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T o get to the Point, you have to know where you’re going. There are no signs to reveal its hidden location, and you can’t just “drop by” to see this former Rockefeller estate tucked deep in the Adirondack woods of upstate New York. Even the guys who own the gas station not too far from the secret turnoff are tight-lipped. They’ll give you directions only after they have confirmed you have a reservation.
But if you are lucky enough to find that turn off the main
highway, you will be transported back in time as you wind your way down a barren
dirt road surrounded by dense pines. At first you’ll think you’re lost—this
can’t possibly be the right road. But round the corner several minutes later and
you’ll see the grand birch-log gates welcoming you to the Point—a compound of
exquisite log buildings resting on the rocky shores of Saranac Lake. It’s this
sort of exclusivity that explains why the Point has been chosen as one of the
top retreats by Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report—a well-respected
newsletter geared toward discriminating travelers.
This is “camping out” in grand style and is fitting for this neck of the woods,
where renowned American aristocrats like the Whitneys, Rockefellers, Vanderbilts
and Harrimans built lavish great camps around the turn of the century and
entertained in high style. Painstakingly constructed on a ten-acre peninsula,
the Point was originally Camp Wonundra, the home of William Avery Rockefeller.
Today, it carries on the Rockefeller tradition of honoring guests with its
unique combination of warm hospitality, grace and rustic elegance.
As you pull your car up to the main lodge, you will be surprised to find two
staff members carrying trays of champagne for you to sip while they give you a brief
informative tour of the compound. They will tell you that this is your new home
for the next several days and to please ask for anything—no request is too much
trouble.
Exclusive Details
To make a reservation, please call (518) 891-5674
Rooms
There are 11 guest quarters spread among four buildings.
Each guest room has a lake view, a sitting area facing a stone fireplace and a
mixture of antique furniture with an Adirondack feel.
The Main Lodge
The Main Lodge is a massive log cabin with four
guest rooms—the Mohawk, Algonquin, Iroquois and Morningside. The Great Hall
dining room is in the Main Lodge.
The Eagles Nest
The Eagles Nest is an adjacent lodge with three
guest rooms—the Sentinel, Lookout and Trappers. The Pub is also located at the
Eagles Nest.
The Guest House
The Guest House is another adjacent lodge with
three guest rooms—the Saranac, Weatherwatch and Evensong.
The Boathouse
The Boathouse is a separate structure built over the
water, offering unique accommodations. On the lake level, it also houses the
antique boats and launch area. The only guest room is set above and has a
wraparound balcony and canopied bed. The Boathouse is available until November.
Transportation
The nearest airport is Saranac Lake, NY. The Point is approximately 20 minutes from the airport. The resort will pick up guests at the airport.
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And they mean it. Because the Point can only accommodate 22 guests in its 11
lavishly decorated guest rooms, complete with stone fireplaces, featherbeds,
classic Adirondack antiques and birch log furniture, staying here is like
staying at the home of a well-to-do friend. Guests are encouraged to do what
they want, when they want. There are no schedules or agendas to follow.
The day begins with a light knock on your door, and a tray of hot coffee and
assorted teas are placed at the foot of your bed. Later, after you have fully
woken up from a deep sleep on your feather bed, a breakfast of omelettes,
raspberry pancakes and venison sausage is served in the Great Hall—a huge room
with a grand cathedral ceiling and fireplaces at either end. If you would rather
eat outdoors, you can enjoy your breakfast next to a roaring fire on a bluff by
the lake. The inviting lean-to outfitted with oriental rugs, fur throws and
plush pillows is the perfect place for a midday nap.
Upper Saranac Lake has no annoying reminders of civilization—there is not a
house in sight. Depending on the season, guests can spend the day snowshoeing,
cross-country skiing, hiking in the surrounding mountains or waterskiing on the
lake behind a classic wooden Adirondack speedboat. Lake Placid, with its Olympic
training center, is just 45 minutes away and offers a variety of activities from
shopping to speed skating and downhill skiing.
Dinners are served in the Great Hall, and black tie is suggested on Wednesday
and Saturday nights. As you sip your Burgundy and eat such classic dishes as
spring lamb with fresh rosemary, bouillabaisse or poached salmon, you can admire
the American master paintings of classic Adirondack scenes and stare back at the
moose heads adorning the walls of this wonderful estate.
Perhaps the hardest part about staying here is leaving—but even that is a
breeze. The all-inclusive price pays for everything—all meals, drinks and
activities, and tipping is not allowed unless a staff member has done something
extraordinary—which is difficult to gauge since everything they do is flawless.
There is no mandatory checkout time on your final day, and they will gladly
store your luggage while you enjoy a picnic lunch on a faraway peak or simply
stroll around the lake and admire this slice of wilderness six hours north of
New York City.
One thing is certain: Once you get home, you'll already be thinking about
coming back.
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