A stunning lakefront retreat built by a survivor of the ill-fated Titanic disaster has just been offered for sale at a “titanic” price of $9.5 million – making it the first time it has hit the market in 100 years.
The rare real estate gem on Squam Lake in Moultonborough, NH, was built in 1899 by Richard Beckwith13 years before he and his wife, Sallieboarded the ill-fated ocean liner as first-class passengers.
Accompanied by Sallie’s daughter from a previous marriage, Helen NewsomThe couple were among the 706 passengers who survived the terrible sinking of the Titanic – with the listing agent Jacalyn Dussaultof Dussault Real Estate, and explained that the family’s experiences on the ship actually served as inspiration for James Cameron’s iconic film about the incident.
“They were among the first to leave the boat because they woke up immediately,” Dussault tells Realtor.com®. “Their story was the inspiration for the movie ‘Titanic.'”
According to the Wall Street Journal, the Beckwiths sold the property to the Pennsylvania industrialist. John J. Evans in the 1920s, and the house has since been passed down to the next generation of his family.
(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
Something special
““The property is truly unique in that it has belonged to only two families during this entire period,” adds Dussault.
The gravel-covered, multi-generational property overlooking Squam Lake sits on nearly 4 acres and has 964 feet of waterfront.
“Not many families have 300 meters of lakefront property,” Dussault notes. “It’s a very special place and the views are spectacular. I’ve never seen a property that offers both beautiful sunrises and sunsets.”
“There is also a boathouse, which is special because you can’t build something like that on the lake anymore.”
Simplicity in its most beautiful form
The seasonal property has been in the Evans family for five generations and has the look and feel of a summer camp. The current owner is a retired banker. John Evans He told the WSJ that the house still had “many original features, right down to the doorknobs, windows and bathtubs.”
However, the historic appearance of the house also brings with it something that some potential buyers might consider a disadvantage: namely the complete absence of heating.
“The Evans family only used it in the summer,” says Dussault. “There’s no heating, so if you wanted to turn it into a year-round home you’d have to insulate the house and do something with the septic tank as well. You’d probably have to drill a well as well, but they have a pump house.”
In addition to the boathouse, there is also a bathing area with a large boat dock and numerous outbuildings, including a historic ice house and a detached two-car garage.
(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
(Realtor.com)
A rare find
One of the most striking features of the three-story, 5,500-square-foot interior is the three fireplaces with their open floor plan that serve as the focal point of the main level.
“The three-sided fireplace is really beautiful,” Dussault notes. “The views around the house are just spectacular. Squam Lake has a long history in the area and 25% of the shoreline is protected. There is no commercial activity on Big Squam, so there are no restaurants or anything like that. It’s very quiet and peaceful.”
If the sellers can get anywhere close to their asking price of $9.5 million, this would be a top sale for Squam Lake.
“There are other properties on Lake Winnipesaukee that have sold for higher prices, but at $9.5 million, this would be the highest sale on Squam Lake,” says Dussault.
Other historic details inside the home include exposed wood-beam ceilings, custom joinery, wood-paneled walls, and freestanding claw-foot tubs in each of the three bathrooms.
“The whole house has been pretty well preserved over the years,” says Dussault. “The wraparound porch is so great, and part of it is screened and part of it is open. The atmosphere is just so peaceful.”
“There is interest in the property from different types of buyers. Some want to restore it, others want to build a year-round home and use this residence as a summer home. We hope the next buyer will want to keep it as is.”
