at a lot of houses we really liked on the lake and inquired about who built which, we also interviewed severAl architectural firms. Ultimately, we found a Builder that is "turnkey" i.e., in-house architect, project manager, site manager, etc. We waited only a few months for him to be able to start.

The old house came down on July 13th of 2018, and should be completed this June, so just under 2 years total design & build time.

[thinkxingu]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay Ace

We looked at a lot of houses we really liked on the lake and inquired about who built which, we also interviewed severAl architectural firms. Ultimately, we found a Builder that is "turnkey" i.e., in-house architect, project manager, site manager, etc. We waited only a few months for him to be able to start.

The old house came down on July 13th of 2018, and should be completed this June, so just under 2 years total design & build time.

Thanks for continuing to share your experiences, even though they've been met with criticism—that seems to be the MO around here lately.

Good luck with the rest of the process—hope you enjoy your new home!

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[4 for Boating]

YES - thanks for sharing - the process of getting to this point must have been a ride in-itself.

As thinkxingu raised, the board can be/get a little critical some times and I would guess the current state of affairs is not helping. However and overall, a good resource for all things going on around the lake and a lot of knowledge...

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by Biggd

From the picture it certainly doesn't look like what I would consider a Mc-Mansion or even a mansion for that matter. It looks like a beautiful home.
Good luck in your new home.

If you had to pay for it you would!!!

[Sammy]

Where in Alton is this house?

[gillygirl]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay Ace

Gee, I don't know, I was just there and did't see any trash for construction material in or even near the water. can you possibly be mistaken JADAQ?

Well, color me green with envy! Do you need a live-in housekeeper?

Congratulations, and best wishes in your new home.


Sent from my iPad using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[Barney Bear]

Very elegant design - congratulations to all. Enjoy!

Question - Is the element (cupola) above the garage area accessible for the similar use of a "widow's walk" frequently found on Colonial era houses? 🐻

[Susie Cougar]

It certainly is a beautiful house. I hope you have many years of enjoyment in it. I agree that there has been some jealousy showing on this topic. I’m just wondering, are your neighbors happy with the final product?

[Alton Bay Ace]

Hi, I wanted to respond to your questions:

No, the cupola is a light area only and not accessible. We wanted to do a rotating light as in a lighthouse but that is not allowed by the state.

And, yes, our neighbors (the ones sharing the point with us) are quite alright with the project. We've kept them completely aware of all the steps and have tried to make it as hassle-free as possible. Of course, it can be a huge inconvenience but we've really tried hard to keep it out of their way.

At this point, we're just in "get it done" mode so we can use it for as much of the 2020 season as possible. The boathouse should be completed in early/mid-May so we can still get the boats/jet skiis in the water and enjoy the lake until the house is finished.

[Major]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Everyone has a different vision of a "wonderful life". For some, it's the accumulation of material things and for others it's just living well.
I for one, value people on how they act rather then how wealthy they are.

As usual you miss the point. It’s not about accumulating material things but about achieving excellence. Have you ever known anyone who risked everything to achieve success. Fortunately I’ve been influenced by many family and friends who have taken a risk, believed in what they were doing and built businesses that employed a lot of people and made them financially wealthy. They were never driven by accumulating wealth. They were interested in building something. And by the way, these people are kind, generous and act in a manner that you would even approve.

People who are jealous of success focus on material things because it’s easy to focus on.

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by Major

As usual you miss the point. It’s not about accumulating material things but about achieving excellence. Have you ever known anyone who risked everything to achieve success. Fortunately I’ve been influenced by many family and friends who have taken a risk, believed in what they were doing and built businesses that employed a lot of people and made them financially wealthy. They were never driven by accumulating wealth. They were interested in building something. And by the way, these people are kind, generous and act in a manner that you would even approve.

People who are jealous of success focus on material things because it’s easy to focus on.

Did you read post #67? It's not about wealth, it's about enjoying a small, quiet, family camp area that is going by the wayside.

I'm with Biggd!

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Major

As usual you miss the point. It’s not about accumulating material things but about achieving excellence. Have you ever known anyone who risked everything to achieve success. Fortunately I’ve been influenced by many family and friends who have taken a risk, believed in what they were doing and built businesses that employed a lot of people and made them financially wealthy. They were never driven by accumulating wealth. They were interested in building something. And by the way, these people are kind, generous and act in a manner that you would even approve.

People who are jealous of success focus on material things because it’s easy to focus on.

