Imagine a cruise down the Rhine. There's a curve in the river and up ahead, emerging mysteriously from the lush growth that covers the cliffs, sits an ancient castle. But this is the St. Lawrence River, not the Rhine. And that's not an ancient castle, it's a home completed just six years ago. Yes, it exudes Old World elegance, but it also comes with the latest gadgetry.
A century ago, wealthy Americans built magnificent homes on the south shore of the St. Lawrence and through the Thousand Islands, the most famous of which was Boldt Castle, now open to the public. The region became known as Millionaire's Row. The construction in the past decade of Eagle Point near Gananoque has sparked a Canadian version, says Leeds and Thousand Islands Township Coun. Tom Lawler, a mini-Millionaire's Row that now consists of six million-dollar-plus homes.
But Eagle Point remains in a class all its own. Having taken nearly five years to build and now on offer for $18 million, it has no comparables along this storied waterway, says listing agent Richard Ling of Harvey Kalles Real Estate. Ling admits to being struck silent on a recent trip up the river as Eagle Point came into view. "The water, the sunlight playing on the stone structure that peeked through the trees, it was a magical sight," he says.
Set on nearly 14 acres off the Thousand Islands Parkway, the property includes a main home of 13,700 square feet and a 7,000-sq.-ft. guest house and caretaker's home. The 1,600 feet of riverfront provides docking for several boats, including ocean-worthy yachts.
Motorists could easily miss the estate, its privacy protected by iron gates. Inside is a second set of gates, adorned with two eagles. It is an entrance that hints of something exciting inside.
The first of five man-made waterfalls looms into sight at the edge of the paved driveway, a drive that takes you past a granite cliff, several lookouts and finally to the main house. The homes and lavish stonework around the landscaped property are constructed of stone quarried from the site.
Entering the manor house through the front door, you pass into a spacious lobby. To the left is the first of five bedrooms and farther on you come to the master bedroom, featuring a stunning marble spa tub handcrafted in Portugal. The living room walls rise 50 feet to a ceiling dominated by a metal chandelier handcrafted in Mexico. A fireplace, with intricately carved wooden mantle, dominates one wall.
Beyond is the professional kitchen decked out in granite and marble. It is one of three: On the second floor in the staff apartment is a second kitchen and on the lower level is a summer kitchen.
Off the foyer is the grand staircase to the second floor. As you climb the stairs, your eyes are drawn to an antique Tiffany-style glass canopy over the second-floor landing, purchased from Red Baron's Antiques in Atlanta. Through its multicoloured glass, light floods into the home.
There are six bedrooms, all ensuite. The library has its own bathroom, with a sink that looks like a golf bag. Downstairs is another touch of whimsy -- a toilet that looks like a royal throne. A Juliet balcony from the library overlooks the two-storey living room.
-- Canwest News Service
