Entire home

Charming lakeside cottage and guest cottage with spectacular views

Photo gallery for Charming lakeside cottage and guest cottage with spectacular views

Property grounds
Exterior
Exterior
Dining
Lake

Reviews

9.8 out of 10

Exceptional

5 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 10232.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
    Washer
  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Morris, CT
    Bantam Lake
    1 min walk
    White Memorial Conservation Center
    8 min drive
    Mount Tom State Park
    10 min drive
    Oxford, CT (OXC-Waterbury - Oxford)
    34 min drive

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Guest cottage first bedroom

1 Single Bed

Guest cottage second bedroom

1 Double Futon

Main house green room

1 Double Bed

Main house yellow room

1 Double Futon

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Guest house

Toilet · Shower only

Main house downstairs

Toilet

Main house upstairs

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Charming lakeside cottage and guest cottage with spectacular views

*** WE WILL NOT BE RENTING FOR THE SUMMER SEASON AT THIS TIME***

Charming 3-bedroom lakefront furnished cabin and 2-bedroom guest cottage that share a large, sunny patio, the very best view on Bantam lake, and your own dock right out the back door. Located on private Deer Island, only five miles from the town of Litchfield, this one-of-a-kind rental is ideal for extended families or groups of friends. The two houses easily sleep 10, and can accommodate more with the couches in the two living rooms (and there are two blow-up beds available - one twin and one full). Dogs are allowed with prior notice, the property is completely fenced in except for water-side and is equipped with dog bowls and beds so that everyone can feel at home!

Long called “The Magic House” by friends, decorated in cottage-cozy style inspired by fairy tales, this is an ideal spot for those who love to stay in unique places – and both houses have all you might need (pots and pans, dishes, dishwashers, linens, bath and beach towels, etc.).

We are happy to answer any questions about the property or area but if you would like to know whether the DATES you are interested in are available, all you need to do is plug the dates you are interested in into the calendar. If they are already taken, they will be blocked out - the calendar is always up to date. Likewise, if you would like to know the FEES just plug in the dates and hit the "Get Instant Quote" button and you will see the total amount, which is non-negotiable.

This property is enjoyable year-round. There is a huge bluestone patio with stone fire pit, full gas grill, teak furniture and built in outdoor hutch with a small sink and two small refrigerators for entertaining. In summer, with the fishing rods, kayaks, a canoe and a 60+ foot dock with a large landing at the end, the property is ideal for spending your days and evenings outdoors. If you grow tired of the sun (or in the event of a shower) take shelter and possibly a nap in the shade on the porch swing. Or head to the guest house to watch movies from the extensive DVD collection, on the 70" HD screen. In the fall, you can’t beat the beauty of the New England foliage – with literally the longest view across the lake, facing White’s Woods Conservation area, the vantage point from your rocking chair on the porch is unobstructed by houses or developments. And as a winter rental, this is the best spot on the lake for ice fishing – right out the back door. Set your tip ups and watch for the flags out the picture window in the living room, by a roaring fire. With wood stoves in both houses, tons of classic games and books, wi-fi and cable TV, there is no better place to curl up and relax.

• Main house has three bedrooms with double or queen beds in each, full bath with shower on second floor, powder room on first floor and full kitchen with propane stove, large refrigerator and dishwasher. The living room has a large wood stove insert in the fireplace, TV and dining area. There is also a washer and dryer on the second floor. A large generator is connected to the main house and turns on automatically in case of any power outage (note: If necessary, an extension cord can be run from the generator to the guest house to provide electricity).
• Guest house has two bedrooms, one with a twin and a trundle pull-out, the other with a futon bed that sleeps two. There is a full bathroom with shower, a kitchen with an electric stove, smaller refrigerator and dishwasher. The large living room has a woodstove, TV and pull out couch.


PLEASE NOTE:
* Our minimum stay is 7 nights.
* We require all renters be at least 25-years old.
* No smoking is allowed in either house.

Property manager

Janet Spencer

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Morris

Located in Morris, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Topsmead State Forest and Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Big Cathedral Trail and Haight-Brown Vineyard. White Memorial Conservation Center and The Christmas Shop are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Morris, CT

What's nearby

  • Bantam Lake - 1 min walk
  • White Memorial Conservation Center - 8 min drive
  • Litchfield Town Green - 10 min drive
  • Mount Tom State Park - 10 min drive
  • Lake Waramaug - 18 min drive

Getting around

  • Oxford, CT (OXC-Waterbury - Oxford) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Bohemian Pizza and Taco - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Arethusa Farm Dairy - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Meraki - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪The Green Tomato Deli - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Market Place Tavern - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming lakeside cottage and guest cottage with spectacular views pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Charming lakeside cottage and guest cottage with spectacular views?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming lakeside cottage and guest cottage with spectacular views?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Charming lakeside cottage and guest cottage with spectacular views located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Bantam Lake and Camp Columbia State Park. White Memorial Conservation Center and Mount Tom State Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 17 out of 19 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 19 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 19 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 19 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 19 reviews" "

