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Old 07-07-2004, 09:19 AM   #23
Fancy
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Default From todays "Citizen"

Governor’s Island: Spears rumor draws attention to exclusive community
By RICH BERGERON

Staff Writer


This Governor’s Island home at 81 Shore Road is listed for $2.5 million and offers 4,000 square feet of living space, western exposure with views of Gunstock, and 150 feet of water frontage on Lake Winnipesaukee. Workers in the home made a sign recently, jokingly dubbing the estate "Britney’s New Home." (Citizen Photo/Rich Bergeron)
GILFORD — Governor’s Island offers some of the most luxurious real estate and is considered one of the most prestigious addresses available in the Lakes Region.

There are 10 listings available on the island currently, but you’ll need to have plenty of resources to afford one. Prices range from $900,000 to just under $5 million.

The exclusive island community came into the spotlight in recent weeks as speculation spread that pop superstar Britney Spears was buying a home here. Although the speculation continues, real estate agents involved in selling properties on the island say its quiet lakeside setting with spectacular views make it a natural draw for anyone who can afford the top shelf prices.

Dotted with mansions all along the waterfront, there are also tidy little neighborhoods in the center of the island and houses of all shapes and sizes.

Most of the waterfront homes offer stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the Belknap Mountain range. Spears reportedly purchased a house on the island recently, leaving some residents unhappy and others ready to welcome her.

Governor’s Island was part of a land grant from King George II in 1727 for good deeds performed in the colonies, and not one governor ever lived here. Stilson Hutchins, the founder of The Washington Post, was once the only resident. The newspaper magnate’s summer home burned to the ground in 1934. Hutchins eventually donated the island to the town.

Real Estate firms Coldwell Banker, James L. Leggett Associates, and Preferred Properties all represent homes there.

One estate for sale on the island is available for $4.995 million and is listed by Coldwell Banker. The least expensive property being sold by Coldwell Banker is 152 Edgewater Drive. The two bedroom home has 150 feet of frontage on Lake Winnipesaukee. It is selling for $899,000 and is one of seven properties on the island represented by Realtor Susan Bradley.

Bradley has been selling property on Governor’s Island for more than 20 years. "It’s really been a nice experience," she said about her work. "Just meeting the wonderful families that move in. It’s a very exciting place to work. It’s the best place in the world."

A property at 103 Shore Road Extension is being sold by Real Estate Broker James Legget for $1,950,000 and features four bedrooms and two bathrooms with Lake Winnipesaukee just steps from the back porch. The cozy cottage-style home has been converted for year-round use and is complete with a kids’ loft that can double as a bedroom. The house has vaulted ceilings, expansive views from the screened in porch, and two 50-foot docks.

Vacationer Martha Conti was renting the house and said the only disadvantage was, "You can’t dive off the dock because of all the rocks."

As her dog Sunshine waltzed right into the water to cool off, she said being able to bring the golden retriever is one of the reasons she rents the house.

"It’s unique because it’s on a peninsula," said Legget about the home. Legget said he has "done just about everything you can do" in real estate and enjoys working on Governor’s Island "probably because it’s under-stated and it’s quiet but not pretentious." He also pointed out that the island is close to restaurants, shopping, and the interstates.

Charlie Eisenhower was recently on the island painting inside one of the newest estates. "I love it, I really do," he said about working there. He is not as enthralled about the possibility of Spears becoming a resident.

"It’s not gonna be as exciting as everybody thinks it’s gonna be," he said about the star coming to the island. "She’s not gonna go to Gilford Beach." He also added, "Now if Adam Sandler were moving out here, that would be cool."

The 81 Shore Road home pictured in The Boston Herald as something Britney could buy for $2.5 million has some spectacular views, but it is very close to the road. Preferred Properties Realtor Ellen Mulligan reported that the house has just been completed this year and has a first-floor master bedroom and two guest suites. It also offers western exposure and views of Gunstock across the lake. It has not been bought by Spears, Mulligan said.

"I think it’s ridiculous. I can’t imagine why she’d want to live there. It’s not a gated community, there’s not much security. I would assume she’d go for a gated community some place," said resident Ivy Merrell about Spears.

Merrell enjoys the island and said, "It’s a wonderful spot to live, the most wonderful place in the world."

She has recently noticed boats slowing down around the shore and more people driving around the neighborhoods. "She isn’t even here yet. Imagine what it would be like if she did come," said Merrell. "She has a right to go where she wants to go. I just hope she chooses some other place."

With three floors of living space, fabulous expansive views, a game room with a pool table, an open family room, five bedrooms and 3½ baths, Susan Armstrong’s house at 440 Edgewater Drive is a steal at $1.795 million dollars. Armstrong said her family owned the house for the past 11 years and it is hard to part with. The home has been on the market for a year now, she reported.

Preparing the house for summer, Armstrong arranged some chairs outside and remarked about the hammock near the edge of the water. It had not been set up yet, but the location seemed perfect. Between the two trees on the top of a shaded hill is a stunning view of the lake and mountains beyond. She pointed to a small peak in the distance and said, "We’re one of the few on the island who can see all the way over to Mount Washington." The M/S Mount Washington cruise ship also passes by regularly.

Island residents Carole and Walter Young are the latest to sell their property at 60 Edgewater Drive. It went on the market June 26 for $2,895,000. The Youngs enjoyed dinner on the back porch the previous night and spoke about the possibility of Spears moving into the neighborhood.

"Everybody has a right to live where they want to live," said Carole Young. "It would be better if it was a nice looking actor moving in, but it doesn’t bother me any."

"I wouldn’t care," said Walter Young. "I’ll go jogging with her."

In response to reports that the island life isn’t exciting enough for Spears, Carole Young remarked, "She probably brings all of her excitement with her."

The couple has lived on the island for about 2½ years. "We love to be by the water," said Walter Young.

"Plus the privacy and the quietness," added Carole Young.

They are not strangers to living in wealthy neighborhoods as they have owned a home in a community in Florida that included resident celebrities like Stephen King, Robert Ludlum, Katie Couric and Connie Chung. The Youngs said that they will not sell to Spears unless she is willing to pay much more than what their home is worth.

In that case, Carole Young said, "We’ll paint it any color she wants."

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Rich Bergeron can be reached by calling 524-3800 ext. 5932 or by e-mail at rbergeron@citizen.com.
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