So you’re interested in purchasing Washademoak Lake real estate? You’ll want to start your journey with this comprehensive guide!

Living life around Washademoak Lake is like stepping into a postcard that comes to life every day. Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of water lapping against the shore, watching herons glide gracefully across the sky, or sipping your morning coffee as the mist rises from the lake, revealing a lush landscape of natural beauty. The small, welcoming communities surrounding the lake add to its charm, offering a sense of belonging and camaraderie that is hard to find elsewhere. Whether it’s joining in on a game of pickleball at the local school, line dancing at the municipal building, or celebrating at the vibrant Life at the Lakes Festival, there’s always something to make you feel part of the community. It’s a lifestyle that embodies the heartwarming and adventurous spirit of lakeside living, reminiscent of classic films like The Great Outdoors, Staring John Candy and Dan Aykroyd. With stunning sunsets, star-filled skies free from light pollution, and the promise of adventure on the water or trails, Washademoak Lake offers a lifestyle that balances relaxation with an undeniable connection to nature and neighborly spirit.

Nestled in central New Brunswick, Washademoak Lake stretches over 30 kilometers and is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and strong sense of community, the area presents an appealing destination for those looking to seeking a slower pace of life close to nature, or those looking to invest in real estate. As a REALTOR® and resident of this beautiful area, I have the firsthand knowledge and expertise to help you navigate the process from start to finish. In fact, I’m looking at the lake from my desk as I write this, and I’m excited to share what Washademoak Lake offers.

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Washademoak Lake Surrounding Communities

Washademoak Lake is encircled by several quaint communities that highlight the region’s history and rural charm:

• Cambridge-Narrows: A village rich in history and a favorite among vacationers and seasonal residents, with a population of approximately 750.
• Belyea’s Cove: Home to just a few hundred residents, this tight-knit community features the Belyea’s Cove Community Hall, which hosts local events.
• Codys: This rural community, named after Irish immigrant William Cody, reflects the area’s deep-rooted heritage and has a population of about 560.
• Coles Island: Known for its scenic landscapes, this gateway community to the rural areas is home to just a few hundred residents and was named for Loyalist settler David Cole.

These communities are characterized by their small populations, limited commercial development, and a strong focus on local businesses and community events.

Washademoak Lake Real Estate Opportunities

The Washademoak Lake area offers a wide range of real estate options to suit diverse preferences:

• Waterfront Homes and Cottages: Ideal for those seeking direct lake access and stunning views, these properties average $450,667.
• Deeded Waterfront Access Properties: A more affordable way to enjoy the lake lifestyle, with prices averaging $251,122.
• Average Home: The average price of a home within a 30km radius of Cambridge-Narrows is $285,074.
• Land: Buyers can choose between deeded waterfront access lots, averaging $77,500, or waterfront land, which averages $193,535, and larger acreages averaging $643 per acre.

*note* These figures were obtained from data retrieved from the New Brunswick Real Estate Board Matrix system and represent Jan 1, 2024 to December 1st 2024.

In real life this translates into..

If you’re looking for a turn-key, waterfront cottage or home then you’d better be prepared to shell out north of $300,000. Of course, there are always exceptions, you may find something cheaper that’s in need of work. If you’re looking something that is a true 4-season home or a little extra on the “fancy”, you’re going to pay a little more. Cottages on larger lots and/or those that are more refined are selling in the $500,00-$600,000 range, with the exceptionally rare property reaching that $1,000,000 mark or above.

You can save yourself a little coin by making a slight concession and picking yourself up a cottage or home with a shared waterfront access. Not everyone is willing to make a concession like this on a cottage, but it’s a great way to get a little more for your dollar in other ways. Decent, shared water access cottages/homes can still be had in the $200,000-$300,000 range, and often times less than that.

Medium-to-large acreage properties are also available, often featuring forested areas, open fields, or extensive waterfronts. These are perfect for private retreats, hobby farms, or year-round residences. If you want to build a homestead from scratch, it’s possible to find 100 acres of bush with road access for under $100,000. I can help you explore all of these options and find the perfect fit for your needs. If you would like to take a quick look for yourself, you can explore Washademoak Lake real estate that is currently available here.

