Vacation Rentals by Owner

Peace and Serenity - June 11-18, 2011

Guest: Joan (Latham, NY)
Date of Stay: 06/11/11 Review Submitted: 06/22/11

We spent a week at Taste of Serenity and hated to leave. The cottage is so clean and charming and well equipped. If we weren't sitting outdoors on the adirondack chairs enjoying the lake while sipping local wines, we were on the back porch admiring the view or eating or reading or playing games. The location is just perfect, you have easy access to the wineries, to the lake, and to the villages. At the bottom of the steps leading to the dock Kathy and Mike provided a canoe, kayak, paddleboat, chairs, and a fire pit. We sat on the dock with our feet in the water but passed on the boats. Instead, we visited Seneca Falls, Geneva, Canadaigua, Penn Yan, Trumansburg, Hammondsport and found wonderful places to eat in each of them. Having grown up in Philadelphia, we had to try downtown Geneva's Mac's Philly Cheese Steak. It was served on an "Amorosa" roll, imported daily from Philly. It was just like Jim's in South Philly. Uncle Joe's also in Geneva was a great place where we met some great people, including a childhood neighbor of Jim Bayheim. And I would have to say the best wines were the ones tasted right down the road at Zugibe's. We are already talking about coming back to Taste of Serenity in the fall of 2013 when we will all be retired. ...Len and Joan, Latham, NY

Owner response:Thank you for the nice compliments Joan!! It was a pleasure meeting you and your family! Mike & I are happy to hear you enjoyed your stay! Zugibe's is a Great Winery & one of our Favorites!! So glad you enjoyed their wine as we do!!!! There is definitely more to see and do in the Finger Lakes, we hope you will come back in the future! We enjoy sharing our little "Taste of Serenity", especially with nice people like you!! You are Welcomed Back Anytime!!!! Enjoy your summer! Kathy & Mike

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Terrific week at Taste of Serenity

Guest: Carol (Clidton Springs, NY)
Date of Stay: 07/24/10 Review Submitted: 08/01/10

My family enjoyed a relaxing and restorative week at this property. We used the kayak, rowboat, canoe and paddleboat. The sunsets were breathtaking. The property was clean and well maintained and we found everything we needed to make our stay comfortable and worry free. The home is close to the Wegmans in the City of Geneva which made food shopping a pleasure. When we could bring ourselves to leave the dock, we visited wineries on the east side of the lake and did a cheese tasting at the Cowlick creamery near Lodi on Rte 414. We would especially recommend Damiani Wine cellars in Hector. The pourers were very personable and the wines were excellent. We ate a delicious dinner one evening at Port's Grille on the west side of the lake. The owners of the cottage own two delightful golden labs who became our companions for the week. We have already recommended this cottage to a number of our friends.

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Ideal Summer Home

Guest: Brian & Barb (Monroe, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 06/09/10 Review Submitted: 06/17/10

We enjoyed "Taste of Serenity" for four peaceful days and nights in June 2010. We have stayed in a variety of other private rental homes before but none with this amazing level of hospitality! In addition, the cottage had everything we needed and more, it was very clean and attractively furnished and the kayak and paddle boat provided for some incredible sunset pictures. The location was perfect for us. Thank-you Kathy and Mike for a wonderful vacation and for being such welcoming people. Warm Regards, Brian, Barb and Kelsey

Recommended for:

A great place to spend a weekend or a week

Guest: PTKW (Toronto, Canada)
Date of Stay: 05/22/10 Review Submitted: 05/25/10

We recently visted Taste of Serenity for a long weekend getaway. The cottage itself is very nice and has some great features. The kitchen is nice, the living room and dining room are big and the sunroom out back is the best part. The view is amazing and it is very easy to grab a nap on the comfy furniture. The yard is great and the lake access is very good. The little beach and the dock are great. Mike and Kathy provided us with a canoe, rowboat, paddle boat and kayak, so getting out on the water was a breeze. The swimming off the dock is great as the lake bottom is sandy/rocky and had no weeds. Overall I would have to say that this cottage was my favourite. We have now been vacationing in the Finger Lakes for 4 years and this cottage is by far the best. We will definitely return and I would not hesitate to recommend this place to anyone. Thanks again Kathy and Mike!

