
Few real estate offerings capture the romantic allure of Gilded Age luxury quite like an authentic Adirondack Great Camp. Commissioned in 1906 for whiskey baron Harry Milton Levy and designed by renowned New York City architect Julian Clarence Levi, Hemlock Ledge (26 Hemlock Ledge Road) is a rare architectural masterpiece preserved on the shores of Tupper Lake.
Spanning nearly 29 heavily wooded acres with 530 feet of private shoreline, this estate offers an extraordinary retreat into classic Adirondack grandeur—blending hand-hewn rustic craftsmanship with expansive multi-building accommodations.
The Estate Architecture & Layout
Rather than a single massive structure, classic Great Camps were designed as compound communities—allowing family and guests to gather while maintaining privacy. Hemlock Ledge carries on this tradition through three main living structures plus a two-slip boathouse.
1. The Four-Season Main Lodge
The heart of Hemlock Ledge is a magnificent two-story rustic lodge finished in classic log and wood siding.
- Living & Dining: The primary living room centers around a stone fireplace that serves as an architectural anchor. Large double doors open to an expansive covered porch overlooking Tupper Lake and surrounding mountain ridges.
- Sleeping Quarters: Features 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a formal dining room, a dedicated study, and custom built-ins throughout.
- Fireplaces: Nearly every room boasts its own dedicated hearth—contributing to eight total fireplaces across the estate.
2. The Summer Bunkhouse
Connected to the main residence, the adjoining three-season bunkhouse serves as a dedicated sanctuary for hosting extended family and large groups.
- Accommodations: Offers 4 additional bedrooms and 1 full bath.
- Atmosphere: Features a cozy living space warmed by a traditional wood stove, retaining its original early-20th-century summer camp character.
3. Birch Cabin: An Artisan Retreat
Perched closer to the water’s edge, the Birch Cabin is a quaint detached guest cottage highlighted by handcrafted birch accents, a full bath, and its own wood-burning fireplace. It offers a private setting for guests or artistic pursuits.
4. Two-Slip Boathouse & Waterfront Center
Constructed on a concrete foundation directly on the shoreline, the estate’s boathouse functions as a lakeside entertaining pavilion.
- Lower Level: Two deep-water boat slips with a massive private dock system and dedicated changing room.
- Upper Level: A game room equipped with a pool table, cathedral ceilings, and a private balcony cantilevered over Tupper Lake.
Key Property Highlights & Amenities
- Craftsmanship: Extensive custom woodwork, original exposed beam ceilings, wrought-metal hardware, and native stone masonry.
- Modern Comforts: 200+ amp electrical service, high-speed internet capability, and stainless steel kitchen appliances (including gas range and double oven).
- Privacy & Grounds: Situated at the end of a private road with a circular gravel driveway, mature trees, gently sloping lawns, and a private sandy beach area.
- Inclusions: Listing includes two combined parcels (Tax ID 509.-2-1), featuring a separate gatehouse cabin structure near the entrance for potential future restoration or estate security.
Why It Matters: Authentic Gilded Age Great Camps with significant, unbroken shoreline on premier Adirondack lakes rarely come to market. Hemlock Ledge represents a turn-key opportunity to steward a century-old architectural legacy while enjoying private, multi-generational lakefront living.