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“Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway

Lakefront holiday home with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway

Picture yourself, lakefront, on your dock on lovely 150 acre private lake.
Your entry to a great vacation
Welcome home
Interior detail
Chic dining area.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4130.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
  • Place, Catamount Ski Area
  • Place, Ski Butternut
  • Airport, Hudson, NY (HCC-Columbia County)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Double Futon

Den with tv, pullout couch

1 Double Bed

Living room

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

“Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway

One of the very few waterfront homes available for rent. What other houses offer you 150 feet private lakefront where you can awake to birdsong? absolute best house in the best little town for the full Berkshire experience. If you want your own totally private oasis, and a whole house to yourself, leaving crowds and hassle behind, come up to this lovely, quiet, lakefront Berkshire house with a Zen-like feel, just a mile from the center of Sheffield. Just sit and listen to the silence.

Immaculately behaved, non-shedding, totally house trained small dogs welcome.
Ask about special rates for longer stays.

Perfect location for all Berkshire activities, including Tanglewood and Jacob’s Pillow, plus Shakespeare and Company, Norman Rockwell, The Mount, Berkshire Botanical Gardens.

Light-filled, year-round lakefront house (150 feet on private lake with own dock). with fireplace and fire pit, all decorated in mid-century retro style and immaculately clean. Think 'Walden,' think 'On Golden Pond.' Two bedrooms with A/C—one queen-sized bed, two twins, two full baths, living room with fireplace and A/C, dining area, kitchen with dishwasher and microwave, den with pull-out couch.
Water softener, plus screened in porch, full laundry room, two car garage, fire pit, comfortable outdoor seating for five plus two—and all on the most blissful private 150 acre lake with wonderful fishing--bass and pike--and just a mile off Route 7, Sheffield, handy to everything and spotlessly clean. Cleaned, bleached and treated with UVC wand sanitizer. Self checkin and checkout.
Lake is natural, pure and lovely to look at (but not good for swimming due to natural vegetation). Canoeing, fishing and kayaking are great. Your own dock and 150 feet on the lake. Kayaks and canoe. Ping pong table! Electric bikes available to rent. Dog walkers available!!

You can work from home here. WiFi, 5G, good cell reception, slightly rare in the Berkshires., Smart cable tv. Spectrum service. This is a slice of heaven! Everything you need for that perfect Berkshire getaway—we can give lots of tips for top-notch local restaurants and things to do. Local owners readily available to answer questions and make recommendations.
Great local hiking on closeby Appalachian trail, great biking (we have 4 good bikes), wildlife observation (meet our otter and nesting bald Eagle), riveting local history (Shays Rebellion, Mum Bett), local swimming recommendations.

Very convenient for Berkshire School and Hotchkiss parents.
Also convenient for nearby Litchfield County, Conn, including Music Mountain events, plus Lime Rock Park racing.
Further west, Hudson, NY, is fun to explore, along with houses like Olana, built by Frederic Church of the Hudson River School.
You will never run out of things to do here—or nothing at all—whatever you want.
Bliss!!!!

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Owners have no liability.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Totally house-trained, small, non-shedding and of
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please don’t bring barbecue onto screened porch. Please don’t rearrange furniture or pictures!!

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
Property Registration Number C0126212670

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Sheffield

Located in Sheffield, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Drury Preserve and Jug End State Reservation reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Harney and Sons Tea Tasting Room and Berkshire Botanical Garden. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Sheffield, MA

What's nearby

  • Magnolia Bluffs Casino - 11 min drive - 6.7 km
  • Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center - 14 min drive - 12.3 km
  • Housatonic River Walk - 15 min drive - 12.7 km
  • Catamount Ski Area - 16 min drive - 16.7 km
  • Ski Butternut - 20 min drive - 18.0 km

Getting around

  • Hudson, NY (HCC-Columbia County) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪SoCo Creamery - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Café Rena - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Guido’s Kitchen - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Fuel - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Thom Reed UFO Monument Park and 1.9 mi (3 km) from Housatonic River. Magnolia Bluffs Casino and Drury Preserve are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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. 168 out of 177 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 177 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 177 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 177 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 177 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Carol ?.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful space....beautiful view Host was gracious, available and accommodating to all requests
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

d c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Returned for the third time, absolutely love the property. A slice of heaven in the Berkshires.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

marsha i.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Elterwater is an absolutely amazing place to relax, recharge and enjoy being in a wooded area, next to a lake and yet a short drive away from restaurants, attractions and shops. The home is immaculate, well stocked with kitchen items, bath and bedding linens and good WiFi for staying in touch… if that’s what you choose. But, the peaceful surroundings may have you opting to take time to enjoy nature in a lovely home. Gillian was a perfect host. She had helpful suggestions for places to see and restaurants to try. We will definitely stay there again.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

ann e.

