Location: Harrisburg, Dutch Country, Pennsylvania, USA
Accommodations: House, 5 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 2 Baths (Sleeps 10-12)
Keywords: House
You can "have it all" in this vacation getaway with water and nature activities in your back yard plus numerous tourist attractions nearby. This delightful 2,200 square foot house is furnished with all the equipment you need to enjoy water sports such as tubing, kayaking, boating, fishing, or just watching the river flow by from your private dock or the expansive deck, part of which is covered and includes outdoor lighting and ceiling fan.
There is an 11' X 30' sunroom overlooking the river with eating and sitting area, a 20' X 25' living room with river view, and a 13'6" X 19'6" master bedroom with queen bed and large areas of glass on two walls boasting spectacular views of the river and mountain on the opposite shore. There are two additional bedrooms on the first floor, one with queen bed and one with double bed.
The finished attic boasts a large bedroom with queen bed, skylight, and spacious sitting area. A small bedroom with double bed, skylight, and exposed chimney is accessible off the larger room. The attic rooms have a sloping ceiling following the roofline. Every room in the house has a river view.
To add to your enjoyment of this waterfront property, the use of four kayaks, 3 single and 1 double, several inner tubes, life jackets and fishing gear are included with your rental. In addition, a 16' doublewide jonboat with motor is available for an extra charge. You can relax as you float down the wide Susquehanna or motor or paddle over to the islands across from the house to explore.
As an added bonus, pick your own blueberries on the property in season.
The bird watching is spectacular. For the last three years a bald eagle's nest on the island directly across from the house has boasted eaglets. Our guests have photographed bald eagles resting on trees in our back yard. In addition, egrets and great blue herons summer here, and many other species abound. We are directly on the Atlantic flyway.
Hikers and bikers - an 18 mile rails to trails wilderness hiking and biking path is just minutes away up Stony Creek in the largest roadless tract of land in Pennsylvania. The Appalachian Trail is only ten minutes away.
This one acre property with 212' water frontage and private dock is located just off Rt. 322/22 and is very accessible to central Pennsylvania tourist attractions. Hershey Park is within a half hour ride and Lancaster County's Dutch Country and Gettysburg are under an hour. Harrisburg's Civil War Museum and summer outdoor symphony concerts, including the river barge concert and holiday fireworks are only minutes away. Children will love going on safari at nearby Lake Tobias Wildlife Park.
For the hunter and fisherman, large state game lands and wilderness areas are nearby. Turkey and deer hunting are excellent and pheasants are stocked within a few miles of the house. Fishing in the Susquehanna includes small mouth bass, walleye, catfish and musky. Clark's Creek, just 100 yards away from the house, provides trout fishing as good as it gets.
If you are interested in the fall foliage, you will find our home the perfect fall vacation spot. You can drive through the beautiful mountains and countryside of central Pennsylvania, or just prop your feet up on the deck and gaze at the splendid colors of the mountains directly across the Susquehanna River behind the house.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show Arena is six miles away, an easy drive down Rt. 322.
This is the perfect spot for an extended family gathering - there's something for everyone!
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : Five window air conditioners
- Linens Provided
- Washer : New High Efficiency washer and dryer; all laundry products (detergent, fabric softener, etc.) are provided.
- Dryer
- Garage
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Beds
- Queen Bed (3)
- Double Bed (2)
- Convertible Bed : Very comfortable double bed size futon; sheets provided
- Crib : One pack-n-play is available.
- Entertainment
- Jetted Tub in Bath : In master bath
- Cable/Satellite TV : New Samsung LED HDTV 46" with home theater sound system in living room; fabulous for TV, DVD, sports watching. Second HDTV wall-mounted in master bedroom. TV with video player, DVD player, and X-Box in attic sitting room.
- DVD (2)
- VCR
- Video Library
- Video Game Console : X-Box
- Video Games : Small library of games provided.
- CD Player (2)
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Well-supplied kitchen with ceramic top stove, dishwasher, microwave, toaster oven, Kerueg single-serve coffee maker in addition to 10 cup coffee maker; waffle iron; spice rack with a variety of spices; etc.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator (2) : Full refrigerator in kitchen and extra small refrigerator in garage.
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : New Weber Genesis with stainless steel grates and side burner on deck. #1 rated grill by Consumer Reports.
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Lanai
- View/Location
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details : Fabulous views from the house and deck of the wide Susquehanna River and the islands and mountains on the far side of the river.
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Computer : Includes a Dell desktop computer with high speed Internet and a printer for your convenience. Also includes Wi-Fi.
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Includes private dock. Four kayaks, 3 single and 1 double, several inner tubes, and a 16' doublewide johnboat with motor are available, along with fishing gear and life jackets. Extra charge for the jon boat.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Other Activities
- Swimming and tubing in the Susquehanna as well as paddling in the kayaks over to explore the islands out from the cottage are delightful pastimes. Birdwatchers' paradise (binoculars provided.)
