Ask John Odonnell
A 300 square-foot off-grid log cabin on 165 acres with a 5-acre beaver pond. Sharing ~3,500 feet of the border with Quebec, Canada, it does not get much more remote than the International Borderlands Retreat; the closest neighbor is ¾ of a mile through the woods to the north.
The property is accessed by Drown Road, a seasonal town road that serves other camps along its route. Access is secured by a gate through the property of Churubusco Lodge. The deeded right-of-way (ROW) through the Lodge property, which is just under 2 miles in length, is a high-quality, well-maintained road that is substantial enough, and has been used for timber operations, able to accommodate tractor-trailers. Part of Drown Road and the ROW have seasonal access; they are not plowed in the winter.
The log cabin is situated to the south of a 5-acre beaver pond, with an outstanding view from the front porch. Constructed within the last 10 years by Moosehead Cedar Log Homes of Maine, the cabin includes 2 lofts, a full bath, and a kitchen. It is powered by a solar- and propane-fired generator and is heated by both a wood stove and a propane heater. A drilled well and septic provide for fresh water and sewage disposal. Included with the property is a 2014 Kubota UTV, which has under 60 hours. It is housed in a detached shed.
The terrain on the property is very level and slightly rolling, making it favorable for recreation and the addition of other structures. There are many woods road and trails that provide access throughout the property. The level terrain harbors many seasonal woodland pools, offering great wildlife habitat for invertebrates. The landowner has also invested time and money to enhance this property for hunting, by clearing and planting acreage, digging new ponds and water features, and constructing an elevated hunting blind.
The tree cover on the property includes acres of mature timber, both hardwood and softwood, as well as young, immature growth. The varied tree cover, combined with groundcover such as blueberries, supports all sorts of wildlife, including black bear, whitetail deer, grouse, and moose.
In addition to the recreational opportunities within the parcel, this property also shares ~2,200 feet of its eastern boundary with the 600-acre Gulf Unique Area. This parcel, noted for the steep gorge (“the Gulf”) near the Canadian border, is open to all types of outdoor recreation, including hunting.
Current owner engages a local caretaker to maintains the roads and buildings, ensures that all mechanicals are in order for immediate use.
The International Borderlands Retreat property is located ~45 minutes from Plattsburg, NY, which has all the amenities and an international airport. It is about an hour and 20 minutes from Montreal, Canada, which also has an international airport.
