Alton Bay McMansion

[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.


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[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.


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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.

[ApS]

Originally Posted by 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.

Expect three years to completion--maybe four.

[JEEPONLY]

McMansions aside, just wait until until your new neighbor decides to build boat storage buildings near the camp you've owned for fifty+ years.

It's all legal, and unstoppable- so keep buying jet skis, snowmobiles, tractors, bigger boats/cars and more property. Rent stuff, buy stuff, sell stuff! Put up more lighting, and video everyone that even breathes on your property. This is the new world.

Every time someone talks about making updated changes in the area, they should realize that, inevitably, they are part of what some others may consider to be negatives.

Change is good- it's simply the changing of the guard.

"So it goes"

[Alton Bay Ace]

Originally Posted by 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.

Interesting.

Question(s): You actually watched as the builder plowed trash and construction material in to the lake? Did you call anyone? Police? Dept of Environmental Services? Anyone? Did anyone else see this happen or was it just you? Is there any evidence of this crime left in the vicinity? Since the lake was frozen it seems unlikely that the trash would have moved anywhere.

[Alton Bay Ace]

Gee, I don't know, I was just there and did't see any trash for construction material in or even near the water. can you possibly be mistaken JADAQ?

[LakeTimes]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay Ace

Gee, I don't know, I was just there and did't see any trash for construction material in or even near the water. can you possibly be mistaken JADAQ?

House looks amazing Alton Bay Ace!!! Can't imagine the itch you have for everything to be completed!!!

[MeredithMan]

Beautiful place...love the design/architecture. Congratulations!

[JADAQ]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay Ace

Gee, I don't know, I was just there and did't see any trash for construction material in or even near the water. can you possibly be mistaken JADAQ?

Considering it was over a month and a half ago no wonder you didn’t see anything!
It was stuff plowed up from the snow and put over the banking, eventually making its way down onto the ice. Don’t worry now, it’s long gone just like the ice.

[Alton Bay Ace]

Aw, come now, JADAQ, really. The scene of the crime what, washed away? My next phone call will be to my builder, I'm sure he'll have some information on the mysterious and unlawful dumping of material into the lake or even the accusation of such a crime. I doubt he'd want anyone to think that he'd ever do anything even approaching such an unlawful act since he's been LIVING and BUILDING custom homes on Winnipesaukee for almost 30 years. That could put a serious dent in his reputation as a builder.

Stay tuned everyone, I'll be sure to post the results of my conversation.

Thank you all others for your kind comments on the house. My wife and I came up with the initial ideas and our fabulous architect turned it into a real plan! We very excited to see it finished and should be moving in sometime in June, if all goes well.

[gillygirl]

Originally Posted by Alton Bay Ace

Gee, I don't know, I was just there and did't see any trash for construction material in or even near the water. can you possibly be mistaken JADAQ?

Well, color me green with envy! Do you need a live-in housekeeper?

Congratulations, and best wishes in your new home.


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[Barney Bear]

Very elegant design - congratulations to all. Enjoy!

Question - Is the element (cupola) above the garage area accessible for the similar use of a "widow's walk" frequently found on Colonial era houses? 🐻

[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".

[Major]

Contrary to what is being said, it seems to me by reading these posts that people are judgmental and jealous of the nice homes being built on the lake. That it is more virtuous to own a 700 foot, moldy, half-assed built cabin on a fully wooded lot than it is to own a nice home on a clear-cut lot having a lot of natural light revealing spectacular views of the lake. No one is saying that you cannot like or embrace the cabin. However, don't judge those who do not embrace that lifestyle. So long as the home is being built respecting environmental laws, live and let live.

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by Major

Contrary to what is being said, it seems to me by reading these posts that people are judgmental and jealous of the nice homes being built on the lake. That it is more virtuous to own a 700 foot, moldy, half-assed built cabin on a fully wooded lot than it is to own a nice home on a clear-cut lot having a lot of natural light revealing spectacular views of the lake. No one is saying that you cannot like or embrace the cabin. However, don't judge those who do not embrace that lifestyle. So long as the home is being built respecting environmental laws, live and let live.

I can appreciate that you are enjoying your time on the lake, as you should.
Unfortunately, in this post you sound like a snob.

[Major]

Originally Posted by JEEPONLY

I can appreciate that you are enjoying your time on the lake, as you should.

I highly doubt it. After all, you're the one doing the judging, not me.

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by Major

I highly doubt it. After all, you're the one doing the judging, not me.

You highly doubt it- well aren't you something!?!

Ahh- Proving my point!

I get it- Don't have as much money, not as sophisticated and can't appreciate, and oh, yeah ... don't own a tuxedo!

[FlyingScot]

Originally Posted by Major

Contrary to what is being said, it seems to me by reading these posts that people are judgmental and jealous of the nice homes being built on the lake. That it is more virtuous to own a 700 foot, moldy, half-assed built cabin on a fully wooded lot than it is to own a nice home on a clear-cut lot having a lot of natural light revealing spectacular views of the lake. No one is saying that you cannot like or embrace the cabin. However, don't judge those who do not embrace that lifestyle. So long as the home is being built respecting environmental laws, live and let live.

I agree that jealousy is unattractive, but you seem to be combining two sets of issues. There's nothing wrong with dropping a few million dollars to build a wonderful home in a wonderful spot. But clear cutting and super large roofs are bad for the lake--they increase the flow of phosphorous and other contaminants which promote cyanobacteria, and algae, and hurt the fish population and water clarity. Also, trees and other natural growth are much more attractive than houses--at least to me--so I really appreciate it when people leave as many trees as possible so that the rest of us have spectacular views FROM the lake.

I hope that people continue to build their dream homes. But I also hope that DES is able to implement and enforce even tougher rules to protect the water for all.

[Major]

Originally Posted by Biggd

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".

I think what you say is applicable to all people. All of us should be judged by how we act. Some people are nice, some not so much, regardless of wealth. I am certain wealth can change people, but so does mid-life crises, deaths of close family members, loss of wealth, etc. People who achieve success on their own aren't worried about what gets left to whom.

[JEEPONLY]

Originally Posted by Major

People who achieve success on their own aren't worried about what gets left to whom.

Tell that to Jerry Lewis' kids!

[Biggd]

Originally Posted by Major

People who achieve success on their own aren't worried about what gets left to whom.

I don't believe this statement at all!