Rustic Retreat on Seneca Lake Wine Trail - Romantic, Family and Pet Friendly

Rustic log cottage located on a private road right off the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. The secluded nature of the property offers the safe exploration of woods, streams, and the lakeshore for kids, dogs and adults alike. Almost a mile from the nearest public road, you can walk up the hill for the free Friday bands on the brewery deck at our neighbor Wagner Vineyards.

You will find this hidden gem tucked into the edge of a 15-acre grove of trees, streams, and waterfalls, set back just far enough from Seneca Lake. You might wish to walk up to one of the neighboring wineries to bring back a bottle (or two!) for the evening. You can even enjoy a drink on the dock while watching the setting sun or take a walk on the beach and collect some lake glass. For those looking to indulge in the Wine and Beer trails, we are not only fully stocked with glassware and bar tools, but also with plenty of information on Finger Lakes wine, beer and spirits, personal touring options and local restaurant recommendations. The kid's room has a stocked toy box and includes books, games, puzzles, musical instruments and some old-school video game consoles for the whole family to enjoy!

After a long day enjoying the area, retreat to the lofted, high-beamed and hand-cut log main bedroom with moon windows and private bath. Right down the hallway, you will find the kid's room, with two single beds and lots of play space. A separate downstairs bedroom includes a double bed, dresser, and ample closet space.
In the living room you will find a brand new, large sectional couch with a double pull-out bed for guest to enjoy. There are two bathrooms, with the full bath upstairs and half shower downstairs.

For entertainment, you will find countless shelves of books, with a selection of the best books (in our opinion) about the local area. We have also installed a Roku that has basic Netflix and Hulu capabilities and there are a few DVDs and even VHS tapes. If you are traveling here for work, or just have the need for high-speed internet, we now have 100mbps+ Fiber Optic connection available.

Linens and most other details required to move in are supplied. The kitchen is fully stocked down to the olive oil, but we do not provide any food or drinks. Several grocery/retail stores can be found within a 30 minute drive in any direction (Ovid being the closest at around 15 minutes!) Stop at a road-side stand for a taste of the local bounty or even pick your own Seneca Lake fruit and make a pie! And if baking isn't your thing, you can have Laurel make you a custom order for your stay. Special occasion cakes, cupcakes, breakfast pastries and more are available upon request and with advanced notice and approval.

A walk across the road, down a marked path and through the forest, then down a hand-cut stairway takes you to the lake, our dock and the shared beach, set among other lake cottages. Here you will find a few chairs and a fire pit which you are welcome to enjoy as you wish. We have 50 feet of waterfront that makes up our own beach, and you are welcome to walk to the beach in any direction. At times, you may find one of us or a family member using the dock to launch a kayak or enjoying our 100+ year old boathouse that is an occasional summer retreat for Nate's dad. You may tie a kayak to our dock, or moor it on our shorefront during the day (larger boat launching and overnight mooring is available at Lodi Point - three miles by water.). There is a safe place for children to swim as well as a creek you can walk up at your own risk. We ask that you please do not litter and that you leave any places you've enjoyed better than when you arrived. Seneca Lake is notable for fishing: the world’s largest lake trout are routinely taken here. You can find boat and kayak rentals, as well as tours and fantastic restaurants at both ends of the lake in either Geneva or Watkins Glen. We do not supply fishing gear.

This is a rustic home, built of all local materials and it was made to be lived in. Kids can leave their wet swimming suits on the floor, the dog could track in some mud, even a spill or two can happen and it’s not going be an issue. We are in the woods after all! With this being said, we ask that you remain respectful and keep our house as you would like your house kept! There also should be an understanding that you may find some critters occasionally. Spiders like the safety of the house and sometimes a mouse or two will find its way in. In the event that you do come across an overly friendly extra guest, we will come over and take care of it for you.

Our cat, Kitty, is our number one pest control and can usually be found wandering the property doing what cats do best. She is fairly timid around both dogs and people, so you will most likely not see her. But in the event that you do, she is a little black and white tuxedo cat with white paws and there is no need to worry, as she is happily outside enjoying the safety of our land.

We ask that you keep your pets leashed and under supervision at all times. Not only for the safety of them, but for Kitty and our neighbors animals as well. During summertime many neighbors bring their pets and they can be found running around and swimming in the lake, and we wish everyone to feel as safe as possible.

Great for family reunions, BBQ's, NASCAR Events, Wine Trail Tours, fishing trips and more! The cottage is also a fantastic destination for romantic retreats, as we have hosted more than a few couples getting married at the nearby Wagner Vineyards.

A few families even lovingly refer to the cottage as their own summer home and return each year.


We look forward to your stay!
-Nate & Laurel


Here are some highly rated Guest Comments:

John L.
5/5
Peaceful getaway on Seneca lake
"A ~3/4 mile drive from Wagner’s vineyards on a dirt road to the house just above Seneca lake. Nice and quiet but still accessible to the wineries, Finger Lakes national forest. Perfect for dogs to run around on the beach. Arrived to a nice bottle of wine. Thanks!"


Todd H.
5/5
"Secluded and peaceful, 2000 foot walk to lake, 25 min drive to Watkins Glen State Park. Ever wanted to be on a lake with peace and quiet? If so, this is the place you have been looking for. You are literally about 1+ mile in from the road with almost no one else around. The lake is within eyesight and just about 2000 feet away. If very much was a "house in the woods." Mind you, this was not super fancy, but it was peaceful and had everything we needed. Watkins Glen State Park is about a 25 min drive and we felt close enough to be able to access, without being too near any crowds. The owner's were incredibly responsive and friendly and not at all intrusive."

Susie O.
5/5
Peaceful cabin in the woods
"The property is exactly as pictured—a rustic but comfortable cabin by the lake, just far enough off the main road to be totally quiet, but close to Finger Lakes attractions—Watkins Glen State Park, multiple hiking trails and waterfalls, Ithaca, and several wineries (we also really enjoyed the Lucky Hare Brewing Company and Stone Cat Cafe, both a 10-minute drive away). Nate and Laurel are great hosts and take care to make the cabin comfortable for guests. The kitchen was well kitted out and the chilled wine waiting in the fridge was a lovely touch!"