Alton Bay McMansion

[Steveo]

I have search the site in so many ways but can't find out any information on the new (building for past year) McMansion on Alton Bay just off of first entrance to 11-D. I heard rumors about 10,000 sq ft but now looks like more. Heard once owned (maybe still does) by name of Nelson. But that is it. Can anyone help.

Thanks

[Jeanzb1]

Sue and Bud Nelson once owned the land this place is being built on, I believe. Sue and Bud still live right behind it.


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[Alton Bay Ace]

"McMansions" are, generally speaking, spec homes. This is custom built and it's just under 8000 square feet. Thank you!

[Descant]

Town Hall has records of ownership and building permits. All public info. If it has been building for a year, there was something there last April 1 that was assessed as partial.

[tis]

If you are talking about the one I think you are Beckwith Builders is building it?

[Alton Bay Ace]

Yes, Beckwith Builders are building it....

[Newbiesaukee]

I did not realize there was a legal definition of McMansion. Is not one person’s Mc Mansion, another’s McBungalow?

[bruinsfan]

Quite disturbing how much everyone is so into everyone else’s business. Just mind your own and be nice to others.

If you don’t like ‘McMansions’, vote in new politicians that will restrict them or at least set a standard that you like.

I am sure the owner is spending a lot of money is not building anything that is against the law.....contact your local politicians to complain instead of being a gossiping neighbor.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by bruinsfan

Quite disturbing how much everyone is so into everyone else’s business. Just mind your own and be nice to others.

If you don’t like ‘McMansions’, vote in new politicians that will restrict them or at least set a standard that you like.

I am sure the owner is spending a lot of money is not building anything that is against the law.....contact your local politicians to complain instead of being a gossiping neighbor.

I didn't see any negativity in any of the posts? The OP just asked a question of ownership.

[Susie Cougar]

Does anyone have a picture? I’d like to see what it looks like.

[winterh]

I have not seen the house in question so no comments about it but I wonder how different people define McMansion? In my eyes a McMansion is a large house that is built with no attention paid to build quality, scale, design, good taste, common rules of architecture, ..... Size for the sake of size as money does not buy good taste. Being large does not make it a McMansion. There are large homes that are beautiful and small homes that are ugly. I have no problems with the large homes on the lake and enjoy good architecture of any size. I do have problems with anything that contributes to poor water quality or is just ugly to look at. I understand the ugly part can be subjective.

[tbonies]

Originally Posted by Biggd

I didn't see any negativity in any of the posts? The OP just asked a question of ownership.

The term McMansion is a negative term, usually used by the envious.


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[Mr. V]

Originally Posted by tbonies

The term McMansion is a negative term, usually used by the envious.

Oh?

I thought the term "mcmansion" typically referred to new construction which does not fit the established pattern of the area, e.g. people buying five to twenty acres on what was previously farm land or woods and then building their large "dream home."

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by tbonies

The term McMansion is a negative term, usually used by the envious.


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

I never knew it was a negative word? I've heard and read much worse! I guess if you're on the other end of the spectrum then you would take offense to someone labeling your house a McMansion as an insult.

[Susie Cougar]

winterh is right about the quality and workmanship etc. This is one component of your home which causes it to be labeled a McMansion.
You are also right that a large house does not automatically become a McMansion. What makes it a McMansion is that it is too big for the lot that it is put on. It doesn’t fit in with the other homes around it. It just takes up too much of the available space.
Also, many people feel that it’s too big of a home for too few people. That’s where the negative connotation comes from.

[tis]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

winterh is right about the quality and workmanship etc. This is one component of your home which causes it to be labeled a McMansion.
You are also right that a large house does not automatically become a McMansion. What makes it a McMansion is that it is too big for the lot that it is put on. It doesn’t fit in with the other homes around it. It just takes up too much of the available space.
Also, many people feel that it’s too big of a home for too few people. That’s where the negative connotation comes from.

Where did this definition come from? Is this your opinion? Or did you find a definition somewhere?

