William F. Baker and his spouse have been the proprietors of Henry Island for the past 35 years. At the age of 84, Baker is now looking to sell the nearly 90-hectare island to a buyer committed to its preservation. Located just a 20-minute boat ride from Port Hood, N.S., Henry Island boasts a four-bedroom family residence and a functional lighthouse established in 1901.
The Bakers acquired the island in 1991 and have utilized it as a retreat from their bustling lives in New York City. Baker, renowned for his broadcasting career in the U.S., served as the president of the PBS flagship station in New York for two decades. Prior to this role, he held the position of president at Westinghouse Television, playing a pivotal role in the launch of Oprah Winfrey’s talk show career.
Their quest for a tranquil lifestyle led both Baker and his wife, Jeannemarie Gelin-Baker, a nurse practitioner, to discover Henry Island. Baker’s fascination with lighthouses and desire to own an island were fulfilled when a colleague recommended exploring Canada’s East Coast.
Enamored by the island’s natural allure and serenity, surrounded by beaches and rugged cliffs, the Bakers found solace in the wildlife that inhabits the island’s woods. They embarked on essential repairs for the lighthouse and residence, transforming the property into an off-grid sanctuary powered by rainwater, solar energy, and an outhouse.
Despite the emotional attachment to Henry Island, the couple faces challenges in maintaining the property due to their advancing age. The island has been listed for sale at nearly $7 million Cdn for two years, garnering interest from potential buyers in Ontario, the U.S., and Germany.
Angie Bryant, the Bakers’ agent at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, notes a growing trend in island sales, emphasizing the appeal of owning such properties. The Bakers aim to secure a buyer who will uphold Henry Island’s pristine state, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The island will continue to be promoted on various platforms, including dedicated lighthouse preservation magazines, to attract individuals passionate about owning this iconic beacon. As they bid farewell to their cherished retreat, the Bakers remain committed to finding a new owner who will cherish and maintain the island’s natural beauty and history.