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

Great house on the lake for some R&R

Great location, beautiful scenery on the lake with privacy. Fishing was great!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sam F.

Lovely home

Great location to stay in Southern Berkshires.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Valeriy S.

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

Good fishing

Very nice place for quiet weekend! Excellent fishing!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Viktor G.

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

Thank you very much

Thank you very much
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

8/10 Good

Karen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our early Fall stay of adult family and dogs very much at this nicely located property about 10 minutes outside of Great Barrington. There were ample opportunities for hiking and sight seeing, cultural activities, good restaurants, farm goods and fresh produce and wonderful grocery stores for everything one needed to cook at home. The kitchen is reasonably stocked but I brought a few extra condiments and things I like to use when cooking. The view of the lake is a wonderful thing to enjoy from the house , screened in porch and backyard. While there are boats to use on the lake, it seemed very shallow and weedy when we were there so we did not go on the water. Our major complaint was the beds had saggy mattresses but otherwise the furniture inside was fine The outside furniture could use updating. The owner is very nice and accommodating. It’s a good deal place for the location especially if you are looking for a place to stay with pets.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

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

Terrific location and quality

Absolutely amazing. If you want to experience the Berkshires in full serenity, this is your place!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Roomy home on the Pond

This home has plenty of space for relaxation as well as being well equipped.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Larry F.

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

Wonderful lake house

We had a fantastic time staying in the home. Very clean a well stocked. Very serene and private. Just a beautiful setting. We leave it k forward to returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Caleb S.

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

wonderful!

absolutely lovely rental with a friendly and conscientious host. we'll definitely be coming back to this one!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Steven N., Manchester

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

Peaceful!

Great stay! The fish were biting and the foliage was beautiful. Watched the kingfishers and the eagle. Neat as a pin home with everything I needed. Thanks Dr. Gillian!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

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

Best so far!

Everything was as advertised. Gillian was very responsive. Her place was spotless, quiet, friendly neighbors, great fishing, a birders paradise, quality shopping close by and a definite place we will return to. What a perfect weekend!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ferne D.

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

elterwater

we enjoyed our stay but the bugs outside the property were very disturbing.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nathalie A.

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

once again a most fabulous stay at elterwater cottage!

my husband and i try to come stay at elterwater cottage at least once or twice a year. we love the location of the house on the lake, being able to kayak on mill pond, and we’ve discovered the sheffield and immediate surroundings by bike. we had the best weather last week and we will be back again soon. gillian is a fantastic host and is very approachable and responsive, thank you!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan S.

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

Tranquil, Private, Gorgeous Views!

The four of us had such a great time here. The views are gorgeous, a lovely expansive pond with fantastic fishing (we caught large & small mouth bass and Pike (might have been chain pickerel.) Head across the pond and to the left a few hundred yards for a great spot. The house is very comfortable, beds were great, and there was plenty of room to spread out. Sooo many things to do in this area. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lani M.

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

A charming lake house

The property is something I dream of having myself one day. Tranquil, private, quiet, lush are some of the words I could describe the outside of the property. The house itself is very charming, super clean and though not new, it provides all the comforts of a new home- dishwasher , ACs, washer and dryer, Roku, WiFi. The beds and beddings are comfortable. The decors are classic with old charm, which is just my taste. Overall, I’m happy to recommend this lake house.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ethan C.

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

Connecting with nature

Our family had a great stay and very much look forward to returning in the future. Host was incredibly responsive and accommodating. House was very well suited for a family. We loved the boats (life jackets included) and layout of the home and property. To wake up looking out onto the lake was wonderful. Pictures and description of the property are accurate. It was very close to other surrounding locations and all rather convenient. I very much hope to be able to return again soon and for longer!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Becky L., Durham, NC

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

Peaceful and relaxing

The property was accurately represented by the listing. The area is quiet and peaceful with a wonderful private view of the lake. We enjoyed the kayaks, ping pong table, and hammock. This is not a fancy place, but is much more than a cabin....like a comfortable family home. The owner went out of her way to make sure we had everything we needed. Highly recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brianna S.

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

Amazing Stay!