[Susie Cougar]

LOL. You caught me.
Whenever I Google anything, I always go to Wikipedia. It is an online encyclopedia for those who do not know. I always want to know the facts and not someone else’s opinion. This is the best place to go when you want that information.

[brk-lnt]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

winterh is right about the quality and workmanship etc. This is one component of your home which causes it to be labeled a McMansion.
You are also right that a large house does not automatically become a McMansion. What makes it a McMansion is that it is too big for the lot that it is put on. It doesn’t fit in with the other homes around it. It just takes up too much of the available space.
Also, many people feel that it’s too big of a home for too few people. That’s where the negative connotation comes from.

I disagree. The McMansion term is not unique to the lakes region, and is generally used to describe a large house that is relatively non-unique and built according to predesigned plans, usually in close proximity to similar houses that lack unique characteristics. It became widely used, to my knowledge, when builder like Toll Brothers started booming, turning out large numbers of houses with a big footprint (eg: 5,000 sqft and up), but where the construction techniques and finish materials were inferior to "actual" mansions. Think commodity granite countertops and stainless steel appliances from big box stores vs. marble counters and kitchen equipment from Sub Zero and Viking (though including the latter does not make it not a McMansion).

House size relative to property size is not as much of an indicator, IMO, as the general high volume production aspect of the house itself.

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

winterh is right about the quality and workmanship etc. This is one component of your home which causes it to be labeled a McMansion.
You are also right that a large house does not automatically become a McMansion. What makes it a McMansion is that it is too big for the lot that it is put on. It doesn’t fit in with the other homes around it. It just takes up too much of the available space.
Also, many people feel that it’s too big of a home for too few people. That’s where the negative connotation comes from.

So how do you know when you pass by in your boat and look at a home that you would call a "McMansion" that it has poor "quality and workmanship"? Wouldn't you need an up close look and some construction experience to determine this?

How do you know that it is "too big of a home for too few people"? How would you determine how many people live in a house?

When you make your decision have you taken attendance to determine the appropriate number of people per square foot? What is the right number of square feet per person for a house?

Just askin'

[Barney Bear]

Two feet on each person, four each on dogs and cats.

[Descant]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

So how do you know when you pass by in your boat and look at a home that you would call a "McMansion" that it has poor "quality and workmanship"? Wouldn't you need an up close look and some construction experience to determine this?

How do you know that it is "too big of a home for too few people"? How would you determine how many people live in a house?

When you make your decision have you taken attendance to determine the appropriate number of people per square foot? What is the right number of square feet per person for a house?

Just askin'

If it's obscene, it's probably a McMansion. You'll know it when you see it.
Just sayin'

[whkhawks]

This was taken a couple of months ago.

[Major]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

Also, many people feel that it’s too big of a home for too few people. That’s where the negative connotation comes from.

Who are these people, Bernie Bros? Who is anyone to judge whether my wife and I want a large home even though she and I live there alone most of the time? Honestly, it's attitudes like this that are destroying America. (I know Suzie may be quoting Wikipedia.) It used to be that we looked up to and aspired to be successful and ultimately wealthy. That drive and ambition is what makes our country special.

[Susie Cougar]

Yes, I was quoting Wikipedia. Thank you for pointing that out. This is not my opinion. I was just reading a definition.

[Kerk]

If the ice would open up there would be less to find something to GAB about !! jm2csw

[ApS]

Originally Posted by Major

Who are these people, Bernie Bros? Who is anyone to judge whether my wife and I want a large home even though she and I live there alone most of the time? Honestly, it's attitudes like this that are destroying America. (I know Suzie may be quoting Wikipedia.) It used to be that we looked up to and aspired to be successful and ultimately wealthy. That drive and ambition is what makes our country special.

The attitude could be shared among Winnipesaukee lakefront owners who watch a neighbor's "cabin nestled in the pines" get torn down.

Larger roofs driveways and parking areas with their greater "impervious surfaces" replace cabins that are otherwise just a dot in the environment. "Oversized" doesn't just apply to boats.

