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Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve

Photo gallery for Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve

A wooden dock leading to a house by a lake.
A rustic wooden cabin interior with a cozy living area, bookshelves, a fireplace, and a television.
A rustic cabin interior with wooden walls and ceiling, a large bookshelf, and a television.
A wooden cabin room with two beds, a chair, a small table, and a window with curtains.
A cabin with a wooden deck overlooking a body of water, surrounded by trees.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Lake Ontario
6 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Toys
  • Barbecue
  • Pet-friendly
  • Refrigerator
  • Washing machine

Explore the area

View map
Clayton, NY

Where you'll sleep

6 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Bedroom

1 Double Bed

Bedroom

1 King Bed

Bedroom

2 Single Bunk Beds

Bedroom 6

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve

Located on the beautiful St Lawrence River, a 10 minute boat ride from Gananoque, Canada, and 20 minutes from Clayton, NY. 4 bedroom Adirondack Camp with spectacular sunset views of the Thousand Islands. Separate, quaint cabin with bedroom and full bath and 1 bedroom boathouse. Located on family-owned, 650+ acre private preserve of rolling pastures and woods great for walking and mountain biking. Multiple docks for boating, swimming, and fishing. Diving board. 2 kayaks.

Grindstone Island is easily accessible by boat / water taxi. RJ Marine in Clayton, New York offers a water taxi service. If you would like to rent a boat, Clayton Marina in Clayton offers boat rentals. Please note: there is no ferry or bridge to Grindstone Island.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Yes
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats less than 453 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Pets considered. Please contact host.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking indoors, please.
No campfires allowed on property due to fire risk.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 102178
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Clayton

Located in Clayton, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Boldt Castle is a notable landmark, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Ontario and Thousand Islands National Park. City Cruises Gananoque and Alex Bay 500 Go-Karts are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and mountain biking.
View more Holiday homes in ClaytonOpens in a new window
Map
Clayton, NY

Restaurants

  • Tim Hortons
  • McDonald's
  • The Boatyard at Carrier Bay
  • Nappo's Sports Bar
  • Popeyes

Frequently asked questions

Is Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 453 kg per pet.

How much is parking at Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps from Lake Ontario.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 39 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another wonderful week at a beautiful place we cannot wait til next year
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was absolutely wonderful. The cottage was exactly as described / pictured. The house was very clean and well equipped. We paddle boarded, tubed, swam, rode bikes around the island, checked out Gananoque, and watched the sunset from the porch every night. Such a peaceful, relaxing week. We will absolutely return!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had another wonderful week at the Howard-Smith cottage. Everything was perfect. We hiked to civil war cemetery and Grindstone winery. We biked the island. We kayaked and fished. Most enjoyable was we unplugged for a week with our family. The cottage is amazing with plenty of room. My daughter and her husband loved sleeping in the boathouse with the sound of the water. Even one rainy day was enjoyable, spent on the porch watching the water. I can’t imagine a better place to spend a week.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A very quaint, quiet location. The hosts were awesome in answering all of our questions before we ever arrived. It was just as described and likely a unique property with the private preserve. We truly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time as usual can not wait til next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

St Lawrence Paradise

Always great to stay at the Howard Smith property and now there is a winery close by. Rustic, fun, beautiful!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful views from this rustic vacation home. Enjoyed, kayaking, pattle boarding, fishing, swimming, site seeing in Clayton, Alexandra bay and bolt castle and yacht house. Beautiful, peaceful and surrounded by the beauty of the thousand islands.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing grounds and location

We loved every minute of it! Very relaxing! The blueberry island was a hit with kids!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

We love coming here every year The owners are great and the location is absolutely beautiful. Can’t wait till next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The most magical place in the world

There is not better equip house with endless trails and amazing sunsets. Incredibly cozy and perfect in every way.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Yet another lovely week on Grindstone!

Maybe our tenth visit here over the past 25 years- need we say more?
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Special Place

This was our second year here. Loved it even more this year. We brought bikes and explored the island, getting to know some of the local folks. This is a place where you can really relax. Thanks for having us!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What A Vacation!

