Historic Boathouse Restoration in the Adirondacks

Located on the shores of Lake Placid in Adirondack State Park, Camp Cavendish is one of the region’s oldest Great Camps, with a legacy that includes notable visitors like Robert Frost. As part of an ongoing effort to preserve the Camp’s historic character, Beardsley Architects + Engineers led the restoration and reconstruction of its original late-19th-century boathouse.

The structure’s foundation and footprint remained unchanged, but its structural systems were rebuilt and finishes upgraded to ensure long-term durability while preserving the camp’s architectural integrity. Key interior spaces—including a kitchenette, bathroom, and bonus room—were reconfigured to better serve the owners’ needs.

Exterior finishes were selected to complement the Camp’s main house, including bark-on black spruce siding, handcrafted log railings, and traditional Adirondack red and green trim. A new stone fireplace was relocated to the exterior, and new walkways with panoramic views were added to the second floor. Inside, rich wood tones, colorful tile, and updated finishes replaced the original monochromatic palette, reviving the space with a refined camp-like feel.

Today, the reconstructed boathouse stands as a vibrant example of historic preservation and architectural design in the Adirondacks—ready to serve generations to come.