New Estate on
Lake Champlain

A popular drive-to destination for wealthy New Yorkers for centuries, the Adirondacks has no shortage of natural beauty and impressive architecture—this property is no exception. The newly completed estate, affectionately named Ursa Major, is sited on over 5 waterfront acres and boasts over 800 ft of frontage on Lake Champlain. Featuring a classic Adirondack Lakehouse design, seamlessly blending rustic charm with modern conveniences, including 600 AMP electrical service with a 60 kW generator and a 1,000-gallon buried propane tank to ensure uninterrupted power. For security, 12 grounded rods ensure comprehensive lightning protection and a Savant smart home system controls lighting, sound, and security via an app. The exterior of the 5,000-sf residence is designed to withstand the elements, with its cedar shake siding and standing seam metal roof.

An interior flooded with natural light because of nearly 100 windows, offers wheelchair-accessible showers, wide doorways, and radiant heat flooring. The heart of the residence is the two-story great room showcasing a double-sided fireplace and chimney built with stones from the original 1902 John Bird Burnham house. An inviting gourmet kitchen is equipped with Wolf, Sub-Zero, and Cove appliances, plus custom handmade fir cabinetry, a walk-in larder, and a walk-in pantry. Just off the kitchen, is an octagonal dining area surrounded by windows offering spectacular panoramic views. A sumptuous primary suite features a double-sided fireplace shared with the great room, two walk-in closets, and French doors to the wraparound deck with a hot tub. Just a few steps away sits a spa-like primary bath with a clawfoot tub and stunning water and mountain views. An expansive 1,000-sf wraparound deck provides stunning 270-degree views of Lake Champlain, making it a perfect spot for outdoor entertaining or simply soaking in sunrise and moonrise views over Vermont’s Green Mountains range.

A thoughtfully designed lower level complete with two bedrooms, a full bath, a kitchenette, and a private entrance is perfect for use as a separate apartment for extended family or guests. Venturing upstairs reveals a landing open to the great room and dining area below as well as a bedroom with a private balcony, an office, and a full bath. Additionally, an upper-level flex area is perfect for use as a billiards or exercise room. One of the property’s most charming features is the seasonal dock, which includes two moorings and offers easy access to the sparkling waters of Lake Champlain. Whether you’re setting out for a day of fishing—where you might catch Lake Trout, Landlocked Salmon, Perch, or Bass—or returning from a leisurely cruise, the dock provides convenient access to the water.

The grounds are equally impressive, with tiered stone terraces built from rocks excavated during the building process, plus hundreds of massive, fossil-laden stones from the building site and shoreline. Adjacent to the main residence is a timber-frame guest house and barn, providing an additional 1,728 sf of living space. The structure includes vaulted ceilings, a stylish cupola, and an upper-level deck with views of Vermont and the lake. Lower-level amenities include two 12’x36’ bays ideal for vehicle storage or a workshop, a wood-burning stove, and a Level 2 EV charger for electric vehicles. Two bedrooms with ample closet space and a kitchenette comprise the spacious upper-level guest quarters.

Located within the National Historic Hamlet of Essex, NY, the property is incredibly private yet only a 5-minute walk to the village, where residents can explore shops, dine at local restaurants, or take the Essex Ferry to Vermont, and just a 45-minute drive from Lake Placid and 90 minutes from Montreal. Ursa Major also offers proximity to Whiteface Mountain, known for its alpine and cross-country skiing, and a half dozen local CSA farms offering organic produce and meat. This seemingly tucked-away retreat provides the best of both worlds—a luxurious, modern retreat set within the tranquil beauty of the Adirondacks.

Additional details on this impressive Luxury Auction®  can be found in the due diligence section below.

LAKE CHAMPLAIN, NY. Nestled between the states of New York and Vermont, and extending into Canada, Lake Champlain stretches approximately 120 miles long. The shores are lined with quaint towns and villages, while the waters include more than 80 species of fish. On the western side of the lake is the picturesque town of Essex. The entire hamlet is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it one of the most significant historical communities in the region. During the American Revolutionary War and the War of 1812, the town served as a key site for shipbuilding and military operations thanks to its strategic location.

Today, Essex remains a vibrant community with a deep appreciation for its history and natural surroundings. The town is a popular destination for tourists seeking to explore Lake Champlain, hike in the nearby Adirondack Mountains, and experience the charm of a historic American village. Lake Champlain has also been a retreat for several notable individuals, including environmental activist Bill McKibben, and the 53rd Governor of New York, George Pataki. During his tenure as governor, Pataki championed several environmental initiatives and was instrumental in creating programs aimed at protecting New York’s natural resources, including the historic preservation of lands in the Adirondacks. Pataki remains engaged with local and state matters and frequents the charming Essex village even partaking in community activities.

THE ADIRONDACKS, NY. Home to the largest protected natural area in the lower 48 states, the Adirondacks span more than 6 million acres across 12 regional destinations. The Algonquin peoples and the Mohawk nation traveled this land but never settled it, and the region eventually came under control of the English. After the American Revolutionary War, the land passed to the people of New York State and in 1989 part of the region was designated by UNESCO as the Champlain-Adirondack Biosphere Reserve.  Nearly 60 percent of the Adirondack Mountains are covered in hardwood forest; these forests and their accompanying wetlands are home to various wildlife including turtles, moose, and many species of birds.

Birding, hunting, motorcycling, rock climbing, and golf offer an array of fun in the mountains; however, if more refined pursuits are desired, then museums, shopping, and wineries in the area are sure to please. Endless warm-weather adventures to be had in the Adirondacks include water activities such as canoeing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, boating, and fishing. Camping is extremely popular in the Adirondacks, and there are numerous campgrounds and RV sites; backcountry and winter camping are also common. Glamorous camping (‘glamping’) is available and offers access to modern luxuries while still allowing glampers to enjoy the great outdoors.