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Major

Who are these people, Bernie Bros? Who is anyone to judge whether my wife and I want a large home even though she and I live there alone most of the time? Honestly, it's attitudes like this that are destroying America. (I know Suzie may be quoting Wikipedia.) It used to be that we looked up to and aspired to be successful and ultimately wealthy. That drive and ambition is what makes our country special.

Everyone has a different vision of a "wonderful life". For some, it's the accumulation of material things and for others it's just living well.
I for one, value people on how they act rather then how wealthy they are.

[Susie Cougar]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Everyone has a different vision of a "wonderful life". For some, it's the accumulation of material things and for others it's just living well.

Very true, Biggd!

[JADAQ]

I ice fish in front of this place, it was real nice to see all the garbage and building materials plowed over the hill this winter into the lake. Hope they clean up their mess.

This place has now been under construction for over a year. Quite the build.

[Major]

Originally Posted by Biggd

Everyone has a different vision of a "wonderful life". For some, it's the accumulation of material things and for others it's just living well.
I for one, value people on how they act rather then how wealthy they are.

As usual you miss the point. It’s not about accumulating material things but about achieving excellence. Have you ever known anyone who risked everything to achieve success. Fortunately I’ve been influenced by many family and friends who have taken a risk, believed in what they were doing and built businesses that employed a lot of people and made them financially wealthy. They were never driven by accumulating wealth. They were interested in building something. And by the way, these people are kind, generous and act in a manner that you would even approve.

People who are jealous of success focus on material things because it’s easy to focus on.

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by Major

As usual you miss the point. It’s not about accumulating material things but about achieving excellence. Have you ever known anyone who risked everything to achieve success. Fortunately I’ve been influenced by many family and friends who have taken a risk, believed in what they were doing and built businesses that employed a lot of people and made them financially wealthy. They were never driven by accumulating wealth. They were interested in building something. And by the way, these people are kind, generous and act in a manner that you would even approve.

People who are jealous of success focus on material things because it’s easy to focus on.

Did you read post #67? It's not about wealth, it's about enjoying a small, quiet, family camp area that is going by the wayside.

I'm with Biggd!

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Major

As usual you miss the point. It’s not about accumulating material things but about achieving excellence. Have you ever known anyone who risked everything to achieve success. Fortunately I’ve been influenced by many family and friends who have taken a risk, believed in what they were doing and built businesses that employed a lot of people and made them financially wealthy. They were never driven by accumulating wealth. They were interested in building something. And by the way, these people are kind, generous and act in a manner that you would even approve.

People who are jealous of success focus on material things because it’s easy to focus on.

Like I said, I judge people by the way they act, not by how wealthy they are.
I'm certainly not jealous of anyone that works hard and becomes wealthy but not all wealth is achieved in this way.
I also know very many "wealthy" people. Some I have great admiration for but some have been changed by their wealth. Those are the ones I no longer associate with regardless of how hard they worked for it.
"Money is the root of all evil", when the will is read the knives come out!
When you pass no one really cares about what you built. It's what gets passed down that everyone will be fighting for.
If it's a small family camp on the lake then that, IMO is "priceless".

[macbeth]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay Ace

"McMansions" are, generally speaking, spec homes. This is custom built and it's just under 8000 square feet. Thank you!

You speak with great certain, by chance is this your new home?

[Susie Cougar]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay Ace

"McMansions" are, generally speaking, spec homes. This is custom built and it's just under 8000 square feet. Thank you!

Alton Bay Ace, I hope you get as much enjoyment out of your house as my parents did theirs!

[joey2665]

Well said Bruinsfan and don’t forget these homes are a huge boost to the economy via supplies and jobs additionally the increase in property tax revenue.


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by joey2665

Well said Bruinsfan and don’t forget these homes are a huge boost to the economy via supplies and jobs additionally the increase in property tax revenue.


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Hmmm...did you write this minutes before or minutes after your sandbar posts where you said the lake was losing it's charm and nothing can be done?

