As a child, our family came here to this property for summer vacations just like the previous generations had. But owning property with multiple family members took its toll and the two camps (Bird Camp and Mullon Camp where we live) deteriorated --- no one wanted to share the costs of upkeep, taxes and improvement and soon it was only me who visited or tried to maintain things. It took 20 years but eventually I was able to buy out (or barter with ) all the other owners.
Shortly thereafter, my husband and I got divorced, and I sought emotional and physical healing in the Adirondacks. Seven years ago, I moved from western Massachusetts to the mountains, put my daughters in the local school and got to work with my tools to make all the restorations and improvements. I tried a number of ways to earn a living up here (builder, real estate broker, etc), none of which panned out, but luckily I realized how many wonderful people long to visit the Adirondacks and stay in a cozy cabin.
My father in the last year of his life financed construction of our four glamping tents, the Lodge and the Bath House. Then with financial help from my brother Thomas, I bought 40 acres of beautiful land abutting the original property. Gorgeous mountain views and open meadows were reclaimed by clearing trees, and the historic Shields Road which accesses this portion of the land has been rebuilt. Originally I intended to build single family homes for sale, but the evolved to retaining all the land the building, as finances permit, sweet rental cabins (Camp HudsonView, Camp TwoSome, Camp Lillian and Camp Bossie), walking trails and this year, a fabulous Japanese temple with a cedar hot tub.
I am grateful that I’ve had fascinating professional and personal experiences. I’ve had the chance to build beautiful projects. I am lucky to live in an insanely beautiful wild place, and I have a small business offers interesting challenges and rewards.