Over the years I’ve seen many couples return to the Lakes Region because of our desirable lifestyle, natural beauty and four seasons of recreation. James and Jamie McCuddy are a good example of that type of couple. Education and job opportunities pulled them away however the magnetic attraction of our region brought them back.
Jamie where did you grow up?
J:”I was born in Portsmouth and moved to Moultonborough when I was 6 years old to my grandparents house on Lake Winnipesaukee. In 1999 I graduated from Moultonborough Academy where I played softball and basketball. Than off to Keene State College, where I graduated with a degree in Business Management in 2003.”
After college, where did you go?
J: “I moved to Boston to start my career at Eaton Vance, an Investment Management Firm. I worked there 5 ½ years and during that time I met my future husband, James who also worked at the firm.”
After Eaton Vance?
J: “I started working at T’s Capital LLC based in Boston and New York City and I’ve been with them ever since- In 2012 we moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin for a corporate relocation for James job, when he was promoted to Regional Vice President for Wisconsin at Eaton Vance. At first I was devastated because I didn’t want to leave Boston or my entire family on Lake Winnipesaukee.”
James where are you from?
J: “I grew up in Greenville NH near Peterboro. I joined the Coast Guard after college and I was stationed in Woods Hole MA and Newcastle NH. In 1991 I was involved in the search and rescue of the REA Gale 250 miles off the coast of Mass. The movie “The Perfect Storm” was later filmed. After 6 years with the Coast Guard I took a position with PFPC Global Kind* Services in Western Mass. In 2001 started working at Eaton Vance in Boston and I’ve been with them for 13 years.”
So how did you adjust to Wisconsin?
J: “We live at White Fish Bay on Lake Michigan it has a small town feel and is only 10 minutes outside of Milwaukee. Its very family oriented where there’s a strong sense of community. In 2015 we purchased a brick colonial 5 blocks from the lake. Its big and cold it’s a lot like the ocean because of its size. Some days it looks like the Caribbean while other times it’s dark blue. However I still miss Boston and especially Lake Winnipesaukee. “
Why Lake Winnipesaukee?
J: “My Great Grandfather, Morris Watson started Long Island Campground 50 years ago just before the bridge that goes out to the island. He owned a large waterfront parcel along Watson Shore and sold off pieces of Lakefront a $100/Ft to finance, the construction of the Campground. The campground now has 111 sites with a big sandy beach with moorings and dock on the lake. Gramps passed away in the early 1980’s and left it to my Grandfather, Daniel Watson. The campground has been operated since that day and we were all involved. That’s why I have such fond memories of Lake Winnipesaukee growing up and enjoying all the lake experiences with my family.
So how did you get back to your roots while you were living in Wisconsin?
J: “We always wanted to get back to the lake because of our past experiences and memories growing up. We wanted especially to be near our family. We were up visiting our family one weekend and we noticed a lake cottage that came on the market on Watson Shore Rd the property was just around the corner from the campground. So we called real estate broker Nancy Clark and said we would love to take a look at it. When Nancy brought us through we immediately fell in love with the spot. And to make it even better the land was originally owned by my great grandfather who sold the lot to them! It was so sentimental where we could walk to the campground and spend time with the family. My great grandfather helped frame the original cottage. We could see the potential with the sandy beach, dock and westerly views. So we called Scott Elliot of native timberworks and his sister Melinda Laflamme to coordinate ideas for the remodeling project and re construction. Both Scott and Melinda are Nancy’s children and it worked out perfectly. They were able to create “a true lake feel” with a cottage that we could use for vacations and time away with family. Someday we can hopefully retire in the future at this great spot. “
So James what attracts you to the Lakes Region and Lake Winnipesuakee?
J: “I love New England it’s the convenience, everything is so close compared to the mid-west. You have a huge assortment of lakes and mountains to constantly discover, your only 2 hours from Boston which is a great city, and you can be in a different country enjoying Montreal or Quebec within hours. What I like most is it’s a total escape from being in the city. We absolutely love lake living and the lifestyle is offers. We enjoying hiking in the White Mountains and there are some fun concerts and great restaurants to visit throughout the lakes region. Additionally I love the “Live Free or Die” moto. “
This article was written by Frank Roche, president of Roche Realty Group, with offices in Meredith & Laconia, NH. Frank can be reached at (603) 279-7046
