Meredith Bay is a thoughtfully designed master-planned community being developed in several phases. The first phase includes the Single-Family Homes in the gated Akwa Vista neighborhood, along with walking trails, swimming, tennis, and other recreational facilities—including access to a local beach club and marina. Many of these splendid homes and home sites offer stunning views of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding mountains. Choose a move-in-ready home, or pick out your preferred homesite and create the custom home of your dreams.
The second phase of the community consists of a collection of distinctive lakefront and lakeview Townhomes and lakeview Lodge Condominiums, with adjoining amenities and recreational facilities that include a fitness center, lakefront picnic area with swim platform, swimming pool, walking trails, rustic cabin, and maple sugar/apple cider hut.
Visit Meredith Bay and you’ll quickly see why it has become the number-one new-home community in the Lakes Region.
Our Location
Located on Lake Winnipesaukee in the town of Laconia, New Hampshire, Meredith Bay is easily reached from New England’s major metropolitan areas. We’re conveniently situated between the quaint lakeside village of Meredith—known for its charming shops, art galleries and restaurants—and the nostalgic vacation area of Weirs Beach. Our location is:
- Easy to access from Interstate 93
- 90 minutes from Boston
- 50 minutes from Manchester Airport
- 15 minutes from Gunstock Ski Area
- 60 minutes from Waterville Valley, Loon Mountain and the Mount Washington Valley
Region Map
Area Map
THE DEVELOPER
Southworth Development’s Founder & CEO, David Southworth, began his master-planned community development career in 1991 as the President & CEO of Willowbend Development LLC. Willowbend became a partnership owned by Paul Fireman of Reebok fame and David Southworth. From 1991 until 2005, the partners developed the communities of Willowbend on Cape Cod, The Westin Rio Mar Beach Resort & Country Club in Puerto Rico, the JW Marriott Starr Pass Resort in Tucson, Arizona, Coco Beach Golf & Country Club in Puerto Rico and Liberty National, an exclusive club community overlooking the Statue of Liberty on New York Bay.
In 2005, Southworth Development was formed, and David continued to develop master-planned communities, beginning with a project on the west coast of Scotland called The Village at Machrihanish Dunes. The spectacular Village at Machrihanish Dunes consists of an acclaimed David McLay Kidd-designed links golf course, two beautifully restored historic hotels, seaside golf cottages, four dining outlets, and everything else you need to enjoy a first-class Scottish vacation.
In 2006, Southworth purchased a substantial portion of what was then called Akwa Soleil, which led to the rebranding of the community as Meredith Bay, which has grown to be the Lakes Region’s number-one new-home community.
In 2007, David’s longtime friend and one of the most respected names in the financial services industry, Joe Deitch, became his business partner and Chairman at Southworth. Joe founded Commonwealth Financial Network in 1979, and the company has since grown to become the largest privately owned broker/dealer firm in the country, with over $150 billion under management.
In 2008, Southworth purchased Renaissance in Haverhill, Massachusetts, a private club that’s home to the first Brian Silva Signature Golf Course, and was the 2006 Runner Up in Golf Inc.’s Private Club “Development of the Year” competition. It was also a national finalist in the Golf Course Owner’s Association “Course of the Year” awards in (2012). The Club’s beautiful 30,000 square-foot clubhouse opened in 2009.
In early 2009, Southworth acquired a 964-acre community outside of Washington, D.C. called Creighton Farms. Creighton Farms is an amenity-rich community in Virginia’s famed horse country centered around an award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. The club features stunning homes on 184 home sites and is annually the host venue of one of Washington’s most prestigious charity golf events, The Creighton Farms Invitational Hosted by Jack Nicklaus.
In March of 2012, Southworth announced it had come to an agreement with David’s friend and former business partner, Paul Fireman, to purchase Willowbend on Cape Cod, the club where David began his development career and served as President and CEO until 2005. This was a unique opportunity to take over stewardship of the club and community that had always been like a second home to David. Featuring 27 holes of championship golf, luxurious estate homes and villas, a world-class tennis facility, Olympic-sized pool, state-of-the-art fitness facility and spa, Willowbend has long been considered Cape Cod’s most prestigious and exclusive private enclave.
