New York Lumber Baron’s Private Island Retreat Hits the Market for $2.7 Million—With a Historic 8-Bedroom Mansion

A private island escape that was built for one of New York‘s premier lumber tycoons has been put on the market for $2.7 million, offering a rare opportunity to snap up a truly isolated retreat just a stone’s throw from the Canadian border.

Longue Vue Island is in Alexandria Bay on the St. Lawrence River and is understood to be one of the only artificial islands in the state of New York.

The island, which has also been known as Rosette Island and Artificial Island over the years, is home to a stunning eight-bedroom mansion and detached boathouse that were built for its original owner, Hudson Rose, a businessman who specialized in the lumber trade.

Having been unable to find a suitable setting for his dream sanctuary, Rose is said to have constructed the island atop four shoals, using a wall to surround the area, which he then filled in to stabilize the plot of land on which his house would eventually sit.

According to records, Rose enlisted renowned architects Barney & Chapman to design his own personal sanctuary, which was completed in 1905 and now spreads across a staggering 9,100 square feet.

Hailed as being “a home like no other” in its listing, the property is said to have changed hands on only a few occasions since Rose had it built and to date has only been occupied by four families, according to reports and the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, the home is owned by an Arizona businessman, who bought it from the Dollinger family in 1994 and has held on to it ever since.

However, while more than 100 years have passed since the property was built, the main house—and the accompanying boathouse—retain many of the same historic design details that they did when construction was completed.

Upon entering the abode, guests are greeted with an expansive living area that boasts rich wood flooring and white beamed ceilings.

There is also a cozy fireplace and large windows that allow natural light to flood inside the room.

Adjacent to the living area is the sophisticated dining room, which features the same white beams on the ceiling, expansive windows, and a fireplace. It also comes with an elegant chandelier.

The chef’s kitchen features “gorgeous white cabinetry with [an] island [and] stainless steel appliances,” according to the listing.

Heading up the grand wooden staircase, there are multiple charming bedrooms that fit queen-sized beds.

The bathrooms boast the same vintage appeal as the bedrooms and feature glass showers.

The third floor features “an amazing 3-slip deep-water boathouse that can accommodate 4 -6 boats with living quarters above,” reads the listing.

Above the boathouse, there is a large entertainment room with two pool tables.

The home is the perfect place to entertain guests as it also comes with a full bar.

“The detail and woodwork in this fine river home is like no other,” the listing adds.

The property previously hit the market for $2.7 million on May 16, 2024. However, on Jan. 2, 2025, it was removed from the market.

It was swiftly relisted July 1 with the initial asking price.