Owner response:Thank You Paul, Kristin, Matt and Lauren It is because of our wonderful guests that we enjoy sharing our little peace of Heaven !!! You all make it worthwhile! It was a pleasure meeting you, and we hope to have you again soon. Although, in the (recommended for part) we do not allow pets we like to keep our lake home allergy free for our guests and welcome families and groups of all ages.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, people with disabilities, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Pete & Fran (Selinsgrove, PA)
Date of Stay: 10/15/09 Review Submitted: 10/15/09

Comment Text: We spent a wonderful week at Taste of Serenity. We couldn't have chosen a better spot. Kathy thought of everything to make it like home with the decor and a fully supplied kitchen. We found the cottage warm,comfortable and extremely clean, the best place to spend a week "away from it all". We hope to get back somtime in the warm weather so we can use the lake. But if you need a place to "hole in" in rainy weather, this was the place. A wonderful week.

Recommended for:

Guest: Catherine25 (Marion, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 10/03/09 Review Submitted: 10/03/09

Our family stayed in the Taste of Serenity vacation home in July 2009. The house was the perfect size for our family of four. Our children, ages 11 and 4, thoroughly enjoyed the kayak and paddleboat. The house itself also has spaces for quiet moments- adirondack chairs outside to the screened in porch overlooking the lake. We prepared two meals/day in the house and I was able to find everything I needed in the kitchen. The location of the house was well situated for the many places and attractions we visited during our time in the Finger Lakes. We look forward to our next visit to Finger Lakes, and when we come, we will definitely stay at Taste of Serenity again.

Recommended for:

Guest: Bonnie and Peter (Buffalo,ny)
Date of Stay: 09/30/09 Review Submitted: 09/30/09

It was because of all the nice comments that we stayed at Taste of Serenity.It is the nicest place we have ever been to. Already have reservations for next year.The house is so clean and beautiful. All kind of reading material . Four different boats,a long dock and a campfire area right at lake edge.Sunsets are amazing and you feel like home only better.Always something to do. Thank you Kathy and Mike for making it such a wonderful retreat. See you next year. Pete and Bonnie 9/12/09

Recommended for:

Guest: Mary Jane Driscoll (Warrenton, VA)
Date of Stay: 09/04/09 Review Submitted: 09/04/09

We had a wonderful week at "Taste of Serenity", The area is so beautiful, the lake is beautiful and lots of fun. Kathy made us feel very welcome and was available anytime we needed help or advice. We plan to go back next summer! This is a wonderful, comfortable and beautiful little house. It has everything you need to feel at home away from home!! We loved it!!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Patty & Keith Miller (Horseheads, NY)
Date of Stay: 08/16/09 Review Submitted: 08/16/09

August 2009 - "Taste of Serenity" is comfortable, clean, and beautifully located on Seneca Lake. Lots of extra touches by the owners made our stay very special including fresh flowers, chocolates on the pillows and a bottle of wine, to name a few. We had a perfectly relaxing and fun week at Kathy & Mike's lake front home. Count us in as return customers!

Recommended for:

Guest: George and Diane Keep (Sanford, North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 08/13/09 Review Submitted: 08/13/09

We enjoyed our week on Seneca Lake. "Taste of Serenity" is a nicely decorated, well equipped and furnished cottage in a very peaceful setting. We moved from Central New York 3 years ago, and this was a great location to visit family and friends. Our daughter and grandchildren came to visit almost everyday, and even my 92 year old aunt came for a day. Also, had great fun using the paddle- boat, kayak and rowboat. Thank you for making our stay so pleasant. George & Diane Keep Sanford, North Carolina

Recommended for:

Guest: Phil and Evan (E. Stroudsburg PA, Farmington ME)
Date of Stay: 08/13/09 Review Submitted: 08/13/09

For our annual father and son retreat we couldn't have made a better choice for our week of June 14-20. This place has all one could possibly need and it was comfortable for two guys. The views, the dock and use of the kayak was great. Reasonably secluded with no traffic noise. It is close to Geneva and Hobart and not a bad drive to Ithaca. We expect to return next summer!

