Unique Properties - Island House
What if your getaway cabin could only be visited by boat? What if it involved rebuilding a lonely old dilapidated structure? And, what if the lot size for your cabin-to-be was an island measuring only 4,400 square feet? Dream cabin? Maybe. Easy? Not.
Designer/Builder, Bruce Darring asked himself those very questions and was determined to do just that to make his dream come true. Then, he not only built one cabin, but 4 other small structures to support life on the island located in the middle of New York State’s Oceetah Lake. In addition to the main cabin, his ‘camp’ included a bunk house, separate Master sleeping quarters, comfort station, and a privy.
Installing solar panels, a wind generator, battery bank, and an inverter to provide electricity were all part of the plan. To get rid of waste, a gray-water seepage system and an organic composting toilet were installed.
Many difficulties were encountered in making this dream come true. Permit problems and zoning issues with the local government, finding a work barge that could navigate the lake’s shallow waters, and locating a well driller that would agree to come out to an island were all obstacles to be overcome. Building materials, mostly pre-manufactured, had to be able to fit into a boat. Everything had to be ferried to the island location.
With all the headaches and challenges though, the dream became a reality. The downside was soon behind the Darring family and the upside was an incredible retreat. Finally, a unique place to visit and leave the world behind.