In December 2014, Southworth acquired The Abaco Club on Winding Bay, an international club and community set in its own private and secluded 534-acre island oasis in The Bahamas. Known as one of the world’s great sporting clubs, The Abaco Club is home to residences that rival the finest in any island setting. The Club features over 2 miles of white-sand beach; an acclaimed tropical links golf course, which has been consistently ranked as the #1 course in The Bahamas; tennis; a wide range of water sports, world-class bone fishing, deep-sea fishing and boating off Abaco’s famed shores and surrounding islands, and a long list of other tropical diversions.
Southworth Development is headquartered in Newton, Massachusetts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall plan for the Meredith Bay community?
Our plan is to create a warm and welcoming community within the natural beauty and splendor of Lake Winnipesaukee and the surrounding area—a community where the focus is on providing a wonderful quality of life and providing great value for every buyer and community resident.
Meredith Bay is comprised of roughly 430 acres of land. Over the next 10 to 15 years we plan to continue to expand our real estate offerings with more single and multi-family opportunities, as well as to expand and diversify the amenities offered. Although plans aren’t finalized until a specific parcel is developed, we currently envision building out a small retail village on Route 3, a boutique hotel, state-of-the-art fitness center, clubhouse, indoor pool, and many other amenities for our homeowners’ enjoyment.
What are your amenities?
The current list of amenities at Meredith Bay currently includes the swimming pool and pavilion; tennis courts; fitness center; lakefront picnic area with swim platform and horseshoes and bocce courts; maple sugaring hut called The Sugar Shack; rustic cabin overlooking the lake offering classic books and games nicknamed The Love Shack; community gardens; and an expansive walking trail network featuring exercise stations. Access to a nearby marina and beach club is also available to all Meredith Bay residents. As additional neighborhoods are developed, we plan to continue to add more fun and unique amenities.
Does every property include a boat slip? What does a slip cost?
60 of the 76 slips at the nearby Akwa Marina are allocated to Meredith Bay property owners as determined by the Developer. These slips are leased to property owners on an annually renewable guaranteed lease. The lease cost varies based on the size of the slip/boat.
As an alternative to the traditional arrangement of owning a boat, residents at Meredith Bay also have the option of joining the American Boat Club at Akwa Vista Marina, which provides a variety of new, modern boats for use by its members for an annual fee.
What major cities with airports are nearby?
Manchester-Boston Regional Airport is located 45 minutes from the development. Boston Logan Airport is about an hour and a half away.
How long will it take for the Meredith Bay community to be fully developed?
At this point in time, it is estimated to be a 10 – 15 year build-out.
How many total units will there be when the community is complete?
Current zoning would allow a final density of 650 – 750 total units.
Are there reciprocal benefits with other Southworth Communities?
Meredith Bay residents enjoy special privileges and discounts at Southworth Development’s other clubs and resorts, including The Abaco Club in The Bahamas, Machrihanish Dunes in Scotland, Willowbend on Cape Cod, Renaissance on the North Shore and Creighton Farms in Northern Virginia. Benefits include access to the clubs’ private facilities and golf course, as well as reduced accommodation and golf rates. Arrangements can be made through the Meredith Bay Sales Center staff.
When did the development begin at Meredith Bay?
The development was started in 2004, at which time it was called Akwa Soleil.
Are pets allowed?
Each Homeowners Association within Meredith Bay has Rules & Regulations, including the number of domestic pets allowed. All pet owners are expected to also follow local pet ordinances & leash laws.
Akwa Vista
What are the Homeowners’ Association (HOA) dues and what do they cover?
The HOA dues are currently $245 per month, which covers: care and maintenance of all common areas, including snow removal on the roads; common area landscaping; upkeep and care of the pool and tennis pavilion; and your membership in the Akwa Marina & Beach Club. The Gate House is staffed year-round, which is also included in the HOA fee.
How often do the Homeowners’ Association dues increase?
