cswirsky@adirondackdailyenterprise.com 518-891-2600 X 18
Contributors: Chris Gaige
Parker O’Brien
Spencer Morrisey
Lake Placid: Experience the ultimate Adirondack Resort lifestyle in this 4 BR, 4 BA end unit townhome with custom Adirondack finishes, 3 levels, 3807 sq. ft. living space at the prestigious Whiteface Club and Resort. Panoramic mountain and lake views, amenities. $2,250,000
Saranac Lake: Boulderbrook Lodge, 4 BR, 4 BA with panoramic mountain and lake views, deeded lakefront, dock and privacy. Featuring custom finishes, two main floor ensuites, expansive porches and furnished interiors. Trails, boating, future expansion options. $1,995,000
PRICEADJUSTMENT
Upper Saranac Lake: Panther Cove is a rare 16.5 acre estate with 482 ft. of shoreline. A generational retreat including a main residence, historic farmhouse, Adirondack cabin, whimsical Japanese teahouse, 2 boathouses, 2 garages. $4,200,000
Lake Placid: Charming 5 BR, 3.5 BA home, one block from Main Street shopping and dining, with mountain and Mirror lake views, upgrades include 2 renovated BA, primary en-suite with radiant in-floor heat, new roof & siding on garage. Being sold furnished, turn key. $1,185,000
Lake Placid: Beautiful 3 BR, 2 BA home on a quiet cul-de-sac with 1 acre of wooded privacy. Features custom woodwork, lots of natural light, a full basement, and a spacious mudroom. Enjoy a cozy firepit area and a private trail leading directly to the Northville–Placid Trail. Peaceful setting with gorgeous views—perfect for nature lovers! $725,000
Rainbow Lake: Camp Dun Koppin, a rare retreat with 504’ private shoreline! Year round home at water’s edge, seasonal cottage, garages, docks, firepit, approved building site with septic. An Adirondack hideaway with hamlet designation, fewer APA regulations. $1,090,000
Lake Placid: 3 BR, 3 BA, turn key log cabin offers a rare blend of Adirondack charm and modern comfort. Open floor plan, covered porch, deck. Great location, just a mile from Main Street Lake Placid shopping, dining, close to Henry’s Woods & John Brown trails, ski jumps.
$759,000
Jay: Stickney Bridge Road, partially finished on 8.9 acres, 4000 Sq. ft. potential for 5-7 bedrooms, 3.5 BA, equipped with roof, siding, windows, in floor heating tubing, kitchen appliances, septic system, well, 2 car garage with a workshop. $600,000
Loon Lake: “Moose Camp” is a 3 BR, 2 BA, beautifully furnished, turn key 1416 sq. foot cabin with an open concept, fireplace, deeded beach rights to both Bass Lake and Loon Lake, good rental history for STR, screened in gazebo, includes a canoe, kayak & small motor boat. $485,000
ABOVE:
The Hoyt’s High Trail is seen in the background to the left of the Lookout Mountain Triple chairlift at the Whiteface Mountain ski area on Oct. 21. The trail had about 50 new high-efficiency fixed snowguns installed ahead of the 2025-26 ski season, similar to the guns seen in the foreground here on the Easy Street trail.
ABOVE:
WHITEFACE GEARS UP FOR THE SEASON
ABOVE:
A member of the Whiteface Mountain ski center’s snowmaking crew adjusts a line to a mobile snow gun on the Upper Skyward trail near the mountain’s summit area on Oct. 27.
Whiteface Mountain ski center General Manager Aaron Kellett smiles in front of the new Little Whiteface double chairlift on Oct. 21. At the time, it was nearing completion. The ski lift headlined the ski center’s summer 2025 improvement projects and replaced two old lifts that served the same terrain.
(Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)
(Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)
(Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)
(Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)
ABOVE:
Chairlift installation specialists Ryan Toolen, left, and Adam Bower smile at the base of the new Little Whiteface fixed-grip double chairlift at the Whiteface Mountain ski center in Wilmington on Oct. 21.
LEFT:
The Little Whiteface ski lift is seen at the Whiteface Mountain ski center in Wilmington on Oct. 21.
