Lake Winnipesaukee

Thursday (Oct 3rd) we headed towards Lake Winnipesaukee, the largest lake in New Hampshire (covering 69 square miles).

Lake Winnipesaukee off in the distance

 

Our first view of the lake was from a 1914 mountaintop estate, Lucknow, built by millionaire Thomas Plant before he lost his money in bad investments. Lucknow, also known as the "Castle in the Clouds", is a beautiful example of Arts and Crafts architecture and contains every modern convenience money could buy in 1914 (hydroelectric power, intercom system, central vacuum, ammonia-brine cooled refrigerator, indoor showers and flush toilets, etc).

Hexagonal dining room

 

Built high in the Ossipee Mountains, its best feature is the view. Perched on a mountaintop, the surrounding view of the countryside, mountains, and Lake Winnipesaukee is quite magnificent (although you can't really tell from the pictures!)

Backyard looks out over the mountains, the valley below, and the lake off in the distance.

Window view

View of mountain beyond the valley

 

The grounds of the estate include a pretty waterfall as well as many trails for hiking.

 

When we left Lucknow, we drove to the Weirs Beach Pier on Lake Winnipesaukee for ice cream and a stroll along the boardwalk.

 

We camped at Ellacoya State Park which is also located on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. I was put off by the camping fee ($47 per night for a state park!), but Mark enjoyed sitting by the water and taking a swim, and the campsites all have full hook-ups. It was the first time on this trip that we've been plugged in to an electrical outlet, usually we run on battery power.

 

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