About us
The vast 6 million acres of land known as the Adirondacks have always inspired a sense of romance in visitors. Here is nature at its finest: pristine lakes and streams, mountains every which way you look, crisp air, and glorious sights all around. The charm of this land called for a manner of architecture just as enchanting. Around the turn of the century, wealthy visitors, smitten with the region, began to build their Great Camps. These were not “camps” at all, but expansive estates situated lakeside that were at once rustic and elegant. Native stone and wood were the construction materials of choice for the Great Camps, which usually consisted of a main lodge and multiple outbuildings around the estate.
Bearhurst, one of the few remaining Great Camps, embodies all the romance early visitors discovered in this beautiful area. The property has been in the Armstrong family for three generations. Situated near the village of Speculator in Hamilton County, a short, scenic drive from either the Northway or NYS Thruway, Bearhurst is located on Lake Pleasant’s south shore, the “quiet side” of the lake, just 1 1/2 miles from the popular Camp-of-the-Woods. In addition to the main lodge and the Chalet, which are the Armstrong’s private residences in the summer, Bearhurst has five guest cottages. We invite you to join us for an extraordinary vacation experience.
For more information, please e-mail us at BearhurstCottages@gmail.com.
We look forward to meeting you!
Rich and Diana Armstrong
While the inside of the cottages are charming and comfortable, the world outside is nothing short of spectacular! Here, we see nature at its finest–beautiful sunsets over the lake against a backdrop of ascending mountains. With 1200 feet of lake front property, Bearhurst gives our guests both privacy and wonderful access to lakeside activities. A spacious dock invites swimming, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, fishing, water-skiing, or just sitting in the sun with a good book. We even have canoes, paddleboards and kayaks available for guest use.
Of course, the beauty of our immediate surroundings is only the beginning. The adventurous guest will find this section of the Adirondack Park generous in its bounty with vast tracts of wilderness that offer opportunities for hiking, canoeing, hunting, and other outdoor pursuits. And after exploring nature, our guests love to investigate the nearby towns. Speculator has a choice of good restaurants, Saratoga Springs is a lovely 75-minute trip, and antiquing is never far away. We are also just up the road from Camp-of-the-Woods.
Bearhurst is not just another vacation spot. It’s a change of pace. A chance to truly get away.
We offer seasonal, as well as weekly rentals, and many of our guests return year after year. As many reservations are made far in advance, we recommend you make your plans early. If you are in the area, please call if you would like to drop by to see the outside of the cottages and the Bearhurst property. For more information, please e-mail us at BearhurstCottages@gmail.com.
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