“`html
SOLD | Built 1894 | 15,000 Sq. Ft. | 11 Beds | 6.9 Acres
Carleton Island Lot 1, Cape Vincent, New York, United States, 13618
After being on the market for several years, Carleton Villa has been sold for $300,000. This historical villa was crafted by architect William Miller in 1894 for William O. Wyckoff, who gained his wealth by assisting Remington Arms Company in marketing typewriters. The estate was initially intended as a summer getaway and a venue for lavish entertainment. Set on Carleton Island, where Lake Ontario merges with the St. Lawrence River, it once stood as the most magnificent estate in the Thousand Islands region. Tragically, Wyckoff’s wife passed away from a heart attack just a month before he moved in, and on his first night, he also suffered a heart attack and died in his sleep. Following his passing, the villa came into the hands of his youngest son, Clarence Wyckoff. However, the family faced significant financial strains during the Great Depression, leading to the sale of the home to General Electric, who intended to demolish it to establish a retreat and new plant. They even offered salvaged materials from the villa to interested parties.
Numerous windows, including stained glass pieces, were taken out, and a whole floor of the bedroom was removed within the service wing. Additionally, the marble covering of the tower’s base was stripped away. Demolition efforts were interrupted by World War II, and General Electric ultimately ceased their plans, leaving the property as is. The large tower was eventually dismantled when it became a safety hazard. Currently, this Carleton Island Villa sits on 6.9 acres with three waterfronts measuring 198 feet in front of the villa, North Bay at 287 feet, and South Bay at 330 feet. The home has remained uninhabited for over 70 years and has a stone foundation, while its wooden upper floors show signs of decay. Electricity is available on the island, and water comes from the river, but the villa itself is not connected to any utilities. Constructed around 1895, it was occupied until approximately 1927. During the World War era, contractors were permitted to enter and remove the interior fittings, including doors and windows, subjecting the villa to the elements. The property was listed for $375,000 by Barry Kukowski of Howard Hanna Clayton.
“`
