RARE FIND - Your Own Path to Lake Erie — Historic 5-Acre Lakefront Retreat
Historic charm. Five private wooded acres. 365 feet of Lake Erie shoreline. And, most importantly, a private path directly from the property to the lake.
The cottage sits on five private wooded acres, with Lake Erie to the north, Raccoon Creek nearby and thousands of acres of State Game Lands surrounding the property. The result is an exceptionally private, natural setting with plenty of room to relax and explore.
Located just 23 miles west of Erie, PA and 7 miles east of Conneaut, OH, this unique 3-bedroom cottage offers something that is increasingly rare along Lake Erie: you can actually walk from the property down to the water. Many lakefront homes in this area sit atop a bluff with no beach or lake access.
Originally built around 1912 as the Superintendent's home for the Elmwood Home for Boys, the cottage has been completely renovated while retaining its historic character.
THE COTTAGE
The first floor features a spacious, modern, fully equipped kitchen — perfect for everything from morning coffee to a family dinner — along with a comfortable living room and gas fireplace.
The large back deck is the perfect place to relax, listen to the waves and watch boats pass by. On cooler or rainy days, the enclosed front porch provides another peaceful spot to enjoy the property.
Upstairs you'll find:
3 bedrooms 2 Queen beds + 1 Double bed 1 full bathroom with garden-style tub/shower Sleeps up to 6 guests
THE LAKE - YOUR LAKE ERIE SHORELINE
One of the most special things about this property is the direct path from the cottage down to 365 feet of Lake Erie shoreline.
Unlike many lakefront homes along this stretch, which sit high above the lake with no practical access to the water, you can walk directly from the property down to the shoreline.
Spend the day swimming, exploring the shoreline, hunting for beach treasures, or simply relaxing beside the water. Build a beach fire, roast marshmallows and watch some of the most spectacular sunsets you'll ever see — sunsets that have been known to rival Key West.
A little-known bonus: a small public park (Raccoon Park & Raccoon Creek) borders the property and offers a wonderful playground for younger children, as well as another convenient access point to the lake. The park is open from dawn to dusk.
Kayaks can be launched at Raccoon Park, and there is room at the cottage for boat parking. Boat launching is available at nearby ramps in Conneaut, Elk Creek and other locations.
Please note: Lake conditions and shoreline/beach conditions vary with weather and lake levels.
FIVE ACRES OF PRIVACY
The cottage sits on five private wooded acres, surrounded by nature.
Lake Erie borders the property to the north and Raccoon Creek borders the property to the east. To the south and west is approximately 4,000 acres of Pennsylvania State Game Lands / David M. Roderick Wildlife Reserve.
The nearby Lake Erie Bluffs Park provides even more opportunities to explore the shoreline and surrounding countryside.
NATURE LOVERS WILL LOVE IT
Wildlife is everywhere.
The area is home to an incredible variety of birds, including bald eagles, peregrine falcons, great egrets, Mississippi kites, pileated woodpeckers, scarlet tanagers and rose-breasted grosbeaks. Monarch butterflies pass through during their migration south in late summer.
The surrounding State Game Lands offer miles of opportunities for hiking and wildlife watching. Hiking is not recommended during hunting season.
FISHING • BIKING • KAYAKING • GOLF
There's plenty to do when you're ready to leave the beach:
Lake Erie fishing from shore or boat Charter fishing from Conneaut or Erie Walleye, steelhead trout, and perch fishing Kayaking and canoeing Biking on lightly traveled country roads Golfing at nearby courses Hiking and wildlife watching Hunting in designated areas Disc golf Morel mushroom hunting Sailing and boating
(Please note: Fish may not be cleaned at the cottage)
WINERIES, BREWERIES & LOCAL FUN
You're also perfectly situated for exploring the Lake Erie wine country and surrounding attractions.
Nearby you'll find Markko, Tarsitano and Buccia wineries, Twisted Elk Brewing, Black Monk Brewing, Erie Brewing and Erie Distillery. Head to Geneva on the Lake, Madison or Westfield NY for some superior wineries.