The thing that McMansions (of any size) have in common with overcrowding on the lake is that both depend on a system where money drives everything, and too few place value on restraint and natural beauty.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by FlyingScot

Hmmm...did you write this minutes before or minutes after your sandbar posts where you said the lake was losing it's charm and nothing can be done?

The thing that McMansions (of any size) have in common with overcrowding on the lake is that both depend on a system where money drives everything, and too few place value on restraint and natural beauty.

Too me "McMansions" have little to nothing to do with the lake losing its charm. Overcrowding of boat traffic does. Most large home are on large plots of land off the lake higher up in the elevation. My opinion but thank you for being so critical. I'll will be sure to monitor your posts for consistency and criticism.

[Susie Cougar]

If a large home is on a large lot then by definition it is not a McMansion.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

If a large home is on a large lot then by definition it is not a McMansion.

Is this definition of "McMansion" in the Webster Dictionary, I don't think so.... Maybe our definitions are different

[Susie Cougar]

Joey, I guess you didn’t see my previous post. The definition is from Wikipedia.
Wikipedia is an online way to get factual information.

Webster’s dictionary, as well as several other dictionaries and encyclopedias, are used as reference material.

So, I’m not sure where you’re getting your information from because the definition according to Webster was what I was referring to.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

Joey, I guess you didn’t see my previous post. The definition is from Wikipedia.

Wikipedia is an online way to get factual information.

Webster’s dictionary, as well as several other dictionaries and encyclopedias, are used as reference material.

So, I’m not sure where you’re getting your information from because the definition according to Webster was what I was referring to.

Please Really??? I know what Wikipedia is. It is not always accurate as anyone can enter and edit information and I do not ever include it as a source of factual information. Webster is an actually dictionary with factual definitions of real words. I am not referring a reference encyclopedia.


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[Biggd]

It's just a slang name given to the rise of large scale homes that look out of place. What is the big deal about how it's interpreted? If you don't like the term then call it what you want. If you're offended because you have one then "get over it".

[Newbiesaukee]

Originally Posted by Biggd

It's just a slang name given to the rise of large scale homes that look out of place. What is the big deal about how it's interpreted? If you don't like the term then call it what you want. If you're offended because you have one then "get over it".

It is not really possible to have any meaningful discussion if there is no agreement as to what is being discussed.

There really is nothing to “ get over.”

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Newbiesaukee

It is not really possible to have any meaningful discussion if there is no agreement as to what is being discussed.

There really is nothing to “ get over.”

Some people on here take offense to the term "McMansion". I have no clue why unless they think they own one? If I owned one, which I don't, I could care less what anyone thought.
Some people describe "McMansions" as big houses that all look the same but no one describes big town house developments that way, those can be big homes that all look the same? I just think the arguments on the whole thread are ridiculous. A lot of fuss about nothing.

[Susie Cougar]

Yeah, Biggd. I just Googled the definition so everyone would have an idea what was being talked about.

I don’t know why everyone’s getting so upset either.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

Yeah, Biggd. I just Googled the definition so everyone would have an idea what was being talked about.

I don’t know why everyone’s getting so upset either.

Whose is upset? Just making a point that people have different definitions for the same word and I based my statements on my definition and you based yours on your definition. I don't think anyone is upset over something so trivial

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by joey2665

Whose is upset? Just making a point that people have different definitions for the same word and I based my statements on my definition and you based yours on your definition. I don't think anyone is upset over something so trivial

It's all my fault. I think it all started when I said I didn't see anything negative in the term "McMansion" and then all hell broke loose.

[Susie Cougar]

Joey, read your own words.

I don’t know how to transcribe like you all do, On post # 27, you were arguing that Wikipedia did not always contains factual information. This is ludicrous. Why does the definition of a house have to be so exact in your mind? We’re not talking about the cure for cancer.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

Joey, read your own words.

I don’t know how to transcribe like you all do, On post # 27, you were arguing that Wikipedia did not always contains factual information. This is ludicrous. Why does the definition of a house have to be so exact in your mind? We’re not talking about the cure for cancer.

