103 Dry Road, South Beach, East Island, SI

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This cottage for two, in South Beach, faces south and is two blocks off the beach and two blocks from the amusement pier.  It is a standard beach bungalow, designed and built in 1964 by Lew Brand.  It has one bedroom, a bath with two entrances, one from the bedroom and one from the short hall leading off the compact but comfortable living room.  The kitchen has all new appliances, includes washer and dryer and includes an eat-in alcove.  The bedroom has a sliding glass door to the rear of the property and a small BBQ area that is covered.  There is a garage for a small car and there is upper storage for summer-type equipment.  It rents very well.

22 Bay Avenue, Shoppolis City, East Island, SI

This delightful rental was built as a tenant house for the Edgar Briner estate.  When the estate was turned into the Shoppolis Islands Yacht Club in 1900, the tenant house was sold to Zoltan Benrus who lived out his years in this building.  When he passed away in 1980, the property was willed to the Islands, since he had no children.  From 1980 on, the property rental has been applied to its own maintenance and to the Anna Rogoff School nearby.  This one bedroom lodging is perfect for a couple looking for a quiet home near the present-day Yacht Club a block away.

1 East Marina Road, Kitt, West Island, SI

This waterfront property, originally built by Cove Bensak, one of the founders of the SI Fishermen's Association, for his family in 1954, is constructed of durable materials and was carefully rebuilt in 1990.  The property was enhanced with color and was given a new porch with a lift for a small boat.  The seawall was inspected and small repairs were made to the rubrail.  The first floor contains two commodious garages that can accommodate large cars or boats, offers a large shop with tool benches, a toilet room with shower and sliding glass doors that open out toward the water.  There is a pipe rail all the way around for safety and a short jetty for fishing and swimming.  The second floor has two bedrooms, a bath with laundry, an efficiency kitchen, a living room den and a compact dining area.  The home is three blocks from the marinas in Kitt and provides a delightful land home for those enjoying yachting nearby.

4 London Three Townhomes, (fourth from left)

Cannon Avenue, Shoppolis City, East Island, SI

4 London Three is a three-story home that is deceptively large because of its depth.  There are four bedrooms occupying the second two floors, and a living room, dining room and kitchen on the first.  The steps leading upward are directly in front of the entrance door. The history of this rowhome community is quite interesting.  Isaac Cady came to Shoppolis Islands in 1864.  He was a young architect with great energy and imagination, but his dream was to work in precision and simplicity.  He was commissioned by the Executive Staff of SI to consider the living needs of the more prosperous in Shoppolis City who wanted town living, much like that in London, Paris and Washington.  His rows of London Townhomes became a great achievement since an abundance of marble and other masonry was used.  Most notable were his curved walls and sculptured steps.  He designed and built the Fortesque Factory that, until 1970, was still used for making clothing for domestic consumption and export.  His home Cady Cottage overlooking Tea Cup Beach.

9 London Three Townhomes (far right)

Cannon Avenue, Shoppolis City, East Island, SI

9 London Three is the most unusual rental, because it originally was Isaac Cady's home in town.  It has one large bedroom on the second floor of the west side, and a large living and dining area in the east.  The kitchen is quite large and is at the rear of the east end.  The dining area is particularly large and formal because of Cady's enjoyment at having guests for dinner.  There are two additional bedrooms at the rear of the second floor on the west side and a large den/office on the first floor.  It is a most intriguing property because of the extensive white woodwork including chair rails and other ornate decorations, particularly around the four fireplaces.  Like the others, the building is completely masonry except for the wide-board pine floors.  The history of these Shoppolis City townhomes is quite interesting.  Isaac Cady came to Shoppolis Islands in 1864.  He was a young architect with great energy and imagination, but his dream was to work in precision and simplicity.  He was commissioned by the Executive Staff of SI to consider the living needs of the more prosperous in Shoppolis City who wanted town living, much like that in London, Paris and Washington.  His rows of London Townhomes became a great achievement since an abundance of marble and other masonry was used.  Most notable were his curved walls and sculptured steps.  He designed and built the Fortesque Factory that, until 1970, was still used for making clothing for domestic consumption and export.  His home Cady Cottage overlooking Tea Cup Beach is currently for rent.

347a (first floor) Mallfront, South Beach, East Island, SI

347 Beach Front is another Lew Brand design, except that in this instance, it is a double home, one stacked on top of the other.  347a, the lower home is smaller than its lofty twin above, but it has the luxury of the patios in the rear.  The garage on the left is accessible from within the home, while the other is not.  The right garage is for the upper-home tenant.  This conventional two-bedroom is market by its delightful porch on the east end.  It is quite large and perfect for dining or just relaxing.  The view from the porch is excellent, and a quick walk over the green takes you right out for some of South Beach's best swimming.

