TOP STORIES IN REAL ESTATE
Of Angling and Antlers
By SARAH TILTON :
Kilkenny Lodge
STATS:
A 4,200-square-foot, seven-bedroom, 5 1/2-bath home on 2.3 acres asking $690,000, or $164 per square foot. Property taxes in 2010 were $7,070.
This Adirondack lodge was built in 1901-02 as part of a summer compound for William Kingsley, a New York banker who became president of the U.S. Trust Company. Over the years the property served as a resort before being sub-divided into single-family homes.
A caribou head hangs in the great room (owners couldn't find a moose whose antlers fit the nine-foot ceilings). An almost 80-foot-long porch stretches along the front of the house.
SELLERS:
Ben Avery, vice president of development for Vermont real estate firm Lincoln Development Group and his wife, Michelle Cote, marketing executive with internet company MyWebBrochure.
THE
NEIGHBORHOOD:
Some of the country's best fly fishing is eight miles
away on the Ausable River. If you don't have waders, head to Jones Outfitters
on Main Street in Lake Placid (a 30 minute drive). The shop offers guides
starting at $165 for a half day.
WHAT WE PAID:
The couple paid $275,000 for the property in 2005 and say they've put
$150,000 into updating it while maintaining the vintage feel. They kept
almost 2,000 panes of antique glass which Mr. Avery describes as drafty
but integral to the house. The lodge rents for $2,600 a week or $500 a
night with a three-night minimum; Mr. Avery says that 2011 rentals look
strong.
WHY WE'RE SELLING:
"There are some interesting other projects that are very affordable
and we need to move this one to move onto another project," says
Mr. Avery, who would like to restore another Adirondack house (with ceilings
tall enough to accommodate a moose head).
WHAT WE'LL MISS:
Being able to entertain on a large scale.
WHAT
WE WON'T:
"It's an old house in a very cold and snowy part
of the world and in the winter it's a lot of work," says Mr. Avery,
noting that as he spoke his brother was helping the snow plow clear the
driveway for the propane truck.
OTHER BROKERS SAY:
Real-estate agent Cindy Horrocks sold the property to
the Averys and thinks the price is competitive considering the work that
went into winterizing the house. "It's a niche market, but it's a
big house and a great spot for a multi-generational family," she
says. "It has kept its integrity as a real Adirondack home, it's
not a fake Adirondack." John Burke, a broker and president of Select
Sotheby's International Realty, says the price would be upwards of $2
million, if the house were on Lake Placid. He says buyers are taking their
time.
I BET:
Listing agent Rob Grant expects the lodge to sell for
close to asking price in mid or late summer.
—Post your guess as to what the house will sell
for—and when—in the comments section. Listings will be followed
for six months.
click
here for online article
Kilkenny
Lodge
Elizabethtown, NY
Specializing in unique properties throughout upstate New York & The Adirondacks.
Please call or write for our free brochure.
43 Broadway, Saranac Lake, NY 12983
E-mail Rob Grant & Associates
For vacation rental requests please email Lisa McKenna
LisaNYRentals@yahoo.com
or call (518) 891-3745 / 518-891-3768 FAX