Recommended for:

Guest: Veronica12 (Titusville, FL)
Date of Stay: 08/09/09 Review Submitted: 08/09/09

Dear Kathy and Mike, Our week (6/27 - 7/4/2009)at your home was wonderful. We have stayed at many vacation rentals in the USA and we visit Geneva yearly. Your place is the best! You thought of everything. (extra linens, blankets, towels, washer/dryer, clothesline, grill, etc) The wine, flowers and chocolates was such a nice touch. Also the movies, books and games. The kids and adults enjoyed the boats. The kids favorites are the paddle boat and kayake. You thought of everything life jackets, chairs down by the water, bench on the beautiful dock. I could go on and on ... the sitting area by the house is where I enjoyed my morning time sipping coffee,taking in the magnificent lake view and reading one of your books or a magazine about the area. I could have stayed at the house all week with out leaving but we did want to enjoy all the fun things in your area. We did cherry, strawberry, & rasberry picking and wine Tasting all in very close proximity to the cottage. Your cottage decor fits the area with the wine trials. Oh and the fireworks - what a view! We had the most wonderful time and hope to see you again next year. The Clifford Family

Recommended for:

Guest: Susan148 (Doylestown, PA)
Date of Stay: 08/07/09 Review Submitted: 08/07/09

We enjoyed warm May breezes and the fabulous view of Seneca lake during our stay at Taste of Serenity. The cottage is well appointed and we particularly enjoyed preparing meals in the gourmet kitchen and eating on the screen porch that overlooks the water. It was a bit too early in the season for boating and swimming but we enjoyed traveling the area to hike, try wine and visit museums. We would certainly recommend the cottage to our friends.

Recommended for:

Guest: Len & Jeannine Kozlowski (Cortland, NY)
Date of Stay: 08/06/09 Review Submitted: 08/06/09

We stayed at "Taste of Serenity" July 11th to July 17th, 2009. The cottage was absolutely wonderful, so homey. We enjoyed building a fire down by the water and sitting looking out at the lake. Our hosts, Mike and Kathy were wonderful! I spent my 60th Birthday there and our hosts, Mike and Kathy, helped my family make it special for me. It was the best week, so relaxing, we played golf, visited wineries and just sat back and enjoyed this wonderful place! We will return again next year.

Recommended for:

Guest: The Moreaus1 (LaGrangeville, NY)
Date of Stay: 08/01/09 Review Submitted: 08/01/09

We just returned from our week at "Taste of Serenity" on Seneca Lake. We had a fabulous time and so enjoyed the feeling of being "right at home" in the cottage. It is both comfortable and adorable, inside and out! Gazing out at the lake from the Adirondack chairs in the backyard while enjoying some local wine was a highlight! There are so many places in the area to discover and the cottage is a great focal point. Your hosts, Kathy and Mike, are wonderful people and will make your stay very comfortable. It is such a peaceful place; we HIGHLY recommend spending a week or more at "Taste of Serenity." You will love it! We have been there both this summer and last, and plan to return in the future.

Recommended for:

Guest: The Robertson's1 (Virginia Beach va)
Date of Stay: 10/15/08 Review Submitted: 10/15/08

We stayed in the cottage in the early summer of 2008 with our 2 young children (5 and 7) and had an absolutely wonderful time. The cottage itself is beautifully renovated and exceptionally well equipped. Kathy met us on arrival and explained everything to us - this was very useful and very welcoming. She obviously takes great pride in the cottage and this is reflected in all the personal touches. The location of the cottage is wonderful and the views are magnificent - especially the sunsets. The access to the lake is great and our children loved the canoes and the pedal boat. With children less than 5 you will need to be careful of the steep steps down to the lake. All in all a wonderful holiday in a fantastic location - we have recommended it to all of our friends.

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/08/08 Review Submitted: 09/08/08

My husband and I stayed in this wonderful cottage the last week of July. The cottage could not have been more perfect, including the flowers and wine on our arrival. Cathy and Mike could not have been more helpful. The beds are comfortable and the views are great. It really felt like being in a wonderful bed and breakfast.

