Ask Tim Carter

Legends of Waldron Bay

Did you read J.R.R. Tolkein's The Lord of the Rings trilogy? I did. It's filled with wisdom you can use in everyday life.

In the book, Tolkien writes:

"And some things that should have not been forgotten were lost. History became legend. Legend became myth. And for two and a half thousand years, the ring passed out of all knowledge."

What's Tolkien saying there? I feel he's saying it's not a good idea for something to transform from history to legend. After that, facts and true stories become very fuzzy or possibly forgotten. Some people want certain stories to be forgotten - that's why they fight to hide the truth. But I digress.

Waldron Bay is a private community located in the fabulous Lakes Region of central New Hampshire. Prior to it becoming a residential housing development, it was a boys summer camp.

Sadly the history of Camp Waldron is just a few years from becoming myth. If you do an exhaustive online search, you can find virtually nothing written about the camp. What a perfect example of what Tolkien was talking about, and Camp Waldron existed a mere fifty years ago!

Close your eyes and you can easily imagine the young boys and camp counselors clustered around a warm campfire on a chilly New England night telling stories about the people that roamed the very land they were sitting on. No doubt stories were shared about massive fish pulled from the crystal-clear waters of Lake Winnisquam just a few yards away from the roaring campfire. Who knows what stories and legends were discussed?

And as you'd expect, new Waldron Bay legends are being crafted now.

From time to time I hear conversations and whispers float across the calm waters of Lake Winnisquam as I sit on my patio down by the lake. Some originate from the Waldron Bay boat slips. Cup your hand around your ear and you may discover fascinating tales!

Waldron Bay - Error in President's Letter of December 14, 2013

On December 14, 2013, Dave Mohr, the president of the Waldron Bay Lot Owners Association, authored a letter to the association members. The letter contained a serious error. If you desire to know more about this, please contact me.

Waldron Bay Common Land Tree Cutting

Waldron Bay is a private community in central New Hampshire. In August 2013, trees were cut on common land. The association, from time to time, may decide to timber common land. If you desire any information or facts about this topic, feel free to contact me.

Waldron Bay FAQs

Are you thinking of moving to New Hampshire? Perhaps you're looking for a secluded private development that has thirteen gorgeous lakefront homes on the west shore of the gorgeous Lake Winnisquam and forty-five or so other wooded lots to settle your family and create a legacy of memories. Waldron Bay, located in the Lakes Region of central New Hampshire, should be on your short list - your very short list.

Where is Waldron Bay?

Waldron Bay is located in the town of Meredith, NH.

How many total lots are in Waldron Bay?

It's sort of confusing if you look at the plat map. You might think about 60 lots, but a few years back several of the lots were combined into one lot. Suffice it to say there's fifty-five plus lots.

How big is Lake Winnisquam?

Lake Winnisquam is the third largest lake in New Hampshire with 7.2 square miles of surface area.

Does Waldron Bay have boat slips?

Yes. There are deeded boat slips owned by lot owners. Sometimes you can buy one or it may come with an existing home for sale.

Are obnoxious loud cigarette boats allowed on Lake Winnisquam?

Yes. But the good news is Lake Winnisquam is not really big enough to satisfy the need for speed of these giant watercraft. You'll find these boats all over the big lake, Lake Winnipesaukee. Fortunately Waldron Bay is at the north tip of Lake Winnisquam and most boaters who live at the south end of the lake don't come up to this part of the lake.

Does Waldron Bay have a homeowners association?

Yes. It's officially called the Waldron Bay Lot Owners Association.

Do the residents and lot owners have to pay dues?

Yes. There are monthly dues in Waldron Bay that help cover the costs to maintain the private roads, clubhouse, maintenance of roads, grounds and clubhouse, professional management, etc. For the period of time from 2008 - 2013, the dues have risen from approximately $70 a month to $107 a month.

Is there a private beach at Waldron Bay?

Yes, it's nearly 300 feet long and open to residents and their guests.

Are there other recreation amenities at Waldron Bay?

Yes. There's a fenced tennis court and basketball hoop. A large inflatable swimming platform and float was added in 2012.

What's the weather like in Waldron Bay?

The warmest month is July and the coldest month is January. Each month you can count on precipitation, but from November to March, it could be white in the form of snow. Look at the graph to the right for details. Graph is courtesy of weather.com.

Is shopping convenient to Waldron Bay?