Had a family weekend here and could not be happier! The property is absolutely gorgeous, perfect for a long weekend of relaxation. The view of the water is beautiful, and we had a lovely time watching the resident eagle and listening to all the songbirds. Gillian is a phenomenal host and gave us amazing recommendations for food. She was also wonderful to talk to when we had questions. She made our stay fun and easy, and we’re so appreciative of all her tips! I can’t wait to come back, either with family again, or with a small group of friends to enjoy the lakeside view. This has quickly become one of my new favorite places, and I’ll be thinking about it until I can return 😊
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie D., Albany, NY

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

Another 'eaglegent' stay

A peaceful and delightful home and yard, with fire pit and ever changing views of the pond. Eagles, heron, geese, wood ducks, and a bluebird, were some of the outdoor guests this year. If you prefer activity, there's a canoe and kayak, many, many places to hike, walk on the road, close to theater, events, shopping in unique stores, and restaurants of every taste. Gillian is a gem. We've already booked for our third year (2024) :)
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Denise C.

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

Peaceful Getaway

We were up for a long fall weekend and found this gem. When I say there was nothing I wish had I mean it. I cooked many meals and had every utensil and cookware pan I needed, there was so many books to choose from to sit and read on the back porch, even shampoo and conditioner which is rare. Plenty of blankets and pillows and comfortable beds. The views of the pond were picturesque with the colors of fall. We sat by the fire pit in the evening and ate dinner around the table at night. Plenty of things to do within an hour and also just stay and relax. The host was very responsive and accommodating and even had the Pyrex dish I had inquired about ready on the oven. We will be returning!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

theresa T.

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

Just what we were looking for...

When you stay at Gillian's lakefront retreat you can understand why the reviews are so great. The house is warm, inviting and so very clean. The lake views from the house are amazing. We were extra comfortable and cozy. This is the type of rental you wish you could keep to yourself BUT everyone should be able to enjoy what Gillian has created for guests, so if you have the opportunity to stay here ~ Stay, you will be glad. Gillian goes above and beyond providing helpful information to enhance your stay without ever being intrusive. We are looking forward for our next opportunity to return. Thank you Gillian ever so much!!
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

HK S.

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

Bow Wow WOW!!

My stay on Bow Wow Road was such a WOW that I found myself missing it like home when I got home. From start to finish the communication with Gillian was prompt, pleasant and exceedingly helpful. It was obvious she cared about the experience of her guests and comforting to know that she was on hand should anything arise... but of course, nothing did, because she has thought of everything. I walked into a warm, welcoming space with a beautiful view and several cozy rooms and outdoor spaces to enjoy, including boats to explore the lake! Such a charming and ideal location to check out a lovely, interesting part of the country. My only complaint is that I intended to rent a spot to tackle some writing goals, but that was hopeless considering the endless options for entertainment in the area! A memorable stay. I hope I can return some day, because I barely scratched the surface of the Berkshires and cannot think of a more pleasant place or thoughtful host.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Dr. Gillian Hettinger

Host profile image
English professor and husband fell in love with this idyllic house, not least because of the lake, which is amazing. Perfect in all seasons, and something to do all year long. We love the wildlife and drifting gently in the canoe across the private lake--wonderful winter views across private lake, great fishing in the summertime. The land across the road and across the lake is all preserved so your views are spectacular. Great local restaurants and, of course, everything the Berkshires has to offer. You'll be delighted with this rare find and come back again and again. You'll come for the culture--the music, theater, dance--and you'll stay for tranquil hours reading a favorite book on the porch, or beginning to write your novel.

Why they chose this property

This year-round lovely property has everything you want for the perfect vacation getaway--romantic weekend, hiking the Appalachian Trail, skiing, girls'/guys' retreat. Feel the weight of the world fall off your shoulders when you enter and look out at the lake, just beyond the slope to water's edge. Cozy fireplace in living room. Fire pit out by the lake. Peaceful, yet not remote and on a sought-after, very private lake with views -- about a mile off Route 7 in Sheffield and just five miles south of Great Barrington. The house is immaculately clean-- there's also the charm of hearing the screen door slam on the porch which evokes memories of summers past.

What makes this property unique

200 feet directly on the 150-acre private lake with your own private dock, kayak and canoe and protected shoreline across the lake. Surrounded by Land Trust protected property. Enjoy the cozy fireplace in addition to individually controlled heat in every room. You will never want to leave. Water is pure, tested, and good to drink. All linens and paper products provided--just walk in, relax, and enjoy this magical house--don't you deserve it?

Languages:

English