Recommended for:

Guest: Joan11 (New Hartford, NY.)
Date of Stay: 08/18/08 Review Submitted: 08/18/08

My husband, 2 adult children and I stayed at "Taste of Serenity" the first week of August, 2008. We had a wonderful time. The house is absolutely adorable. I especially loved the sunporch decore! As indicated by others online, the house is extremely clean, beautifully decorated and well stocked. The flowers, wine and candy added another special touch. Having use of the various boats is an additional perk. We totally enjoyed the numerous wineries and took home quite a bit of local wine. The location makes day trips to Ithaca, Watkins Glen, Rochester and even Buffalo a possibility. The owners, Kathy and Mike, are wonderful!!! They have thought of everything!! If you stay at "A Taste of Serenity" you will not be disappointed.

Recommended for:

Guest: Kathleen Brotherton (Austin, TX)
Date of Stay: 06/08/08 Review Submitted: 06/08/08

We really enjoyed our stay. The cottage was impeccably clean and well-stocked, not to mention adorable, and we loved the west-facing lakeview. We will definitely return when we next visit our families in the northeast! Also, thanks for being so accommodating to our 21-month-old. He had a blast, and has been asking about the lake non-stop since we left. :)

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 05/21/08 Review Submitted: 05/21/08

I just wanted to thank you both so much for such an enjoyable night at the cottage. Kelli and I had fantastic night relaxing on the beach with wine our wine in our hands and a peaceful fire to stay warm! Our night spent at your cottage was by far our best "girls night out" yet! We will definitely be back again!!! Thanks Again! You're both great hosts!

Recommended for:

Guest: Teawna Pinard (Toronto, Ontario)
Date of Stay: 04/25/08 Review Submitted: 04/25/08

What an unforgetable weekend....one that we will always treasure as the best of friends. It's not a question of if we will be back, but when!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Darlene5 (New Brunswick, NJ)
Date of Stay: 10/22/07 Review Submitted: 10/22/07

This past week was not a "taste" of serenity; it was a big GULP of it! We so enjoyed your beautiful home and surroundings, and you were the best hosts. It was a peaceful, comfortable week, thanks to you both. Darlene

Recommended for:

Guest: Frevel family from Germany (West Harrison, NY 10604)
Date of Stay: 10/19/07 Review Submitted: 10/19/07

Thank you soooo much Kathy and Mike for making our first (short) vacation in the US such a unforgetable time! We had better weather than expected and so we went swimming and sunbathing on the dock on the first day (mid of october!!!). Our sun tried to fish, our daughter was looking for shells and we all loved to go out in the 3 boats. Thank you again for the life jackets for the little ones - they really safed their lifes because we capsized with the canoe on our last day!!! We hope to come back during our 2 year residence in the US :-)

Recommended for:

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/28/07 Review Submitted: 08/28/07

Thanks Kathy & Mike for making us feel so welcome. Our family of 4 had a really relaxing week in early August, in between hectic weeks in Toronto & New York City. We couldn't have wished for a nicer place to stay! Hope to come back soon but for longer next time! Spencer Clark, Chelmsford, England.

Recommended for:

Guest: Rose5 (Rochester NY)
Date of Stay: 08/13/07 Review Submitted: 08/13/07

Dear Kathy and Mike, I wanted to let you know how much my friends and I enjoyed our week at your beautiful retreat. I have to admit to being a little skeptical before we stayed - because I grew up so close (Waterloo) and I thought the area would seem too familiar. We all ended up loving the cottage and I got to be the tour guide for the area. Your cottage is lovely and immaculate. We loved sitting in the Adirondack chairs, watching the beautiful sunsets, and taking advantage of all the area has to do and see. Thanks so much for the hospitality and great vacation.

