The original family still owns this summer home on Squam Lake, built in 1914. The house might best be described as a grand 'camp,' with pine walls and ceilings, and hardwood floors -- built by and for the wealthy. It is one of three summer homes on a 35-acre estate, covering nearly a half-mile of shoreline surrounding a lovely point in Squam Lake. (Squam Lake's water has remained so pure that you can drink it.) This private setting, among the century-old forest of 'Pine Needle Point,' is perfect for family gatherings and reunions.
In addition to the six bedrooms (which sleep 12 easily and comfortably) -- all with views of the lake, there are three sleeping porches (two overlook the lake), with platform beds for six additional guests. We furnish pillows and blankets, but request that you bring your own linens and towels.
Downstairs, a large living room centers around a large fieldstone fireplace, for which firewood is furnished. The room also has a baby grand piano and a pump organ.
An office nook includes a desk, library, stereo system, and a variety of games and puzzles for all ages.
The large, eat-in kitchen is fully stocked with kitchen utensils, china, flatware and glassware. Two sinks and prep areas facilitate meal preparation, and promote a social atmosphere. Two additional refrigerators, plus a washer, dryer, and laundry sink, are in the adjoining utility room.
The dining room seats 12 comfortably around a large oak table. Hear the loons by lowering the sliding windows into their casements. Long-used maps of the nearby White Mountains adorn one wall.
The screened sitting porch off the living room provides an idyllic location in which to enjoy a beverage of choice with friends or family, to have lunch, or just to read, have a quiet afternoon nap, or enjoy the unbelievable lake views.
Or stroll down to the gazebo on the point to enjoy the lake in an outdoors setting. And feel free to enjoy a picnic or an evening campfire at the fire pit near the gazebo.
It's only a short distance (about 100 feet) from the main house down to the dock, which is 12 feet wide by 45 feet long -- perfect for sitting, sunning, swimming, or securing watercraft (but please -- no jet skis or boats with engines exceeding 25 hp). A swim float is anchored about 75 yards off the dock for your enjoyment.
Squam Lake retains its non-commercial, peaceful charm from many years ago, and is a perfect place to swim, fish, sail (our favorite), canoe, and kayak. The Squam Lakes Association, just a mile or two down the lake towards Holderness, rents sailboats, canoes, kayaks, and small electric-motored boats for periods from a half-day up to a week.
Squam Lake has numerous coves and islands to see and explore.
And Rattlesnake Mountain, seen just behind and slightly to the left of the fisherman in the bottom left photo, affords spectacular views from its rocky ledges (the aerial view of Squam Lake at the top of this site was taken atop Rattlesnake) for remarkably little effort -- a splendid first mountain for children, or an extraordinary place to be inspired by a full moon reflected on the lake.
'On Golden Pond' was filmed a short distance from our camp. If anything, the lake is more beautiful than depicted in that film; but see the movie again to recapture the lake's ambiance. While normal full rental occupancy in the house is 12, we will discuss expanding that number for an additional charge, to meet your family's requirements.
A week at the J Bowden Camp on Squam Lake will create many wonderful memories that will last a lifetime -- and bring you back for more.
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