A 36-Acre Private Sanctuary on Gardner Lake

Gated Luxury • $1M+ Renovation • Your Lakeside Legacy

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A Lakeside Legacy

$12M Adirondack Majesty

Originally the site of one of Connecticut’s oldest Boy Scout camps, this 36-acre gated sanctuary has been transformed into a 16,000 sq. ft. masterpiece of stone, slate, and timber. Built at a cost of $12M, the estate features over 1,000 feet of private lakefront on Gardner Lake, accented by $1,000,000 in expert rock work, koi ponds, and cascading waterfalls.

The Main House Specs

  • The Layout: 14 Rooms | 5 Spacious, Sunny Bedrooms
  • Culinary: 3 Kitchens including a Pro-Grade Commercial Kitchen
  • Entertainment: Private Cinema, Billiards Hall, Library & 3 Bars
  • Wellness: Saltwater Pool, Cedar Sauna, Eucalyptus Steam & Gym
  • The Docks: Private Beach, Dock, and Included Pontoon Boat
36 Gated Acres • 1,000 FT Waterfront

Select Your Experience

36 Gated Acres. Five Ways to Stay.

The Ultimate Sanctuary

The Full Gated Private Estate w/ Guest Cabins

Entire 36-Acre Compound | Sleeps 36

The ultimate private takeover. Includes the Adirondack Mansion, both Waterfront Cabins, the 8,000 sq. ft. Pool Wing, private beach, and docks. Total exclusivity for large families or corporate retreats.

  • 13 Bedrooms / 10 Bathrooms
  • Private Indoor Pool & Spa
  • Gated 36-Acre Perimeter
  • Full Waterfront Access
CALL DIRECT FOR 15% OFF VIEW ON VRBO

The Full Lake House Mansion

Luxury Main House | 8 BR | 6.5 BA

  • Includes Indoor Pool & Spa
  • Grand Great Room & Chef's Kitchen
  • Sleeps up to 24 Guests
  • Private Cinema Access
VIEW FULL MANSION

3BR Mansion Waterfron Suite

Partial Mansion | 4 BR | 3 BA

  • Private Entrance & Indoor Pool
  • Upper Level Luxury Bedrooms
  • Sleeps up to 12 Guests
  • Shared Grounds Access
VIEW WATERFRONT SUITE

The Family Cabin

Waterfront Living | 3 BR | 2 BA

  • Wrap-around Porch & Lake Views
  • Direct Dock & Beach Access
  • Kitchen, Grill & Fire Pit
  • No Mansion/Pool Access
VIEW FAMILY CABIN

Spencer’s Cabin

Waterfront Living | 2 BR | 1 BA

  • Front Porch & Private Back Deck
  • Steps from the Water & Dock
  • Cozy Living & Lakeside Vibe
  • No Mansion/Pool Access
VIEW SPENCER'S CABIN

The Heritage

A Century of Sanctuary

Established around World War I, this ground originally served as Camp Wakenah, one of the oldest Boy Scout camps in America. In 2002, the 31-acre waterfront perimeter was reimagined as a private estate, blending its rustic "Adirondack" roots with world-class engineering and artisan stonework.

Site Logistics

  • Acreage: 36 Gated Acres on Gardner Lake.
  • Waterfront: 1,000+ feet of private shoreline & beach.
  • Events: Zoned for up to 100 guests for weddings & retreats.
  • Parking: On-site capacity for 50 vehicles.
  • Access: Private gated entrance off Route 354.

The Build

$1M in Renovations

Master Suite & Lodging

Total overnight capacity for 31 guests across three residences.

  • The Mansion: 5 BR / 4.5 BA + 3 Full Kitchens (Sleeps 20).
  • Family Cabin: 3 BR / 2 BA (Sleeps 7).
  • Spencer's Cabin: 2 BR / 1 BA (Sleeps 4).

Technical Excellence

  • Interiors: 16,000 sq. ft. of slate, timber, and stone.
  • Appliances: Sub-Zero refrigeration & commercial-grade kitchen.
  • Systems: Radiant heat, elevator access, and high-end security.
  • Leisure: Private cinema, wine cellar, and 8,000 sq. ft. pool wing.
  • Inclusions: Private dock, pontoon boat, and 4x4 ATV.
8,000 SQ. FT. POOL WING

The Renovation Highlight

The Indoor Pool & Spa

Experience year-round relaxation in our private sanctuary, featuring timber-frame elegance and modern amenities.

  • Heated Indoor Swimming Pool
  • Dedicated Spa & Hot Tub
  • Cedar-Lined Dry Sauna
  • Luxury Eucalyptus Steam Room
Included with all Mansion and Full Estate reservations.

Verified Guest Experiences

Letters from the Lake

★★★★★

"Salem Woods was a one-of-a-kind experience. The property was the perfect setting for our family gathering. Bill and his entire staff were so accommodating. Our family hasn’t stopped talking about being on the lake."

Sara V.
Family Gathering
★★★★★

"This place is incredible! Everything from the pool and saunas to the fire pit, lake, and theater room were all perfect! It was not only beautiful but it also has an amazing 'vibe.' We were so comfortable the entire time!"

Julie
Vacation Guest
★★★★★

"Went to a reception here and it was absolutely beautiful. The pool was ginormous and my kids had a blast. Lots of rooms and plenty of space for everyone. The grounds were beautiful and the lake was awesome."

Frank R.
Reception Guest
★★★★★

"An absolutely unique experience! Both the main house and the cabins were incredibly well maintained. Everyone loved the evening swims in the enormous indoor pool and the paddleboat rides."

Ryan W.
Post-Wedding Celebration
★★★★★

"The house was better than expected. We had about 20 people in the main house and you never felt like there were more than a few people there. The pool area was perfect—better than a hotel."

Brandi
Large Group Stay
★★★★★

"From the beautiful log cabins to the gorgeous main house and the view, the entire experience was carefree. I cannot wait to return."

Jennifer S.
Family Celebration
★★★★★

"Worked great for our large gathering. The cottages were perfect to put the rest of the fam so they could make as much noise as they want. The nighttime fire pit and smores topped it off."

Mike Z.
Large Family Gathering
★★★★★

"Beautiful, scenic setting with every amenity you could ask for! Clean, spacious, and practical. This is a hidden gem, and the owner was extremely easy to work with."

Don T.
Reunion Gathering
★★★★★

"From the home theatre to the indoor hot tub/pool and paddle boating. Great for a weekend getaway with crazy amenities like the pool table and bar. This place was gorgeous."

Joaquine H.
Family Weekend Getaway