Bidding Opens Dec. 15th and Closes Dec. 21st
The Woods Estate at Bemus Point
Welcome to “The Woods Estate,” a sprawling lakefront enclave, set amid the serene backdrop of Bemus Point on Chautauqua Lake. Spanning 12.5 +/- acres of lush, meticulously landscaped grounds, this majestic waterfront estate stands as a testament to timeless elegance and architectural brilliance.
Starting with the Manor, which unfurls across a sprawling floor plan, one is greeted with a magnificent foyer, ideal for grand receptions and occasions. Original floors and rich woodwork consisting of rare American Chestnut adorns the formal living and dining areas, a testament to the detailed craftsmanship. The kitchen, a chef’s delight, is finished with quartz countertops, an island, and a butler’s pantry. Moving upward, the second floor houses 5 grand and expansive bedrooms, including a primary suite that overlooks the lake, complete with a fireplace and an en-suite bath. The third floor opens up to a spacious room and another bath, offering versatile uses from a home office to a play area. Low-E thermopane windows and extensive insulation ensures a low energy environment, while still filling the Manor with light and lake views from numerous vantage points.
But the grandeur doesn’t stop there. The property boasts a 3-bedroom carriage house, a nod to the estate’s history, originally housing its staff. This space features vetted glass windows, a new independent boiler system, and an attached 3-car garage. An apartment building with four 2-bedroom apartments provides additional accommodations, each unit complete with a full kitchen and modern amenities.
The Rose Garden Cottage and Rose Bud Cottage, both reminiscent of the 1920s architecture, each offer cozy, one-bedroom spaces with unique features like stone fireplaces, high ceilings, and pocket doors.
In addition to the dwellings, the property itself exudes tranquility. Stroll through the grounds and discover three natural springs, with one leading to a grotto, while another services the main home with artesian spring water. A covered bridge, a gazebo, and a vast reflecting pool in the garden are but a few of the estate’s additional treasures. With over 2000 rhododendrons, blueberry bushes, countless lilac flowers and an elegant touch of English Ivy and Crape Myrtle, the organically-maintained landscape provides an ever-changing palette of colors and scents bordering on the magical.
The estate’s history is woven into its very fabric. The brilliant iron signs at the stone entrances bearing the name “The Woods” against a beautiful tableau of trees stand as witnesses to its historic past. Commissioned in the 1920s by the Selden family, it was crafted by the renowned architects Beck and Tinkham, marking their most extensive residential project. Everything here speaks of a commercial-grade build, from the Lutwyche Celadon Tile roofing, known for its unmatched quality, to the custom-built and original light fixtures. Even the winter curtains, specially designed for the property by Jamestown awning, are installed annually, reflecting an unparalleled attention to detail.
Extraordinary, exquisite, and enchanting, this estate’s beauty is not just skin deep. Its commitment to preserving nature is evident in the organic maintenance of the property, ensuring a healthy, chemical-free environment.
Whether you envision this as a forever home, a summer retreat, or an investment opportunity, The Woods Estate promises an extraordinary property for an extraordinary life. A harmonious blend of history, luxury, and nature, this property isn’t just a residence—it’s a legacy.