Old Lake Shore Co-Op

For New Hampshire residents seeking an affordable and community-focused living solution in the highly desirable Lakes Region, Old Lake Shore Co-Op in Gilford presents a unique opportunity. This mobile home park operates as a resident-owned cooperative, a model that empowers homeowners with a greater sense of security and control over their living environment. Nestled in Gilford, a town celebrated for its access to Lake Winnipesaukee and abundant recreational activities, Old Lake Shore Co-Op offers a gateway to the quintessential New Hampshire lifestyle without the hefty price tag often associated with traditional homeownership in this sought-after area.

As locals, we understand the value of a strong community and convenient access to amenities that enhance our quality of life. The co-op model at Old Lake Shore Co-Op inherently fosters this sense of community, as residents collectively manage and maintain the park. This collaborative approach can lead to lower monthly fees, increased stability, and a direct say in decisions that affect your neighborhood. While every community has its dynamics, the cooperative structure generally aims to prioritize the well-being of its members.

Living in Gilford provides residents with a wealth of recreational opportunities right at their doorstep. From the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee to the slopes of Gunstock Mountain Resort, outdoor adventures are abundant year-round. The convenience of being close to shops, restaurants, and essential services further enhances the appeal of Old Lake Shore Co-Op as a practical and enjoyable place to call home for New Hampshire individuals and families.

This article aims to provide a clear, factual, and engaging overview of Old Lake Shore Co-Op, offering insights from a New Hampshire local's perspective. We'll delve into its prime location, the services and benefits that come with co-op living, and highlight the features that make it a suitable choice for those looking for affordable homeownership in the Lakes Region. We will also acknowledge some of the candid feedback from past interactions, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of what to expect when considering this unique community.

Old Lake Shore Co-Op is situated at 343 Old Lake Shore Rd LOT 27, Gilford, NH 03249, USA. This address places it in Gilford, a highly desirable town in the heart of New Hampshire's scenic Lakes Region. For residents across the state, particularly those looking to embrace the lake lifestyle, this location offers an excellent balance of tranquility and accessibility. The park is easily reachable via well-maintained local roads, ensuring a smooth commute to and from the community.

One of the most significant advantages of living in Gilford, and by extension, at Old Lake Shore Co-Op, is the private access afforded to Gilford residents to stunning local amenities. This includes the beautiful Gilford Town Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee, offering pristine swimming areas and sandy shores without the crowds often found at public beaches. Furthermore, residents often have access to the boat launch at Glendale Marina with convenient trailer parking, a massive benefit for boat owners looking to explore the vast expanse of Lake Winnipesaukee.

Beyond the lake, the location is incredibly convenient for daily living and recreation. The co-op is "conveniently located to shops, restaurants, grocery stores, parks and schools." This means that errands, dining out, and accessing educational facilities are all just a short drive away. For winter sports enthusiasts, Gunstock Mountain Resort, a popular ski area, is also "right around the corner," offering year-round activities from skiing and snowboarding to zip-lining and mountain coaster rides in the warmer months. The presence of the Bank of NH Pavilion, a major outdoor concert venue, also adds to the entertainment options nearby.

While the specific address points to a lot within the park, the overall community benefits from being centrally located in a vibrant and amenity-rich area. This blend of easy access to daily necessities and a wealth of recreational opportunities makes Old Lake Shore Co-Op a practical and appealing choice for New Hampshire locals seeking to integrate into the Lakes Region lifestyle.

• Affordable Lot Rent: As a cooperative, residents typically pay a low monthly fee (around $365 - $439 as of recent data, subject to change). This fee covers essential services and is often significantly lower than traditional rental costs or mortgages, contributing to the overall affordability of living in the park.
• Included Utilities in Monthly Fee: The monthly fee at Old Lake Shore Co-Op typically covers critical utilities such as water and sewer, and often trash removal and snow removal on main roads. This simplifies budgeting for residents by consolidating several expenses into one predictable payment.
• Snow Removal: Snow removal services for park roads and common areas are provided, a crucial benefit for New Hampshire winters, ensuring safe and accessible living throughout the year.
• Trash Removal: Convenient trash removal services are included, simplifying waste management for residents.
• Community-Owned Infrastructure: As a cooperative, the residents collectively own and are responsible for the maintenance of the park's shared facilities and infrastructure, including underground utilities, roads, and common areas. This collective ownership can lead to better maintenance and responsiveness to resident needs.
• Well-Maintained Lots (Resident Responsibility): While the co-op maintains common areas, individual homeowners are responsible for the upkeep of their own lots, ensuring neat and tidy surroundings that contribute to the community's overall aesthetic.
• Pet-Friendly Community: Old Lake Shore Co-Op generally allows pets, although prospective residents should inquire about any specific policies or restrictions, such as the number or type of pets, and the requirement for pet registration.
• Paved Driveways: Homes within the co-op often feature paved driveways, providing convenient and durable parking areas for residents.

