Secret Salem Real Estate – Bakers Island
Written by Mr. Salem on February 1st, 2008 37 Comments
I know it’s just February 1st and that we are in the middle of winter but I’m already thinking of my summer getaway. I’m looking for a rustic summer home or small cottage on a secluded island. I’d like beautiful vistas in a picturesque Norman Rockwell New England setting. I also want it to be fairly private but close enough to civilization so I can have access to the world if I need it. At first I was thinking of Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket but they are too overpopulated and not very rustic. Next I thought about an island off the coast of Maine or maybe a cottage on a lake island in New Hampshire or Vermont. Those places are nice but I need to be closer to home. Then I hit the jackpot. I found exactly what I was looking for, a hidden real estate gem right in our own back yard, Bakers Island.
What the heck is Baker’s Island?
Most people are familiar with Salem’s 8.1 square miles of land but know nothing about our 10 miles of water or what exists out there. Salem maritime properties include Children’s Island, Ram Island, Cunney Island, Tinkers Island, Great Misery Island, Little Misery Island and Baker’s Island. While some of them have summer homes none are inhabited year round.
The 60 acre Baker’s Island lies 3.5 miles off shore. In addition to its one light house (visible from the Salem Willows) the island is home to 55 cottages most built in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s. The island also has a store, fire house, meeting hall (Sherman C. Burnham Hall), and gift shop known as Driftwood. Baker’s Island it’s Massachusetts’ largest residential island north of Boston.
History of Baker’s Island
During the golden age of sail, Salem was the wealthiest city in the States all because of her port but there were no major aids to navigation to help mariners past the islands and rocks outside her harbor. A conical day beacon erected in 1791 was 57 feet tall, painted red, and topped by a two-foot diameter black ball. Unfortunately this beacon was not much help at night or in the fog and after three wrecks in 1796 killing 16 men the Salem Marine Society sent a message to Congress stating they needed to replace the beacon with a lighthouse.
That much of the property and many of the lives of their fellow citizens are almost every year lost in coming into the harbour of Salem for want of proper lights to direct their course… This calamity can, in the opinion of this society be prevented only by erecting a lighthouse on the northern end of Bakers Island . . .
Congress authorized $6,000 for the establishment of twin lights on Baker’s Island which first lit up on January 3, 1798. The two towers were located on top of a two-story keeper’s house, about 40 feet apart at either end of the building with four lamps being fueled by whale oil. In the early part of the 1800’s there were some configuration changes to the light houses, one was shortened then later restored to its previous height after some confusion with Boston light. In 1926 one of the lights was removed and by 1938 the sole remaining light was electrified.
Baker's Island Light c. 1929
In addition to the light house (set on 10 acres) the remainder of the island was privately owned. In 1888 a homeopathic doctor from Salem named Nathan Morse built a hotel/spa on Baker’s Island called the Winne-Egan. It had 50 guest rooms and catered to seekers of “health, pleasure and needed rest.” In addition to island activities such as sailing, fishing and swimming, guests could play tennis, or even shoot a short round of golf on the hotel’s six-hole course. Like many of Salem’s old buildings the hotel met its demise in 1906 when an accidental fire burned it to the ground.
Baker’s Island real estate; old money, private sales and coastal views.
There is not an abundance of information available about properties on Baker’s Island. No rentals what-so-ever and according to my real estate agent “There hasn’t been a public sale (in MLS) of anything on the island since 1999 – all private sales, and at that only a few”. I examined Salem’s GIS (Geographical Information System) viewer and found most parcels of land have been owned by family’s since before 1900.
Homes on Baker’s Island
Today access to the island is limited to residents and their guests. The islands one pier is where all visitors arrive and depart. Many residents have their own boats but a water shuttle the Double Eagle, is available from Salem harbor.
a view from the pier at sunset
Final thought
I am still looking for my summer retreat. Many Salem residents visit this site, so if you have a place out on Baker’s Island contact me, I would love to learn more about what is in our own back yard. And for all my out of town readers, if I get the opportunity to go over there, walk around and shoot some photos, you can be sure to find them right here at theSalemInsider.com.