The HOA fees are subject to change annually. Increases to date have been very modest and have only increased by $135 since 2008. The Akwa Marina Yacht & Beach Club fee, which is included in the HOA dues, is adjusted every five (5) years based on the Consumer Price Index.
Are there guidelines in place that dictate the look of the homes and landscaping?
Yes, there are guidelines that govern any improvements to the home site, as well as the architectural features, size, style, colors, etc. of a property. These guidelines exist to create a visually cohesive community and to ensure that the homes blend with the natural beauty of Meredith Bay. The Architectural Review Guidelines also extend to any future modifications that a homeowner may want to make. All changes are reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee once an application is submitted.
What is the average size of lots?
The average size of a single-family home lot is approximately 17,000 square feet (roughly 1/3-1/2 of an acre). However, lots vary from 10,000 square feet (1/4 of an acre) to 42,000 square feet (nearly one acre).
Am I required to use a specific builder and house plans?
Buyers are welcome to bring in their own builder and plans provided they are approved by the Architectural Review Committee. The builder for the custom homes designed exclusively for Meredith Bay is Southworth Homes of New Hampshire LLC.
What are the utilities?
All utilities are underground, including electric, telephone, and cable. Water is provided by the City of Laconia. The sewage system that is located throughout the Akwa Vista neighborhood is owned by the community’s homeowners association and joins the city’s lines on Scenic Road.
What are the demographics of the community? How many residents are full-time?
Currently, approximately 40% of our homeowners are full-time. The balance is active weekend and vacation users. Our mix of residents ranges from young professionals to families to retirees.
How many lots are located in the single-family home phase? How many are owned?
There are 129 single-family home sites located in the Akwa Vista neighborhood. Approximately 30% have been sold to date.
The Townhomes and the Spindle View Townhomes
What are the differences between The Townhomes and the Spindle View Townhomes?
The main difference between The Townhomes and the Spindle View Townhomes is location. The Townhomes at Meredith Bay are located beside Lake Winnipesaukee, while the Spindle View Townhomes enjoy elevated views from across the street. Unit sizes and features also vary, but the units are of similar high quality and value.
What are the Condominium Association dues for The Townhomes and the Spindle View Townhomes? What do the dues cover?
The monthly dues for The Townhomes are currently $495.00 per month. For the Spindle View Townhomes, the dues are $440.00 per month. Items covered by the dues include the amenity package, interior and exterior insurance (exclusive of personal property), all common area maintenance, landscaping, snow plowing of the access road and parking lot, trash removal, and insurance for the Association.
How often do the Condominium Association dues increase?
Condominium Association dues are subject to change annually. Increases to date have been very modest and have only increased by $30 since 2015. The Akwa Marina Yacht & Beach Club fee, which is included in the HOA dues, is adjusted every five (5) years based on the Consumer Price Index.
How are the utilities handled at The Townhomes and the Spindle View Townhomes?
All utilities are metered separately. Providers invoice homeowners directly, with the exception of sewage and water, which, although separately metered, are invoiced by the Association.
Is there direct access from The Townhomes and the Spindle View Townhomes to the Lake?
There is no direct water access from The Townhomes and the Spindle View Townhomes to the shore. Lake access is provided at the community’s private picnic area, a short walk from The Townhomes and Spindle View Townhomes. In addition, all Meredith Bay residents can also enjoy lake access through the Akwa Marina & Beach Club, which is a short distance away.
What are the demographics of The Townhomes and the Spindle View Townhomes? How many residents are full-time?
Currently about one-third of our townhome owners are full-time. The balance is active weekend and vacation users. Our mix of residents ranges from young families to retirees.
The Bluegill Lodge Condominiums
What are the Association dues for the Bluegill Lodge Condominiums?
Dues are $505 per month, which include the cost of the amenity package, interior and exterior insurance (exclusive of personal property), all exterior maintenance, landscaping, housekeeping of common areas, operation of the three elevators and heated parking garage, and insurance for the Association.
What is the average living square footage per unit?
