ST. LAWRENCE RIVER PRIVATE ISLAND FOR SALE !!!

ST. LAWRENCE RIVER PRIVATE ISLAND FOR SALE !!!

BIRCH ISLAND

  PLEASE NOTE: SOME OF THE PHOTOS WERE TAKEN DURING THE HIGH WATER OF 2019.  I AM POSTING THESE PHOTOS TO SHOW THE WORST CASE SCENARIO WHEN THE WATER IS HIGH.  THIS IS A RARE OCCURRENCE.  I WILL BE POSTING CURRENT 2020 PHOTOS SHORTLY.  THE BLACK AND WHITE PHOTOS ARE OF THE EARLY 1900'S WHEN THE ORIGINAL STRUCTURES WERE STILL STANDING.

History of the Island:  This area is full of history.  The native Americans inhabited this region hundreds if not thousands of years ago.  During the 17th and 18th century, French explorers and other Europeans set up trading posts and forts throughout the St. Lawrence river and into the Great Lakes.  The British waged wars against other countries to protect the colonies and the river was a major supply route.  One of the most notable historical events was the War of 1812.  The battle of Cranberry Creek was fought just behind Birch Island in Goose Bay.

This island has been in my family for over 120 years and belonged to my great grandfather (Edward Remington Nichols).  The 3.3 acre island is connected to another island to the south by a white painted arch bridge (that we are keeping and IS NOT for sale).  My great grandfather built a small house in the late 1890's and built additions over the years.  He built a large dock in the front of the island (on the channel side) only the underwater cribs remain.  A wonderful Adirondack style gazebo was built but was dismantled over time.  Unfortunately, my grandfather had his father's house torn down in fear of it being a fire hazard in 1972 (see photos).  The original stone foundations, intricate fireplace and chimney remain waiting to be rebuilt into a new owners dream house.

The island comes with the original large boathouse (built around 1900) that has two large boat slips.  (No boats are included in the sale).  It is fully functional but could use some restoration.  There is a workshop facing the lagoon that is the only part of the original main house that is still standing. 

There is a small two bedroom cottage with one full bathroom (built in 1955) ready to stay in.  Over the past 10 years we have replaced the roof, windows, exterior siding and entryway.  There is a wonderful screened in porch to enjoy the views.  The cottage has its own water filtration and UV system.  The stove is propane.  Two window air conditioners.  The cottage does come furnished with Direct Satellite TV. 

There is a small single slip boathouse, circa. 1955 that can accommodate a 21" boat on the backside of the island.   Over the past 10 years we have had the docks re-enforced, the interior supported with steel beams, the roof replaced, some windows replaced and some of the walls rebuilt.  We recently rebuilt the walkways as well.

There is a fantastic round stone structure, circa. 1900 (on the channel side) that used to have a windmill on the top that was the water pump house back in the day.  The stone structure remains with a roof.  We have always wanted to build an octagon studio apartment on top with a 360 degree deck that would be amazing !  

Around the turn of the century 1900, a stone sea wall was built on the front of the island (channel side) but has sustained damage from storms during the high water and needs to be restored or allow it to go back to nature.  The island is solid rock with topsoil.  

Please feel free to email or call me with any questions.  sean@tortugatrading.com (760)-271-5457

Check it out on Google Earth !

Address; 48540 Birch Island, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607

MLS Listing ID: 

3.3 Acres with central lagoon.

Property Description: