115 Seven Islands Refuge Ln

An ornothologist’s delight, Seven Islands Refuge is the largest private landholding on the East Coast devoted solely to waterfowl and other bird habitat. The 221 acre parcel offers an extensive trail network, stunning mountain views, dramatic lakefront vistas, and intimate ponds to explore. Two very comfortable homes on the property offer accommodations for up to 12 people, but are most ideally suited as a quiet retreat for family and friends. Seven Islands is a fantastic opportunity for a conservation-minded person looking for a country retreat with outstanding scenery, a private setting, and plenty of land to explore. A more stunning setting for a house can scarcely be imagined. Not only are there sweeping views of the lakeshore and mountains, but the house sits in the middle of the lake with views in all directions. Built on piers over the water, the house is accessed by a short drivable causeway. Decking wraps around the entire house to extend the outdoor living space and take advantage of the views. From the open great room, to the numerous glass doors and large windows, small balconies, and large surrounding deck, the house is focused on the dramatic vistas and the immediacy of wildlife on the lake and in the air. There is a large master suite and a secondary bedroom, in addition to the great room, kitchen and other spaces. Existing indoor living space can easily be expanded without changing the footprint of the house over the water. A large open space ‘breezeway’ between the house and the garage could easily be enclosed. The garage below the master suite can likewise be converted to interior living space without much effort at all. The 1970’s “A” Frame Guest House is a classic. It s its own destination with trail networks radiating from the house that head to higher elevations for incomparable views. The house comes with its own garage/storage barn. While the “A” frame construction is solid, the house is being conveyed ‘as is.’ This means the new owners will probably want to re-do the exterior decking, and do some work on the stone fireplace flashing to ensure a safe and comfortable home. The stunning beauty of Seven Islands is a hidden secret. An entry drive forms a two mile loop around the 50 acre lake. Beautiful views of the water and the mountains are found at every turn. Radiating from this central drive/lane are trails that meander off up the mountainside and along the ponds. The centerpiece of the property is, without question, the 50 acre lake. This large body of water is surrounded by woodlands and fields against a stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge. It is a private landscape that is also an expansive one. The lake is navigable by boat, and is also set up for swimming, but the primary focus is on wildlife, specifically waterfowl and other bird species. The lake was carefully designed to appear as natural as possible while playing up the aesthetics of the setting, and at the same time maintaining the best possible nesting sites for water birds and other avian species at every turn. Care was taken to stock the pond with the appropriate fish species to provide wildlife and humans with great fishing opportunities. The lake is fed from streams, springs, and mountain land run-off and maintains a healthy balance year round. Surrounding the lake are six ponds. Four cascading ponds on the lower slope of Fielding mountain. These ponds are surrounded by a trail network and provide great habitat for birds and amphibians that need calmer water. The guest house is wonderfully sited above its own pond, complete with swimming dock. The bulk of the property is wooded hillsides. Trails wander throughout the property and there is scope to expand this trail network further to create scenic vistas from higher elevations. There are several lawn and meadow areas which can be expanded for gardens. The overall effect is a private valley centered on a lake and surrounded