Other popular destinations include:
Presque Isle State Park • Tom Ridge Environmental Center • Waldameer & Water World • Splash Lagoon • Geneva-on-the-Lake • Conneaut Lake Park • Covered Bridges of Ashtabula County • Pymatuning Lake • Amish Country • The Brig Niagara
And don't forget the local favorites like The White Turkey Drive-In, Tasty Twist and Peggy Gray Candies.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Horseshoes, bocce balls and plenty of open yard are provided for outdoor fun. The large side yard is perfect for tossing a ball or simply letting the kids run.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful couples' getaway, a family vacation, a fishing trip, a girls' weekend, a winery adventure or simply a place to unplug, this property offers something hard to find:
Space. Privacy. History. Nature. And a path from your doorstep to Lake Erie.
A FEW IMPORTANT DETAILS Maximum occupancy: 6 guests 3 bedrooms / 1 bathroom No smoking No pets No parties or events Driveway parking The property has ONE exterior camera, located at the driveway. There are NO cameras inside the home, on the back deck or on the front porch. Your privacy is important to us.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Our five-acre property is very private and surrounded by woods, Lake Erie and State Game Lands. A small, established seasonal campground borders the east side of the property. The campsites and campers are not visible from the cottage until leaves drop, and the campground is generally very quiet. It is closed late fall through early spring. You may occasionally hear campground activity, but it has had virtually no impact on our guests' experience over the years.
Keywords: House; Lake; Beach; Lakefront; Private;
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Leave the home as you found it - floors swept, clean fridge, stove top and oven. Please note we do not charge additional cleaning fee - most VRBOs charge $150-$250 for cleaning!
Specific check out instructions are posted on the refrigerator.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rental Agreement and copy of driver's license must be submitted within 72 hours of booking
No parties or large gatherings are permitted at the property. No digging/rock hounding on the property.
The party booking must be a guest staying in the home during all dates booked - no third party bookings are accepted.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number 84572912
Property # 243536vb
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
West Springfield
Located in West Springfield, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Middle Road Covered Bridge and Creek Road Covered Bridge are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Conneaut Railroad Museum and Conneaut Community Center for the Arts. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and sledging.
Presque Isle Downs and Casino - 42 min drive - 53.4 km
Presque Isle Beach - 51 min drive - 52.2 km
Getting around
Erie, PA (ERI-Erie Intl.) - 31 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 15 min drive
Sparky's Place - 17 min drive
Grandpa Pizzis Place - 16 min drive
Biscotti's Restaurant - 18 min drive
Franco's Pizzeria - 15 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is DIRECT beach access from property - 5 lakefront acres pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at RARE FIND - Your Own Path to Lake Erie — Historic 5-Acre Lakefront Retreat?
As of 25 September 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at RARE FIND - Your Own Path to Lake Erie — Historic 5-Acre Lakefront Retreat on 1 December 2026 start from NZ$968, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at DIRECT beach access from property - 5 lakefront acres?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at DIRECT beach access from property - 5 lakefront acres?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at DIRECT beach access from property - 5 lakefront acres?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is DIRECT beach access from property - 5 lakefront acres located?
Situated on the beach, this holiday home is within a 5-minute walk of Raccoon Park and Lake Erie. Springfield Township Town Hall is 3 mi (4.9 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We’re sorry the furnishings were not to your liking. In our 18 years of hosting, this is the first time we've received feedback regarding the furnishings. Our cottage is a historic 1912 home, and we’ve intentionally preserved its character . The dresser in the queen bedroom is a cherished piece that belonged to my grandmother. We make a point of providing extensive photos within our listing so guests can get a clear feel for the cottage and its furnishings before booking.
What a beautifully restored cottage and well maintained property. The hosts thought of every accoutrement to make the stay cozy while we were there. It was super clean and directions were easily accessible. What a great stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 26 July 2026
Thank you for your kind review! Glad you enjoyed the property - we try our best to make it comfortable for all! You were one of our best guests ever according to our cleaning crew - thank you for taking such good care of the Cottage On Lake Erie!
We were very pleased with the property. Well stocked and well cared for. The location right next to Raccoon park and the State Game lands was perfect for us.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 28 May 2026
Thank you! We are glad you were pleased with the property! We put a lot of TLC into the Cottage On Lake Erie each year - she's over 100 yrs old so always some kind of maintenance and improvements. We definitely call her our "Labor of Love". We hope you visit again.