Like I said, I judge people by the way they act, not by how wealthy they are.
I'm certainly not jealous of anyone that works hard and becomes wealthy but not all wealth is achieved in this way.
I also know very many "wealthy" people. Some I have great admiration for but some have been changed by their wealth. Those are the ones I no longer associate with regardless of how hard they worked for it.
"Money is the root of all evil", when the will is read the knives come out!
When you pass no one really cares about what you built. It's what gets passed down that everyone will be fighting for.
If it's a small family camp on the lake then that, IMO is "priceless".

[Major]

Contrary to what is being said, it seems to me by reading these posts that people are judgmental and jealous of the nice homes being built on the lake. That it is more virtuous to own a 700 foot, moldy, half-assed built cabin on a fully wooded lot than it is to own a nice home on a clear-cut lot having a lot of natural light revealing spectacular views of the lake. No one is saying that you cannot like or embrace the cabin. However, don't judge those who do not embrace that lifestyle. So long as the home is being built respecting environmental laws, live and let live.

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by Major

Contrary to what is being said, it seems to me by reading these posts that people are judgmental and jealous of the nice homes being built on the lake. That it is more virtuous to own a 700 foot, moldy, half-assed built cabin on a fully wooded lot than it is to own a nice home on a clear-cut lot having a lot of natural light revealing spectacular views of the lake. No one is saying that you cannot like or embrace the cabin. However, don't judge those who do not embrace that lifestyle. So long as the home is being built respecting environmental laws, live and let live.

I can appreciate that you are enjoying your time on the lake, as you should.
Unfortunately, in this post you sound like a snob.

[Major]

Originally Posted by JEEPONLY

I can appreciate that you are enjoying your time on the lake, as you should.

I highly doubt it. After all, you're the one doing the judging, not me.

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by Major

I highly doubt it. After all, you're the one doing the judging, not me.

You highly doubt it- well aren't you something!?!

Ahh- Proving my point!

I get it- Don't have as much money, not as sophisticated and can't appreciate, and oh, yeah ... don't own a tuxedo!

[Mr. V]

Let's not leave "ego" out of the equation.

Seems to me that people who build huge, palatial lakeside homes on large, cleared sites are doing so in order for others to see that they've finally "made it."

Insecurity, perhaps?

Dunno, don't care.

Me, I like our cabin just fine, albeit the birch trees somewhat obscure the view of the lake.

[Major]

Originally Posted by JEEPONLY

You highly doubt it- well aren't you something!?!



Ahh- Proving my point!



I get it- Don't have as much money, not as sophisticated and can't appreciate, and oh, yeah ... don't own a tuxedo!

Never said or implied any of those things. You don’t know me. And by the way, I don’t own a tuxedo, although I have my dress blues with clip-on tie from the Army!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by Major

Never said or implied any of those things. You don’t know me. And by the way, I don’t own a tuxedo, although I have my dress blues with clip-on tie from the Army!

Thank you for your service!

My "snob" post was referring to what seemed a condescending remark concerning smaller, rustic style camps- the kind many were so lucky to have grown up with, and want their children, and their children to experience.

Mine is now in jeopardy due to "progress"- Maybe a bit sensitive.

No real gripe, here.

[iw8surf]

Originally Posted by JEEPONLY

Thank you for your service!

My "snob" post was referring to what seemed a condescending remark concerning smaller, rustic style camps- the kind many were so lucky to have grown up with, and want their children, and their children to experience.

Mine is now in jeopardy due to "progress"- Maybe a bit sensitive.

No real gripe, here.

I want my kids to grow up in a mansion or mcmansion on the lake (what ever is the best I can provide), and not to be subjected to rusty nails, the mold/mildew and all the other things "old camps" had that we all grew up with. Isnt that what we all want? Our kids to grow up in nicer conditions than our childhoods allowed?

[BroadHopper]

If anyone follows the real estate of Mcmansions, those who built one ended up losing big bucks I don't feel sorry for them at all!
To me its like payback for demolition of a perfectly good 'On Golden Pond' nostalgic fishing camp and putting in an 8000 foot Adirondacks that is more suitable in the Adirondacks.