37 Responses to “Secret Salem Real Estate – Bakers Island”
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Any luck? I’m very interested in finding a place on the island as well.
I would love to go on that island. For years I’ve been fishing off it and just once would like to actually take a tour. You say the same families have owned the places there for years, thats probably why you dont hear much about it, there are no outsiders. I’ve also read a couple of ghost stories that relate to the island too. Keep me posted and let me know if you get on. I love the pictures of the cottages. Thanks Jacqui
We have received plenty of email regarding Baker’s Island, unfortunately most of them are inquiries just like Jacqui and Ian. People over there are tight lipped.
Once again, if any homeowners on the island are interested in renting this summer or selling, drop us a line!
My family owns a house on Baker’s Island.
It amazes me how many people are interested in it, I guess I never really occurred to me that I take living there for granted.
It’s my paradise. Everyone there is like family to me. It’s so nice to have somewhere to go where you know everyone and they’re all so nice and peaceful.
I’ve been going there every summer since I was born, and I still look forward to going there every year.
Peace and love.
Islander,
You are quite lucky. My family had a nice vacation home in York ME but it eventually went to a university in trust. I think it would be great to have something so close to my home in Salem yet secluded.
Enjoy.
Glen, My family has been on Baker’s Island for 6 generations. The “seclusion” you mention is destroyed by “‘advertisement” such as your website here.
Our children enjoy the freedom of moving around there in a way not safe here on the mainland. As a result, our children enjoy a rich childhood there. If you are a parent, you might understand that.
Imagine for a moment, you had an acre of property as your back yard. You toil for years to make it a respite you can unwind in and your Children are safe to relax and play in. Do you want it advertised to strangers. Do you want those strangers right there in your back yard. As a parent, would you be able to relax if that were the case? Would it change the “rules” you give your kids when they go there. Remember, this IS your back yard.
Baker’s Island has remained the very special place over the generations due to the hard work and commitment of a great many people.
Becoming an Islander takes time. It also takes respect for what makes it the place that it is.
My best to all the readers here and wishes for a relaxing and enjoyable summer.
Islander 2,
You offer an interesting take on your special get-away. Keep in mind however that long before your family (or the others on the island) owned their chunk of land it was owned by the government, Nathan Morse and a host of others. This post regarding its history and current usage is no more “advertising” than the lights that shine from it at night.
There is a wealth of information online regarding the island that is accessible to anyone. Unlike the island itself which although a part of our fair city of Salem is only accessible to a few. Knowledge of Baker’s Islands existence won’t infringe on your seclusion as people are still not allowed access.
Thanks so much for sharing your insights into island life and the sense of safety and community you and fellow islanders feel. It sounds more and more like a little slice of heaven stolen from a simpler time.
I agree with Islander 2 to an extend. This is their yard. Myself, I have a beautiful garden in a large yard on the “main land” and I know people would just love to come in and check it out. Would I be happy if random strangers just came marching up my driveway? Not so much. Would I have liked it when my child was smaller and playing in the yard? Not at all. But I’m not so sure about the advertising of the island. Had I not had a boat, I would have never known what Bakers Island was. I also wouldn’t hold on to the false sense of security that there are no strangers on the island. Anytime one of the other islanders bring on a friend, family member,neighbor, or co-worker, wouldn’t they be considered a stranger? I hope you continue to enjoy the island for many more summers to come, as I will continue to enjoy fishing around it…..Have a great summer! Also, if you or anyone else is looking for a generator sales and or service, please contact me at the http://www.maplewoodelectric.com.