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Sept-Oct and Apr/May: $1800/wk + $200 cleaning + tax; 3 night minimum or extra fee
Nov-Mar: $1500/wk; mid-wk $250/nt; wkends $350/nt; 2 night min. + $200 clean + tax
Weekly rentals only June 4-Labor Day.
June 4-Labor Day $2,700/wk + $200 clean + tax.July 4 week,$3,000+ $200 clean +tax.
Holidays extra. Inquire for holiday rates.
$500 security deposit due upon reservation; rental fee due 60 days before arrival.
PA/local taxes 11% are additional. Jonboat rental is $50/day. Cancellation fee.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1993
I am a community college professor and my husband is an administrator in our religious denomination. We are empty-nesters (a grown son and daughter) who love to provide a place for other families to create the same kind of special memories that we made here over the years.
Why the Owner Chose Harrisburg
The story behind the house is that we bought it as our vacation home over sixteen years ago and it is only a thirty minute drive from where we live. We wanted something near enough that we could use it often with our busy schedules, our jobs and our two active children. As it turned out, my husband's mother was widowed and wanted to live near us, so she moved into the home shortly after we bought it. The first floor is all one level and is safe for toddlers and older folks. Mom died in 2008, our children have grown up, and we couldn't bear to sell the property, so we decided to try the weekly rentals. In short, we are not absentee landlords. If you need anything, want advice about area attractions or directions, or if something should break down, you will be able to reach us directly without any trouble. We are excited about sharing our home that holds so many memories for us.
The Unique Benefits of this House
We just love being close to all the attractions of central Pennsylvania and yet having the Susquehanna River in our back yard with all of its pleasures. There are enough activities right here at the house to enjoy a fabulous vacation without ever getting in your car all week! We have had so many guests who came with a full itinerary of sightseeing and other trips planned who ended up preferring just to spend more time relaxing at the house, bird watching, fishing and exploring the river by kayak or jon boat.
Property Photos
-
- Riverfront Getaway - Make Memories for a Lifetime - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Vacation Rentals
-
- Master Bedroom Envelopes You In Luxury - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Vacation Rentals
-
- Sunroom Brings Nature Indoors - Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Vacation Rentals
-
- Attic Sitting Area - Private Retreat
-
- Fabulous River and Mountain View from Tree-shaded Deck
-
- HDTV in Master BR
-
- Natural Pennsylvania stone added in December 2011 renovation
-
- Smaller attic bedroom with skylight is a favorite
-
- Grayson's big catfish caught right off the dock
-
- Flyfishing in the river or nearby beautiful streams
-
- Take kayaks or motorized jon boat among the islands
-
- Your private paradise
-
- A winter wonderland with breathtaking views of river and mountain
-
- Woodpecker visitor to the deck
-
- Deck view of amazing, ever-changing river in February freeze
Traveler Reviews (35)
Had A Great New Year Getaway!
Guest: Diana K.
Date of Stay: 12/29/11
Review Submitted: 01/21/12
This lake house is a great place to spend with family or friends. The house was beautiful and supplied with everything necessary to ensure a comfortable stay whether it is a romantic swing by the lake, or sharing s'mores at the fire pit with friends. We had a large group of twelve people and each one of us had a blast! The owners were very welcoming and accommodating to our needs. Everything was just as advertised if not better. We had a great time here; our only regret is that we didn't book for a longer stay! We can't wait to come back!
Recommended for:
Wonderful holiday visit with extended family
Guest: Mimi
(Long Island, NY)
Date of Stay: 12/27/11
Review Submitted: 01/04/12
Many branches of our family tree gathered at this beautiful riverfront home for a holiday visit with our Mom and Aunt who live in a nearby retirement community. This was one of the best equipped homes we have ever rented; there were towels galore in the bathrooms, a fully stocked kitchen and a computer and WiFi. The owners, Dave and Janice, are a wonderful couple to work with. Dave even helped unload my sister's car in a downpour. The sunroom was fabulous and was decorated for Christmas. Our Mom and Aunt were thrilled and we are all hoping for a long relationship with the owners as we plan more family gatherings.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Fabulous home
Guest: Helen
(Dallas)
Date of Stay: 12/23/11
Review Submitted: 12/28/11
Just spent Christmas at this beautiful home. The pictures do not do it justice. The views from the sun room of the river are majestic. 8 of us (inc. my 3 mos. old grandson and 2 yr. old granddaugher) had a wonderful Christmas together for 4 days - eating, playing games, taking walks, watching tv and "just being together." The kitchen had everything except an apron and a baster!! But the men picked up the slack and cleaned the kitchen most of the time. Would love to return another year.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Above and Beyond!!
