CENTER HARBOR, N.H., May 14, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Looking to rent a charming lakefront cottage for your summer vacation? Last year at this time, you would have been out of luck. According to Mark Borrin of Preferred Vacation Rentals in Center Harbor the summer of 2002 saw an explosion in rentals of privately-owned lake cottages, condos, and vacation homes on New Hampshire's busy Lake Winnipesaukee.
Not so this year. Uncertainty about the war and the economy meant that many homeowners delayed offering their vacation properties for rent. "But as soon as the war ended, the phones started ringing," Borrin said.
The result is the best selection of vacation homes in the Lakes Region in recent memory.
"Right now families have an excellent chance of finding homes with the location, size, and price they're looking for-and for the week they want it," Borrin said. "You can get a two-bedroom, one-bath home with beach access from $550 a week, and these are great for young families."
Preferred Vacation Rentals offers more than 250 properties in the Lakes Region, most with waterfront or beach access. Families can choose from quaint cottages to modern contemporary waterfronts. There is also an extensive selection of cottage communities, condos and townhouses.
Rental agencies can ensure standards of cleanliness, help renters solve any problems that might arise during their stay, and make check-in and check-out easy. Borrin's company has fix-it people on-call 24 hours a day. They also offer linen and crib rentals for a nominal fee.
And, renting a privately-owned home or cottage is an excellent value. For less than the price of a hotel, families can get a place with fully-equipped kitchen, their own dock, and privacy.
With gas prices dropping, Borrin won't be surprised to find families making as long as a 14-hour drive to the Lakes Region this summer. He's also noticed more and more vacationers are opting for New Hampshire's Lake Region rather than the Hamptons or Cape Cod. Beyond a price advantage, New Hampshire offers less congestion, and a more authentic experience. "There's plenty to do here, and the crowds are modest in comparison to the hustle and bustle of other vacation areas," Borrin said.
It's not unusual for his renters to use the Lakes Region as a home base, then to take daytrips to the famed White Mountains or to the Seacoast, both just an hour away. "Our region has some of the cleanest, clearest lakes in the world. We're the place to come for a quiet, truly relaxing vacation in one of the most beautiful settings this country has to offer."
Vacation rental listings can be found on Preferred Vacation Rental's Website, updated daily, although reservations must be made by phone. "We like the personal touch," Borrin said. "There are often so many questions that are better answered over the phone before making a booking."
Preferred Vacation Rental's specialized marketing services include waterfront, water access, and island vacation properties available by the week, month or year. Preferred is the largest firm of its type in central New Hampshire, and has been family-owned since 1967. For more information call 800-639-4022, or go to www.preferredrentals.com.