I have conflicting feelings about the attitude of the residents of Baker’s Island. On the one hand, I tend to agree that the upkeep, maintenance, fact of ownership, and desire to remain a private getaway entitle the residents to some seclusion and privacy. On the other hand, I tend, also, to believe that Islander 2’s comments about child safety is a bunch of bull-puckey. It’s not as though fleet of boating fiends will now overtake Bakers’ Island in search of little ones simply because of the “advertising” on this website. Baker’s has been there since whatever Tectonic Plates shifted to give it rise from the North Atlantic. Never heard of a high crime rate there since man invented the dug-out canoe. The idea that the “secrecy” and “safety” of the place is somehow shattered because people know about Baker’s and some would like to see it and share it is simply self-indulgent and self important hoo-hah. As is the presumptious comment about “only a parent would know.” Parent status is a primarliy biological function and if Islander 2 bothered to read a mainland newspaper ow and then, he or she would know that the fact of parenthood does not necessarily instill some sage wisdom. I prefer honesty. Simply state that someone in the family scrubbed out a cottage on a scrap of rock before those who are off-islanders and that those on the island share a collective “first-in-time-first-in-right” attitude about the whole thing and skip the condescening tones of superior knowledge of child safety issues. Geez. I suppose the house on the “mainland” is fenced, gated, moated and dogged.
Anyway, Baker’s is overrated as to its simplicity and beauty. It’s a rocky bump with a lighthouse and a bunch of hostile single-minded seclusionists mowing their lawns that abut muddy paths through a mis-mash of cottages that stand an astounding 4 or so miles from the shores of Salem, Beverly, Manchester, and Marblehead. Way to get away from it all! Must be real rough hopping into the Whaler and skimming across 5 whole miles of coastal rim to get a bottle of milk if you need it. How secluded! As I said earlier, I am conflicted. While I think that the entitlement is there because of the fact of ownership and upkeep, etc., it’s the attitude that’s offensive. Imagine the arrogance in titling those who are really neighbors “strangers” and “off-islanders.” Please.
I have the privilege of having friends that own a cottage on beautiful Baker’s Island. I also have had the privilege of meeting the wonderful and gracious people of this slice of heaven! There is nothing that compares to Baker’s Island. You cannot describe the Island. You must feel it….live it….to appreciate it. To those who feel that these people are ‘hostile, single, minded seclusionists’ obviously have never experienced the Island or its residents.
Yes, they have been there for generations but that is what gives it its charm. People growing up together….every summer together. Families, knowing each other for decades! They are all very blessed! For my family, driving 6-7 hours just to get there is ALL worth it. Long live Bakers and its families!!
I dont think the families are hostile, single minded seclusionists. I’m sure they are very nice people. I do not know anyone one on the island. Islander 2’s mesg comes off as being a little smug and may think they are the voice of the island. And again, there doesn’t need to be a blog on the computer to advertise Bakers Island, it is what it is, an island. People go past it, around, above it all the time. Its located on maps, in pictures, and on photos. Its not safe from strangers as any time someone with a boat wanted to get onto the island they could. And you don’t have to have children to have common sense. Having children does not make you more in the know than people with out children. You do not hold the key to any secrets. And yes I do have a child. So lucky you having to get to spend some time there. Hopefully you will be at your friends this weekend!!!
We owned a home between the two ponds on Baker’s Island and sold it in 1967 for $7,500 – sure wish we owned it now. Our children still talk about their summers on the island. Unfortunately, we sold it because of vandalism during the winter when we weren’t there.
[...] Secret Salem Real Estate – Bakers Island – It seems as though we hit a raw nerve with this post. Our historical retrospective of this rock just off the coast of Salem evoked emotions from some who would have preferred we kept mum on subject. [...]
i am 82 years old. my father was born in the lighthouse on baker”s island on jan. 2, 1899. his father, oscar r.couch, was a lighthouse keeper there. my father’s name was robert w. couch and his birth is registered at the court house in salem. i would love to visit this lighthouse just once before i die but i don’t know how to get permission to do this. i live in columbus,ohio and i drove up the coast from salem to glouster looking for baker’s island in late october 5 or 6 years ago. nobody knew where it was, including the historical society in salem.can anyone help me with this request? mary.
What a bunch of condescending, arrogant phonies are these Baker’s Islanders? I wouldn’t want to spend five minutes with them. Give me a place with real people any day. These snobs lack what we used to call “breeding”.
