[Hockey-Coli]

I've been lurking on this forum for a while, but I'm at the point where I could use some advice to help me direct my current VT scouting research. The ultimate goal is to find a suitable lake (or reservoir) setting to buy or build a second home. We would be spending time there predominantly during: winter holidays, "academic" summer (june through aug), and long weekends throughout the year, esp during snowboarding season. Someday, we might retire to this home, though that someday is quite a ways in the future for us.

The "short-term" goal is to identify the most promising areas for this, which would allow us to rent there in the summer to get a better sense of what it's really like. I'm interested in hearing recommendations for where we might be happy renting/looking.

It would also help to know if there is any specific time of the year to try to see the region or a time to avoid (bugs, still mud season, etc.). We can visit for a weekend whenever, but starting from early June to mid/late August, at a minimum, we're probably going to rent in two different locations, for 2 weeks each, and see how it goes. From there, we'll probably also visit and investigate nearby regions too, speak to people on the ground, get a feel for the place. Afterwards, we'll have a better sense of whether we need to spend more time, which time of year we need to do it, and how it fits in our overall plans.

Distance/Geography: We live in the NY-metro area (eastern Nassau), and we'd like to find somewhere that is within a 5 hr. drive, if possible. Burlington & Lake Champlain (& islands) seem too far to me. Originally, I had considered Rutland to be the absolute limit, but that's a mushy standard. Our schedules are flexible enough that we likely won't be fighting peak traffic to and from NY. For my spouse's job, it would help if we had more direct access to the Burlington airport anyway (within 60-90 minutes drive).

Activities: We enjoy being active outdoors. Kayaking/Canoeing is a high priority (ergo the desire to be lakefront). So is having access or being close to good hiking trails. Swimming, fishing & cycling are less critical, but also of interest. While we envision having the opportunity to spend the bulk of the summer in VT, winter is also important. Being within 30-45 minutes of quality snowboarding is also a high priority. And last, but certainly not least, as a hardcore hockey player, my "dream" would be to live in close proximity (e.g., walking distance) to a lake or pond that froze over during the winter, where I could skate, shoot pucks & even find a "shinny" game of pond hockey going. [Realistically, I know being within 30-40 minutes of an existing rink/arena with open or rat hockey would suffice.]

Amenities: We don't need much - just a supermarket or grocery, a pharmacy. Main roads that are plowed. Would like to know that good health care is not too far away (but I know that's not really an issue for most of the state). We're quiet, "stay in at night" peope who like our privacy (though we are and appreciate friendly neighbors). To give an example: it's a 50 minute train ride into NYC from where I live, and I go to the city maybe 4 or 5 times per year (once for work, once or twice to see a hockey game, etc.).

Family-oriented/Community stuff: We're married less than a year, and as dual-career 30-somethings who have not yet started our family, we'd like to be somewhere that would be friendly to us both as people with and without kids. Someday, it would probably be helpful if there were other families around for our kids to have other kids to play with, but that's not anytime soon & for all we know, may never happen.

Budget: We can probably afford something between $300-350K (factoring in the property taxes, insurance and heating/utility bills), but we have no desire to spend any more than we need to find a place where we'd be happy. We'd like something big enough to be able to host the in-laws or friends visiting for a weekend, and more important, we need a place big enough to allow us both to work from home at the same time (hehe). That means 3 BR min, though no need or desire for a mcmansion! We also have some interest in building from scratch, rather than buying an existing home, though not if it comes at a tremendous premium or if it requires lots of bureaucratic red tape (permits, etc.).

Candidates: Right now, my leading candidate is Lake Dunmore area. I'm curious to learn more about Lake St. Catherine, Chittenden, & Danby pond. For some reason, everything I read about Lake Bomeseen gives me a bad vibe, though I don't want to discount it just because it seems like a 'trendy' place filled with flatlanders. After all....we know how other people might view us too (though I assure you, we are anything but trendy or hip).

How do those candidates seem to fit our situation? What other areas should we take a more serious look at?

[Vermonr]

I live close to Lake Dunmore and have a friend who lives right on the lake, so I was very pleased to see that you are considering it. I would highly recommend Dunmore as it doesn't seem to get all the "outta-staters" that Bomoseen sees and is perfect for those who enjoy lake activities such as kayaking (Some of my best memories are kayaking with my friend to the "island" in the middle- perfect for camping out under the stars as well.) There are a far share of motorboats, but not so much that it is disturbing to those canoeing or swimming.

As far as the neighborhood goes, the people are typically very warm and welcoming, and many people have children. It does get rather quiet in the winter though.

Dunmore is also a favorite of mine as it is close to many other lakes. Fern Lake is a quick 5-10 minute drive away, and the beautiful Silver Lake can be located a quick drive and a hike away.

This seems to fit your price range well, and there is a local convenience store close by. Shopping in Middlebury is about 20 minutes away, skiing in Rutland about 40, and Burlington about 40-50.

I don't know much about local skating rinks or ponds, perhaps someone else has some input? And I know that there is area to build on, as I've seen recent construction occurring. Some of the old lakehouses are rather lovely though, so you might want to check them out before making your decision.

As for bugs/mud- It is Vermont, and bugs and mud are completely unavoidable in the summer months. If you live on any lake, be prepared for harsh roads and VERY bad mosquitoes.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you find what you are looking for .

[bill1254]

We have a new log cabin in Wells, VT about 1 mile from Lake St. Catherine and we also live on the Island (Western Suffolk). I can tell you all you need to know pros & cons about building a 2nd home in VT. If you are interested let me know.

[Duff in VT]

I also love Lake St. Catherine. Hope you contact the above poster for info. Mosquitoes are not bad in that area. Lots of rentals available if you want to see how you like the area before buying.

P.S. Danby Pond? No, I don't think there are even camps on it, it is small and shallow. Tinmouth Pond, also called Chipman Lake is very nice. About 100 cottages on it, and nice quiet area. People live on it year 'round now so there is access in all seasons.

[mountainclimber]

I love Lake St. Catherine, but I've only had a second home in the area for about 15 months. I wanted a place in the mountains, and the lake is only a ten minute drive away for me. The town and village of Poultney and East Poultney are about a 15 minute drive and there is a farmer's market, a grocery store, bank, bar, restaurant, etc. You can head east to Rutland from there. I'm based in Albany, so it's a shorter drive for me. The people across the street come up from NYC.

[sugarmaple]

The lakes region close to Ludlow (Okemo) and towards Killington ) Plymouth are also nice...Pauline, Rescue, Amherst and Echo...if you would like more info about those areas, feel free to email me.