This year- round energy efficient wood frame modular did not last long on the market! This hidden home went under contract in March and was built in 2016! Located on a dead end private road with 4 acres and 127 ft of lakeshore on Pelot's Bay. The modern interior features an open kitchen and living area with 8 x 3 kitchen island, maple floors, and updated appliances. The kitchen/living room has 9 foot ceilings and is framed by wood laminate beams, floor to ceiling glass and includes two sets of sliding doors to the Lakeside deck. (This home is UNDER CONTRACT.)

 

 

February's hidden home sold this past July and it is an adorable abode nestled among the cedars, maples, and pines that offers privacy and seclusion. This lakefront retreat is sited on an amazing 2.3 acre peninsula with 670 ft of direct shoreline down a ½ mile private drive! Complementing this hidden home is a detached two-car car heated garage/shop with covered boat storage and a 2 bedroom apartment with full kitchen and a massive 2nd story deck overlooking the water. 

There is frontage with moorings on protected Holcomb Bay with awe inspiring views over the broad lake, Mount Mansfield, and the Green Mountains. It even has footpaths to secret swimming spots and a lakefront deck along with easy waterfront access and a semi-private boat ramp. The property owners through careful stewardship and preservation of the natural shoreline were awarded the Lake-wise Designation by the State of Vermont! 

The interior of the main house oozes with warmth and rustic charm and includes the living room overlooking the water with fieldstone hearth,Vermont Hearthstone stove, and cherry and walnut hardwood floors. The eat in kitchen has custom-built cabinets, fieldstone fireplace, and an island.The backsplash is composed of polished slabs of Isle La Motte limestone with embedded fossils. The 20x16 three season porch feels like a treehouse with vaulted ceilings, custom cabinets, and cedar floors. 

We hope you enjoyed this exclusive look inside this covert home located in Isle La Motte! 

(Note: This home is NOT for sale) 

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Grand Isle 2020 Market Update

This past year was unprecedented in many ways, at the start of the pandemic it was hard to say what the impact would be on the housing market. However, despite the many challenges, 2020 turned out to be one of the hottest markets we have ever seen with homes selling faster than ever. 

One of the factors that led to this ‘pop’ in the market was that the coronavirus had homebuyers reassessing their criteria for a home. Folks spent more time at home which led to clients searching for more square footage, home offices, as well as larger outdoor space. Due to many working remotely, new areas of the state were considered. This along with the inability to travel, resulted in an increase in the second home market or second homeowners became full time residents. 

The Lake Champlain area was an ideal place for many in-state and out-of-state buyers and people selling their home took advantage of the sellers market. These factors combined with the record low mortgage rates made buyers eager to find their dream home. However, the lack of inventory made for a very competitive market. 

Ultimately, both buyers and sellers overcame, making 2020 one for the books. In Grand Isle County, 181 homes were sold. That is an increase of 19.1% from 2019 with more luxury and lakefront homes selling than usual. 14 homes sold for over $1 million in Grand Isle County--more homes than the last 4 years combined!

In Grand Isle County new listings were down 5.2% to 219 compared to 231 in 2019. Due to low inventory, competition among buyers was high and many listings were seeing multiple offers and selling above asking price. As a result, the days on market till sale has decreased 14.6% and the median sales price has increased 13.2%. As we kick off the new year, the real estate market is holding strong and buyers are still actively searching in our area. Inventory is at an all time low with just 32* homes for sale in Grand Isle County giving sellers the upper hand. Home prices are on the rise and buyers are in high demand, if you're thinking of selling now is the time!

*As of February 1, 2021

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Hidden Home:

Nestled among the cedars, maples, and pines this adorable abode offers privacy and seclusion. This lakefront retreat is sited on an amazing 2.3 acre peninsula with 670 ft of direct shoreline down a ½ mile private drive! Enjoy this exclusive look inside this covert home located in Isle La Motte. (Note: This home is NOT for sale) 

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As we roll into the month of December the search for the perfect present begins...This holiday season we challenge you to shop local and support Grand Isle County businesses. We have you covered with gift inspiration and great shopping spots right here in the Champlain Islands! 

