Staff Writer

MEREDITH — A lakefront home on Meredith Neck burned to the ground early Sunday morning; however, the building was vacant at the time.

At approximately 3:30 a.m., neighbors reported that the home, located at 52 Sachem Cove Road in the Spindle Point development complex, had caught fire. By the time firefighters arrived, police said the entire building was engulfed in flames. Fire officials on the scene called for a first-alarm eight minutes after receiving the initial call. Fire personnel and equipment from the Laconia, Center Harbor and Holderness departments were dispatched to assist Meredith crews at the scene. The Moultonboro Fire Department covered the Meredith Fire Station.

The house was the summer home of Bernard Weiss, a Massachusetts resident who had been planning to arrive next weekend. At about 7:30 a.m., he was informed that his summer home had burned to the ground.

Weiss owns and rents the property next door as well.

"We’re just pleased no one was hurt in the fire," said Weiss. "Things can be replaced; people cannot be replaced."

The fire is currently being investigated by the state Fire Marshal’s Office and Meredith Police and Fire Departments. The cause has yet to be determined.

Alec O’Meara can be reached at 524-3800, ext. 5932, or by e-mail at aomeara@citizen.com