Baby Tar Island is the kind of property that captures the imagination the moment you round the bend from Rockport. It is an iconic family compound that balances century-old charm with sophisticated, contemporary renovations. The estate is designed for high-capacity hosting, allowing for total privacy between the main residence, the guest cottage, and the residence atop the boathouse. With 360-degree river views and deep-water access, it serves as a central hub for the best of island life—where the morning mist meets a cup of coffee on the veranda and the evenings are spent in a cantilevered dining room suspended over the St. Lawrence.
PROPERTY DETAILS
The living quarters are spread across three primary structures to accommodate large gatherings with ease. The Main House is a masterclass in elegant waterfront design, featuring 2 to 3 bedrooms and a glassed-in veranda that frames panoramic south and west river views. It is anchored by a dramatic stone fireplace and a luxurious three-room primary suite. The Guest House has been completely reimagined as a contemporary 3-bedroom cottage, featuring a glass-walled dining room that literally hangs over the island's edge and a stylish lower-level wine cellar. Finally, the Boathouse acts as a self-contained destination, offering a totally renovated five-bedroom summer residence on its upper level, complete with its own kitchen, dining area, and a massive screened-in porch that sits directly over the water.
LAND AND WATER
The property is a 1.3-acre wooded and rolling landscape that provides a natural, park-like setting in the middle of the river. The inclusion of two additional lots on the neighboring Tar Island significantly expands the estate's footprint and development potential. The shoreline is well-fortified and designed for active water use, providing direct river views from nearly every vantage point. The island’s topography allows for private nooks and expansive decks, ensuring that whether you are looking for a sunrise over the east deck or a sunset from the primary sitting porch, the river is always the focal point.
ACCESS AND UTILITIES
Access to Baby Tar Island is exclusively by boat, with the village of Rockport serving as the primary mainland gateway. The property is well-equipped for significant vessel storage, featuring a spectacular two-storey boathouse with two wet slips and lifts on the main floor. Modern infrastructure includes a septic system, electricity, and a high-capacity lake-water intake system with a purifier and heater. While the buildings are over 100 years old, the extensive renovations—including a new kitchen in the guest house and updated baths throughout—ensure that the estate operates with modern efficiency while maintaining its seasonal, historic character.
LIFESTYLE AND VALUE
At $1,895,000, Baby Tar Island offers an immense amount of "house" and history for the price. With ten bedrooms and eight bathrooms, the value per square foot is exceptional for a private island compound in such a prime location. This is not just a summer home; it is a strategic acquisition of one of the river’s signature properties. The combination of the iconic boathouse, the cantilevered guest cottage, and the additional Tar Island lots creates a versatile asset that can serve as a private sanctuary, a corporate retreat, or a cherished family legacy for the next hundred years.
