Meredith lake access rights

[Susie Cougar]

Originally Posted by Elrockk

im at 280 Merideth Neck Road Steve was my Father in Law he has past im looking at Kelly Cove from what i can see looks like a path from my house to the Cove and 2 sunken docks

Is your mother-in-law still alive? Did you buy the house from her or were there other owners in between? What about the property that the path runs through? How long have those people lived there?
When you bought this property, was it your understanding that you had access to the dock in the cove?
I hope you tell us what the outcome is.

[Elrockk]

bought property from my MIL estate shes lived there since late 70s early 80s she passed like 3 years ago

[Elrockk]

we bought the property from my MIL estate she has lived there since late 70s early 80s i remember my FIL saying something about his nieghbor the COLONEL

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Elrockk

we bought the property from my MIL estate she has lived there since late 70s early 80s i remember my FIL saying something about his nieghbor the COLONEL

My FIL built a place in Sanbornton across the street from Lake Winnisquam within a short distance to the public beach. He was very friendly with the guy who owned 200ft of waterfront across the street. He only had a little shack on the property, and he was rarely there because he lived in NY. The guy let us use his waterfront when he wasn't there, but we had no legal right to it.
We'll that guy passed away and my FIL rented his place out until he passed in 2015. His son bought out the other 4 siblings and now lives there. The family still owns the property across the street and still rarely visits but my brother in-law, who now owns the house, has no use of the property because it's all "he said, she said". He has asked and they said no. My FIL never got anything in writing.
You need to find out who owns that piece of property, every piece of property is in someone or some entity's name. You should be able to search it on the town website.
The property that I have deeded rights to is in the name of the first people to build there. So, I guess legally they own it, but I have deeded rights to it along with 2 other homes.

[Descant]

I guess its different on an island. Our neighbors bought in 1953, we came in ~1958. None of those people are alive now. We have a permanent dock and several neighbors have used it over the years when the wind is overwhelming. The closest neighbor uses it routinely, and we have a written agreement acknowledging ownership and permission to use so there is no question of adverse possession. They offered to do some repairs and we declined for the same reason and we did (hired) the repairs ourselves for the same reason. We borrow and replace things like plumbing and electrical supplies and run mutual errands to the mainland. At home (mainland) we have similar neighbors, sharing leftovers, etc. Our (Newfy) dog was trained, with a backpack, to carry items between houses. (Some of you may remember Emily as she was popular in Glendale.) Summary: getting along with neighbors is not so tough--just pretend you're all from New Hampshire and you know where the lines are.. "Good fences..."(Robert Frost)

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Descant

I guess its different on an island. Our neighbors bought in 1953, we came in ~1958. None of those people are alive now. We have a permanent dock and several neighbors have used it over the years when the wind is overwhelming. The closest neighbor uses it routinely, and we have a written agreement acknowledging ownership and permission to use so there is no question of adverse possession. They offered to do some repairs and we declined for the same reason and we did (hired) the repairs ourselves for the same reason. We borrow and replace things like plumbing and electrical supplies and run mutual errands to the mainland. At home (mainland) we have similar neighbors, sharing leftovers, etc. Our (Newfy) dog was trained, with a backpack, to carry items between houses. (Some of you may remember Emily as she was popular in Glendale.) Summary: getting along with neighbors is not so tough--just pretend you're all from New Hampshire and you know where the lines are.. "Good fences..."(Robert Frost)

"we have a written agreement" That's the key right there! But being on an Island I would think would be different.
You have to get along and respect each other's space in such a close-knit community or it would be a miserable experience for everyone.