Butterfield Island, Nicatous Lake -8 acres

Legacy property-8 acre Butterfield Island on Nicatous Lake

With summer just around the corner, NOW is the perfect time to purchase this legacy property, Butterfield Island. It is rare when an island property as special as the 8-acre private Butterfield Island on the 5000-acre Nicatous Lake comes on the market. With over 21,000 acres and 34 miles of spectacular shoreline in conservation easement in the Nicatous Lake and nearby West Lake area, the Butterfield Island compound is special knowing that the majority of the shoreline will not be developed and the beauty of the lake will remain pristine and “forever wild” for generations to come.

Your island adventure begins on the mainland at the north end of the lake where the deeded small lot includes a boat house with ample parking and a private dock to launch the newer 26-foot pontoon boat which conveys with the sale. To reach Butterfield Island, it is just under a five-mile boat ride from the boat landing to the island. The ride down the lake is a treat in itself passing beautiful undeveloped shoreline with very few camps, but a diverse collection of beaches, 90+ islands, and if you are lucky wildlife sightings. Keep a lookout for deer, moose and loons.

As you approach the island, you will find two private docks on the north and south ends of the island. The large, fully furnished, self-sufficient compound features two main lodges and three sleep cabins to accommodate a large group or event. Additional buildings include a tool shed, generator shed with a newer diesel generator, woodshed, and an outhouse.

Built in 2004, The Great Lodge has modern amenities including the kitchen with stove, refrigerator, and water heater, all powered by propane. An open-concept design, the building offers hardwood floors, handcrafted cabinets and center island, pantry, large dining area, comfortable living room, newer Waterford ceramic wood stove, a bedroom on the sunporch, and a master bedroom up the spiral staircase in the loft. The oversized deck & expansive staircase encourage outdoor living and is a guest favorite. Enjoy the sunsets from the deck with the westerly views.

The historic Butterfield Lodge is one of the earliest buildings on the island. Built in c. 1926, the space provides a multipurpose living room with the original lovely fieldstone fireplace, kitchenette, and the bathing room with clawfoot tub, sink, and shower serviced by a propane water heater. Up in the sleeping loft, guests can snuggle in for the night with sleeping quarters. The covered porch wraps around ¾ of the building where you can enjoy the same timeless views of the common area and lake that generations of the Butterfield family have loved since the 1920’s.

Need more sleeping space, the three sleeping cabins (built in the 1930’s) are all powered by the generator and feature wood stoves, newer mattresses and bedding, woodstoves, and privacy for guests. Arranged in a semicircle, the cabins and lodges open onto the common area for gathering at the 8 newer picnic tables and around the oversized firepit made by stones from the island and lake. A 30-foot event tent is included in the sale for hosting weddings and other large gatherings in the common area. Need more sleeping space, a popup camper at the north dock is a favorite for the teens or those young at heart who want to fall asleep at waterside and hear the calling of loons and lapping of the waves.

The island features mature growth trees that can be enjoyed on the trails from both docks that follow a gentle slope from the lake up to the buildings located in the center of the island, which is the highest point on the island. The south end dock overlooks Moose Cove and is well protected. A mesmerizing path follows along the perimeter of the island. Along this path you can pick wild blueberries, identify mushrooms, explore the geology, identify trees, look for wildlife or just enjoy the tranquil surroundings of the lake and mature forest. The lake is always in the sight line yet the compound is private and protected by the trees. The peace and quiet & nighttime sky are second to none.

On the practical side of self-sufficient island living, powered is supplied by a newer diesel generator which easily supplies all buildings’ lights, electrical outlets, smaller kitchen appliances and even a TV/DVD! Already on the island and ready for the new owners to install are a new battery storage system and solar panels with inverter ($15,000+ value). Propane tanks power the kitchen appliances and a hot water heater for each lodge. Turn-key and ready for to move-in, the sale includes four motorboats, 3 docks, a Honda ATV with trailer, Bobcat E10 excavator, and 3 gas powered generators. See the Personal Property and Improvement document for the full-list.

A legacy property, Butterfield Island is a perfect setting for a family compound, corporate or non-profit retreat center, small event center, short-term rentals, or an environmental summer camp. From the complete solitude and beauty, to the star lit skies over the lake, the sounds of the loons, the moose standing on Moose Cove across from the western side of the island, the boat rides to hidden sandy beaches, the stories around the campfires, guests snuggling into their own private cabins, fishing for dinner, and moon lit canoe rides, the remote island experience truly is life changing.