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MAGICAL, PRIVATE, FORESTED LAKEFRONT/ SWEEPING LAKE VISTAS, EASY ACCESS IN ITHA

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Entrance steps from driveway to main house
Property grounds
Property grounds
Beach
RELAX ON THE DECK

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12204.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Ithaca, NY
  • Ithaca Commons
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Ithaca College
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Cornell University
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

MAGICAL, PRIVATE, FORESTED LAKEFRONT/ SWEEPING LAKE VISTAS, EASY ACCESS IN ITHA

Just minutes from downtown Ithaca on the west shore of Lake Cayuga, this property has spectacular lake vistas and over 150 feet of EASILY ACCESSIBLE lake frontage. 1.4 acres of woods and majestic hemlock and oak trees frame a cottage originally built in the mid 1800's by a mayor of Ithaca and then lived in in the summers by his daughter, Belle, until 1922--one of Ithaca's original lakefront homes. We like to share the beautiful view and rustic and quaint vintage house with small gatherings of friends and families. This is our home and we are usually present on the property, staying in our own self contained area which shares nothing with the main house except the driveway. Since it is our home, we ask that you treat it kindly and leave it in the exact condition you found it. Due to the ecologically sensitive location, we don't rent to groups larger than 8 (possible 10, with our permission, if there are small ones). We have a strict NO PARTIES rule and do not allow visitors from off the property. Only the rental group is allowed on the property. Additional guest fees will be charged for each outside visitor on the property without the owner's permission. There is a driveway camera.

The paved S-curved driveway leads through the woods down the hill to a large parking area with room for vehicles to turn around. There is one flight of stairs to the main floor entrance but bedrooms can be accessed from the driveway level.

The 2200 sf of living space includes--on the main floor--an entrance room; a fully equipped kitchen with stainless appliances (dishwasher, large frig, freezer with ice maker/water, gourmet stove, microwave, coffee maker, toaster oven, electric tea kettle, etc.); a laundry room with front loading washer and dryer, iron, ironing board; a full bathroom with shower; a large open living/dining room with a charming arts-and-craftsy 'inglenook' around the picturesque riverstone fireplace. The main floor has expansive lake views and opens out to an extensive deck area with plenty of outdoor seating, tables, gas grill, and views galore!

4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms as well as a screened porch are on the second floor. Two bedrooms have queensize beds; two have a fullsize bed. Additional living space in the walk-out basement level features a 5- 6-person sauna with a great view.

The 150 ft of lakefront is about half gently sloping shale beach; the other half is a grassy area with a sea wall and includes a fire pit, dock, and boathouse, with lots of outdoor seating and two hammocks as well as a table and umbrella for dock seating. The property comes with a canoe, three single kayaks, and a tandem kayak. There are water shoes and life vests in the boathouse.

Activities and Attractions : The Finger Lakes is renowned for its wineries and breathtaking gorges. Ithaca is a mecca of arts, science, film activities, artisan farming, world famous restaurants, etc. Ithaca's Farmers Market is rated one of the best in the country. However, alot of folks don't even want to leave the property, since the quiet of the majestic old growth forest and the mesmerizing lake vistas, along with swimming, kayaking, and just gazing at the ever-changing water is the best--an oasis of peace and beauty --yet so close to all the perks of civilization! 'Magical' is the word most frequently used by visitors to describe the setting.

In addition, there is a small, 2-bedroom cabin on the upper part of the property completely private from the main house that is available at Homeaway listing # 268870.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Plumbing system is especially delicate so EVERYONE in the house needs to be aware that ONLY toilet paper can go in the system.
Recycling and composting is easy: we ask guests to throw ALL food scraps in the compost bin in the kitchen; all containers and paper in recycling bin.
NO PARTIES is a strict rule and means no more than twice the # of guests. If you need to have more than that, discuss with owners.