Hello,
I know this is most likely a futile attempt but, I was wondering if anyone on Bakers Island could use a personal chef. I am a highly skilled chef and specialize in Italian and Latin cusine as well as on the grill. If anyone on the island is interested in hiring me for a party or any other occasion, please let me know. In leu of payment for my services I would except housing on the island so I could bring my family there. I do have a job, so being paid is not an issue. I figured that if I was hired and met a family there they could assess my character and determine if I could be a good fit as a part time (maybe a week or weekend) inhabitant. Thanks to all for your attention, hopefully an islander reads this.
To Mary,
I have a friend with a home on Bakers and would be happy to arrange a visit for you to the island and the lighthouse. Contact me through this website.
Jeez. Bakers Island LOOKS friendly, but it sounds like a horrid place. Enjoy the summer, you bunch of inbred snobs.
I cannot speak for every soul on this wonderful planet, but Baker’s Island sounds more like a piece of magical history caught in time. I don’t blame the people who inhabit Baker’s Island. All they are trying to do is keep their dream. Don’t try and take that away from them. This planet is full of wonderous and miraculous places right outside you doorstep all you have to do is look for them. And remember, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”
Charlie, thank you for your reply. Please tell your friend thank-you also. Tell me how we can do this. I will give you my cell phone # so you can reach me. 614 893 2209. Here is my daughters # also, incase you can’t reach me. 614 439 3383.
Once again thank-you, for you and your friend’s kindness, in answering my request. I will be looking eagerly for your reply.
Mary
To Charlie on May 3rd, 2009: Thank you so much for your response to my inquiry about Baker’s Island. Your offer to arrange a visit to the island is much appreciated. Now,how can we set this up? You could call me on my cell phone, which is 614-893-2209, or if you have any other suggestions, I would like to hear them. I am really excited about this prospect of visiting the island. Thank you very much.
To
Charlie on MAY 3RD, 2009: Your response to my inquiry about Baker’s Island was greatly appreciated. Now, how can we make these arrangements? You could phone me on my cell phone which is 614-893-2209. If you have any suggestions, I will be glad to hear from you. I hope you read this as I am computer illerate.I am very excited about this prospect that you have so kindly suggested. Thank you very much.
To Charlie: See what I mean about being computer illerate? I thought my messages didn’t “take” so I sent two more. Sorry, MARY.
WOW! I knew Islanders had a bad rep for those who aren’t included in our small clique. I’m sorry to those who aren’t included, but as it was stated, the island really is a small knit community, and the peronality of that community wouldn’t survive if there were an influx of tourism or strangers.
JD- you’ve got some resentment! JEEZ! This “rocky bump” is our home, our passion, and our heaven. Those of us who are there understand the old-school and simplistic lifestyle that it provides.
Islander 2 was correct in all they said. Though the if you were a parent comment was a bit much. I am not a parent, but I am a resident. I love and respect all of the families there, and we all take care of each other. Our children can have responsibilities and freedoms at young ages that wouldn’t be possible on land. We protect our land, because we preserve it and upkeep it. The influx of people unfamiliar to our ways of life could very easily end our ways of life out there. 5 miles is a long way for police and firemen to travel, across ocean, before a disaster has gone too far. The coastguard can’t always be any faster. Salem residents are not our neighbors, nor could they quickly grasp our ways of life.
We are, however, not inbred snobs. We protect what is ours and what we love, as you would if someone decided to test drive your new car or set up a tent in your front yard.
Bakers Island…..the world we live in today is not the kind of world (i’m sad to say), that would respect a place like Bakers Island….Just make it a summer tourist ferry stop ….then go back and see how the
“friendly” tourists leave the place….”SAD BUT TRUE”.
What many people strive for is insulation….work hard enough and you might be able to achieve that for yourself…just don’t try and take it away from others that already have it…..Alan Jay.
i’ve been to baker’s several times to weekend with a friend whose family has had a house there for many years. islander 2’s comments (however well intentioned) do not represent the residents. in my time there, i’ve found everyone to be happy, fun and welcoming. indeed, what the residents have there is pretty special…truly the kind of place where you don’t have to lock your door. they just don’t want to ruin it.