347b (second floor) Mallfront, South Beach, East Island, SI

347b Beach Front is a twin of its upstairs neighbor, but it has all the advantages of a ground floor, or standalone home.  The patio is gracious and has a built-in BBQ that is used by the lower residents only.  That's why the property, ostensibly the same as the upper unit, rents for a bit more per year.  The added feature of the accessible garage from within the house, lends much to the practicality of the home.  One of the residents used the garage for a shop, and another one had his beautiful wooden speedboat stored inside.  He asked the owner is he could put in added lights, and was approved to do so.  Now, the garage can be used for any project that requires lots of light.

1 Pony Point Lane, Horseshoe Bay, East Island, SI

There is no other word than "charm" to be applied to this rental property overlooking Horseshoe Bay.  This venerable home at its location and is one of the oldest homes on the islands.  It was once the home of Richard Lane, a reclusive man who assigned himself the job of watching the waters for anyone in distress.  He is credited for saving 11 lives over the span of four boating mishaps in a period of ten years.  His passing was grieved by all boatman on the islands, and he was buried at sea by the Executive Staff.  His home became the property of SI, since he had no family and was placed up for purchase in 1960 and bought by the Crown family.  Its present look was the result of Jane Promethian's need for an addition for her ailing mother, Mrs. Franklin Crown who suffered an accident in her later years that prevented her second-floor bedroom from being practical.  After consulting with Edwin Brown of Cassidy Builders, the small north wing was built on to match its original design.  It had its own bath and entrance, single bedroom and a small front room for visitors since Mrs. Crown was a very popular woman.  She served as the Executive Director of SI on the Executive Staff from 1964 to 1984 when she suffered her fall.  Her tenure was quite eventful, and many effective rules and regulations were promulgated during her service.  Margaret Crown and her husband, the noted Franklin Crown of NavyShips Marine, lived in the home and raised their daughter Jane there.  The Crowns moved to a much larger home in East Park Point, then when Mr. Crown passed away, she moved back to Pony Point with her daughter, who had been given the house.  Jane, divorced with one son, moved to Greece to marry and chose to rent the home rather than sell it.

3a (left side) Cargo Path, Shoppolis City, East Island, SI

This Lew Brand home is a side-by-side designed to fit into the narrow lot it occupies.  Both sides are conventional two-bedroom, one-and-one-half bath models with an "L-shaped" dining and living room area.  The kitchen is at the center rear and shares a patio with the neighbors in 3b except that a high masonry wall separates the two for privacy and noise reduction.  The lot is the reason most people find this property desirable, in that, it fronts to the Peace Memorial and its commanding beauty.  There isn't much room for entertaining at the rear of the home, but there is enough for a small group to congregate and enjoy each other's company.  Cargo Path only has four homes on it. 

3b (right side) Cargo Path, Shoppolis City, East Island, SI

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Both sides are conventional two-bedroom, one-and-one-half bath models with an "L-shaped" dining and living room area.  The kitchen is at the center rear and shares a patio with the neighbors in 3a except that a high masonry wall separates the two for privacy and noise reduction.  The lot is the reason most people find this property desirable, in that, it fronts to the Naval War Memorial and its commanding beauty.  There isn't much room for entertaining at the rear of the home, but there is enough for a small group to congregate and enjoy each other's company.  Cargo Path only has three homes on it.

5 Sandy Way, Quayton Beach, West Island, SI

This quaint cottage, at 5 Sandy Way, is one block from Commercial Wharf in Quayton.  The entirety of Quayton Beach spreads itself out in front of this waterfront property.  It was once the home of a merchant marine sailor who retired to the United States a few years ago.  His son rents the home out on behalf of his father.  For those who enjoy the sight of ships and likes to view the busy goings-on of the commercial docks, this is a perfect rental.  It is one block off the Wharf and one block from the sprit facing Lighthouse Point.  It is a standard beach bungalow, designed and built in 1964 by Lew Brand.  It has one bedroom, a bath with two entrances, one from the bedroom and one from the short hall leading off the compact but comfortable living room.  The kitchen has all new appliances, includes washer and dryer and includes an eat-in alcove.  The bedroom has a sliding glass door to the rear of the property and a small garden area with benches for sitting.  There is a garage for a small car and there is upper storage.