Life On Washademoak Lake

Living on or around Washademoak Lake means embracing a peaceful, rural lifestyle with a range of recreational opportunities:

• Outdoor Activities: Boating, swimming, hiking, and exploring the lake’s extensive waterway connections, including access to the Wolastoq (Saint John) River and Grand Lake. Species of fish such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, pickerel, muskie, catfish, yellow and white perch, and sunfish call the lake home. More elusive species include sturgeon, trout, and salmon, adding to the biodiversity of the area.
• Seasonal Appeal: The area offers activities for all seasons, from summer water sports to winter ice-related recreation.
• Community Spirit: Local events, small businesses, and active community halls foster a strong sense of belonging.

Boating on Washademoak Lake

Washademoak Lake is a boater’s paradise, stretching over 30 kilometers in length with varying widths. The lake narrows to as little as 450 meters in some areas and expands to as wide as 2.4 kilometers near Belyea’s Cove. While the lake is generally not considered very deep, its channel is deep enough to have carried large steamships during the 19th century. The lake connects to the Jemseg River and from there to Grand Lake or the Wolastoq (Saint John) River providing access to its extensive waterway network, including the Kennebecasis River. Boaters can travel to Fredericton or Saint John, or theoretically anywhere in the world. For a simpler outing, you can take a leisurely trip to Gagetown for lunch. This interconnected system makes Washademoak Lake an exceptional destination for boating enthusiasts who appreciate adventure and scenic exploration. I’d be happy to share more insights about the best spots for boating, how they fit into your property search, and help yu find the perfect Washademoak Lake real estate!

Accessibility To NB’s Big 3

Washademoak Lake’s central location offers the serenity of lakeside living without sacrificing accessibility to urban amenities. The area is within an hour’s drive of New Brunswick’s three major cities:

• Fredericton: Approximately 60 kilometers northwest, offering cultural and educational facilities.
• Saint John: About 70 kilometers southwest, known for its historic sites and thriving port.
• Moncton: Roughly 100 kilometers east, a hub for commerce and entertainment.

Shopping and Essentials Near Washademoak Lake

For groceries, services, and retail shopping, Oromocto and Sussex are popular destinations depending on your location around the lake. Both towns feature hardware stores, multiple pharmacies and grocery stores, as well as hospitals with emergency departments (though they operate with reduced hours). Fredericton is just 20 minutes down the Trans-Canada Highway from Oromocto, providing additional shopping and services. For those on the southern end of the lake, Saint John is another convenient option for larger shopping trips or specialized services.

Local markets also add to the area’s charm. Nove’s Place in Cambridge-Narrows is open seasonally on Friday afternoons and evenings, offering local goods and a vibrant community atmosphere. The Gagetown Farmers Market, held on Sunday mornings seasonally, is another popular spot for fresh produce and artisan goods. In Jemseg, Raymond Young Fruit and Vegetable Stand and Slocum’s Farm Fresh Produce in Waterborough are excellent seasonal options for locally grown produce. If you’re looking for some fresh, local produce in the off-season, look no further than LavenHop and their grenhouse-grown winter greens. Turner’s One Stop in Jemseg provides groceries, a restaurant, and a full range of convenience items, making it a key resource in the immediate area. Additionally, Nan’s Convenience in Cambridge-Narrows offers gasoline, liquor, beer, convenience items and some groceries.

Services and Governance

The area surrounding Washademoak Lake falls under the governance of three rural districts: Butternut Valley, Arcadia, and Valley Waters. These districts are serviced by two different regional service commissions. It is important to note that municipal water and sewer systems are not available in any of the communities, with properties relying on septic systems and private wells. Additionally, natural gas is not available in the region. Heating is typically provided by wood, oil, propane, or electric systems.

Cellular reception can be spotty depending on your location, and internet services rely heavily on satellite providers such as Xplore and Starlink. These factors are important considerations for those planning to relocate to the area. As someone who lives here, I can provide invaluable insights into these considerations and how they might affect your choice of property.

Cambridge-Narrows School and Library

The Cambridge-Narrows School is a cornerstone of the community, serving students from kindergarten through grade 12. The school provides a nurturing environment with a focus on academic and extracurricular development. Adjacent to the school is the Cambridge-Narrows Regional Library, a vital community hub offering a wide range of books, digital resources, and programs for residents of all ages.

Wildlife and Natural Beauty around Washademoak Lake

The Washademoak Lake area is teeming with wildlife, making it a nature lover’s paradise. Common sightings include a diverse array of birds, deer, coyotes, small mammals, heron, waterfowl and birds of prey. While black bears, bobcats, and moose are more elusive, they are not uncommon in the region. Notably, New Brunswick does not have a viable wolf population due to overhunting in the last century.

The lack of light pollution in the area makes Washademoak Lake a prime location for stargazing. Residents and visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the night sky, further enhancing the tranquil and natural appeal of the area.