Recommended for:

Guest: Nancy19 (Henrietta NY)
Date of Stay: 07/30/07 Review Submitted: 07/30/07

Kathy and Mike, I spent one WONDERFUL week in your beautiful, peaceful vacation home. I can't tell you in words what a retreat it was for me. From meeting you Mike to meeting Hanna (aka Sally) and Missy it was just what I needed to relax. My girlfriends and I loved our week. I plan on renting with my husband and family the next time I take a vacation. Thank you again. Every touch from the chocolate on the pillows, the flowers and wine in the kitchen to the lovely decorating was enjoyed. I have recommended your vacation home to all my friends .

Recommended for:

Guest: Jack Steer (Durham, North Carolina)
Date of Stay: 06/29/07 Review Submitted: 06/29/07

Dear Kathy & Mike, Your cottage is aptly named, and Karinwe and I fully enjoyed sitting in the adarondack chairs watching the lake activity and reading. Being active as well, we vidsited 5 state parks ejoying great scenery. Emile's and Crows Nest provided very convenient and delicious dining, especially the deck at Crows Nest. Thank you so much for your splendid, and friendly hospitality. Kind regards, Karine and Jack Steer

Recommended for:

Guest: Claudia, Ruthie, Jeanie & Joanne (Atlanta, Georgia)
Date of Stay: 06/18/07 Review Submitted: 06/18/07

A beautifully maintained cottage in a peaceful setting. It was the perfect spot for our reunion with family and friends. Kathy and Mike are wonderful hosts and made us feel at home right away!

Recommended for:

Guest: Barbara & Nik
Date of Stay: 10/22/06 Review Submitted: 10/21/06

We really enjoyed our stay here whilst visiting family in Geneva. However, we didn't get to use the cottage too much as we had the birth of our grandaughter Lena on the 12th October, which has kept us very busy! The soccer season takes up our time too ! It was lovely to be near family and friends, but have our own space in your home-from-home cottage. Thank you for everything, Barbara & Nik

Recommended for:

Guest: Tom & Jeanette
Date of Stay: 10/08/06 Review Submitted: 10/07/06

This week we celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary. The 10th year of the commitment we made on October 5,1996,to share our lives together. In previous years we marked our date with time spent in Maryland,Ocean City, the island of Bermuda, and the Outer Banks in North Carolina - all lovely spots along the Atlantic Ocean. This year we wished for a quiet place on a lake,"not" the ocean. A tranquil place not overrun with ill-mannered tourists,noisy resturants and uncaring Real Estate agents. Jeanette & I wish to Thank Kathy & Mike for the thoughtfulness and kindness provided during our vacation, enabling us to enjoy "A Taste of Serenity",amid the splendor of Fall and the majesty of Lake Seneca. Jeanette & Tom

Recommended for:

Guest: Karen & Dan
Date of Stay: 09/30/06 Review Submitted: 09/29/06

Thank you so much!! We really enjoyed our stay here. It worked out great for us. We were able to spend the weekend with our son in a warm and cozy enviroment, rather than a stuffy hotel room! You have done a great job with this place. My only suggestion would be, given the bathroom situation, is to add a vanity table with a mirror in one of the bedrooms. With four people trying to get ready, that would be extremly helpful! We will definitely be in touch in the future and look forward to staying here again. Karen & Dan

Recommended for:

Guest: Amy16 (Erie, PA)
Date of Stay: 09/21/06 Review Submitted: 09/21/06

Thank You Mike and Kathy for a wonderful vacation. You are two of the nicest people we have ever met! The house was so cozy and beautiful. I loved the location because it was close to everything we wanted to do. It was such a relaxing vacation. We highly recommend going to see Watkins Glenn. It is just at the bottom of the lake and it is gorgeous! It will be a vacation that we will never forget because Brian and I got engaged out on the lake. We can't thank you enough for your hospitality and we will be definetly be back! ~Amy & Brian

Recommended for:

Guest: Scott & Diane
Date of Stay: 09/17/06 Review Submitted: 09/16/06

What a Beautiful place you have! We enjoyed taking in the view of the lake. Thank you for making our stay so comfortable. We hope to get out in the boats next time. Look forward to visiting this area in the fall & take advantage of the many Wine Trails , that are so close by. Thanks Again.... Scott & Diane

Recommended for: