121 Hickory Lane

The Unhurried House is a deeply sustainable 1745 sq. ft. Wolfe Island farmhouse, now at the back end of a meticulous six-year transformation. Used by Retrofit Canada as a case study, original and new materials have been blended in a remarkable and meticulous net-zero-ready, passive standard rebuild. The result lands like a salt-fresh oceanfront cottage married to a post and beam interior, and demonstrates a rare blend of remarkable patinas, wabi-sabi character and exquisite custom detail. A grand entrance leads to a bright, open-concept living space and a chef's kitchen with a 10-foot island and concrete countertops. Upstairs are two bedrooms (each with sinks), a clawfoot tub in the primary bedroom, a heated-floor bathroom, and a spacious loft that can serve as a third bedroom, studio, or creative space. Built under the direction of an energy engineer, this high performance house has a steely focus on both efficiency and aesthetics, the house features R35 continuous exterior insulation, airtight construction, German-engineered HRV ventilation, a rainwater harvesting system, two 12K low-temperature heat pumps, a 560-lb Italian cast iron cookstove, double-glazed LePage wood windows, brand new septic system, a new 12-foot shore well with endless water, and a 200 AMP panel. Phew! (And that's not even mentioning the hand carved wooden sinks with tiny Portuguese brass taps, or the 150-year-old windows installed in creative places). The property offers expansive Lake Ontario views, wraparound porches, a covered pergola with twinkle lights, a greenhouse and raised beds, flagstone walkways and rock walls, and all of it at the heart of a happening, community-minded island village just two blocks from the free 16 minute ferry to downtown Kingston.

Rare offering! St. Lawrence River waterfront with a period home, barn and workshop set on six private acres, all under 900K. One of Howe Island's oldest residences is now offered for sale. This original 19th century hand-hewn square timber log cabin is nestled on 6.48 acres including 48 feet of pristine waterfront on the Bateau Channel. The expansive grounds include a small pine forest, several early apple trees, limestone outcroppings, lawn areas and fire pit. The original log cabin was estimated between 1830-1840. In 1972, the foundation was underpinned and a Viceroy addition with full basement was built to take advantage of the view of the river and the grounds. The log cabin hosts a study and dining room on the main floor, and two bedrooms and a new 3-pc bathroom on the upper level. The addition is a fabulous open concept Great Room with vaulted ceiling, custom kitchen and a second 3pc bathroom. The finished basement hosts two more rooms, perhaps a rec room and study, as well as storage room and laundry area. The outbuildings include an expansive barn, driveshed, insulated workshop and bunkie. This piece of paradise has something for everyone, a place to host memorable family events, yet also a tranquil place of retreat from a busy world -- now seeking a new family to continue its history. Howe Island is a richly diverse recreational paradise, with world-class sailing, power boating and water sports. It is also a great place for running, cycling and walking in a rural setting. Two ferry services connect the island with the mainland year round. Either ferry runs on demand and takes 5-10 minutes to board and cross the channel. The main ferry (west) is just 17km from Kingston City Hall, and the east ferry is just 5 minutes from Gananoque, making the resources and amenities of these two communities convenient to the residents of the island.