Westerly Cottage, on idyllic Grenell Island in the St. Lawrence River/1000 Islands Region, is a meticulously maintained waterfront getaway!
Accessible only by boat, we're just minutes from Clayton, NY and roughly 20 minutes to Alexandria Bay. The island boasts a 1934 Community House with ping pong tables, library, Post Office, and historical display. There’s a fairytale 1898 stone chapel with summer Sunday services and walkers, joggers, and dog-walkers use the path around the island daily.
--The cottage--
Our magical island is ONLY accessible by boat. We do not provide transportation and there are no ferries. If you don’t have a boat and would like to rent one, see ‘Other things to note’ below for recommendations.
Westerly Cottage consists of 3 compact bedrooms (2 queens and 1 bunk bed or second home office), 1 full bath (with stall shower), and one half bath. It sleeps 6 adults comfortably and the primary bedroom has a Tempur-Pedic mattress. The Great Room has a couch, reclining chair, rocking chair, and beautifully handmade Adirondack Chair; there’s even a guitar on the wall for your use! Additionally, there's a loft area with a couch, 55” smart TV, bookshelves, board games, and a home office workstation with a 34” monitor!
The appliances have all been updated as of 2020 including: washer, dryer, stainless steel refrigerator, gas range/oven, dishwasher, microwave, Keurig K-Cup coffee brewer and Nespresso espresso maker.
Rustic in appearance, there's modern technology including: high-speed WISP internet access (>20Mb/s symmetrical) with Eero mesh WiFi system spanning the entire property, including the boathouse and dock; an LG 55" 4K smart TV in the loft; and a high quality indoor and outdoor bluetooth speaker system.
A recently added mini-split air conditioning and heating system staves off the heat and humidity in peak summer months and takes the edge off the cold nights in early spring and fall. There's also a propane fireplace which provides that classic cabin-in-the-woods ambiance.
There’s a kitchen bar area with 3 bar stools, a breakfast area with 2 chairs, and a dedicated dining area with an extendable table that accommodates up to 6 people.
The large wrap-around deck has a 6-seat patio table and 2 Adirondack chairs which are perfect for an afternoon cocktail while overlooking the majestic St. Lawrence River! Around the back deck, there’s a large Char-Broil propane grill.
Down at the waterfront there’s a covered boat port and open dockage for up to 4 boats. A large pontoon boat can fit on the side of the dock and the boat port can host up to a 20ft boat (see photos).
An Aruba Blue Adirondack chair at the end of the dock is perfect for sunrise coffee, afternoon reading, or a glass of wine at sunset. A swim ladder (no jumping/diving!) provides access to the wading cove and lie-flat lounge chairs in the boathouse are great for catching some rays. There’s an inflatable SUP (Stand-Up Paddle-board) available as well.
With almost an acre of land, including a large hillside, the property is ideal for dogs and kids to play within sight of the deck and kitchen. A flat side-yard is perfect for yard games with family and friends.
**Note: there are no stores, shops, or restaurants on the island; please plan accordingly.**
--Guest Access--
Guests will be able to access all spaces *except*:
• Workshop (I keep personal items in here while I rent)
• Kids Playhouse (unless you've requested access in advance and I’ve approved)
• Boathouse’s covered boat slip (due to a boat currently being stored in the slings). The boathouse will otherwise be accessible and the covered boat port will be free for your use.
--Other things to note--
Being on an island makes Grenell special and unique, but also necessitates some logistical considerations. For example, you must arrange for your own waterborne transportation. If you don't have a boat, some good alternatives exist…
Boat Rentals:
• I may be renting out my boats, so feel free to ask!
• For marina rentals, I recommend contacting Spicer Marine Basin (they’re excellent)
• If Spicer does not have availability, you can also try Clayton Marina or Bayside Marina
• In Alexandria Bay, people recommend:
• Wagoner’s Boat Rentals (pontoons only)
• Mac’s Boat Rentals
• Aqua-Mania
Water Taxi Service:
• RJ’s Marine in Clayton can drop you off and pick you up
Spicer Marine Basin is the closest marina to Grenell and offers a place to park your car and private boat ramp from which to launch your boat.
Westerly Cottage is right on the waterfront. Water poses risks to children, pets, and those who are not confident swimmers. Swimming is at your own risk and there's absolutely NO JUMPING or DIVING off the dock or boathouse; the water is too shallow!
Speaking of water depth, the locks to the St. Lawrence River dictate that water tends to be highest in April-June and drops off starting in July. The lowest water tends to be in the fall. **Boats with drafts greater than 3ft will likely not work in my cove or at my dock** In low water, outboard engines will need to be trimmed up to dock at my property.
There's a path that runs all around the island and passes in front of my cottage. Other islanders (and their pets) will be walking between the cottage and the boathouse. It has been this way since Grenell Island was founded in the late 1800s and is therefore quite normal to see the other islanders out and about. In fact, it’s part of the charm of being on one of the more active and populated islands in the area!
There's a whole-property UV water filtration system installed in the boathouse so you can safely consume water from any faucet. That said, you may wish to bring bottled water later in the season as algae can affect the taste.
All trash and recycling must come off the island when you depart. Thank you in advance for helping keep our island pristine.
--Interaction with guests--
I'll be off-island whenever the cottage is rented. My property manager, Martin, lives in LaFargeville (about 45 minutes away by car/boat). I will be available by phone and Martin can assist in-person if circumstances necessitate it.
There's a detailed guide inside the cottage that should cover everything else you’d want to know for an enjoyable and relaxing stay.
--Neighborhood description--
Grenell Island boasts a 1934 Community House with ping pong tables, library, and seasonal Post Office, as well as an island historical display. There’s a fairytale 1898 stone chapel with summer Sunday services. The path around the island is less than 1 mile long. Walkers, joggers, and dog-walkers enjoy the path daily.
--Getting around--
A boat is necessary to reach the island and explore and enjoy the St. Lawrence River. There are no roads on Grenell Island, only a walking path which is a mixture of concrete sidewalk, lawns, and a dirt trail.
--Directions--
Grenell Island is accessible only by boat. You can depart from many locations in Clayton, NY but also from the surrounding area. The closest marina is Spicer Marine Basin which has a boat ramp and boat rental options.
--House manual--
A property guide will be located inside the cottage and contain all the information you need for an enjoyable and relaxing stay.