(Provided photo — Olympic Regional Development Authority)
Basecamps for Every Winter Adventure
When winter settles over the Adirondacks, these homes offer the perfect mix of warmth and wilderness. Tucked among snow-covered pines and frozen lakes, each property provides a peaceful retreat after days spent skiing nearby slopes, exploring wooded trails, or simply watching the snow fall from beside a crackling fire. Designed for year-round comfort and timeless Adirondack character, they’re ideal for embracing all that winter brings.
2 Scenic View Drive, Lake Placid
Experience refined Adirondack living at The Lodges—Whiteface Club & Resort’s newest neighborhood. The Beech Lodge offers 4 bedrooms, mountain views, rustic elegance, world-class amenities, and rental potential.
$1,295,000
88 Short Ridge Way, Long Lake
This private year-round Long Lake cabin captures one of the most breathtaking views in the Adirondacks. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open living spaces, and a tranquil covered porch, it’s the perfect retreat for every season.
$795,000
River Bend Townhomes, Lake Placid
River Bend Townhomes blend modern design with Adirondack style. Located near Main Street and the ADK Rail Trail, these new units offer premium finishes, radiant heat, and low-maintenance mountain living year-round.
Starting at $955,000
Owaissa Club, Wilmington
Customize your dream townhome at the Owaissa Club in Wilmington. This 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath shell offers full design flexibility, four private decks, and a prime location near Lake Everest and Whiteface Mountain.
STARTING AT $608,000
968
Springfield Road, Wilmington
This stunning home blends modern luxury with Adirondack heritage. Built using reclaimed wood from the original home, featuring passive solar design, radiant concrete floors, and sustainable craftsmanship throughout.
$795,000
3368 County Route 26, Loon Lake
Expansive 7-bedroom, 4-bath home near Loon Lake with over 3,600 sq ft of living space. Enjoy deeded lake access, a large screened porch, and tranquil surroundings—ideal for gatherings or a private year-round escape.
$569,000
SAY YES TO THE RIGHT HOME.
Better options. Better choices.
Whether you’re buying your first home or your own private escape, we’ll meet you where you are—and help you get where you want to be.
Our team works to boost your buying power so you can make a stronger offer and stand out in a competitive market. And we may have options to help make your new house feel like home—whether that means tackling repairs, adding a fence, or upgrading your kitchen.
With flexible mortgage options and competitive rates, we make it easy to move forward with confidence.
Thanks to CBNA and Alex, our homebuying experience was smooth and easy. The communication, flexibility, and personal touch made all the difference. We’re happy to recommend CBNA to anyone looking for financing in Lake Placid.”
SILVIA V. Lake Placid, NY Home Owner
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The Johns Brook Lodge’s great room features a fireplace and dining area. (Provided photo — Adirondack Mountain Club)
Adirondack Mountain Club caps off Johns Brook Lodge Centennial Celebration
By Chris Gaige
NORTH ELBA — When thinking of overnighting deep in the High Peaks backcountry, full-service amenities are probably the last thing that comes to mind.
In most cases, hikers would be fortunate to find a level and welldrained patch of ground to pitch a tent — nearby running water and outhouse facilities are each a bonus. However, there’s one shining exception to this, and one that turned 100 years old this summer: the Johns Brook Lodge, which is owned and operated by the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK).
Though its formal centennial occurred and was commemorated on-site at the Johns Brook Lodge on July 4, ADK held an encore celebration at its Adirondak Loj on Oct. 25. ADK Executive Director Cortney Worrall said this offered a more accessible opportunity for
people to come and celebrate, as the Loj can be directly driven to. In addition to cake and camaraderie, Saturday’s celebration was headlined by a presentation on the history of Johns Brook Lodge that was given by Tony Goodwin, who worked there from 1966-68 — a job he began when he was 16 years old. It’s hard to find a more comprehensive source of High Peaks knowledge than Goodwin, who also serves as the Keene town historian. He’s edited five editions of the Adirondack Mountain Club’s “High Peaks Trails,” a comprehensive guidebook on hiking trails in the region, covering not just the 46 High Peaks — both those with official and unofficial routes — but many other smaller area trails.
Goodwin said the fact that the lodge is still serving club members and the public today goes back to the
original vision behind it of providing hospitality and information to hikers in such a remote area.
“It’s a testament to the fact that it serves a useful purpose,” he said. “The same useful purpose that (first ADK Chair of the Trails) Bill Howard sensed when he insisted that Rogers lumber company donate the land to ADK. And with a lot of work in the last 40 years or so, the lodge has been more than patched up, but really made whole.”
The lodge has a 3.5-mile hike from the nearest parking lot and trailhead in the remote Johns Brook Valley in the town of Keene. The property has the capacity to sleep 46 guests indoors — with heating and mattresses — in hostel-style bunks, 28 in the main lodge and another 18 between two guest cabins: Camp Peggy O’Brien and Grace Camp, along with three adjacent lean-tos
and a staff cabin. There’s a full-service kitchen and dining area, with a crew to cook meals in the summer and fall, and appliances for guests to prepare meals, potable water, a fireplace and indoor vaulted toilets.
Johns Brook Lodge has long been synonymous with ADK. In 1923, the then-fledgling club was given the parcel of logged land from the J. & J. Rogers Company, a former timber and iron company. ADK then moved to build the lodge, which was completed in 1925 to be used as a meeting place for the club, which had been established in 1922.
The property is now surrounded by state forest preserve, though ADK enjoys a right-of-way access along the Johns Brook foot trail, which begins at “The Garden” trailhead near the hamlet of Keene Valley. Suffice to say, maintaining a yearround lodging operation of that caliber deep in the backcountry hasn’t been easy. Its hundred-year survival — and continued promising future — is owed to a cadre of specialized staff and an army of volunteers who have poured time and energy into keeping the property structurally sound and aesthetically pleasing for continued use and enjoyment. Worrall said this shared commitment made celebrating 100 years especially beloved.
“I think it just shows all of what’s so special about the Adirondacks and the Adirondack Mountain Club,” she said. “The years and years and years of people volunteering their time, investing in something that’s a
public resource — that’s available to everyone — is just remarkable, and unique in the United States.”
When Goodwin attended the onsite centennial earlier this summer, he was “blown away” by how much nicer it looked now than in the 1960s, when it looked far less likely to stand up for another 100 years.
Goodwin said that back in the day, the crews, for the most part, had to pack in the food that was served from the Valley Grocery Store in Keene Valley once a week, along with more stable provisions that were either packed in or dropped off at the beginning of the season.
As it does today, the lodge served breakfast, packed lunches for its guests to take with them while hiking and dinner.
Goodwin said that beyond the lodge’s hospitality, it has also served as a vital backcountry public resource over the years. While the lodge’s existence isn’t a substitute for proper preparation, it has provided a safe
harbor for wayward hikers suffering from fatigue, injury or hypothermia over the years, giving them a chance to dry off or warm up in the interior of the High Peaks wilderness.
Its proximity to popular mountains such as Big Slide, Lower Wolf Jaw, Upper Wolf Jaw, Armstrong, Gothics, Saddleback, Basin, Haystack and Marcy also makes it a hub for hikers to both ask for and provide the lodge crew and its guests with the latest trail conditions, and anypotential hazards that may lie further up the trail.
Worrall said that at its core, Johns
Brook Lodge bolsters ADK’s mission of promoting outdoor access responsibly.
“It’s about the fact that these are accessible places for everybody to enjoy,” she said. “We’re not an exclusive club, we’re a place where people from all walks of life can come and explore and enjoy something that very few people get to experience.”
A cake celebrating the Johns Brook Lodge’s centennial is seen at the Adirondak Loj on Oct. 25. (Enterprise photo Chris Gaige)
A crowd gathers at the Adirondak Loj on Oct. 25 to celebrate the Johns Brook Lodge’s centennial and listen to a presentation on its history given by Tony Goodwin, left. (Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)
Adirondack trails guru and Keene Town Historian Tony Goodwin, who worked at the Johns Brook Lodge from 1966-68, gives a presentation at the Adirondak Loj in North Elba on Oct. 25.
This year marks the Johns Brook Lodge’s centennial.
(Enterprise photo — Chris Gaige)
Experience Adirondack elegance at Whiteface Club & Resort in this 4-bedroom, 4.5-bath, 3,807 sq ft townhome overlooking Lake Placid and Whiteface Mountain. The spacious open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area features a fireplace and French doors opening to a covered deck with panoramic views. The primary suite offers its own fireplace and a sunroom retreat. Ownership includes membership benefits such as landscaping, exterior maintenance, snow removal, and regular property checks. Residents also enjoy year-round resort amenities including golf, tennis, a sandy beach, marina access, two on-site restaurants, a clubhouse, and cross-country ski trails. $2,250,000
COLLEEN M. HOLMES REAL ESTATE BROKER/OWNER
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Chase T. Jermano
SRS, ABR, PSA, RSPS, AHWD, RENE, GREEN
NYS Licensed Real Estate Broker Cell: 518-637-5272
Chase@ADKTLRE.com
Daci ‘Leonard’ Shen eld ABR, SRS, GREEN Women’s Council of Realtors NYS Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Cell: 518-524-0526
Daci@ADKTLRE.com
158-160 Newman Road, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Enjoy the stability of long-term tenants in a high-demand rental market, or take advantage of the opportunity to reside in one apartment and offset your mortgage and living expenses with established rental income. Three total units. Two currently tenant-occupied, one owner-occupied. Each unit features separate laundry hookups and spacious layouts. Garage spaces for three vehicles. Hardwood oors in two units and new wall to wall carpet in 3rd unit. Exclusively Listed for $739,000
19 Margaret Place, Lake Placid, NY 12946
This expansive Dutch Colonial residence is 1 block from Main Street Lake Placid and offers 6 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms with a versatile layout designed for comfort and convenience. The main living area features an electric replace that creates a welcoming ambiance, while re nished hardwood oors highlight the home’s historic character. A exible upstairs con guration allows two bedrooms to be combined into a private suite with its own bath and exterior access. Modernized bathrooms and updated nishes complement the home’s timeless charm. The property is being offered fully furnished and includes a fenced yard with multiple sections for outdoor enjoyment. Situated just one block from Main Street in Lake Placid, this home provides a rare opportunity to own a spacious, centrally located residence with a rich blend of history and modern updates. Exclusively Listed for $999,000
Selling In the O -Season Strategies for Success When the Market Slows Down
Selling a home during the o -season, typically in the colder months or around the holidays, can be challenging.
However, with the right approach, you can still achieve a successful sale. Here are some strategies to help you sell your home during less active market periods.
Price It Right
Pricing is always critical, but it’s especially important in the off-season. With fewer buyers on the market, setting a competitive price can help attract serious o ers quickly.
Work with your real estate agent to analyze recent sales in your area and determine a pricing strategy that reflects the current market conditions while still meeting your financial goals.
Enhance Curb Appeal
Even in the o -season, first impressions matter. Make sure your home’s exterior is clean, well-maintained, and welcoming.
In the fall, keep leaves raked and gutters clear. In winter, ensure walkways are shoveled and salted.
Consider adding seasonal decorations, like a festive wreath or potted evergreens, to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Stage for the Season
Staging your home to reflect the current season can make it more appealing to buyers.
In the fall, emphasize warmth and coziness with rich colors, so lighting and plush textiles.
In winter, highlight the home’s heating efficiency and create a comfortable environment with throw blankets and ambient lighting.
Seasonal staging helps buyers imagine themselves living in the home during those months.
Focus on Marketing
With fewer people out and about in colder weather, marketing becomes even more crucial. Ensure your listing includes high-quality photos and a virtual tour to showcase your home’s best features.
Promote your listing on social media and real estate websites to reach a broader audience, in addition to a tried-and-true outlet: the local newspaper. Consider using
Be Flexible with Showings
ads that target buyers who are actively searching in your area.
Be Flexible with Showings
During the o -season, buyers may have more limited availability due to weather conditions or holiday schedules.
Be as flexible as possible with showings, o ering evening and weekend appointments if needed. Accommodating potential buyers’ schedules can increase the chances of a sale, even when the market is slow.
Selling during the o -season requires extra effort, but it can also mean less competition and more motivated buyers. By following these strategies, you can successfully sell your home, regardless of the time of year.
During the off-season, there may be fewer buyers, so it’s crucial to be flexible with showing times. Accommodating evening and weekend appointments, even on short notice, can increase your chances of finding a buyer. Being available and responsive to potential buyers’ schedules can help you sell your home faster, even when the market is slower.
REAL ESTATE 101
Curb Appeal: Curb appeal refers to the attractiveness of a property’s exterior when viewed from the street. It is the first impression potential buyers have of a home. Good curb appeal can significantly impact a buyer's interest in the property and can influence the speed and price at which the home sells. Enhancements like landscaping, exterior paint and clean walkways are common ways to improve curb appeal.