Beautiful house, great place to spend a few days enjoying beachcombing, campfires, and nice evenings on the deck
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 October 2025
We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay at the Cottage On Lake Erie! Sounds like you had great weather, and took advantage of the property and shoreline! (I hope the wife got the beach fire!)
A cherished place! The cleanest and most well maintained vacation home we've stayed in. Beds were comfortable and we had everything we needed during our stay. I would stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 October 2025
Thank you! We are so happy you enjoyed your stay at the Cottage On Lake Erie! So appreciate your review!
The home & property offer a great place to escape and enjoy the view of Lake Erie. We enjoyed our stay and were able to visit both Erie and Conneaut, OH with reasonable driving distance. We would recommend this home for your stay and we would love to come back ourselves in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 August 2025
Thank you! We are happy you enjoyed your stay at the Cottage On Lake Erie! Appreciate your kind review! Come back anytime!
Everything was great, the walk to the lake is a little steep but not much you can do about that.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 August 2025
Thanks for the review Seth!
We do point out in our Rental Agreement that the path to the lake may be considered steep for some. Unfortunately, the bridge was out so you couldn't just walk down to Raccoon Park next door to the lake.
We are VERY fortunate to have Lake access, as most properties along this stretch are cliff only with no lake access from the property.
We really enjoyed our stay. This cottage was exactly what we were looking for.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 1 September 2023
Thanks so much for your 5 star review and words. It makes us so happy to know that you made great memories at the cottage. WE can't be there all the time and it is a spot that is conducive to great family and friend times.
We enjoyed our stay at the Cottage on Lake Erie. The house was very nice, beautiful view of the lake. A very peaceful setting. Beautiful sunsets
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 August 2025
Thank you for your lovely review of the Cottage On Lake Erie! We do get some awesome sunsets! (I always say they rival those of Key West!) Wish we could have earned a 10 - please let us know what we can do to improve our rating. Thank you
This cottage was an excellent place to stay for a winter weekend while visiting Erie.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 1 September 2023
Thanks Steven! Glad it was to your satisfaction!
About the host
Hosted by Dianne Swanson
We have hosted this property since 2008 and love providing couples, friends and families with memories that last a lifetime! You will see by our numerous FIVE STAR reviews, the number of families that boast how special the property is. Many of our guests have been coming to the Cottage On Lake Erie for years!
Why they chose this property
The home has been in the family since the 1950's - we purchased the home in 2008 from family. It is a historical property built in the early 1900's and was originally the headmaster's home for the Elmwood Home for Boys.
After the Elmwood Home for Boys closed, there were two other owners of the surrounding property. One used it to harvest timber, the other gutted what was remaining of the Elmwood Home for Boys and had the remaining buildings across the street torn down (after destroyed by fire).
In the mid 50's, Ricks' grandfather, James Evans of Girard, and partners purchased 200 acres including what is now Raccoon Park. The cottage was rented to Michael Obrien, a good tenant to whom they sold the cottage. Mr Obrien raised his family there and lived there until it was sold back to the family in 1987 when he died.
In 1965 the partners sold the acreage of what is now Raccoon Park and kept four 2.5 acre plots west of Raccoon Creek along the lake. Two of those 2.5 acre lots is what the cottage sits on. It is our piece of paradise all year round and a big piece of our heart and family history.
What makes this property unique
The Cottage On Lake Erie is one of very few properties along the south shore of Lake Erie that has a path directly from the property down to the lake/beach. (Most other properties along the shore have a cliff shoreline which does not allow access directly to the lake!)
On a very clear day, you can make out Canada across Lake Erie!
Directly to the east of the property is Raccoon Creek - a quite popular fishing mecca. On the other side of the creek lies Raccoon Park, which was once part of the cottage property. It's a lovely park with two pavilions - one which is open to the public, and another modern pavilion with a kitchen that can be rented for special occasions. The park has recently updated all playground equipment and added concrete paths allowing greater accessibility for those with disabilities.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests