Nestled at the convergence of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, Carleton Villa rises from Carleton Island as a tangible piece of the Gilded Age’s extravagance.
History of Carleton Villa
Once the crown jewel of the Thousand Islands, it was an architectural masterpiece designed in 1894 by William Miller for William O. Wyckoff, the man who brought the Remington typewriter to prominence.
However, this Villa has witnessed over seventy years of abandonment and contains the tales of a family touched by both fortune and misfortune.
William O. Wyckoff’s wife suffered a heart attack and passed away just one month before they were to move in.
The house’s master himself succumbed to a heart attack on his first night in the residence, and his son, Clarence Wyckoff, lost the family’s fortune during the Great Depression, leading to the property’s eventual sale to General Electric.
But World War II’s intervention halted General Electric’s intended demolition of the villa.
Over time, its windows, floors, and marble cladding from its once-majestic tower were stripped, leaving only the Villa’s skeleton.
Yet, the structure stands as a testament to the era’s craftsmanship and the memories it harbors.
Carleton Villa Restoration Plans
Ronald Clapp, a real estate investor from Florida, has purchased Carleton Villa with plans to convert it into a bed-and-breakfast.
Working with architects, he’s developing restoration plans and has proposed a “glampground” on the property to help fund the villa’s restoration.
Carleton Villa’s Grand Exterior
As one approaches Carleton Island by boat, the Villa’s silhouette against the skyline is both haunting and beautiful.
The exterior, marked by the passage of time, holds a stoic grace, with its wood frame and stone foundation standing resilient against the elements.
Its waterfronts, covering three sides, provide a sweeping view that truly embodies the beauty of the Thousand Islands.
Interior of Carleton Villa
Carleton Villa’s interior offers a unique journey through history.
The ongoing restoration promises to enhance the villa’s historical essence, preparing it to welcome visitors keen to connect with its rich narrative.