Important information

You need to know

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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Ithaca

Located in Ithaca, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Cayuga Lake and Buttermilk Falls State Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Newman Arena or Robert J. Kane Sports Complex. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking/biking trails.
Map
Ithaca, NY

What's nearby

  • Cayuga Medical Center - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Ithaca Falls Natural Area - 7 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Ithaca Commons - 7 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Ithaca College - 8 min drive - 7.5 km
  • Cornell University - 10 min drive - 8.2 km

Getting around

  • Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Glenwood Pines - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Boatyard Grill - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Gimme! Coffee Roastery - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is MAGICAL, PRIVATE, FORESTED LAKEFRONT/ SWEEPING LAKE VISTAS, EASY ACCESS IN ITHA pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at MAGICAL, PRIVATE, FORESTED LAKEFRONT/ SWEEPING LAKE VISTAS, EASY ACCESS IN ITHA?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at MAGICAL, PRIVATE, FORESTED LAKEFRONT/ SWEEPING LAKE VISTAS, EASY ACCESS IN ITHA?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is MAGICAL, PRIVATE, FORESTED LAKEFRONT/ SWEEPING LAKE VISTAS, EASY ACCESS IN ITHA located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 2 miles (3 km) of Cayuga Lake, Allan H. Treman State Marine Park and Hangar Theatre. Ithaca Dog Park and Puddledockers are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 82 out of 93 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 93 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 93 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 93 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 93 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a property!!! The site is beautiful, the house is comfortable and we had a great stay. The house is a bit quirky but in a mostly good way. The kitchen has literally everything you may need. The lake is clean and having the kayaks on site was so convenient. The bathrooms could use an upgrade but the expansive deck overlooking the lake, where we had several meals, and the sauna made up for it. Yes, it's a magical place.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Emily O.

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

Beautiful setting

My friends and I visited Ithaca to cycle over the weekend. The location and property are beautiful. We had privacy and plenty of places to soend time as a group or take a minute to ourselves.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher G.

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

Fantastic birthday celebration

We had a glorious overnight celebrating a birthday with friends. The hosts were gracious and accommodating. The house and grounds are picturesque and the accommodations were
Stayed 1 night in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

James M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property is spectacular. The home is older but very comfortable and well equipped. The kitchen is fabulous, very well equipped with all high end pots, pans, bowls dishes, etc.The only issue we faced was the upstairs air conditioning. There's are 2 window units for the 4 bedrooms but one was not functioning well. We ended up leaving the bedroom doors open and using fans to circulate the cool air from the one bedroom with a functional AC.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debra C.

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

Wedding weekend

Beautiful setting, nice place for the weekend.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Glenn B.

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

A Gorgeous Home Right on the Lake

This beautiful, one of a kind home, right on Lake Cayuga is a dream come true. The home was spacious, charming, and had everything you need for a whole family. And what a view! The hosts made everything seamless. Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tania B.

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

Wonderful property

Great location and beautiful property.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen M.

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

Beautiful Lake View

I have stayed at several lakefront properties on Lake Cayuga and this one by far was the best. The home was magical with lots of personality and wonderful outdoor space.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin M.

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

Family Fun

We very much enjoyed our stay in this unique house. Great location for water access w/dock for our rental boating adventures each day. It was relaxing laying in the hammocks & sitting on the large deck staring at the views. The fires at night down on the lake after we'd cook dinner were peaceful and a perfect way to end the days.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

William D.

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

Great Lake side retreat

Our family enjoyed this house for a 4 night stay in August. It’s a great location on the water and close to town and hiking spots. We loved hanging on the back deck and enjoying the lake views.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tess L.

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

Perfect stay for a wedding weekend

We used this property as a base of operations for a busy wedding holiday weekend. Clean, plenty of space and easy access to the lake. Would stay there again in a heartbeat!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christine K.

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

Beautiful

Beautiful location on the lake but also very close to Ithaca. Will definitely be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eligh H., Rochester, USA

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

Quirky Cool

Amazing cabin with a lot of historic character. Amazingly updated kitchen and you get a real sense of who the owners are and the fun and love they have for Ithaca and their home. This is the perfect Finger Lakes cabin with a great view, great amenities and it really does feel like a home away from home.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Katrina B.

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

Not enough time!

Sally’s house was a lovely break in our trip to the finger lakes to visit family. We had everything we needed and it felt like a friend had loaned us their home. Our kids loved being on the lake and a friend even picked us up off the dock on his boat. Sally was super accommodating and it felt like they had thought of everything. Thanks for a great stay Sally!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Don S.

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

Lovely Cayuga Lake ppty

As advertised, a charming house on the lake. The hosts live next door and were easily accessible. Five--year-old had a spectacular time leaping into the lake from the dock and I managed to get in a couple kayak runs. Highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amit P., Plainsboro

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

Cottage on Cayuga Lake..

We stayed at Sally's and Richard's place for a friend's reunion.. Must say it has a great location right on Lake Cayuga. The cottage was beautifully decorated with a lot of old world charm.. The best part of the property was the dock where you can have your morning tea and spend a lot of time right on the lake.. Would definitely go back...
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tania B.

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

Beautiful house

House is lovely! Very interesting, a lot of attention to detail. View of the lake is hard to beat. Owners are very responsive
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Judy Z.

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

Cornell Reunion fun

The 10 of us enjoyed the house and cabin. Proximity to campus, room to spread out, beautiful views and excellent kitchen set up with nice BBQ grill were just perfect. Enjoyed walks on trail, stop at Pines Tavern and Taughannock Park. Hosts were kind to allow early check in and Late departure. All good!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brittany G.

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

Beautiful Lakefront home

We stayed here while family was in town visiting and it was perfect! Plenty of rooms and perfect outdoor grilling space. The dock and view from the water is beautiful. Really felt like everything we needed was already there. There’s the cutest fire pit area by the beach, so bring firewood if you want to utilize that! Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Catherine C.

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

Rustic charm, thoughtful host, and lakefront magic

Our group of 7 adults (we're all 50-60) had a wonderful weekend at this lakefront retreat. The location was perfect, and when we weren't touring wineries and exploring the region, we enjoyed kayaking, dining outside, and toasting marshmallows by the firepit. The host has thought of absolutely everything, and the kitchen was so well stocked that we could easily have moved in permanently.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

alfredo r.

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

Beautiful

Our family absolutely loved staying at the lake house. Sally was extremely responsive and made herself available if anything came up. My only regret was not being able to stay there longer.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristen T.

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

More Than You Need!

View: breathtaking. Location: perfect - secluded and conveniently near town. House: full of character with everything you could need from spices to sunscreen, towels to toys, water shoes to wifi. Rooms: plenty!!! All kinds of places to sit, rest, read, gather, eat, and enjoy the incredible view.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kristen A.

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

Vacation week

We were glad that the home had ac as it was a very hot week . We were able to keep our boat that we rented for a few days on the end of the dock. We used the BBQ and ate o the large deck that has umbrella tables for dinner . The surroundings have beautiful perennials which add even more beauoto the lake view.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle P.

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

Historic house by the lake

We thoroughly enjoyed this rustic retreat by Cayuga lake during our daughter’s graduation. The deck is perfect for hosting guests and enjoying the lake views. The owner was very helpful. There are steep stairs up to the bedroom so the house may be difficult for seniors.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leslie Q.

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

Lovely lake view

Great location right on Cayuga Lake with views across to Cornell. Near downtown and several parks and hiking trails. The driveway is rather daunting: extremely steep and curvy, not for the faint of heart. The 3rd bathroom is downstairs, whereas the bedrooms are upstairs. Otherwise, the house is quite nice with a large kitchen and multiple outdoor seating areas.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

About the host

Hosted by sally mennen

Host profile image
We are a retired couple who travel alot and like to share our home on Lake Cayuga in Ithaca with folks who want some quiet time by the lake in a magical setting.

Why they chose this property

Our son was in law school at Cornell when we were looking for lakefront property, and he suggested we look here. The majestic trees and wide expanse of water as well as the long history of the cozy, rustic cottage, really charmed us.

What makes this property unique

Private, scenic lake frontage that couldn't be any closer to all the Ithaca offerings and other local amenities

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests