The Lakes Region is known for its abundance of four-season communities with multiple choices for almost every imaginable budget. Governor’s Island on Lake Winnipesaukee in Gilford is certainly one that stands out. Over the years, the island has transitioned into one of the finest waterfront communities on Winnipesaukee which will continue to evolve for future generations to enjoy.
Governor’s Island includes 504 acres and is approximately 1.8 miles long and .7 miles wide. The island was originally owned by Governor Wentworth through a land grant in 1772; however, all his lands and estates were confiscated during the revolution and Samual Gilman was elected to divide the land. In 1780 Governor’s Island was purchased and later sold to a US Senator who also became Governor of NH. He then sold the property to a man from Alton, NH for $1200.00 and was again sold to Eleazer Davis, whose son, Nathaniel Davis built the bridge and established a farming co-op. In 1883 it was leased to Stilson Hutchins (The founder of The Washington Post) for $1,000.00/year for 99-years. He is credited for the road along the shoreline and throughout the island. During 1885 he started construction on a Granite mansion, which unfortunately caught fire 50 years later and his attempt at the development failed. After World War II, construction started to increase and more homes starting rising along the shore of Lake Winnipesaukee.
Fast forward to today where you will find some of the finest luxury homes located on the “Big Lake” which have been constructed along the shores of this unique island. Additionally, a number of exquisite homes within the interior road network of the island enjoy shared access to the Governor’s Island amenities and beaches.
Over the years, many of the original modest cape style residences have been torn down and larger estate homes and compounds have been built with some of the most eye-appealing architectural designs found in New England. These luxury homes include extensive docking systems, many with breakwaters and canopied docks. 140 acres of the island is preserved as natural common-conservation land with hiking and cross-country trails meandering throughout the island. Members of the Governor’s Island Club enjoy outstanding amenities including natural sandy beaches with breakwaters, tennis courts, playground and a wonderful new clubhouse overlooking the waterfront recreation area. Here you can enjoy picnics, gatherings and specials occasions with loved ones. The gradual sandy beaches are some of the finest you will see on Lake Winnipesaukee. The waterfront homes enjoy expansive views from all directions, some orienting towards Gunstock and The Belknap Mountains while others face the White Mountains, Mt. Washington and The Ossipees.
The island is accessed by a small scenic bridge which leads to Route 11D. It is one of six bridged islands on Lake Winnipesaukee and is the fourth largest island out of 274 on Lake Winnipesaukee with Long Island being the largest at 1,186 acres. Today there are over 167 property owners on Governor’s Island which combined, represent over 15% of Gilford’s tax revenue.
During 2019 there were 3 waterfront sales on Governor’s Island ranging from $980,000 -$3,900,000 with the average sales price of $2,493,333. In 2018 there were 8 waterfront sales ranging from $975,000 – $5,000,000 with the average sale at $2,445,500. In 2017 there were 8 waterfront sales ranging from $1,100,000 – $4,350,000 with the average sales price at $1,941,142. During recent years the island has seen considerable new construction with gorgeous lakefront homes substantial in size being built, which are not included in these resale figures. For water access homes on the center of the island in 2019 there were 2 sales at an average price of $550,000, in 2018 there was 1 sale at $509,000 and in 2017 there were 3 at $516,200. At the present time, there are five waterfront properties available for sale ranging from $1,900,000 – $9,500,000.
Roche Realty Group has 274 Edgewater Drive on Governor’s Island listed at $1,900,000. This beautiful home includes 170’ feet of westerly facing shorefront with a massive breakwater, canopy docking system and beautifully landscaped sunbathing areas. This custom home features approximately 8,000 sqft of living space.
This Governor’s Island home has just gone under contract.
If you would like to view or dream about some of these fine waterfront homes, take a look on Google™ and search “Governors Island on Lake Winnipesaukee” … RocheRealty.com will pop up and direct you to our Governor’s Island Club page on our website, which features some quick facts, nice photos and all available properties for sale.
We are so fortunate in the Lakes Region to have such a wide variety of properties and communities on so many different lakes. From three-season cottages to luxurious lakefront estates, the choices are endless.
Frank Roche is the President of Roche Realty Group with two offices in Meredith (603) 279-7046, and Laconia (603) 528-0088. You can learn more about the company and research a wealth of real estate information at: www.rocherealty.com
Looking for real estate on Governor's Island?
296 Edgewater, Gilford, NH 03249
MLS #4950621
City:Gilford, State:NH
Price: $10950000
A remarkable home on a sensational Lake Winnipesaukee lot with sandy beach and an enormous, covered dock for multiple boats. Enjoy picturesque sunsets and added outdoor living space from the sweeping, enclosed, stone patio with fireplace. This home was architecturally designed and custom built with unmatched detail and quality. Sophisticated, state of the art systems are easily monitored and controlled by your personal computer. The theater has custom seating and sound. The billiards room with curved walls and fireplace area is a gentleman's dream. The private gym rivals the finest health club. The Master Suite is luxurious and spacious, and the Great Room overlooks the manicured lawn and gardens toward picturesque lake and mountain views. The walkout lower level includes a summer kitchen, family room, game room and spa. With a carriage home and nine garages, this is the Ultimate Lake Home on prestigious Governor's Island! 644fd25734e2b54adf43f062 1.79 14333 Beach Rights Club House Tennis Court Near Golf Course Walkout DayLight Finished 3 0 0 7 10 5 20504 Gilford RE_1 NH-Belknap From GIC bridge turn left. Home is on left. Paved Parking 296 Edgewater Drive Covered Slip Deck Guest House Outbuilding Patio Private Dock neren3 1 9 Attached 1 1 644fd0ed34e2b54ab02332b2 1 1 1 1 1682952744 43.6167766 1682899200 10950000 Susan C Bradley 4950621 Active -71.4368270 Mountain View View 77972 4950621 2253 296 Edgewater, Gilford, NH 03249 1682959274 Off: 603-524-2255 Coldwell Banker Realty Gilford NH 40 783 Single Family Homes Residential A remarkable home on a sensational Lake Winnipesaukee lot with sandy beach and an enormous, covered dock for multiple boats. Enjoy picturesque sunsets and added outdoor living space from the sweeping, enclosed, stone patio with fireplace. This home was architecturally designed and custom built with unmatched detail and quality. Sophisticated, state of the art systems are easily monitored and controlled by your personal computer. The theater has custom seating and sound. The billiards room with curved walls and fireplace area is a gentleman's dream. The private gym rivals the finest health club. The Master Suite is luxurious and spacious, and the Great Room overlooks the manicured lawn and gardens toward picturesque lake and mountain views. The walkout lower level includes a summer kitchen, family room, game room and spa. With a carriage home and nine garages, this is the Ultimate Lake Home on prestigious Governor's Island! Public Gilford Sch District SAU #73 Gilford Elementary Gilford High School Gilford Middle NH 2 Edgewater 296 Contemporary Governors Island 1687290370 Mountains View https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=kayBUtSv4cb&qs=0&nt=1&help=2&brand=0&mls=1& https://drive.google.com/file/d/1whn6rxBR2SYpAaIT_b43iBDF9hosHysf/view Beach Access Dock Access Yes Lake Winnipesaukee No Lake 360 Yes 1 Exclusively Owned 2003 03249 ListPrice 10950000 1682952791 10950000 ListingStatus Active 1682952791 Active https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/c116-4950621-1-neren3.jpg 1 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/6abf-4950621-2-neren3.jpg 2 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/a527-4950621-3-neren3.jpg 3 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/51b4-4950621-4-neren3.jpg 4 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/e537-4950621-5-neren3.jpg 5 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/499b-4950621-6-neren3.jpg 6 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/84c8-4950621-7-neren3.jpg 7 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/fe9f-4950621-8-neren3.jpg 8 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/9a3c-4950621-9-neren3.jpg 9 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/f0a5-4950621-10-neren3.jpg 10 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/58a7-4950621-11-neren3.jpg 11 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/1466-4950621-12-neren3.jpg 12 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/9392-4950621-13-neren3.jpg 13 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/32fd-4950621-14-neren3.jpg 14 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/3668-4950621-15-neren3.jpg 15 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/bcd3-4950621-16-neren3.jpg 16 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/a903-4950621-17-neren3.jpg 17 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/6f48-4950621-18-neren3.jpg 18 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/fcbe-4950621-19-neren3.jpg 19 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/d3d3-4950621-20-neren3.jpg 20 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/3190-4950621-21-neren3.jpg 21 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/139a-4950621-22-neren3.jpg 22 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/9919-4950621-23-neren3.jpg 23 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/0f79-4950621-24-neren3.jpg 24 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/fcc9-4950621-25-neren3.jpg 25 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/e100-4950621-26-neren3.jpg 26 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/32f4-4950621-27-neren3.jpg 27 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/0022-4950621-28-neren3.jpg 28 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/4294-4950621-29-neren3.jpg 29 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/5816-4950621-30-neren3.jpg 30 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/e9bb-4950621-31-neren3.jpg 31 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/117d-4950621-32-neren3.jpg 32 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/49c9-4950621-33-neren3.jpg 33 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/2364-4950621-34-neren3.jpg 34 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/c6f1-4950621-35-neren3.jpg 35 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/cb73-4950621-36-neren3.jpg 36 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/2fec-4950621-37-neren3.jpg 37 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/26d8-4950621-38-neren3.jpg 38 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/1361-4950621-39-neren3.jpg 39 1682959442 https://s3.us-central-1.wasabisys.com/apiv1.photos.master/901d-4950621-40-neren3.jpg 40 1682959442 1682959442 1682959492 Point -71.436827 43.6167766 RETS
