GENERAL 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 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.
What are your amenities?
The current list of amenities at Meredith Bay includes the swimming pool and pavilion; tennis courts; pickleball 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 Marina Yacht Club, 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, Willowbend on Cape Cod, Renaissance on the North Shore, Creighton Farms in Northern Virginia, and The Village at Machrihanish Dunes in Scotland. 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.
Custom Homes & Sites
What are the Homeowners’ Association (HOA) dues and what do they cover?
The HOA dues are currently $380 per month, which covers: care and maintenance of all common areas, including snow removal on the roads; common area landscaping; trash and recycle station, maintenance and management of Meredith Bay amenities; 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 $130 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. You can also pick from our featured builders. 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 65% have been sold to date.