Family had an 1892 fishing camp that was once a brake man's house on the old lakeshore railroad. We sold it when we can no longer pay the outrageous taxes. The new owner teared it down and built a humongeous mcmansion only to foreclose within a few years of ownership. About that time, 2007, the property did not meet minimum bid at auction and was 'abandoned' by the bank for a few years. The bank did not drain the pipes and substantial water damage was made. Vandalism took its toll. The bank eventually sold the property for less than what we sold it for. New owners tore down the 'new' mcmansion and built a bigger one at the same spot, only to find out they violated wetlands definition of building on the same footprint. Instead of fighting they left the property for the mortgage company to take care of it. Mortgage company had it off and on the market for about 1.3 mill. No takers yet. One of the mortgage executive is currently using the property. I'm surprised it wasn't torn down to satisfy wetlands.

I don't think mcmansion owners make money selling their property.

[Susie Cougar]

BROADHOPPER, I like your story. I am sorry though that you had to sell your camp because you couldn’t afford the taxes.

My parents owned a small camp in the1950s and sold it in 1963 when we moved into our new summer home.
My father had been looking for many years for land to build the new home on. Back then, there was so much land. For years it seemed all I did as a kid was walk through the woods looking for metal markers to find the boundaries of property that my dad was looking at. Or, I was told to go into the lake and walk out so my father could see how deep the water was.

He ended up buying a lot of land and sold many lots as well after he subdivided them. He put very strong restrictions on what you could build. Back then, he put a minimum square footage on the house size. He also made the set backs further than what the town required. He stipulated that it could only be a one story house because he did not want anyone’s view to be obstructed by anybody else’s dwelling.

In other words, he wanted to make sure that everyone was happy and everyone got their moneys worth.
Today, everyone seems to only be thinking of themselves and their own enjoyment and not how what they do affects anyone else.

[tis]

Originally Posted by BroadHopper

If anyone follows the real estate of Mcmansions, those who built one ended up losing big bucks I don't feel sorry for them at all!
To me its like payback for demolition of a perfectly good 'On Golden Pond' nostalgic fishing camp and putting in an 8000 foot Adirondacks that is more suitable in the Adirondacks.

Family had an 1892 fishing camp that was once a brake man's house on the old lakeshore railroad. We sold it when we can no longer pay the outrageous taxes. The new owner teared it down and built a humongeous mcmansion only to foreclose within a few years of ownership. About that time, 2007, the property did not meet minimum bid at auction and was 'abandoned' by the bank for a few years. The bank did not drain the pipes and substantial water damage was made. Vandalism took its toll. The bank eventually sold the property for less than what we sold it for. New owners tore down the 'new' mcmansion and built a bigger one at the same spot, only to find out they violated wetlands definition of building on the same footprint. Instead of fighting they left the property for the mortgage company to take care of it. Mortgage company had it off and on the market for about 1.3 mill. No takers yet. One of the mortgage executive is currently using the property. I'm surprised it wasn't torn down to satisfy wetlands.

I don't think mcmansion owners make money selling their property.

Wow, that is quite a story. That's a lot of bad luck or s-o-m-e-t-h-i-n-g.

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by iw8surf

I want my kids to grow up in a mansion or mcmansion on the lake (what ever is the best I can provide), and not to be subjected to rusty nails, the mold/mildew and all the other things "old camps" had that we all grew up with. Isnt that what we all want? Our kids to grow up in nicer conditions than our childhoods allowed?

I thanked you for the fact that you want to give your kids everything you can possible afford.

One of my peeves is wondering why folks like you think that "old camps" are rusty, moldy, mildewy places. Some have been updated, yet kept up to the point of preserving the hands on, living on the land feel.

My kids looked forward to picking up all the pines cones and raking pine needles out of the way. Even though the plumbing and electrical have been updated, my kids got to experience the independence, and wonder, of figuring out what to do when things went wrong. They loved bunking together in small rooms, trading candies bought at places like The Old Country Store. They and their cousins spent time together bonding, making the whole family stronger. Their focus was on their experiences- not what they had/didn't have.

I think my family has provided the next generation with beautiful conditions for happy, healthy and experiential lives.

I guess "nicer conditions" is a state of mind!

[Susie Cougar]

Yes, Jeep, I agree with you. A camp does not have to be musty, moldy etc. Some of my best memories were in our camp. When I think back I can’t imagine how so many people slept in that tiny little place. But at the time I never thought about it, I was having too much fun. And how many homes around the lake still have pine needles and pine cones or have they all been replaced by green grass that pollutes the lake?
I still don’t understand how property can be changed from residential to commercial. There is nothing that you can do? Are you saying that anyone can buy property anywhere and just decide to put something commercial on it?