Oh my god move on already and stop beating a dead horse. You must have something better to do with your time. You have your opinion and I have mine. Never the two shall meet. Read #34


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[tis]

Originally Posted by Biggd

It's all my fault. I think it all started when I said I didn't see anything negative in the term "McMansion" and then all hell broke loose.

Yep you are just a big troublemaker!!!!

[winterh]

There is an entertaining website devoted to identifying and making fun of McMansions. Maybe this will help explain what it is


https://mcmansionhell.com/post/14860...-mcmansion-bad

[Descant]

For me, if you can drive it yourself without crew, it's not a yacht.
If your household staff all live elsewhere i.e,. off the grounds, it is not a mansion.
If a city mansion is located on 2000 acres, it is an estate.
If they are built in large numbers (like hamburgers) it is a McMansion.
Anything else is probably just pretentious.

[8gv]

Originally Posted by Descant

For me, if you can drive it yourself without crew, it's not a yacht.
If your household staff all live elsewhere i.e,. off the grounds, it is not a mansion.
If a city mansion is located on 2000 acres, it is an estate.
If they are built in large numbers (like hamburgers) it is a McMansion.
Anything else is probably just pretentious.

Now you've done it!

After a 34 year career with the golden arches I take exception to the use of this term!

The next thing we'll see is the term "McNuggets" used to describe tiny houses!

Now I need to go find my emotional support llama.

He's still mad because they wouldn't let him on the plane...

[Biggd]

This whole thread is getting ridiculous. The OP should be ashamed of himself for using such a negative expression and causing such an uproar, LOL!

[DPatnaude]

Originally Posted by joey2665

Is this definition of "McMansion" in the Webster Dictionary, I don't think so.... Maybe our definitions are different

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/McMansion

[BoatHouse]

I would say this is going to be a McMansion. Note it is not the Alton Bay house.

[dpg]

Who cares?

[8gv]

I suspect that the new house will be stunning.

It will also:

Generate additional tax dollars for the town
Employ skilled and non skilled labor to build it
Result in the continued employment of property maintenance workers

All that sounds good to me.

[Alton Bay Ace]

/Users/aceshomefolder/Pictures/Photos Library.photoslibrary/resources/proxies/derivatives/1a/00/1a07/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_1a07.jpg

[tis]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay Ace

/Users/aceshomefolder/Pictures/Photos Library.photoslibrary/resources/proxies/derivatives/1a/00/1a07/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_1a07.jpg

We can't open your link. ABA. Or at least I can't.
Can you post it again?

[Susie Cougar]

Originally Posted by Steveo

I have search the site in so many ways but can't find out any information on the new (building for past year) McMansion on Alton Bay just off of first entrance to 11-D. I heard rumors about 10,000 sq ft but now looks like more. Heard once owned (maybe still does) by name of Nelson. But that is it. Can anyone help.

Thanks

Our original camp was about 700 ft.². My parents built their retirement home in 1963 and it was just under 3000 ft.². The word McMansion had not been invented yet, but I’m sure many people thought that’s what this house was.
Just like this house being built in Alton Bay today, my parents house was very unusual at that time. Believe it or not, the Moultonborough Historical Society actually called one day and wanted to know if they could come down and take a look around.
My parents worked very hard in life and this was their way of showing how successful they were. My parents retired nine years later at the age of 52. My mom lived in the house until five years ago when she died. My sister and her husband live there now. It is not a house that anyone talks about anymore.

[SteveO123]

Can we stop now?

[The Real BigGuy]

Can we just remember that at one point anyone who owned any abode, large or small or rustic or modern, was considered what people are calling egocentric or a snob because they had the money to own a vacation home. My dad, and many other dads & moms, worked hard to house, feed, and educate 4 kids. He lived for the week or 2weeks he could rent a place on the lake. He would have loved to own any piece of property here, but only “rich people” could do that.


