Old Lake Shore Co-Op, Gilford, NH

Introduction / Overview

For many New Hampshire residents, finding affordable, stable, and community-oriented housing in the highly desirable Lakes Region can be a significant challenge. Old Lake Shore Co-Op, a resident-owned manufactured housing community located in Gilford, NH, provides a unique and attractive solution. This is not a corporation-owned mobile home park; instead, it is a non-profit cooperative created and controlled by the very people who live there, meaning your voice as a resident truly counts.

The co-op model provides stability and affordability, giving residents more control over their monthly lot fees and park rules. This approach fosters a strong sense of ownership and community, where neighbors are often described as "caring and giving." The appeal of Old Lake Shore Co-Op lies in its ability to combine a tranquil, country setting with unbeatable access to the vibrant recreational and entertainment options that define Gilford and the greater Lake Winnipesaukee area. It offers a clear path to homeownership in a region where traditional real estate prices are often out of reach for many local families and individuals.

However, like any cooperative, potential residents should be aware that the community is self-governed by an elected Board of Directors, which upholds strict community bylaws and rules, including comprehensive application standards regarding credit, income, and background. This co-op structure, while offering long-term stability, can sometimes lead to localized disagreements over management styles and rule enforcement, as occasionally reflected in public feedback. Nevertheless, the core value remains providing affordable, resident-controlled housing in a top-tier location.

Location and Accessibility

Old Lake Shore Co-Op is ideally situated in Gilford, NH, one of the most popular towns in the Lakes Region. The physical address is 343 Old Lake Shore Rd LOT 27, Gilford, NH 03249, USA. This location offers the perfect balance of a quiet, secluded "country setting" while being minutes away from major area amenities.

Accessibility is a key advantage for residents. The community is strategically placed to offer all-season enjoyment:

Lake Winnipesaukee Access: Residents enjoy unparalleled proximity to the lake. The co-op is located less than a mile from the pristine Gilford Beach, which often provides private access or preferential benefits for Gilford residents. The Gilford Boat Launch is also only a short distance away for boat owners.
Entertainment Hub: The community is within a short, approximately 10-minute drive of the Bank of NH Pavilion, a major outdoor concert venue, and the various shops and restaurants along the Lake Shore Road corridor and Route 3 leading into Laconia.
Mountain Recreation: For winter sports enthusiasts and hikers, Gunstock Mountain Resort is easily accessible, offering skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and extensive hiking trails during the warmer months.
Local Conveniences: Daily necessities, including outlet shopping, grocery stores, and essential services, are all quickly reachable, making the co-op a highly convenient primary residence location for New Hampshire locals.

Services Offered

As a resident-owned cooperative, the monthly fee at Old Lake Shore Co-Op covers a significant list of essential services, which contributes to the overall stability and predictability of home expenses for members. As of early 2024, the monthly fee was approximately $439.00, which is subject to change but historically includes:

Community Utilities: The fee typically includes the cost of water and sewer services, eliminating the need for individual billing and maintenance of private systems.
Trash Disposal: Regular community trash removal services are included, simplifying waste management for residents.
Common Area Maintenance: The co-op fee contributes to the ongoing upkeep, maintenance, and capital improvements of the community's infrastructure and shared areas.
Plowing Services: Essential during New Hampshire winters, snow plowing services for the common roads within the co-op are included in the monthly charges.
Park Rent: The portion of the fee covering the land lease, which in this resident-owned model, is controlled by the residents themselves.
Governing Structure: The fee also supports the non-profit corporation, which is responsible for the overall management and long-term planning of the community.

Features / Highlights

Old Lake Shore Co-Op stands out in the New Hampshire housing market due to its unique governance model and fantastic location.

Resident-Owned Community (ROC): This is the single most important feature. The park is owned and governed by its residents through an elected Board of Directors, giving homeowners a direct say in community rules, fees, and long-term financial planning—a significant advantage over corporately owned parks.
Affordability in the Lakes Region: It provides one of the most accessible and affordable pathways to homeownership in the high-demand Gilford/Lake Winnipesaukee area, making the dream of living near the lake a reality for local workers and families.
Proximity to Recreation: Direct, year-round access to major recreational destinations, including Gilford Beach, Gunstock Mountain, and the Bank of NH Pavilion, all within a 10-minute drive.
Friendly, Small-Town Feel: Despite being close to major attractions, the community itself offers a quiet, level, and often treed country setting, with many residents describing a friendly and supportive neighborly atmosphere.
Single-Level Living: The mobile/manufactured homes generally offer convenient one-level living, which is highly appealing for retirees or those seeking a simpler, more manageable home design.

Contact Information

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

Phone: (603) 293-7636

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For New Hampshire locals, especially those already residing in the Lakes Region or looking to establish roots there, Old Lake Shore Co-Op is uniquely suitable. Firstly, it solves the critical problem of housing affordability in an expensive region. The combination of manufactured home pricing and the cost-controlled resident-owned model often results in significantly lower monthly housing costs compared to traditional Gilford real estate, making it a sustainable choice for the local workforce, first-time homebuyers, and retirees on fixed incomes.

Secondly, the Resident-Owned Community (ROC) structure directly empowers local residents. Instead of dealing with an absentee corporate landlord, members of the co-op have the ability to vote on budgets, elect their board, and directly influence community rules and fees. This model is a powerful tool for self-determination and community cohesion, ensuring that the park’s future reflects the priorities of its New Hampshire residents. Finally, the unrivaled access to year-round recreational activities—from summer boating on Lake Winnipesaukee to winter skiing at Gunstock—means local residents can enjoy the full benefit of their Gilford location without excessive travel. For those willing to embrace the responsibilities of co-op living and its necessary application requirements, Old Lake Shore Co-Op offers a genuine, affordable, and desirable slice of the New Hampshire Lakes Region lifestyle.