English poet John Donne once wrote that "no man is an island," a fact that seems even more glaringly true in a city as crowded and hyper as New York. But just because you can't be an island doesn't mean you can't live on one. Here's one for sale a mere 60 miles north of Manhattan, and it costs less than most one-bedroom apartments.
Willow Island is a 0.66-acre private island in Putnam Lake in Patterson, New York, which has a single, four-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath colonial. The house, at 1 Willow Way, and the island, plus a solar-powered boat that'll get you back and forth, are now on the market for $850,000.
Think being stuck on an island is boring? Patterson is in Putnam County and has a lot to offer. There's Thunder Ridge Ski Mountain, a small ski resort with 22 trails for skiers and snow boarders. For nature fans, there's the Great Swamp Wildlife Management Area, a 444-acre park that serves as a migration stop for birds.
Other Putnam County highlights include Wonder Lake State Park in nearby Holmes, NY, which features 8.6 miles of marked trails, and Cranberry Mountain, another wildlife area with a short hiking trail. But Willow Island's got enough nature of its own, with 360-degree views of Putnam Lake and the two big benefits of Northeastern island living: peace and quiet.
The island's house was built in 1932, from stone from the same quarry used to build the Holland Tunnel.
The house has a window-lined great room, with hardwood floors, exposed wooden ceiling beams, and stone pillars.
There's also a massive stone fireplace.
The house has a total of 35 windows, making the water views all the more dramatic.
The main floor's open layout allows the great room to flow into the dining room, which has a handsome light fixture and more windows.
The bright gourmet kitchen has white granite countertops, recessed lighting, and stainless steel appliances.
Here's the master bedroom.
And the bathroom, which includes a deep tub and glass-door shower.
Here are two other bedrooms.
The property also includes a separate, 600-square-foot vaulted studio, which you can use as an office, guest quarters, or as a yoga studio.
Outdoor space includes a balcony.
Here's the view.
And, of course, you have the rest of the island to explore.
The property comes with multiple boat docks.
And here's an aerial view.
The house has internet, cable, electricity, heat, and running water, as well as a washer/dryer unit. The deed includes a driveway and garage on the mainland. It's about a one-hour drive from Manhattan, not including the boat ride to the island.
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