William F. Baker and his spouse have been the proprietors of Henry Island for the past 35 years. Now, at 84 years old, he intends to sell the nearly 90-hectare island to a buyer who will conserve it.
Located a brief 20-minute boat ride from Port Hood, N.S., Henry Island boasts a four-bedroom family residence and a fully operational lighthouse constructed on the island in 1901. The couple acquired the island in 1991 and utilize it as a retreat from their bustling lives in New York City.
Baker, a distinguished broadcaster in the U.S., served as the president of the PBS flagship station in New York for two decades. Prior to that role, he held the position of president at Westinghouse Television, where he played a pivotal role in launching Oprah Winfrey’s talk show career.
Both Baker and his wife, Jeannemarie Gelin-Baker, a nurse practitioner, sought a more serene lifestyle when they stumbled upon Henry Island. Baker’s fascination with lighthouses and desire to own an island were fulfilled when a colleague recommended exploring Canada’s East Coast.
“Lighthouses hold a special place,” Baker emphasizes. “They epitomize the best of humanity—selfless, aiding others without expecting anything in return. It’s a representation of centuries of noble service. Being a part of that is almost spiritual.”
The allure of Henry Island lies in its unspoiled natural charm and tranquility. Surrounded by beaches and rugged cliffs, the island’s sole inhabitants, aside from the Bakers, are the diverse wildlife dwelling in the woods.
The couple was captivated by the island’s beauty and serenity. Gelin-Baker recalls her enchantment with the first view of the complete Milky Way, describing it as exotic and breathtaking.
While the lighthouse and residence required repairs, with the assistance of local residents, both structures have been fully restored. The property now operates entirely off the grid, utilizing rainwater for drinking purposes, solar panels for power generation, and an outhouse.
Despite the demanding maintenance work during the initial years of ownership, the Bakers have cherished their annual visits to Henry Island in August. They have established a tradition of inviting individuals from the Port Hood region to enjoy their island sanctuary, fostering lasting bonds with regular visitors like Donald MacDonald.
MacDonald, the president of the Henry Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, a volunteer organization dedicated to maintaining the lighthouse, expresses his fondness for the island and the fulfilling work it entails.
As the Bakers contemplate selling the island due to challenges in upkeep, they acknowledge the emotional attachment they hold for Henry Island. Although reluctant to part with their beloved retreat, advancing age and the unavailability of their children to maintain the property necessitate the sale.
Listed for nearly $7 million Cdn over the past two years, Henry Island has garnered interest from potential buyers in Ontario, the U.S., and Germany. The selling agent, Angie Bryant of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, notes the growing popularity of island acquisitions, particularly those with historical beacons like Henry Island.
The Bakers aspire to find a buyer committed to preserving Henry Island’s pristine state. They emphasize the island’s significance and express their determination to ensure its preservation instead of letting it deteriorate.
The island will continue to be promoted through various channels, including online platforms and publications focusing on lighthouse preservation, with the hope of attracting conservation-minded individuals interested in acquiring this unique property.