50 Pixie Lane, Ben Bow, East Island, SI

Ben Bow is one of the more beautiful places among the Shoppolis Islands because of its view straight across Quickly Bay to the breakers beyond.  Dr. Amatheus Round, moved onto his yacht, Calico, berthed in South Ben Bow, and is now renting out his home.  It is a six-bedroom rambling home with a two-story foyer, bridge, formal dining room, den in rich cherry wood, and an entertainment lounge in the rear.  The home has an in-ground pool, cabana with guest facilities and a two-car garage.  The rear yard is landscaped beautifully and contains walking paths that circuit the property in the old Georgian tradition.  The home is only yards from the beach and has launch and landing rights for those who have yachts or small boats.

50 Second Street, Quayton, West Island, SI

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This rental property in Quayton looks like a Lew Brand, but it is not.  In reality, it is a Lew Brand copy executed by Allister Krane and his wife, Betty in 1990.  In the 1980s, the Krane's came to SI and rented one of the popular Lew Brands abundant in South Beach.  They liked its amazing practicality and use of small spaces.  As a result, they decided to find one to buy, but could not find precisely what they wanted.  After some deliberation, they decided to acquire plans from the Lew Brand offices and build one.  Everything went smoothly, and the Lew Brand offices supplied the drawings for a modest fee, and the building became a reality at the hands of Crest Builders and the company's irrepressible owner, Jesse James.  The dynamic Mr. James not only built the home to specifications, but he threw in some impressive masonry in the back yard.  The Krane's had business changes that called for them to spend at least two years in the Orient, therefore the property is for rent.  Across from Quayton Park and its delightful events and facilities for outings and fun, the home is perfect for a family with young children.

1 Sandy Way (left), Quayton, West Island, SI

This threesome home complex was built in the early 1900s by Benjamin Trail, a private man who insisted that his family remain with him through his life.  In order to assure this, he built his two sons homes on either side of his own in Quayton.  When his wife passed away, Ben built on the two buildings to accommodate Leyton and Bruce Trail and their respective families.  This arrangement served the family well until WWII when Leyton was lost on a U.S. destroyer in the Pacific.  Benjamin's grief took his life.  Bruce continued to live in the complex, that looks out over the beach, until he turned the three homes over to Leyton's daughter, Livia.  She, now a resident of Hong Kong, rents the homes out.

2 Sandy Way (middle), Quayton, West Island, SI

This is the least expensive rental property in all of Shoppolis Islands.  Benjamin Trail's original cottage, built when there weren't even any roads, has one large room with a loft bed area and all other amenities dispersed throughout the lower area.  It is truly an efficiency apartment, of sorts, but retains the charm of an old farmhouse.  There is a carport that was built on in 1940.  The back door opens into the walled compound and has a small greenhouse attached to it for growing plants.  In 1966, the family made this area into an efficient hydroponic compartment in which they grew orchids for fun and profit.

3 Sandy Way (right), Quayton, West Island, SI

Bruce Trail's home, at 3 Sandy Way, is slightly larger than his brother's home, but it does not go as far back into the property as the other.  This building is more traditional, but is quite compact in design.  It has two fireplaces and two bedrooms on the first level as well as two on the second floor.  The home is somewhat Georgian, and some say, it's layout was taken from a small estate home in Manchester, England.

600a Center Cove (over), South Hook, West Island, SI

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600 Centercove in South Hook, is another Lew Brand design, except that in this instance, it is a double home, one stacked on top of the other.  600a, the lower home is smaller than its lofty twin above, but it has the luxury of the patios in the rear.  The garage on the left is accessible from within the home, while the other is not.  The right garage is for the upper-home tenant.  This conventional two-bedroom is marked by its delightful porch on the east end.  It is quite large and perfect for dining or just relaxing.  The building is one block off the fun area of Shallow Cove and a short distance to some of the most entertaining nightclubs in the hotels to the east.

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600b Center Cove (under), South Hook, West Island, SI

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600b Centercove is a twin of its upstairs neighbor, but it has all the advantages of a ground floor, or standalone home.  The patio is gracious and has a built-in BBQ that is used by the lower residents only.  That's why the property, ostensibly the same as the upper unit.  The added feature of the accessible garage from within the house, lends much to the practicality of the home.  This particular unit has a gourmet kitchen installed, since the last tenant, Alan Kelso, was a gourmet chef in Quayton's Reddig Lounge.  Alan left the lounge in 1999 to take a position, as head chef, in Berlin, but still retains the properties in the family. 