I grew up on Baker’s Island. And yes, my grandparents and the rest of the family regretted selling their cottage. The memories are magical – barefoot all summer, the yearly show at the hall, going to the well for water, drinking tonic while perched on the store porch railing, tricks my Uncle played on everyone, outhouse antics… I returned as an adult on a boat delivery north (I’m sure my love of the sea started at Baker’s). I could hardly believe it – there is was. We went ashore and were immediately and unfriendily questioned, “May I help you?” the euphemistic query meaning, “Get out of here you lowlife.” What? I grew up out here! This is my island~!
Sadly I have no claim to Baker’s any more. I completely understand the attitude of islanders who protect it. Its small. Its safe. If the public was allowed there it would be ghastly. They’d want to eat, they’d want to go to the bathroom, noise, trash – who would handle that? Why would a group of people who own the island want their idyll changed? Of course they are protective. I would be if I was lucky enough to go out there again.
Its a private island. There are plenty in Maine that need the tourist dollar.
Yes Bakers island is very private, exclusive and restricted. Which is why I ask are there assesments so low
Such as 46_0037_0
Address BAKERS ISLAND
Land Use 132
Book and Page 9925-269
Lot Size (Acres) 0.10
Assessed Value $12,600.00
I think Bakers Island needs to be re assesed and take into consideration the value of its exclusiveness. I am paying a hell of a lot more for property in a crime ridden neighborhood that is worth far less than the property on Bakers Island.
well, I made it. Charlie got me to Baker’s Island late in Sept. It was fantastic, seeing where my father was born; the people involved in this adventure were wonderful to us and very admirable and kind. I will always cherish this trip. I made some gracious new friends, which at my age I never thought that would happen. I look forward to another visit next summer. To all of you dissedents: you must be jealous or just mean-minded. Mary.
Mary, I’m so happy that you were able to visit Baker’s Island and re-live to some extent your childhood memories of living and growing up there.
And a GOD BLESS you to Charley, for his invaluable help in making it happen.
JL
I was blessed to have spent many summers on Bakers Island. We had our family reunions on the island every summer for almost 10 years when I was younger. (Up until my late teens.) I still have family on the island that live there year round. It is a wonderful place, and everyone there is friendly. The pier was always fun to jump off, just dont get caught climbing the crane!! I look forward to going back, its been a few years. Everyone drives around on lawn tractors and electricity if I remember is mostly from solar panels and generators. It is unlike anywhere else I’ve ever been, its like living in the 1800’s (In a good way!) Good luck on your search for real estate there, as everyone I’ve met inherited the houses from great great great so and so… If you ever get the chance to get out there and check it out i suggest you take it. It is a wonderful place!!
Oh and for any of you Bakers residents, If you attend the annual “Gong” show haha, You might remember 4 young brothers on surf boards “Surfin USA” quite a few years ago… Oh boy do I miss the Island!!
The residents of Bakers Island come from around the globe, returning each summer to enjoy the peaceful life of days gone by. And to Bob who thought our tax assessments should be raised, keep in mind that we use the island for about 4-5 months a year. The rest of the year we pay a caretaker to guard the island so that vandals don’t come steal things or burn down the place like they did no Misery Island. Many are not aware that Misery was once called Mystery Island but again that was before vandals burned everything to the ground. Maybe that is why we are so carefu. In terms of our tax burden to the city of Salem, we have no schools, fire department, police, street lights or just about any of the social services you have yet we pay our taxes each year just like you do. The parcel you mentioned with the tax assessment of $12,600 was an empty lot. Since the inception of title five (septic law) most empty land on the island is unusable yet still taxed at the same rate as if onshore. I personally pay thousands of dollars for my 6000 square foot home site on which my house sits. We have no power, no central sewer, no public water (we go to a well and carry it back) and most of us collect rain water off the roof for things like showers, dishes and toilets. Believe me we pay MUCH MORE than those on shore in comparison to the services we receive in exchange.