1. Doghouse Pottery 

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Doghouse Pottery has an array of beautiful mugs to mixing bowls and even growlers you will be sure to find a special pottery item for someone on your list! All of their products are 100% handmade in South Hero, Vermont. Their shop is currently closed to foot traffic so check out their website to browse!

Photo by Amanda via Doghouse Pottery

 

2. Champlain Islands Candy Lab

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Is it really the holidays if you aren’t indulging in sweet treats? The Champlain Islands Candy Lab in South Hero, Vermont has an assortment of to die for Vermont artisanal chocolates and baked goods. They also offer holiday gift boxes and custom gift boxes, perfect for the chocolate connoisseur in your life!

Photo via Champlain Islands Candy Lab

 

3. Kraemer & Kin

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To appease the Beer lovers on your list, head to Kraemer and Kin’s tasting room in North Hero and pick up a gift card or a four-pack of their tasty, beautifully packaged craft brews. We recommend pairing that with one of their merch items, try adding a couple of their pint glasses or a Botanical Ampersand Tee. 

Photo via Kraemer and Kin

 

4. Meadow Lane Macrame

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Meadow Lane Macrame is a Handmade Fiber Art shop out of South Hero that creates unique pieces from wall art to super fun earrings. These boho inspired designs are irresistible and their plant hangers are a great gift for those with a green thumb! You can browse their different macrame collections on their brand new website.

Photo by Christel Nase via Meadow Lane Macrame

 

5. Hero's Welcome General Store

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When in doubt, head to Hero’s Welcome in North Hero. This general store will have you covered with everything under the sun. Whether you’re looking for your niece, nephew, or co-worker, this general store is packed with games, books, gag gifts, household items, clothing, and a wide selection of local products! 

Photo via Hero's Welcome

 

6. Grand Isle Art Works

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Located on Route 2 in Grand Isle, Vermont, Grand Isle Art Works has a variety of fine arts and crafts ranging from glass, mixed media, clay, wood, photography and much more! While you're there, keep an eye out for Across the Grain Pottery and their raku fish sculptures. This South Hero pottery studio specializes in functional pottery and raku, they even offer classes as well! Surprise your crafty friend or family member with the gift of a private pottery lesson.

Photo via Grand Isle Art Works

 

7. Savage Gardens Bijoux Jewelry

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A local farmer, owner of Savage Gardens, and a jeweler?! Amanda Gervais does it all, including creating unique sterling silver pieces that are popular among many. Based out of North Hero, one of her most well-known pieces are her Lake Champlain pendants. To see more of Bijoux Jewelry’s designs visit her shop on etsy.

Photo by Amanda Gervais via Savage Gardens

 

That’s a wrap on our holiday gift guide folks! Now you can find something for everybody on your list this holiday season while supporting small businesses in the Champlain Islands. Don't see your favorite shop on our list? Please comment their name or website below!

 

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Coldwell Banker Islands Realty is excited to introduce a new YouTube series, Hidden Homes!

If you enjoy checking out pictures and videos of houses of all kinds you will love our new Hidden Homes series! Whether you're looking to buy a home or simply gazing for fun these videos will appeal to all real estate lovers by giving you an inside look at some of the most covert homes in the Champlain Islands. 

One of the most appealing aspects about properties in the Grand Isle County is the vast acreage and privacy it often offers homeowners. That being said, many of the most breathtaking homes are secluded and unseen! To improve visibility we will be featuring an array of handpicked properties each month, both active as well as several closed homes.

So, whether it be a secluded property down a private road or a concealed lakefront home you can expect to see them featured monthly in our newsletter, Island Insights, on our blog, and of course on the CBIR youtube channel!

October's Hidden Home:

Who else is adding this historic 1816 farmhouse to their wish list? This beautiful lakefront home is tucked away on 6.3 acres on the West Shore of Grand Isle, Vermont.