Mitchnick's, 6 Sandy Point, Sandy Point, West Island, SI

This building is the most famous and smallest residence on Shoppolis Islands East or West.  Cozy is the word for the cottage, built around 1910 by Abe Mitchnik, at the eastern extreme on West Island almost in the water.  Originally a reclusive home, then a few years of neglect, followed by a life as a beach boat shasck, then as a home for surfboards and other paraphernalia.  Recently, the building was converted into a bungalow in 1999 to accommodate the current owner's retirement from surfing.  After living in the home for a few months, Albert Bronichev, gave it up and rented it to an old girlfriend, who had it redone to her tastes, including the pink color.  The girlfriend left not too long after, but the house remained and became a landmark on the beach.  It is now up for rent.

Crescent View, 1 North Point Road, North Point, West Island, SI

There are only a five homes on North Point with three new ones on Skiff near the old Baker Estate, Northgate.  North Point, long known for interesting homes, features number 1, Crescent View, a home built by the Rufus Gaines family in 1880, on the sea wall facing north.  Its multi-level design is perfect for families requiring separate living accommodations under the same roof, and willing to share the panoramic view of Crescent Island.  The lower area opens onto North Point Road, and the upper, facing the water, creates a convenient access to the bulkhead and its fishing fun and sport.  There are six bedrooms in the building and two complete kitchens, one upstairs and one down.  The lower area opens onto a walled garden, a spacious in-ground pool and a potting shed.  The property is well-maintained and is owned by the North Point Association for the Preservation of Historical Properties.  It is well-known that the bulkhead and rocks facing the north and the northwest get the worst of our storms and prevailing weather.  Additional rick-rack and sand has been applied to the area in the hope that there will be no more destruction.  Divers love to submerge in these waters because of the number of wrecks that have occurred at this corner of SI.  The adjoining beach, not conducive to swimming, is often populated by sunbathers and fishermen who come over from the yachts and fishing boats berthed in Fishermen Cove just to the west.  If you rent this property, you will be renting one of the more notable estates on SI.

16 North Cove Road, Tidal Falls, West Island, SI

Tidal Falls is known for its families serving the marine industries of Little Island Bay and Bit-O-Ire.  Many a fine workperson has come from this area, and the tradition still remains today with the existence of the West Island yard of NavyShips of SI, our resident manufacturer of custom yachts and commercial vessels.  Aside from the main yard on nearby Gavin 1, NavyShips provides many related work on ships that already exist, and in Tidal Falls the one of the best is provided by NS Interiors, a subsidiary of NS specializing in completely refurbishing vessel interiors.  The supervisor of NS during the 1950s was Alain Deleneaux who spent so much time at the facility, his wife Isha, had a small cottage built at this location, near his office.  She used to arrive from Gavin 1 and spend a few days with Alain, then return home.  The home was referred to as the "honeymoon cottage" by Alain's fellow workers.  When he retired, he turned the facility over to NS as a gift.

1 Pilotboat Landing, Sandy Point, West Island, SI

This home has never had an owner other than the builder himself, Lew Brand.  He built his own home in Pilotboat Landing because of its strategic location relative to the beach.  If he walks out his front door, the beach is directly in front of him.  Lew is retired now, but his granddaughter, Olivia, lives in the home now.  It features a delightful back yard with a masonry wall encompassing an in-ground pool and colored patio tiles.  The home is a simple three bedroom model but it is one of the few with a basement, normally not found in homes at the shore by the sea.  It was a special construction based on unique rubber technology of the sixties.  It is still watertight even though, during a particular storm in the first years of the home's existence, it was flooded from the upstairs down.  The water ran in and filled the basement.  When the house was cleaned and emptied of water, it was as watertight as it ever was.  The basement is complete built in cherry wood and has a wonderful entertainment center, billiard area and fireplace.  The home is now on the rental list.

4 Notches, The Notch, West Island, SI

4 Notches is referred to as the "canary cage" at the end of the street by all who know the residence.  A packet captain, Erasmus Biloux, had the home built for his retirement, but he never retired.  He was lost at sea with his crew and ship in 1918.  Those who have lived in the house, insist that Captain Biloux is there in spirit, because of the strange happenings that occur.  Regardless, some rent because of this fact, and some do not rent because of this fact.  It is a one-bedroom house because it was going to house the captain only.  This makes the canary cage a wonderful getaway for recluses and those who write novels.  A leading scientific science fiction writer lived in the cage for ten years, but left for no apparent reason.

14 Givens, East Park Point, East Island, SI

Another Lew Brand is for rent, like so many others, to so many people.  This three-bedroom model is famous for its open dining, kitchen and living areas.  This makes the house unusually large and friendly.  It is an introspective dwelling in that it seems to enjoy its own company.  The fact that the home is on East Park Point right on the Park only gives the home more credit for its job.  The house, situated at 14 Givens next to Ezra Baleau High School, is well maintained and not often available.