The average square footage of the units is approximately 1,800 square feet.
How many bedrooms are in each unit?
The Lodge Condominiums are offered in 2- and 3-bedroom configurations.
Are the parking spaces designated and how are they allotted to each unit?
Each unit is assigned one space in the building. Additional outdoor spaces are available but not assigned.
How does the elevator operate?
There are 3 elevators in the building. Each elevator serves eight units from the first floor up to the fourth floor.
How many units are there in Bluegill Lodge?
Bluegill Lodge has 24 units. One unit is currently utilized as a fitness center, although that may change at some point in the future.
Are there storage areas provided?
Each Blue Gill Lodge Condominium unit is provided with a designated storage area located in the heated garage of the building.
Are the materials on the exterior of the building maintenance-free?
The majority of the exterior is comprised of low-maintenance materials, such as stone, composite trim and vinyl siding—but there is also some natural wood and other areas that will require a limited amount of maintenance.
Latest News
New England Golf Monthly: Q & A with David Southworth
20 October 2017
David Southworth may not be a recognized “celebrity” to many avid golfers—and that’s fine with David, an avid golfer himself, who prefers to have his life’s work get all the recognition—but his passion in developing luxury golf and hospitality communities throughout the world in general and in Massachusetts in particular deserves celebration.
Read the full article here
New England Fine Living – New England is in Full Swing
14 July 2017
Today, you will find many golf courses dotting the vast open areas of New England, but two of those New England courses are owned and managed by Southworth Development.
Read the full article here to see what David Southworth, founder of Southworth Development, had to say about owning and operating luxury residential communities.
Golf Business: Tossing a Life Raft
5 April 2017
To operate a standalone golf facility is to challenge the proverb that states, “No man is an island.” Running a single-course business, you actually are an island, in the context of golf operations and marketing to your audience.
Read the full article here to see what Southworth Development’s Greg Sherwood had to say about how a golf course can differentiate itself from the rest.
Unique Homes: Q&A with David Southworth
6 February 2017
Southworth Development, based in Newtown, Massachusetts, specializes in residential resort and hospitality-branded real estate development. The company, which holds value in its ability to “identify extraordinary sites and then create unique, high end and personally nourishing communities,” is led by CEO David Southworth. We spoke with Southworth, who provided further insight on his company, projects, inspiration and more.
Worthly: Meet David Southworth, One of Golf’s Most Valuable Players
26 October 2016
Meet David Southworth, the Founder and CEO of Southworth Development. He may fly under the radar in terms of other golf and hospitality bigwigs…but with over $2 billion in golf and hospitality projects to his credit, he’s easily one of the industry’s leading players.
In a time when many developers are steering clear of golf, Southworth continues to make it his bread and butter, arguably navigating the business’s inherently cyclical nature better than anyone else in the world.
Unique Homes: ‘Everything Money Can’t Buy’
17 October 2016
Unique Homes Magazine recently published an article about the shift that’s occurring in the luxury resort real estate world. The article describes how clients want more than golf—they want authentic experiences and activities that provide an unquantifiable value for themselves and their families.
Southworth Development Founder and CEO David Southworth was interviewed for the article. See what he had to say about this industry trend and read the full article here.
The Community Garden: The First of Many New Amenities
24 May 2016
The Lakes Region premier community is getting even better as our list of extraordinary amenities continues to grow. One of the new amenities coming to our incredible property is a beautiful community garden! Residents will be able to grow fresh herbs, vegetables and flowers in the new garden. Lowe’s Gardening Division will visit Meredith Bay to provide instruction to residents including tips and tricks to best utilize the garden. At the opening event on Saturday, June 4th, Meredith Bay’s preferred personal chef, Chef Bryanna, will provide seasonal recipes and cooking demonstrations to help residents make good use of their fresh produce.
The community garden is the first of many new amenities coming to Meredith Bay, including improved walking trails equipped with workout gear, complimentary tennis and fitness instruction from dedicated professionals, and much more.
To learn more about the many amenities our residents enjoy, contact Jenn Shea at 888.559.4141.
