Moultonborough has scenic views and outdoor recreation
Moultonborough, 19 miles from Laconia, New Hampshire, is surrounded by the glittering Moultonborough Bay and Lake Winnipesaukee. Above the community are the Ossipee Mountains, which are rich in nature and covered in hiking trails. Moultonborough is known for its outdoor recreation, lakeside living and natural landscapes. “It’s a scenic part of the state,” says Phil Bates, a Realtor with Galactic Realty Group. Bates has been working in the industry for 9 years. “There are lots of retirees, and it’s a very expensive area to live in.”
Swim, hike and play in local parks and lakes
Sutherland Park is a tranquil area surrounding Berry Pond,along state Route 25. Residents may kayak and canoe on the pond and walking trails and picnic tables are nearby. Further down the route is Kraine Meadow Park, has sports courts for tennis, pickleball and basketball. There are also fields for soccer, softball and a sand volleyball court. For little ones, there’s a playground and swing set near an outdoor ice-skating rink, which is only open during the winter season. The area has two private, 18-hole golf courses: Birch Hill Country Club and Bald Peak Colony Club.
Lee’s Mill, Long Island and State’s Landing boat launch are town-run facilities that lead into Moultonborough Bay and Lake Winnipesaukee. The Long Island and State’s Landing boat launches are attached to beaches. These swimming areas have lifeguards present from mid-June through mid-August, and residents must have a town parking permit to access these areas. In the Ossipee Mountains and along the water are hiking trails, cross-country skiing trails and campgrounds. A notable hike is the Red Hill Fire Tower Trail, a scenic trail that leads to a fire tower with a view of the mountains and surrounding landscape.
Homes on the water have private docks
Homes are in the valley area below the Ossipee Mountains. Houses are along winding roadways surrounded by dense foliage. Residences that border Moultonborough Bay and Lake Winnipesaukee have private docks. Some homes use well water, but most use public sewage. “There are some full-time and some summer people,” says Bates. “I would say, 10% of the sales in the greater area are for people buying investment properties and making them into rentals and Airbnbs.”
Cottage, National and Dutch Colonial Revival are common housing styles. The area is mainly single-family homes, but condos, townhouses and multifamily homes are available. Single and multifamily homes range from $200,000 to $900,000; large homes and estates on the water range from $1.2 million to $5 million. “People are buying homes for the land and then tearing them down to make million-dollar homes,” says Bates. These homes aren’t being sold right after they’re rebuilt; they’re mainly rebuilding for themselves, adds Bates. Townhomes and condos range from $775,000 to $940,000.
Shopping and dining along state Route 25
The Old Country Store and Museum is a rustic general store along state Route 25. This store has operated since 1781 and stocks local produce such as jellies, honey and soaps. The store has preserved most of its old fixtures and decorations, and was once a stagecoach stop. The Village Kitchen is a diner-style American restaurant serving comfort food. The New Woodshed is a steakhouse within a restored and reconstructed barn along Lee Road. Less than a mile outside Moultonborough is EM Health Supermarket, and Hannaford is 9 miles away for groceries.
Students may attend the Moultonborough School District
The Moultonborough School District SAU#45, which gets a B-plus from Niche, oversees the area. Moultonborough Central, which serves pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, gets a B-minus. Moultonborough Academy Middle Level also gets a B-minus, and Moultonborough Academy gets an A-minus. High school students may join clubs and organizations such as the International Cuisine and Culture Club, Gaming Club and the Performing Panthers, a performing arts club.
State Route 25 leads to nearby cities
State Route 25 leads 19 miles to Laconia and 68 miles to Portland, Maine. The Portland International Jetport is 67 miles away, and Huggins Hospital is 18 miles away for emergencies. Along state Route 25 are houses of worship such as Lakes Region Lutheran Church and Moultonboro United Methodist Church.
Environmental concerns in Moultonborough
“We have a small amount of flooding in New Hampshire,” says Bates. “It’s mostly the rivers that flood.” Homes close to rivers or at the base of a mountain may experience flooding during inclement weather or snowmelt runoff. Mud season is between March and May in New Hampshire. During this time, it is best to hike and drive in paved areas as the ground begins to thaw and become muddy, making it difficult to navigate.
Holiday events in the Ossipee Mountains
Castle in the Clouds is a 20th-century Arts and Crafts estate within the Ossipee Mountains. The mansion is named Lucknow and was built by Tom Plant, a factory owner, and his wife, Olivia. Today, the estate hosts programs and events throughout the year, including a Christmas at the Castle tour, where visitors may tour the decorated mansion, buy from vendors at the Artisan Fair and enjoy crafts, hot chocolate, cookies and pictures with Santa.
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
