The Nautilus is a floating love letter to reinvention — a cabin, a tiny home, and a houseboat all rolled into one quietly wonderful idea. Moored beside 1 Big Sustainable Island, it lets you wake to gentle waves at your door, watch the sunrise from bed, and step straight onto a floating porch for morning coffee. It’s proof that with a little imagination (and a lot of care), something old can become something entirely new.
Helpful Guides
The Nautilus Waterhouse - our floating off-the-grid stay. Not near the lake. On it.
Firelight, reflected. The lake holds the night.
Sleep where the lake lives.
Getting to the island is easy. Leaving is hard.
Connected if you want to be. Pretending to be unplugged is also allowed.*INT
Fish stories here require no exaggeration.
Grill, stove, or fire: Outdoor cooking, covered. Just add a cooler-full of your favorite foods*GRL
Composting toilets. (This is not an outhouse - Clean, sanitary, and nose-friendly).*TLT.
Night feels softer on water. The lake doesn’t rush you.
Meals float easily here. The lake sets the scene
Arrive by floatplane. Island bragging rights included.*BTG
The Nautilus feels far away. It isn't.
Arriving and departing are part of the adventure.*CHO
By day it's a couch. By night, it's a comfy bed.
Dock your boat at the floating porch.
Everything you need to cook. No gear lugging required.
Paddle to the Eagles's nest...
Meet Larry the Loon. Loons outnumber humans most days.
Wood stove warmth for ambiance on a cool night. Firewood included.*WST
Berry the Bass was temporarily unavailable.
Wake up floating. Bedside sunrise included.*SLP
S'mores belong here.
The fish bite at sunset.
Worth the rain. Silver linings included. *RBW
The stars like to show up here.*MTR
Meet your new time keeper.
Compare all of our eco-island stays.
A treasure map for island explorers.*IMP
You are here. Adventure nearby.*LMP
This stay works beautifully on its own — and it also plays well with others, combining with nearby island stays through our event console to create an easy basecamp for medium-sized gatherings. 🌲
Paddling gear included. Dogs welcome. Involuntary swimming possible.*BTG
Arrive by canoe, ferry, or bring your own boat or float plane.
Cozy, afloat. Still water below.
Hot Sauna. Cold plunge. Repeat.
An island visitor that quietly manages the place.
Gather ‘round. The fire’s on us with free firewood.*PIT
Off-grid floating comfort. The lake is part of the room.
Caution: this can be hypnotic.
Sunset Proposal Rock. Dog approved.
A small navy of canoes, kayaks, and SUPs are waiting!
Clean, hot showahs — eco-friendly.*HSH
...fishing with your bestie.*FSH
Peter Tuttle the Painted Turtle.
This counts as a commute.*EXP
A whole lot of nothing out front. Exactly the point.
BYOB could also mean Bring Your Own Boat.*BTG
All kinds of island visitors.
Occasionally the sky has something to say.*NTL
The private hammock does the work. You do the lingering.*HAM
The Loon Point public shared beach. Seating for humans. Commentary by loons.
Guest Reviews from Revyoos — Showing 10 of 143 Reviews
My wife and I spent some time here during our honeymoon and it surely made it a trip to remember. Everything about this experience was unique in its own regard and we left with plenty of awesome stories to tell. From the ferry to the furry welcoming committee, other kind guests we met staying on the island to the awesome and extremely helpful hosts, this was an incredible experience we recommend to anyone who enjoys the outdoors. Heck, we almost didn't want to write this review because we kind of wish it was our own little secret. Thank you for your hospitality Kent and Heather 😊
This place is great! Like extremely comfy camping with the best view and almost none of the usual work. They really have thought of everything.
My friend and I stayed in the floating house. The campsite was clean, and the interior of the house was spotless and comfortable. Everything worked and the house was nicely appointed. Having a propane grill with a burner was handy. Even the composting toilet in the Showahloo was clean and easy to use. This spot isn't for everybody, but definately what we were looking for. It was so peaceful and beautiful on the island. We took a hike, watched the sunset, and ate under a nearly full moon. Kent and Heather were delightful hosts.
We had such an amazing time during our stay at the Nautilus on 1BSI! The view is breathtaking and the cabin is even cuter in person than it looks online! There’s nothing quite like falling asleep to the sound of waves right beneath you and waking up to sunrise on the water. The island is beautiful as well with multiple hammocks and lookout places set up for your use! We loved kayaking around and also walking through the trails and woods finding different mushrooms and spider friends. On top of all of this Kent was the best host we could’ve asked for!! Everything we needed was provided and anything we forgot (including batteries for our Polaroid) Kent delivered right to our door within 15 minutes of asking. We had such an amazing time our only complaint is we wish we could’ve stayed longer!! We will be back!!
Awesome place, Kent went above and beyond for us to provide everything we needed. Looking forward to visiting again next year!
Where to begin… from the messages sent by Kent leading up to your stay to the time actually on the island, there was t really much more you could ask for. Kent went above and beyond you prepare you for your stay and is on standby for anything needed at anytime and is there on his jet ski or boat within an hour. <br/>The island, bathrooms, and Waterhouse were so well kept despite being on a literal island isolated from everything. If you are debating on booking this stay, don’t! This stay was exactly what everyone needs to reset and reconnect. We had the most peaceful weekend canoeing with our dog, taking naps in the hammock, relaxing on the meditation dock, and just reconnecting with nature and ourselves. <br/>Thank you, Kent, for creating this island sanctuary!!
1 BSI is such a special hidden gem,<br/>Me and my wife got married on the 8th and were looking to disconnect with our puppy, the island was PERFECT for that. Staying directly on the lake was a dream, and the daily walks, canoe rides and patio chills gave us all the battery recharge we needed.<br/>The island is off the grid, and it really allows you to rethink what's important (rest more, grind less). I believe Kent said that you could also get a hot spot if needed, it's something that I really DO NOT recommend. 🤣<br/>That brings us to Kent, someone who's clearly found exactly what he should be doing in life. From the ferry ride to the island you instantly see his happiness, caring nature and love for what he does. Without Internet he rode his pontoon boat around to our dock daily making sure we're ok and that we have everything we need.<br/>We'll definitely be back for another disconnect, and I highly suggest this island to anyone else who needs the same.
Kent was an amazing host. As soon as we stepped off the ferry it was already a 5 star experience. We stayed at the Nautilus and it was awesome. Kent & crew thought of everything and very accommodating. We went kayaking, tried the rope swing, grilled, had a campfire. You can view the sunrise from the Nautilus and walk the other side to view the sunset. Overall perfect stay and we will be back! ☺️
Kent was awesome!! Go stay here! You will not regret it! We will be back
Will be returning
Nautilus Water House FAQs
What's special about the Nautilus Waterhouse?
The Nautilus is a floating waterhouse docked at the island - offering a unique on-the-water stay with stunning lake views and immediate access to swimming and paddling.
Is the Nautilus Waterhouse off-grid?
Yes. Like all 1BSI stays, the Nautilus is off-grid by design, using thoughtful systems that balance sustainability with comfort.
What's included in this stay?
A cozy sleeping space, cooking gear, hot shower/bathroom access on the island, firewood, canoe or kayak use, and access to a hammock swim dock, boat dock, and swimming spots.
How do I access the Nautilus Waterhouse?
You'll arrive on your front porch by boat.
Ready to plan your overnight island stay?
Bookings go fast in peak season. We'll help you pick the right spot.