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[Susie Cougar]

JEEPONLY, how is it legal for your neighbor to build a boat storage facility on his property? That certainly changes the entire feel for all the neighbors. How is that considered legal? It doesn’t seem right to me.

[joey2665]

Originally Posted by Susie Cougar

JEEPONLY, how is it legal for your neighbor to build a boat storage facility on his property? That certainly changes the entire feel for all the neighbors. How is that considered legal? It doesn’t seem right to me.

Obviously only legal if the receive the proper approvals and permits

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by joey2665

Obviously only legal if the receive the proper approvals and permits

This is correct.
It's a business that bought the land and is getting it rezoned.
Definitely will change the area

[Biggd]

After todays stock market crash I'm feeling like a risk taker. I'm going to drink Corona's tonight. 😂

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[WinnisquamZ]

Originally Posted by Biggd

After todays stock market crash I'm feeling like a risk taker. I'm going to drink Corona's tonight.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Patricks has cold ones!


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[Alton Bay Ace]

I'm not sure what specific property you're referencing but you can not just decide unilaterally to build commercial property on land that is zoned residential. Winnipesaukee has some of the strictest building codes you'll find in the entire state of NH. Our old cottage was just 16' from the water's edge when we tore it down. The new code is 50' from waters edge unless you build on the same exact footprint which we did not wish to do. To gain additional square footage from the board (no environmental concessions; they are not negotiable I'm happy to report) we moved the house back to the 50' line. Beyond that we were afforded no other concessions, the board and the state would allow no further changes.

Anyone asserting that you can build as you wish on Winni is dreaming or has never built there. The code is very strict and strictly enforced as it should be in such a beautiful place.

[Pineedles]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay Ace

I'm not sure what specific property you're referencing but you can not just decide unilaterally to build commercial property on land that is zoned residential. Winnipesaukee has some of the strictest building codes you'll find in the entire state of NH. Our old cottage was just 16' from the water's edge when we tore it down. The new code is 50' from waters edge unless you build on the same exact footprint which we did not wish to do. To gain additional square footage from the board (no environmental concessions; they are not negotiable I'm happy to report) we moved the house back to the 50' line. Beyond that we were afforded no other concessions, the board and the state would allow no further changes.

Anyone asserting that you can build as you wish on Winni is dreaming or has never built there. The code is very strict and strictly enforced as it should be in such a beautiful place.

Would they let you build on original foundation and extend the footprint on the backside of the house?


Sent from my iPad using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

[TiltonBB]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

Would they let you build on original foundation and extend the footprint on the backside of the house?


Sent from my iPad using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app

Not if it (the rear extension) was within the 50 foot waterfront buffer. You cannot add anything within 50 feet, only rebuild on the existing footprint.

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by TiltonBB

Not if it was within the 50 foot waterfront buffer.

This is a good rule. The issue here is that impervious surfaces close to the lake allow phosphorous and other nutrients to flow into the lake much faster than they would in undeveloped conditions. The phosphorous accelerates plant growth and this accelerates the aging of the late--darker water, more algae, milfoil, cyanobacteria; less enjoyable swimming and fishing.

[JEEPONLY]

I'm not sure if the last few posts are in regards to my posts concerning re-zoning for boat storage units, or not

If they are, I would like to be clear that my property is not on Winni. It has been, and for the time being will remain, a small, secluded camp in a neighborhood with three others. For the most part, the only sounds heard, regularly, are the breezes through the pines, a babbling river, and when the time is right, a crackling campfire.

I know that the "progress" I've mentioned may sound like NIMBY sentiment. It's difficult to give up the peaceful quality of the area.

The new owner is a well-respected business with a thriving customer base. They have pledged to be respectful neighbors, as they have proven to be respectful habitants of the area over the years.

Never-the-less, one of the keys to business growth is, of course, capital. Hence the inevitability of the storage units- just too much earnings to deny.

So, that's it.

[The Real BigGuy]

Beautiful place. I’m jealous! How about a “walk thru” video?


Sent from my iPhone using Winnipesaukee Forum mobile app