Guest: Shana
(Maryland)
Date of Stay: 12/02/11
Review Submitted: 12/05/11
We stayed in this river house over a weekend for a girls getaway. It could not have been any better!!! Dave and Janice were amazing throughout the entire rental process from answering all of our questions before we came, helping us settle in when we got there, and doing anything they could to make our stay the most enjoyable one ever! They were an absolute pleasure to deal with! The amenities in the house were SO extensive- They thought of everything that you could possibly want in a home away from home! And the view from the house was way better than any picture than we had seen beforehand. It was the most relaxing way to spend the weekend and get away from it all. Our only regret is that we could not stay longer!! I highly recommend this house to all that want to a worry-free and enjoyable vacation!!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Best Birthday Ever
Guest: Michele S.
Date of Stay: 10/21/11
Review Submitted: 11/19/11
This is a quote from my Mom "this was the best birthday ever". It was a celebration of her 80th birtrhday. We all had a wonderful time at the River House. Family from Indiana, Florida and Pennsylvania were able to get together in this beautiful house. I think we spent most of our time enjoying the sunroom. Watching the birds at the feeders right outside the windows was very enjoyable for us and our guests. Since we were originally from PA we were able to have a reunion with family and friends. We did quite a bit of cooking, using almost every dish in the well stocked kitchen. We were able to have an early Thanksgiving dinner together (for the first time since I can't remember). Speaking of well stocked ...there are plenty of towels and linens. The kids really had fun in "the Hangout" upstairs. The adults enjoyed the swing down by the river...just watching the river flow by. My Mom loved the views from the master bedroom. She could watch the river from her bed. I believe our family created some fond memories during our stay at the River House. Thank you, Janice and Dave for sharing your house with our family.
Recommended for:
50th Birthday Weekend
Guest: Sherri L
(Easton, PA)
Date of Stay: 11/04/11
Review Submitted: 11/08/11
Our family rented this wonderful riverfront home to spend time together and celebrate my husband's 50th birthday. When we arrived we were very pleased. The description and photos were quite accurate. The house was well stocked with everything we could possibly need and more. The house had a warm feel to it, which made it very comfortable and relaxing. The owners of the property were terrific. Dave set our sons up with some fishing gear, and they enjoyed a fun afternoon catching small mouth bass from the riverbank. My elderly in-laws were able to watch from the deck and the beautiful sunroom that overlooks the river. A scenic boat ride up river topped off the day. Later that evening we built a campfire and toasted marshmallows ( a gift from Dave and Janice) along the river. The weekend flew by way to fast, but we certainly have many wonderful memories. We would absolutely recommend this riverhouse to anyone.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Best Ever Collins Family Vacation River House
Guest: Glenda C.
(Coeburn, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 07/01/11
Review Submitted: 09/06/11
Dear Janice, Gene and I wanted to thank you guys for the wonderful vacation we had at your river house. It was amazing! The kids and grand kids had a blast! We could not begin to say what our favorite was because it was ALL so great! Thank you for all the little extras you did to make our family feel comfortable and at home. Many times over the kids (our boys especially) said that your river house was the perfect place for us to gather for our ‘first time in 20 years whole family vacation”. !!! You really helped to make it perfect. There was really nothing at all we could have ask for -- we had it all! And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts ----- all of them! I thought I would send you a few pictures of our fun times. Feel free to use them in any way you want. Hope to see you again sometime. Sorry to say it will not be in 2012 both our son Caleb (army) and our daughter Chastity (Air Force) will be in Afghanistan during the summer please keep them in your prayers. Thanks again for the wonderful time. Love and prayers Glenda and Gene Collins , Coeburn VA
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Would recommend this home away from home.
Guest: HJ
(Birmingham, AL)
Date of Stay: 07/15/11
Review Submitted: 07/25/11
This place was truely our home away from home!!! It was the perfect location for us. Perfect for my family who loves the outdoors. It was also perfect for the part of my family who loves to sight see and shop. Several evenings on our way in we would stop on the road to the house and watch nature. On our last night we saw 5 deer. That was always exciting for the kids. We would highly recommend this home to anyone.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
-A Great Vacation!
Guest: Lisa L.
(Ashburn, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 06/17/11
Review Submitted: 07/02/11
The week we spent at the River House will be remembered as one of our best family vacations. The location was perfect for visiting Hershey, but even better was enjoying all the home had to offer. The house was very charming and filled with everything needed for cooking, taking part in water activities, or just hanging out. The view from the house was awe inspiring and the river offered hours of enjoyment. The kids enjoyed tubing, kayaking, fishing, and making s'mores by the fire pit. The owner's and their son were perfect hosts and we can't wait to return.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Fabulous Family Fun
Guest: Lori R
(SA)
Date of Stay: 06/05/11
Review Submitted: 06/19/11
We spent the week at the river house and loved it. Very clean and well kept. Many personal touches. Janice and Dave were wonderful hosts. They worked very hard to make our stay enjoyable. The entire family said this was their favorite part of the vacation! We have rented many times from VRBO and Home Away and this was one of the best!! Many thanks, Ron and Lori
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers.
First (10) of (35). View all Reviews | Write a Review
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #178406
There have been visitors to this page since the counter was
last reset in .
This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - Saturday, February 11, 2012
