This is Buck Island, one of the original cottages of “Millionaire’s
Row” near Beaumaris on Lake Muskoka, built around the turn of the last century.
Tucked away in the trees, it’s difficult to appreciate its size: it boasts 14
bedrooms, 8 baths, many en suite, 8 fireplaces, and a miniature house in the
attic for the children. The once lush gardens, maintained by a staff of 10
full-time gardeners, were renowned, drawing admirers from around the lakes.
The Beaumaris area was also called “Little Pittsburgh”,
since many cottagers were wealthy American industrialists, financiers, and
tycoons from Pennsylvania. A million dollars bought a lot in the days when the
average wage in North America was $490 per year! Women teachers in Canada were
paid only $246 annually, while male teachers earned nearly double that. Little
wonder that millionaires could build lavish summer homes and retain dozens of
servants.
In my Internet travels, I just happened to notice that this
historic summer estate on Buck Island is for sale. It can be yours for a mere
$3.9 million. To those who don’t know Muskoka, this may seem like a lot of
money, but many cottages sell in the multi-millions, although few have such a
rich history. And you would own the entire island. If you’re interested, here
is the Real
Estate listing. Dream on!