Yes. The closest retail center is downtown Meredith, NH. A large grocery store, hardware store, auto parts, health foods, retail stores of all types, etc. are just about twelve minutes away. A large outlet shopping center and the major big box retailers can be found south of Waldron Bay in Tilton, NH at exit 20 off Interstate 93.

Can you operate a business out of your home in Waldron Bay?

Yes, but there are restrictions. Be sure to read the bylaws carefully.

Can you rent your home to others if you don't live there full time?

Yes, you can rent your home in Waldron Bay.

Who plows the snow off the roadways in Waldron Bay?

A private contractor takes care of keeping the roads clear of snow. The roads in Waldron Bay are not public so they're not maintained by the town of Meredith.

Is there woodland area at Waldron Bay?

Yes. Waldron Bay is unique in that it has over 200 acres of common land that's wooded. This land is in five unattached parcels and allows for hiking and exploring.

Are lot owners and residents allowed to cut down trees in the woodland area for firewood or improving the views from their homes?

No. The bylaws of the association forbid the cutting of trees.

Waldron Bay - Land of Unicorns on Lake Winnisquam

Waldron Bay is a private community on the northwest shore of Lake Winnisquam in central New Hampshire. Lake Winnisquam is the fourth largest lake in New Hampshire with 7.2 square miles of surface area.

If you're looking for a full-time residence or a summer home to escape the madness of city life, Waldron Bay may be for you. How is it I know so much about this magical place? I've owned a lakefront home here since July of 2008.

As you spend some time looking at houses and lots in central New Hampshire, you'll discover it's tough to get a great blend of seclusion, a lake free of noisy cigarette boats, a large private beach, convenience to shopping and Interstate 93, and harmony. Some residents will tell you Waldron Bay is the place where all this, and more, is possible.

Waldron Bay has over 200 acres of common land blanketed with majestic trees that seem to scratch the sky they're so tall. Some of these trees were seedlings as the Civil War (War of Northern Aggression if you're a Southerner) was ending. If you want to know more about these massive trees, please email me. See below.

If and when you drive down Swain Road into the community, it's easy to confuse Waldron Bay with some of the top national parks in the USA. Fortunately Waldron Bay has strict rules that prohibit residents from harming the trees on common land.

As dusk transforms to night around the expansive private beach at Waldron Bay, legend has it the horns of unicorns can be seen poking out from the forest along the gravel road leading to the boat slips south of the beach. I've never seen this, but I've heard rustling noises in the forest on my own lot. The next day I've seen what appear to be hoof marks in the soft soil of the forest floor, but I'm no expert on unicorns!

In the summer, when swimming is delightful and boating is at it's peak, Mother Nature will sometimes provide a brilliant light show after a passing shower. On many an occasion I've seen a gorgeous rainbow arch over sailboats gliding across the placid water of Lake Winnisquam.

Do you want to hear the haunting calls of loons deep in the night? Waldron Bay is for you. Just one mile north of the primitive beach that's part of Waldron Bay, you can kayak up to the loon preserve. Not a day goes by you don't see or hear these aloof birds that can dive deep into the lake for food staying underwater for up to a minute. In the spring you may be treated to a mama loon with a chick on her back!

When house hunting in central New Hampshire, ask your realtor about private associations. My guess is Waldron Bay will be in the short list of the most prestigious associations in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire.

As you travel down Swain Road and Lower Waldron Road, look off to each side in the deep forest. You just may see one of the legendary unicorns. Be sure to have your camera ready!

You may want to schedule a visit to Waldron Bay on a weekend summer evening. Pull into the parking lot adjacent to the community clubhouse just off Lower Waldron Road.

Look east out across the lake and you just may hear someone strumming an acoustical guitar and a strain or two of Kumbaya as a tight group of neighbors holds hands and sings down on the community boat slips expressing their love of one another and of this wondrous place!

When you immerse yourself in all the beauty at Waldron Bay, all sorts of thoughts might float through your head ushered by the balmy summer breezes. One day you could be resting in a recliner at the beach by the shore of Lake Winnisquam. As you see the sunlight reflect off each wave top like a platter of glittering diamonds, don't be surprised if you wonder if the lake water comes from the tears of unicorns. Who knows, stranger things have happened!

If you can rent a home here for a week to really soak it all in, you just may be treated to a glorious sunrise. Below is a photo I shot looking southeast as I stood above my dock just before Thanksgiving 2013. Yes, it's possible Waldron Bay could be the most tranquil place in New Hampshire!

Remember, if you want to know more about the history of Waldron Bay before you buy here, be sure to contact me.