A room of one's own might have been the goal a century ago, but when you're on the hunt for a true escape -- be it for work or for play -- an island of one's own just has a better ring to it.
Not to mention a better reality.
Located smack dab in a beautiful stretch of the St. Lawrence in the heart of the Canadian 1000 Islands, this nearly two-and-a-half acre private island is the oasis every multi-generational family has been looking for. With a 4-bed, 2-bath main cottage, a 1-bed, 1-bath "Cottage On The Hill", The Bunk House (sleeps 4), and the 1-bed "Boys' Cottage" all on offer, there really is space for everyone to find their own place to relax on Rowley Island.
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Further outbuildings include The Mechanical House, The Motor House, and The Boat House -- the last of which has a sun deck that acts as the perfect platform for jumping into the refreshing river, perhaps after a long day of tinkering in the first two spaces.
Not to mention, swimming, sailing, waterskiing, kayaking, fishing, and exploring are all available any time of the day and, for those looking to capture a little off-island fun, excellent golf courses line both the Canadian and US sides of the river.
Accessible by float plane (and complete with a 30-ft concrete dock to berth it), car, or even train, the island is near enough to Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Watertown and Syracuse, NY to justify the weekend escape, but still far enough to feel like you're truly getting away.
Speaking of getting away, the cottage's history is sure to wrap you up in the past and remind you of a simpler time, perhaps allowing you to put down your cell phone for a second to instead enjoy the fresh sea air sweeping by outside every window. Owned by the same family for four generations, this near-time capsule is a true treasure (the property is being sold furnished) for the right buyer to do with what they will. As the island's structures have been grandfathered in, renovating or rebuilding are both on the table, meaning the best aspects of the past can be kept while necessities of the future can be easily introduced.
Specs:
- Address: 1 Rowley Island, Lansdowne, Ontario
- Bedrooms: 4 (main house)
- Bathrooms: 2 (main house)
- Lot size: 2.44 acres (plus shore base)
- Price: $2,850,000
- Taxes: $14,250 (2021)
- Listed by: Georgina Ratcliffe, Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage
But the benefits of this property don't solely exist on the island; a private shore base that includes a 3-bay carport with electricity, as well as two docks (one floating, one fixed), means coming and going will always be a breeze. (Of course, it doesn't hurt that that coming and going is just a brief 5-minute boat ride from shore to shore.)
Our Favourite Thing
It's hard to find a place that everyone -- from grandpa to granddaughter -- can get together and still have the space they need to stay a while (and stay sane while doing it). With so many sleeping options and literal acres of land to wander, this private island option can truly house the whole family for weeks at a time without anyone having to worry about stepping on toes.
Speaking of shores, picking up this property will give you even more islands in the stream -- literally -- as the sale includes three undeveloped out islands as well.
So, if you're in the market for a truly special opportunity that speaks directly to spending time with (multiple generations of) your family, this private island compound could be the perfect answer.
In the case of Rowley Island, ask not for whom the cottage tolls, it tolls for thee...
THE ISLAND
MAIN COTTAGE
BUNKIES
PATIO
DOCK/LAGOON/BEACH
BOATHOUSE
PRIVATE SHORE BASE
This article was produced in partnership with STOREYS Custom Studio.
