Marcus Bellinger
Marcus Bellinger is a retired landscape architect from Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Over his thirty-year career, he helped to build some of the Lakes Region’s most exclusive homes. His expertise helped landowners realize the potential of their valuable property while providing years of enjoyment to the homeowners and their families.
Bellinger attended Northeastern University, where he majored in architecture. His early work on business and commercial buildings took him to Connecticut and New York state. He became interested in lakefront homes when he was living and working in the Finger Lakes region of New York. A commission took him to Wolfeboro in the late 1990s, and he has lived and worked in the region since then.
Bellinger specializes in luxury homes, an important niche in the prosperous Wolfeboro area. Together with builders, he helps lakefront property owners realize their dreams of the perfect vacation or year-round home.
What are some of the challenges facing lakefront home builders?
I would say that permitting and zoning are the two most difficult prospects. Lakefront lots have special environmental concerns. Homes must be placed far enough away from the shoreline in accord with environmental restrictions. Septic systems are regulated and must be kept a certain distance from the beach. In New Hampshire, this distance is at least 50 feet. Certain existing homes have been grandfathered in, but for new construction, these homes must be placed far enough away from the water.
Tell me about the key selling points of lakefront properties.
Lakefront properties are all about leisure and relaxation. At their best, they help homeowners realize their dreams of a luxurious, well-appointed life. Many lakefront homes bring the outside in through large windows and ample deck space. Fireplaces are another must in a lakefront home. Many homeowners like to have several bedrooms to host guests.
Dock construction enhances the waterfront by enabling the homeowner to house one or more boats. Small craft like canoes and rowboats do not need a dock, but for anything larger, you need to have a sturdy one. Docks and floats also provide ideal areas for swimming.
Are lakefront homes intended to be used in the summer only, or can they be winterized?
In New Hampshire, we recommend that all lakefront homeowners treat their home as a year-round residence. There is so much to do on the lakes in New Hampshire in the wintertime, like ice fishing and snowmobiling. Winter use can present some challenges, with snow plowing, power issues, and infrastructure. I recommend that lakefront homeowners invest in standby generators to be used when they are at home.
Explain the basics of dock design.
The key point is keeping the boat in a safe depth of water for storage. You must make sure that there are no underwater obstructions in the area like large boulders. Your boat slip area needs to be kept protected. You may also want to create a lounging area for your friends or family to sit and watch the activity on the lake.
If you are located in an area where lakes freeze over, you must make sure that the entire assembly can be removed from the water in the fall. Ice can severely damage these assemblies. Make sure that you have a safe place on land to store the parts. You will want to hire someone to come in and do this for you, perhaps at the same time as you have your boats stored for the winter.
What are the advantages of dock construction?
These structures can add a great deal to the value of your lakefront home. They enable you to get the most use out of your amazing natural setting. This will not only enhance the value of your home, but it will create new ways for your family to enjoy your property together.
