South Down Shores?

[chuckdog]

Can anyone tell me a little bit about the beach and what the overal vibe (if there is one) is of the South Down Shores community. For the last few years, my wife and I have stayed at Misty Harbor for a week in the summer. We love their location, and the fabulous beach, and we feel like we are on vacation at Misty Harbor.....but this year we were thinking we'd try someplace different. We like being near the Weirs Beach area though. We are thinking about a weekly rental in South Down Shores, and I'd love to hear some of your opinions of the SDS community and/or their beach. I think we might lose some of that vacation feel that we have for Misty Harbor. I'm looking forward to reading some honest replies. thanks.

[jetskier]

Can anyone tell me a little bit about the beach and what the overal vibe (if there is one) is of the South Down Shores community. For the last few years, my wife and I have stayed at Misty Harbor for a week in the summer. We love their location, and the fabulous beach, and we feel like we are on vacation at Misty Harbor.....but this year we were thinking we'd try someplace different. We like being near the Weirs Beach area though. We are thinking about a weekly rental in South Down Shores, and I'd love to hear some of your opinions of the SDS community and/or their beach. I think we might lose some of that vacation feel that we have for Misty Harbor. I'm looking forward to reading some honest replies. thanks.

I guess that I am as qualified as any to speak on this subject. :D

We currently own in South Down and rented for several years prior. South Down Shores is a gated community and is much more private than some of the hotel resorts. It is about a 10 minute drive to the Weirs (try rollercoaster road...it is an experience).

South Down Shores has a large frontage that is shared between the beach, walking areas, the marina and a private beach owned by the Beach Club Association. The beach is small, private and extremely nice. The walking trails and lake views are amazing.

South Down Shores is comprised of condo associations and private homes. Each of the condo associations has their own facilities (in addition to the South Down Shores facilities). Our association has a private pool and tennis court.

My sense is that if you are looking for a facility with open spaces, views and nice facilities you will enjoy South Down Shores. The summer atmosphere is laid back and most of the homes/condos are not rentals, so it does not have the resort/hotel atmosphere.

Jetskier :cool:

[wildwoodfam]

I think we might lose some of that vacation feel that we have for Misty Harbor. I'm looking forward to reading some honest replies. thanks.

The two places are very different. South Down is a gated community - hundreds of "detached" condo units, and townhomes and free standing homes. Its a series of villages. Misty Harbor is much more a resort type hotel/condo style vacation destination.

South Down is very nice - but very different than MH.

Just my opinion.

[donnamatrix]

We had a condo at South Down for a long time, and now own a house. I am glad to learn that SDS has changed management companies from McCormick. There are a lot of fees associated with SDS: The overall SDS annual fee and then each "village" has fees as well. And, if you have a boat, the boat club fees. The grounds are lovely, it can't be denied and it's close to just about everything. It truly depends on what you're looking for, ie: no lawn mowing, no shoveling in the winter, etc. While we lived there, we liked it. The beach is great, except for the huge waves caused by the boats gaining speed as they come out of the no wake zone of Weirs. I would just suggest reading the financial documents of the condo village very closely to see if they have a solid capital appreciation fund, management, etc.

[The Big Kahuna]

South Down is a drive from the Weirs, once your in there is nothing to do. You are better off being in the action at Mistey. You would be bored to death at South Down.

[DREAMS]

I was wondering what do you like best about your stay at Misty Harbor Resort? Do you rent in the building on the water or across the street. I have been currious about owning a place at Misty Harbor as a rental investment or future use ? I think the combined area with the motel beach, marina and Misty Resort create a vacation setting. The water location at Misty seems quieter than being located at Paugus Bay. I have heard owners of boats/docks in Paugus Bay have damages to their boat due to so much traffic wake. The area has become too congested with so many condo's and developments boating in the area to and from their homes.

Thanks for your feed back. Have a great vacation in 2007!:liplick:

[jetskier]

South Down is a drive from the Weirs, once your in there is nothing to do. You are better off being in the action at Mistey. You would be bored to death at South Down.

I don't think that is an appropriate assessment. At Southdown there are a number of things to do:



Southdown has the best marina on the lake. Many renters are allowed to use those facilities.
Southdown has a very nice secluded beach with a children's playground.
Southdown has extremely nice walking trails and frontage.
Southdown has tennis courts and basketball courts.
Southdown is right next to Laconia Country Club.
Several of the condo associations have their own private pool.

Southdown is a gated community and not a "beach/resort", but I think your assessment is not accurate. I think that most folks that own there feel the amenities are top shelf.

Jetskier :cool:

[wildwoodfam]

The assessment was that Chuckdog might be bored to death should he choose SDS over MH.

South Down is quite nice - but it is a gated community - with several villages and manicured lawns and walking trails. Misty Harbor is a resort type facility - quite different from South Down. I dont agree that SDS is that far from the Weirs - although it is further away from the Weirs than Misty Harbor. The marina at SDS is nice - but is it really accessible by all? It certainly was not when we were seriously considering a condo in the compound. The pools are nice = yes, but the beach is SMALL and quite crowded on weekends and the mooring field is situated right out in front of the beach - I guess you could say the boats provide for a "secluded" feel. :laugh:

Anyway - We preferred the "gated" community atmosphere versus the resort type atmosphere...thus "wildwoodfam!":rolleye2:

[Resident 2B]

South Down is a drive from the Weirs, once your in there is nothing to do. You are better off being in the action at Mistey. You would be bored to death at South Down.

South Down Shores is a great place for a family vacation.

I have no idea why any reasonable person would think otherwise. The only possible exception would be docking. If you need docking, make sure you have docking space in the rental agreement. Otherwise, South Down Shore is a great place to be for a family vacation. It is not a "loud" resort like many others on the lake, but rather a nice place for anyone that values real family time in a slower, quieter environment. I also think it is a good value if you are staying for a whole week.

There are plenty of nice things to do at South Down Shores. With all due respect, do not let those with a possible hidden agenda tell you otherwise!

R2B

[Weirs guy]

Hey jetskier, totally off topic but a question I've had for a while. How quiet is SDS with a gate that way more people know the code too then should? Even I know the gates code from a family friend. I've just always been curious how much trafic you get there from people who don't belong.

chuckdog, have you considered renting a house right at the Weirs? Most have private beach access and some include docking (or at least launching and room to park a trailer). Just food for thought.

[jetskier]

Hey jetskier, totally off topic but a question I've had for a while. How quiet is SDS with a gate that way more people know the code too then should? Even I know the gates code from a family friend. I've just always been curious how much trafic you get there from people who don't belong.

Hi Weirs Guy,

Yup, way too many folks know the codes...although I always forget mine. I have a remote control and don't use the code very often. :D We do have a guard on busy weekends.

I have not noticed an issue with inappropriate intrusions, but it is a bit difficult to tell given all the access between open houses, Long Bay etc...

The only real issue with noise tends to be construction traffic. Although, I think that new builds are way off lately...wonder why? :D I am not in an area that has much passing traffic.

Jetskier :cool:

[Weirs guy]

thanks jetskier. every time I punch in that code to visit our friends I feel a little dirty!