• Resident-Owned Community (Co-Op Model): A key highlight of Old Lake Shore Co-Op is its structure as a resident-owned community. This means homeowners own a share in the corporation that owns the land, giving them direct control over park management, rules, and budget decisions through an elected Board of Directors. This model fosters a strong sense of ownership, stability, and community engagement.
• Affordable Homeownership in the Lakes Region: Living at Old Lake Shore Co-Op offers a more affordable pathway to homeownership in a highly desirable area like Gilford, which is typically characterized by higher housing costs. This financial accessibility makes the dream of living in the Lakes Region a reality for many New Hampshire locals.
• Access to Gilford Town Beach & Glendale Marina: As Gilford residents, homeowners have exclusive private access to the stunning Gilford Town Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee. This includes swimming areas and the boat launch at Glendale Marina with trailer parking, a significant perk for lake enthusiasts.
• Proximity to Recreational Activities: The co-op's location provides easy access to a wealth of year-round recreational opportunities, including boating and fishing on Lake Winnipesaukee, hiking trails, and skiing and other activities at Gunstock Mountain Resort.
• Convenient to Local Amenities: Residents are just minutes away from shopping, grocery stores, restaurants, and schools in Gilford, ensuring that daily necessities and entertainment options are always within reach.
• Quiet Community Feel: Many mobile home parks, including this one, offer a quieter, more relaxed living environment compared to bustling urban or suburban neighborhoods, fostering a sense of peace and community.
• Well-Maintained Homes & Lots: While individual responsibility, the cooperative structure often encourages a higher standard of maintenance across the community, contributing to a pleasant living environment. Homes often feature upgrades like newer roofs, flooring, and updated kitchens.

As a resident-owned mobile home park cooperative, Old Lake Shore Co-Op does not typically offer traditional commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a retail business or privately-owned rental community might. The financial benefits of living in a co-op are inherent in its model rather than through temporary discounts.

The "special offer" for New Hampshire locals considering Old Lake Shore Co-Op lies in the long-term affordability and stability that cooperative ownership provides. This includes:

• Lower Monthly Costs: The monthly lot fee is generally lower than traditional rent or homeowners association fees, as the residents collectively share the costs of land ownership and maintenance. This helps to keep housing expenses predictable and manageable.
• Equity Building: As you own your manufactured home (and a share in the cooperative that owns the land), you have the opportunity to build equity over time, a significant financial advantage compared to renting.
• Community Control: The ability to directly participate in the management and decision-making processes of the park gives residents a level of control and security often absent in investor-owned communities.

Prospective residents will need to go through an application and approval process to join the cooperative, which typically includes a one-time application fee and an interview with the Board of Directors. It is crucial to contact Old Lake Shore Co-Op directly via phone to inquire about the most current monthly fees, the application process, any specific requirements (such as credit and income standards mentioned in some reviews), and information on available homes for sale within the co-op. Real estate listings for homes within the co-op will indicate the specific purchase price of the home itself, separate from the monthly lot fee.

Address: 343 Old Lake Shore Rd LOT 27, Gilford, NH 03249, USA

Phone: (603) 293-7636

Mobile Phone: +1 603-293-7636

For inquiries regarding membership and available homes, it is recommended to call the primary phone number provided. Information regarding the co-op's bylaws and rules may also be available on their dedicated website (if one exists for the co-op itself, separate from real estate listings).

For New Hampshire locals, Old Lake Shore Co-Op in Gilford offers an exceptionally suitable and desirable living arrangement, particularly for those seeking affordable homeownership within the highly coveted Lakes Region. The core appeal lies in its cooperative model, which empowers residents with a direct stake in their community. This structure translates to stable, generally lower monthly fees that include essential services like water, sewer, trash, and snow removal, offering a financially predictable and attractive alternative to traditional housing options.

Beyond the financial benefits, the geographic location of Old Lake Shore Co-Op is a significant draw. Nestled in Gilford, residents enjoy unparalleled access to the jewels of the Lakes Region. This includes private access to the stunning Gilford Town Beach on Lake Winnipesaukee and convenient proximity to the Glendale Marina boat launch, making lakeside recreation an integral part of daily life. For those who embrace the active New Hampshire lifestyle, being "right around the corner" from Gunstock Mountain Resort provides year-round opportunities for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor adventures.

While some public feedback may highlight strong personalities within the cooperative's governance or stringent application processes, these aspects are often part of a resident-owned community's effort to maintain standards and ensure the financial health of the co-op. For those who meet the community's requirements and value a participatory living environment, the benefits of stability, affordability, and a strong community spirit in such a prime location far outweigh these considerations. Old Lake Shore Co-Op is more than just a place to live; it's an opportunity for New Hampshire residents to secure an affordable slice of paradise in the heart of the Lakes Region, surrounded by natural beauty and convenient amenities, all within a community they help shape.

Old Lake Shore Co-Op

343 Old Lake Shore Rd LOT 27, Gilford, NH 03249, USA