Vision, details, and a Seneca Lake sunset are the makings of one of the best stays on the East Side of Seneca Lake. Just leave it to a family of entrepreneurs known for their ingenuity, work ethic, and most importantly their kindness and generosity.

For over 30 years, the Alexanders have watched their children and grandchildren grow up on Seneca Lake. From the nearby Elmira/Horseheads area, they spent their summers at their lake cottage and enjoyed what, if you’re lucky enough to have lived it, you know is the magic of a Seneca Lake summer.

John Alexander and his wife, Susie, are no strangers to running businesses and hard work. Susie is a second-generation CEO of EM Pfaff, a company known for its high-end commercial carpentry work. If you’ve ever been to the Corning Museum of Glass, you’ve seen their craftsmanship firsthand. They also owned Curly’s Chicken, the famous Elmira landmark, until selling it in the late 2000s. Their son, Derrick, has also built a successful business from the ground up: Garage Floor Coating of New York.

In 2007, the Alexanders found a 15-acre wooded property featuring a modest A-frame home on Rabbit Run Road. At first, it was meant to be a family cottage with a bit more privacy, but the 15 acres got them thinking- maybe they should really build something special.

By 2015, they broke ground on what would become Single Island Shores. They started with just 10 units, each thoughtfully placed to provide privacy and views. Derrick fought to save as many mature trees as possible when laying the groundwork for the build. They successfully created a park-like setting, and the best part is that all guests have access to the lake, with a dock, walking paths, and a scenic nature trail running up the south side of the property.
Today, Single Island Shores has grown to 30 units, yet it still feels like a quiet escape. They built solid roads, beautiful landscaping, and even invested in a playground for kids. It was one of the first new lodging builds in the area, and the Alexanders have set a high standard.

Derrick and his wife, Trisha, along with John and Susie, now run what has turned into quite the business, hosting anywhere from 100 to 160 guests at a time. John is there daily, making sure everything is running smoothly but you wouldn’t even know he was the owner, while Susie can’t help but pull weeds and get her hands dirty in the gardens. Derrick is on hand to fix anything that comes up, and Trisha handles day-to-day operations and inventory. Together, they make quite the team, all while running other businesses.

They couldn’t do it without the amazing Ashley Lynch, their manager and head of hospitality for the last 10 years. Ashley is a hard worker who provides impeccable customer service. Just read the reviews, her name comes up again and again and is a big part of their success. She’s always available and more than happy to give her time to ensure every guest has the best experience possible. She’s been an essential part of Single Island Shores’ growth, and the Alexanders know how lucky they are to have her on board.

Today, Single Island Shores hosts family reunions, weddings, and club gatherings, drawing more than 120 visitors per week to the region. With lake access, a kid-friendly playground, and modern, well equipped cottages, it’s the perfect place to create lasting memories. And thanks to the Alexanders, visitors from all over get to experience the magic of Seneca Lake in the summer.