8.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location
Very comfortable 2 houses, Family and dog very friendly. Lots of places to dine, Great water sports.. Lovely sponsors.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Bob M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect getaway
A lovely property fully enjoyed by both of the humans and both dogs!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sue B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful whimsical stay
Beautiful home on Bantam lake. Perfect for our family, especially the 5 and 6 year old grandkids.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

8/10 Good

Lorraine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxing
Best thing about the house is the lovely view of the lake from the covered porch which kept us nice and cool during some very hot summer days. It’s a rustic, comfortable house, very well equipped which was a blessing as we happened to be staying when Storm Isaias hit. The generator kicked in and so we we were fortunate not to lose electricity or WiFi connection. The owner and property manager were very quick to respond to any of our inquiries. Having a separate house for the grown up children was great but there is no WiFi in the second house which means anyone working needs to do so in the main house. The grounds and the patio/fire pit area would benefit from some freshening up. We had plenty of hydrangeas to fill the table vases which was a nice touch. Overall a very relaxing place for the whole family.
Stayed 24 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Tom H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful location and home(s)
This property has two quaint cottages one with direct waterfront and one just behind (It was perfect for the kids but would be great for just about any small group) Janet and her property caretaker we're a pleasure to chat with and we're responsive and caring.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Trish I.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved it!
Cozy. Beautiful views. (Make sure to put some coffee on and wake for sunset one morning during your stay; Even if your not an early riser, you could always go back to bed..... it is vacation). Great setup for family with teens. Outdoor areas could use some attention related to overall cleanliness and upkeep. Suggest bringing your own fishing poles, life jackets, particularly adult sizes, and inflatables. We were glad we did. (Sadly, It's likely people just don't take care to treat these items respectfully.) Home is fantastic, plenty of supplies/cooking utensils/ towels/games/books etc. Basically just pack up your food items, ICE, personal items and put your feet up to enjoy this great home. Owner and caretaker's communication were friendly, responsive and overall excellent! We had a great stay!! We will be looking forward to hopefully visit again!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Maureen P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful week with family
We had a wonderful week at this rustic cottage(s). Our son-in-law is from Denmark and commented that this was a quintessential American holiday - just what one would imagine as a perfect week in a cabin on a lake! We all agree! The house had every amenity needed from modern appliances to kayaks and huge floats to while away the day on the lake!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Dave L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
In the words of my 16 year old nephew “it was the best vacation of our lives. “
The house is interesting and fun. There is something to find around every corner. The property is beautiful it’s like a fairy garden. Having a separate cottage for the teenagers was great. We used the outdoor kitchen every day. Can’t wait to come back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

C I., Bethel, CT

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Rustic cabin
We had a lovely time - a couple of bumps in the roads, but everything was addressed in an extremely timely manner. The location is spectacular and the view even better. We brought our own fishing poles but used the kayaks and life jackets, the kids had a blast, so easy to watch them from the dock.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Peggy T.

Perfect home for a relaxing waterfront vacation
This was our 2nd time staying at Janet's home. It is so comfortable and has everything that you need. We especially love using the kayaks every day and hanging by the fire pit at night. Would love to come back in the fall or winter to see how pretty the lake would look .
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

8/10 Good

Josephine B.

Loved the location and the area.
The homes were equipped with excellent cooking utensils. The there lots of games and puzzles. lots of outdoor toys such as kayaks, canoes, games. This was a lovely place, but appeared to need a better job of cleaning. We cleaned the stove and refrigerator. Sheets were messy and wrinkled. They knew how many people would be there, and only three beds were made. The refrigerator had a lot of condiments and duplicates, such as 6 different jellies. Very little space to put the food we brought for the week. No cupboard space because they had so much stuff stored. We had to go out and buy special bulbs as many outside were out. We could not see the stairs at night. The ashes were not emptied from the fire-pit. We emptied what was therein the container and emptied our own ashes. The garbage was overflowing in the cans in front. There was no room for us to put our garbage in the cans. We arrived at 3:30 because we were not sure how long it would take to get there. The were 6 SUVS parked on both sides of the street. I would say at least 25 people kids and dogs. I was shocked that this was allowed to go on. We actually were fine waiting in the car until 4:00. They told us we had the wrong house when we did not. I have rented from VRBO many times and never went into a rental that wasn't ready for the next renters.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Richard V.