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

Yes, Jeep, I agree with you. A camp does not have to be musty, moldy etc. Some of my best memories were in our camp. When I think back I can’t imagine how so many people slept in that tiny little place. But at the time I never thought about it, I was having too much fun. And how many homes around the lake still have pine needles and pine cones or have they all been replaced by green grass that pollutes the lake?
I still don’t understand how property can be changed from residential to commercial. There is nothing that you can do? Are you saying that anyone can buy property anywhere and just decide to put something commercial on it?

With enough influence, some can get the board to re-zone anything. The sad part, to me, is the owner claiming no intention of erecting storage buildings, "at this time". Eventually, the lure of the cascades of money to be made from boat storage will win out, so the claims from today really mean nothing to the abutting property owners

[tis]

Unless it's changed in the past few years, you can build closer than 50 feet if it was grandfathered. It must be on the exact same footprint. You still have the restriction on lot coverage though.

[Alton Bay Ace]

All of the above are good valid points and in force today; no, you can not add to the back of the house if you are closer than the 50' boundary. It must be the exact same footprint, height, width, etc.

Also, reducing the amount of impervious surfacing is also extremely desirable. We removed all of the asphalt and are replacing it with pervious block walkways and driveway and moved them further from the water line. I would think most would want to do all they can to protect the lake and the purity of the water.

Lastly, the comment about "with enough influence.......", the implication that the rules can be bent for the influential (wealthy? connected?) There is zero evidence that this is the case. We could not add a single square inch of space on our boathouse. It had to remain the same cubic volume (inside measurements) as the old one, period. The state - not the local zoning board - referenced that law and insisted upon it, no deviations whatsoever. We wanted to add some eye-brow windows to it which would not have added any height, width, or depth to the boathouse itself but would have slightly increased the interior volume. This was summarily rejected, even after our engineers and architects argued the point. No go.

We love Winni as much as anyone can and are happy to comply with regulations that protect her pristine waters. They weren't always that way and it took many years to bring it back to the present condition however the law allows one to build whatever their resources allow and their hearts desire, as long as it complies with the regulations.

[Lakeboater]

Originally Posted by JEEPONLY

With enough influence, some can get the board to re-zone anything. The sad part, to me, is the owner claiming no intention of erecting storage buildings, "at this time". Eventually, the lure of the cascades of money to be made from boat storage will win out, so the claims from today really mean nothing to the abutting property owners

Where is this going on?

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by Lakeboater

Where is this going on?

Tuftonboro/Melvin Village.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by Major

Contrary to what is being said, it seems to me by reading these posts that people are judgmental and jealous of the nice homes being built on the lake. That it is more virtuous to own a 700 foot, moldy, half-assed built cabin on a fully wooded lot than it is to own a nice home on a clear-cut lot having a lot of natural light revealing spectacular views of the lake. No one is saying that you cannot like or embrace the cabin. However, don't judge those who do not embrace that lifestyle. So long as the home is being built respecting environmental laws, live and let live.

I agree that jealousy is unattractive, but you seem to be combining two sets of issues. There's nothing wrong with dropping a few million dollars to build a wonderful home in a wonderful spot. But clear cutting and super large roofs are bad for the lake--they increase the flow of phosphorous and other contaminants which promote cyanobacteria, and algae, and hurt the fish population and water clarity. Also, trees and other natural growth are much more attractive than houses--at least to me--so I really appreciate it when people leave as many trees as possible so that the rest of us have spectacular views FROM the lake.

I hope that people continue to build their dream homes. But I also hope that DES is able to implement and enforce even tougher rules to protect the water for all.

[Major]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Like I said, I judge people by the way they act, not by how wealthy they are.
I'm certainly not jealous of anyone that works hard and becomes wealthy but not all wealth is achieved in this way.
I also know very many "wealthy" people. Some I have great admiration for but some have been changed by their wealth. Those are the ones I no longer associate with regardless of how hard they worked for it.
"Money is the root of all evil", when the will is read the knives come out!
When you pass no one really cares about what you built. It's what gets passed down that everyone will be fighting for.
If it's a small family camp on the lake then that, IMO is "priceless".

I think what you say is applicable to all people. All of us should be judged by how we act. Some people are nice, some not so much, regardless of wealth. I am certain wealth can change people, but so does mid-life crises, deaths of close family members, loss of wealth, etc. People who achieve success on their own aren't worried about what gets left to whom.

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by Major

People who achieve success on their own aren't worried about what gets left to whom.

Tell that to Jerry Lewis' kids!

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Major

People who achieve success on their own aren't worried about what gets left to whom.

I don't believe this statement at all!