09/02/2025
We’ve now been able to assess the property ourselves, and unfortunately, the damage is more extensive than we initially knew. Planchen, Ouananiche, and Cozing Cottages—along with our storage shed—were completely destroyed. Seeing it in person was gut-wrenching. The only thing salvageable in the ruins were two horseshoes. Everything else, aside from a few pieces of metal, was reduced to ash.
We also discovered significant damage we hadn’t been aware of: Our office, craft store and laundry room have been heavily damaged and Tuckamore Cottage sustained some exterior damage. Play areas on both sites have some damage and the boat is destroyed. One of our artesian wells is unusable, though thankfully our main wells were spared—we’ve sent water samples for testing. Throughout the entire property, we have lost chairs & rockers, picnic tables, fencing and shrubs.
The good news: five cottages appear to have only minimal smoke damage, and we’ve already begun the restoration process. Once we have a professional team on site, we’ll know more about when they’ll be safe and ready to house guests.
While seeing the property in this state was heartbreaking, we have regrouped and are ready to move forward. We will still offer temporary long-term rentals to displaced residents—this is our priority right now. However, before we can confirm availability, we need to make sure the property is safe and livable. We’re currently assessing the damage and working with restoration teams to get things moving as quickly as possible. Our goal is to get at least five cottages ready for long-term stays for those who need housing. Once the community begins to recover and residents are back in their homes, we’ll return to our regular model of nightly rentals for travelers and tourists. We will also rebuild the four structures that we lost.
To the firefighters, water bomber pilots, and emergency crews—thank you! Your courage and tireless work saved lives and protected so much. Without you, the losses would have been far greater. To everyone affected by the fire: Our hearts are with you, and we are deeply sorry for everything you’ve lost. The devastation is hard to put into words, and we know the road ahead won’t be easy.
It will take time to adjust to this new reality, but we believe in the strength of the North Shore. It’s the people—your resilience, your kindness, your spirit—that make these communities so special. Thanks to the heroic efforts of so many, we’re all still here. And that means hope is still alive.