Our stay at the Howard Smith lodge was fantastic. Even though the weather was not the best, everything about this place made us feel right at home. From the large family room with the banquet table for family meals and board games, to the adirondack lined back deck overlooking the lake, and the overall property as a whole, we had the most relaxing and therapeutic vacation in years. The kitchen is as well stocked as any vacation home we have aver stayed in, so for people who like to cook or bake, you could not ask for more. Thank you, Sandra and Isabel, for your hospitality and for sharing this beautiful, amazing family lodge. We will definitely be returning next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

One week is too short!!

We have rented this property multiple times. It is so beautiful both inside and out. We spent most of our time jumping off the diving board and floating down to the boathouse. We also explored the island with a 6 mile walk, as well as a bike excursion around the island and over to the winery! We brought bikes, paddle boards and waterskis. The kitchen is small but quaint. The huge dining room table is perfect for big dinners and card games to follow. The beds are very comfortable, great living space and an incredible front porch with killer sunsets. Great hosts, as well!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had the most amazing week. We watched sunsets from the porch, fished off the dock and kayaked almost every day. We road bikes and hiked on the island which is rich with history. There is a wonderful winery on the island open on weekends that is a short walk. We got a tour of the island in a car from the winery hostess. Clayton is only a 20 minute boat ride and Wellesley island state park is 30 minutes . We launched our boat from Wellesley and left the truck /trailer there for the week. The home and the owner couldn’t have been more wonderful. I was smitten as soon as I stepped off our boat. It was better than expected . It was very clean and had everything we needed. I don’t know how we could’ve had better week!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Idyllic Cottage on Grindstone

My husband, myself and our two sons (13 and 7) had a wonderful two weeks at this beautiful property. It offers great swimming and fishing. Our sons loved the diving board and swimming off the dock. My son and husband both caught pike while fishing near the dock. It is excellent for bird sightings. We saw a pair of Loons one morning, emerge from the water right in front of us, while sitting on dock. Other birds spotted: common merganser with chicks, osprey, belted kingfisher, to name a few. Potter's beach is a short boat ride away. Excellent accommodation, very clean, well appointed. Its a 5-10 minute walk to Grindstone Winery, which has ongoing events. I highly recommend and would definitely come again.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Rustic Charm

The property is very scenic and we were fortunate to catch a great week of weather including plenty of sunshine and calm seas 5 out of the 7 days we stayed. We chose the location based on the privacy and serenity it provides. That did not disappoint and the views of the river and surrounding islands is quite beautiful. The buildings are very rustic. If that is a quality that you appreciate, then you will be pleased. Frankly, the property was more rustic than we anticipated which is why I did not give the highest rating. A boat is a must have to stay at this property. We enjoyed numerous boat rides back and forth to Clayton, however it’s a fairly long ride so if the weather is not cooperating, it would be a challenge. The house is well stocked and clean (again for what it is). Overall, our extended family - including grandparents - had a great time!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

This is our 2nd time renting this cabin. It is in a beautiful spot and has everything you need. We love staying here on our family vacation. Can’t wait til next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Cabin and Outstanding Views

We truly had a great and relaxing time exploring the island, swimming, and fishing. The cabin(s) were just right for our group and the owners were very accommodating. Thank you for the memories
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great family gathering place!

We have been here 7 or 8 times over the past 30 years- that tells you something, right? We never fail to be delighted!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Classic 1000 Island cottage

Beautiful location. Wonderful "great room", fun, well appointed kitchen. quaint, cozy bedrooms, user friendly pink granite shore front. Wonderful boathouse.
Stayed 13 nights in Sep 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning Property

This property makes you lose track of time. The island and the land surrounding this home is beyond beautiful. Isabel and family thanks for sharing your piece of Thousand Islands with us. It is a real treasure! Matt and Amy
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So much better than Maine

This was the best summer family vacation. The house and property are amazing. Everyone was friendly and the owner's family went out of their way to accommodate us. The kids all spent a lot of time between the diving board, swimming, water skiing, and snorkeling. I took a walk, read a book, shared some wine with the neighbors, watched the sunsets, took a cruise out to Boldt castle, dock up in Clayton and got a great meal on the waterfront at Bella's. And most of all we had a lot of fun hanging out in the big living room and deck at night playing games with family and friends. Thank you Abby, Isabel, and Jeff!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another amazing year!

We were able to spend even more time on the island this year and enjoyed amazing views, swimming, bike riding and more. Very relaxing and rejuvenating times!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

We had a wonderful time. The location and property is amazing. We can not wait for next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

About the host

Hosted by Sandra H Hamlen

Host profile image

Languages:

English
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