Sold: 1 Himes Island – The One That Got Away

1 Himes Island, is a spectacular property located on the Canadian side of the Thousand Island stretch of the St Lawrence River.  For those who are not familiar with the area, the chain of islands (in reality totaling some 1,800 islands) is located in the section of the river between Ontario, Canada and New York State with islands straddling both sides of the border.  For clarity, there is a well-established rule that to be considered an official “Thousand Islands Island”, an island must be at least one square foot in size and support at least one tree.  I have no idea who created this rule, but it was most likely some turn of the century local drunk men fighting over drinks about size.

 

The area gained prominence in the late 1800’s as a summer escape for the Gilded Age set looking for places to spend their money.  At one time there were literally 100’s of imposing homes operating throughout the islands, but with wars, taxes, recessions, changing economics and needs (not to mention staffing issues – these grand properties took literally an army to properly run), over time many of these palaces were raised or fell into disrepair.  Islands were divided over time and more modest and manageable cottages constructed.

 

Himes Island however is one of those remaining relics, surviving in its original, and well cared for state, with its plethora of multiple boathouses, guest houses, water towers, 5 docks, support buildings and sheds.  Not only this, but the estate still rests on its fully original, “non-severed” island.  The three story, wood framed house, constructed in 1903 by Canadian Member of Parliament M.P. Davis, is known locally as “Seven Gables”, simply as the home has seven gables at the front of the house (nothing too complicated or awe inspiring in that name!)

 

The 120-year-old main house contains over 17,000 square feet and 40 rooms, which include 14 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and the usual collection of formal and casual rooms: a dining room that could easily seat 50, a living room that’s even larger, billiards, breakfast, kitchen, pantry, front and back staircases and numerous fireplaces.  The main floor is encased by a large, covered verandah for the enjoyment of afternoon mint julips, with a large section adjacent to the dining room screened for evening enjoyment when annoying bugs are more prominent.  Additional bedrooms, kitchens etc. are found in the boathouses and support buildings. All in all, this little island is a sweet slice of absolute perfection!

 

Now, this was a house that was within reach (so to speak) … I mean other than the price and our inability to afford to operate nor maintain a house of this magnitude and age.  It was however, located within an area accessible to my present home.  I mean, I had finally come across a property that was not one of those surprisingly affordable, idyllic estates that look amazing on paper, but then you realize it’s located somewhere outside of Butte, Montana – no offence to the fine residents of Butte (I’m sure they are lovely people and have a beautiful community), it’s just that realistically, I have no real access to Butte and don’t see myself having a weekend place there.  The other scenario is to find the same house (somewhere other than  Butte) that, via a quick Google Earth view reveal the house, due to unfortunate events, is now located in a high traffic industrial area, fronts onto a major highway, has an active railroad running inches from the back door or has been relieved of any original land and is now wedged between some soulless newbuilds in a treeless flat subdivision on a street named after the trees that no longer exist (Maple lane?).  But I digress.

 

Not only this, but the Himes Island house had been well maintained and any renovations were surprisingly tasteful, having apparently not yet ruined the character or personality of the grand place.

 

At $13 million (Canadian), the place was honestly a bit rich for one who’s financial plan is heavily reliant on forecasted lottery winnings (we do however continue to optimistically invest in tickets).  The house was perfect though and I continued to follow the listing as this slice of perfection wasn’t for everyone and languished on the market.  I watched eagerly as the price was slashed in half to $5.99 mill, then $5.5, $4.5, then finally the (still unobtainable) $3.9 million asking price … My heart raced in anticipation.  Perhaps this global COVID pandemic and potential international economic collapse could really work out for me in this situation – I was hoping and eagerly anticipating the time I could reach out with an offer to take the obvious white elephant off of their relieved hands – perhaps they would even transition ownership for a modest sum ensuring the continued stewardship of their beloved summer home!

 

I had been analyzing online photos of the house, identifying areas requiring minor maintenance – wooden trim and balcony railings requiring replacement, window sashes showing some minor rot, verandah ceilings requiring paint.  I had begun researching replacement roof  options (some coloured blind moron had installed pink asphalt shingles)  I was actively investigating long life shingles – something resembling the original cedar shake, but longer lasting.  After all, saving this house would be our legacy and we want to ensure we’ve been a good steward for the enjoyment of the next generation once we pass.

 

It wasn’t to be.

 

With a sinking heart, one morning the listing was gone – frantic searches of the internet, REALTOR.ca, and the websites of every local realtor (looking for one to provide an ever-hopeful alternative truth).  Someone had purchased our dream out from under us.

 

Is it wrong to bestow devastating and horrific mismanagement of the purchaser’s finances or personal misfortune, causing them to lose our house (at a great loss).  After all, there have been rumors of a recession coming – what were these misguided people thinking?  This realignment would finally allow the universe to reverse this travesty of events, righting this obvious wrong, offering us the chance to  finally possess what is destined to be our forever “weekend” house.

 

I will continue to scour the internet for that day when personal bankruptcy requires these hideous people to relist the house.  I do hope this happens before they alter or cause too much damage to our precious home.

 

… I’m sure they are lovely people though.