Outdoor Adventures for Enthusiasts

The Washademoak Lake area offers numerous opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The region is home to several beautiful waterfalls, which provide scenic hiking destinations. ATV trails crisscross the area, offering exciting routes for adventure seekers looking to explore the diverse landscape. Whether you’re seeking serene nature walks or high-energy outdoor activities, the Washademoak region provides something for everyone who loves the great outdoors.

Community Events and Recreation

The Washademoak Lake area is home to a variety of vibrant community events and activities that bring residents and visitors together throughout the year. One highlight is the Life at the Lakes Festival, which showcases local culture, entertainment, and activities. You can find more information about the festival at lifeatthelakesfestival.ca.

For fitness enthusiasts, the area hosts a triathlon, drawing participants and spectators from near and far. It’s a wonderful way to engage with the community while promoting health and wellness.

The community also features ongoing recreational activities, including a pickleball group that plays at the Cambridge-Narrows School and line dancing sessions held at the municipal building as examples. These gatherings are a great way to stay active and connect with others in the area.

Whether you’re a festivalgoer, a sports enthusiast, or someone looking to join local activities, the Washademoak Lake area offers ample opportunities to become part of its welcoming and dynamic community.

Washademoak Lake Historical and Cultural Significance

Washademoak Lake’s rich history extends far beyond its natural beauty, weaving together stories of industrious communities, innovative transportation, and ancient traditions. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the lake was a bustling hub of activity, marked by its vital role in farming, forestry, and shipbuilding. The shores of the lake were dotted with thriving enterprises such as sawmills and even a match factory, which complemented the vibrant agricultural economy. Notably, schooners like the Daisy Queen were built along its shores, serving as workhorses for transporting goods along the New England coast and connecting the region to broader trade networks.

Long before these enterprises, the area around Washademoak Lake, particularly Belyea’s Cove, played an important role for Indigenous peoples. The cove is recognized as a primary source of chert, a fine-grained stone essential for crafting tools and weapons. This resource highlights the lake’s significance as a site of early human activity and resource utilization, underscoring its deep-rooted connection to the region’s history.

The Cambridge-Narrows Wharves, including Cambridge, Humphrey’s, and Mott’s Wharves, were crucial during the steamboat era, linking the lake’s communities to Saint John and beyond. Steamboats like the Beatrice Waring, Crystal Stream, and Majestic carried mail, farm produce, building materials, and supplies to and from the city, ensuring the area’s economic vitality. These wharves, originally built of wood and later upgraded to reinforced concrete, remain as enduring symbols of this industrious era, now repurposed for recreational use and public access.

Today, while the steamboats have long since ceased their routes, the heritage preserved in these wharves and the stories of the lake’s vibrant past continue to shape the identity of Washademoak Lake, offering residents and visitors a unique connection to its historical roots.

Considerations for Buyers

When considering Washademoak Lake real estate, it’s essential to be be minful of some very important factors that one may not consider:

• Flooding: The spring freshet significantly affects the Saint John River and its tributaries, including Washademoak and Grand Lakes. The lake can rise by over 20 feet, with devastating floods occurring in 2008 and 2018. Many homes and cottages have since been raised or relocated to mitigate flooding risks. I can assist you in navigating these concerns with access to excellent flood mapping and in-depth local knowledge. Check out my blog post on this subject here.
• Road Maintenance: Not all access roads and cottage roads are maintained in the winter, which can pose challenges for year-round living. This should be considered when choosing a property.
• Permit Requirements: Building, septic, and well permits are required for any construction projects. Special considerations apply for waterfront properties due to modern wetland regulations. Any alterations within 30 meters of water or wetland require a WAWA permit (here), and clearcutting near the shoreline is typically restricted to a width of 20 meters. Properties developed before these regulations came into effect are highly valuable for those seeking a more refined waterfront experience. I can help you navigate these challenges and connect you with experienced local builders and contractors.

Conclusion

Washademoak Lake offers an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the best of rural New Brunswick, with diverse real estate options, a strong community spirit, and a lifestyle that embraces nature and peaceful living. As a REALTOR® and resident of the area, I can provide you with the guidance and expertise needed to make your real estate journey smooth and enjoyable. Whether you’re seeking a summer retreat, a year-round residence, or an investment opportunity, this hidden gem has something for everyone. Connect with local experts—including myself—to discover how you can make Washademoak Lake your home. To learn more about me, find my contact information, and search for properties, you can find my website here!