Awesome, unique, and lots of fun!!!
My family, friends and I had a blast at this location. The house and cottage had plenty of room to sleep many people, and we had our share! We really enjoyed and appreciated the "quirkiness" lol. It was a term we used several times during our week! We made a scavenger hunt out of finding the various switches and controls that are cleverly hidden in plain sight. Take time to read the and appreciate the cabin rules. We did it aloud ( hahaha). Being dog friendly was a major plus for us, my dogs Riley and Ginger were off leash on the property all week with no worries. Made friends with the next store neighbors Roger and Mary, great people! Communications with owners was great!. We needed to call for a couple of minor items and response was immediate. Fire pit areas and outdoor kitchen were utilized every day and night. This was a big plus for us. I don't normally write reviews but we had such a great time I thought it only appropriate. Myself, friends and my family enjoyed the kayaks, swimming, and fishing. We also bought a huge inflatable, which I would recommend, that we hung out on for hours. The water is somewhat shallow along the dock with a lot of rocks so no diving was a good tip. Overall it was a great place to spend with family and friends!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Irene B.

Great place to relax!
The view is absolutely beautiful, beautiful lake. Lots of space, every level is enjoyable. Morning coffee on the porch, evening on the lower deck around the fire pit. Adults can relax while the kids are kayaking or on their water boards. Always busy. They loved it! Thanks to the owners who were so helpful, understanding and met all our needs. Highly recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Angel R.

Quaint and cozy
The property was beautiful. The house was fully equipped and exceeded our expectations. We love the home but I'll girl Brooklyn was totally enamored with the property. She was allowed to roam freely and enjoy the Connecticut fresh air . We can't wait to go back. we look forward to making more memories there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Chandler L.

Absolutely loved it
This is a must rent! The two cottages are absolutely magical. So quant and comfortable -- straight out of Elle Decor. Janet was incredible -- always reachable and so warm and welcoming. We hope to come back!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jason M.

Wonderful lakeside cabin-home experience.
Enjoyed watching the snow from the woodstove-heated family room. Cozy, comfortable warm vibe perfect for close friends amd family get together.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Michael M., Red Lion, PA

Terrific cottages in great area
Two fabulous cottages for guests with dogs! The houses had all the amenities and the owner was gracious, accommodating, responsive and hospitable. We awoke Christmas morning to a gentle Berkshire snowfall! The frozen Bantam Lake was filled with skaters, fishermen and ice sailboats. We had a delightful weeklong stay and would be willing to bet this is a great "Home Away" during the Summer though Spring and Fall would be special too! The best recommendation we could give is that we'd gladly do this again! The house has all the necessary bells and whistles for a fun, safe and satisfying stay in a ready to use family-style atmosphere!
Stayed 7 nights in Dec 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sabreena K.

Quiet weekend on the lake
We rented Janet's home for a quick, weekend getaway for Columbus Day weekend. Our original plans fell through and with only one days notice, Janet was incredibly accommodating, making sure everything was set up for us. The home was inviting, with many thoughtful touches throughout, and had an amazing view of the lake. The weather didn't allow for us to take advantage of the outdoor patio/firepit much, but I imagine it's fantastic when the weather permits. Thanks again, Janet!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Peggy T.

The prettiest spot on the lake and most well appointed home
The homeowners were so welcoming to us. We were invited to use everything in their home. The house was so pretty and comfortable, The cottage was an added bonus. Well equipped Kitchen, huge Weber grill. Lovely neighborhood. We kayaked every day and went to a couple of really nice restaurants in the area. Great antiquing. Relaxing vacation, but close to civilization. Would love to make this an annual vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2016

About the host

Hosted by Janet Spencer

Host profile image
Originally bought as a weekend/vacation spot for family and friends, this was a second home for over a decade as I resided in Manhattan and travelled extensively as a management consultant. In 2011 I met my boyfriend who was born and raised in the area (Bantam) and since then, this migrated to being more of a home base. In 2014 I sold my apartment in downtown Manhattan as we decided to buy land, build a house and move to VT where I was born and raised, and where my family still resides. But we still love the lake house and want to enjoy spending time here as my boyfriend's family is in the area.

Why they chose this property

This was originally purchased as a "half-way" destination between Manhattan and NH/VT. My family and I would all get together on long weekends and vacations, and with the two houses the adults could happily co-exist with the growing children! There is a lot of love and many memories stored up in these walls. And the area is quintessential New England - it's hard to believe how close it is to NYC given the rural feel and character.

What makes this property unique

The property is 90 miles (2 hours) from NYC, one hour west of Hartford and just three miles from historic Litchfield. There are countless places to explore nearby: Miles of hiking and biking trails in the surrounding White Memorial Woods… dozens of places in the area for shopping and antique-ing… award winning restaurants and renowned chefs within a 20 mile radius… and a short distance from CT’s legendary wine trail. A book with recommendations, details and directions awaits you on the coffee table!

Languages:

English
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