Although the state of Montana has one of the smallest populations In America, a monster mansion in the countryside is up for grabs – meet Cromwell Island.
Newly listed Cromwell Island is sited in the centre of Flathead Lake, the largest natural inland body of water west of the Mississippi. With 2,900 feet of shoreline, the grand island and all its goodies were purchased by an antique collector and explorer Robert M. Lee in the late 1980s.
He and his wife built the exterior shell of a 45,000-square-foot home plus a guest house. However, Lee died in 2016 before the main house’s interior was finished.
Though only the home’s exterior is complete, it gives the buyer free rein to design the interior layout precisely the way they want it, while living comfortably in the completed guest house. So yes, right now, it is completely gutted.
Oh, and just a heads up, Lake Flathead has its water monster legend, a creature called Flessie, which, legend says, has deer antlers. This story was written over a hundred years ago by a nearby Kutenai Indian tribe and stayed rigid in the minds of locals.
But the perfect perch to view any possible sightings would have to be inside the $72 million home. Just imagine waking up to a 348-acre property all to yourself? Views from the island are striking, with the snowcapped Mission Mountains in the distance and the varying shades of blue in the water as the sun moves east to west.
On the outskirts of the idyllic island is a classic boat dock that has five slips varying in size. The most significant slip is capable of handling a yacht up to 70 feet long.
According to Travel And Leisure, a lot of Cromwell Island is covered in lush forest. And nearly half is classified as grazing land. Heaven for nature enthusiasts seeking tranquillity and privacy.
Besides the legend of Flessie, the new owner will also have to share the island with a herd of mule deer, a bear, a fox, plenty of bird species, and even a mountain lion, have been spotted on the island by static wildlife cameras.
Other amenities include two active wells and an underground shooting range in the main villa and a completely separate 5,000 square-foot guesthouse.
However, listing agent Bill McDavid of Hall And Hall advertises a minor setback to anyone reaching for their chequebooks – the property taxes are estimated at $131,075.17 based on past years – yeah, I gasped too.
There’s no question that home has incredible potential, though. It looks like it belongs on the Italian Riviera, with terracotta roofing, mahogany windows, and solid brass fixtures throughout.
Don’t worry Flessie, I’m sure you’ll be taken good care of by the lucky new owner.