I still think it’s a shame and it does sound class-ist, isolationist, privledged, and segragated – The capitalist notion of private property which historically, was only meant for a certain few to take advantage of in the first place, taken too far. I wonder how many working class and/or non-white folks from Lynn enjoy a piece of this “magic” with their children. Many of the hard working variety who would love it, probably clean your bathrooms, take care of your elderly parents, walk your dogs, and cook your food for a pittance. Now that’s magical. Certainly wouldn’t want those untouchables ruining it now would we.
I think that’s a little bit of what’s wrong with this country. A small group of old money richies who won’t share with their fellow Americans hiding behind a bunch of transparent excuses. That what they’ve worked so hard for will get ruined. What work? Anyone who can afford to have their children with them on a secluded Island certainly isn’t working as hard as I am all summer and I’m white collar. Ever hear of sharing? It’s an Island for crying out loud! Or how about expanding your horizons?
Share and meet with people who fall just outside of your high class zip code instead of just learning about “those other people” in your ivy league political science classes or in the 3 seconds of conversation you may entertain while they take your order or deliver your folded laundry.
I bought a boat this year and was very interested in seeing the Island. I still am believe it or not. However, if all I will find is a group of people who consider themselves to be special or above another. Believing that their heritage and inheritance is a good enough excuse to cut off the rest of us bums… I’d rather walk my dog on the beach and sweat it out with all the have-nots.
J – Ive been a friend with a resident of the island for many years and have visited many times. You certainly don’t have the right to say that anyone out there doesn’t work as hard as you and that you deserve the right to go out there. you have no idea how much effort it takes to maintain a house on the island.
And if you want to share, then maybe you should talk to my friend who has a house out there, im sure he would love to have someone help him…. carry his bags to his house, mow the lawn, paint the house, clean the windows, get water from the well, clean the boat, stain the decks, move 180lb gas tanks, clean gutters, cook food on 1950s stoves, carry trash to the pier, carry water from the ocean to flush the toilets, winterize the house
all of these things take up a large portion of either everyday of portions of every year and believe me ive seen and helped with some of these things and its not easy. Just because you have ridden by on your boat on the weekend and seen people at the beach doesnt mean they sit at the beach all week and drink pina coladas. These people have jobs on shore and going to the island is what lets them relax, im sure they dont appreciate it when people like you who have never been there or met them say they are rich spoiled and lazy.
I can certainly understand people being jealous that they dont have a house out there, but its quit ridiculous to assume that you have the right to go out there and enjoy the island when you have put no work into it like everyone there has.
I heard about the island a number of years ago from a former homeowner and thought it sounded interesting. There was no electricity or running water at the time he had a house there and described it as being back in the 1800’s.
I tried to visit the island once and was nicely greeted by someone on the dock asking who I was and if I was not visiting someone or owned a house I needed to leave. Apparently it is a very tight knit group as people say because this gentlemen new immediately that I was not a resident or friend.
I later learned the the entire island, besides a government owned portion, was actually owned privately and that for years people have been attempting to or have successfully got onto the island and were walking through peoples property or trying to camp in peoples yards and even worse causing damage to property.
I was not treated inappropriately when i tried to get on the island but I’m surprised that I was not if it is true that people are always sneaking on the island, and even more so if they cause problems.
I think we should all respect their right to be secluded and be private. And I don’t think that they are snobbish or selfish after learning of how some people from shore have treated them in the past. I would be on guard if there was any threat from outsiders of causing damage or danger to anyone or anything on the island as help is not close at hand.
I live in Marblehead and have enjoyed fishing & swimming off Bakers Island in the summer. Great place! Reminds me of Block Island, Rhode Island, just smaller. I used to live on Block Island and I understand living in a small community with limited resources (i.e police, fire, etc.). Important for Islanders to help protect an island to keep it the way that it is – afterall, that’s why we are all interested in Bakers, right? I think it’s great that the residents protect it the way they do! Keep it up, it gives me something to aspire to. I’ll continue to fish and swim off the island and hope that one day I’ll be one of the fortunate to own a place there. Cheers!