Cozy Appalachian Trail Cottage: What Makes You Happy?
- Minimum stay:2 nights
- Internet:Yes
- Pets allowed:No
- Wheel chair accessible:No
*Smokers please do not inquire.* Please note: the property marker on the map indicates the location of our mailbox. The cottage is actually 3/4 of a mile down a dirt lane from route 183.
If you could create a woodland retreat for yourself and your family and friends, this would be it. If you are someone who values unspoiled nature, this is the place for you. If you want to make day trips to Amish Country, Philadelphia, Hawk Mountain, Cabellas, New York City, Gettysburg, lakes, quaint villages, world class golf courses OR hike the Appalachian Trail and be enveloped in the deep forest, this is for you.The cottage is uniquely situated, close to myriad attractions yet it is an island unto itself. There is no place like it. Trust us. We looked. For years. Finally, we found this wonderful property tucked into the base of a mountain. When you visit, you will not feel like you are at a vacation rental. You will feel like you are at the home of a friend who wants you to have the best possible time. Our reviews speak for themselves. So does our calendar. Make your reservation soon. We book up fast. Sleeps 7. Full size washer+dryer. Wireless internet/cable.
* Cabellas sporting goods store is just 12 miles away.
*Amish Country in Lancaster County is 40 miles or less.
*A winding, single lane dirt road leads you over a small bridge to a cottage perched on the mountainside.
* Cottage on 40 forested acres adjacent to thousands of acres of undeveloped woods and gamelands. The Appalachian Trail is 1/2 mile away.
* Cottage is 163 miles from Washington, DC; 130 miles from New York City; 92 miles from Philadelphia; 82 miles from Gettysburg; 30 miles from Knoebel's Theme Park; and 35 miles from Hershey Park.
*Maps and brochures for activities are provided as well as information from area restaurants.
*Two and a half miles from the intersection of rts. 183 and 78 in Bethel Township, a mile from the border of Berks and Schuylkill Counties in Pennsylvania.
*Non-smokers only. Smoking is not permitted on or around the property. Outdoor cooking and grilling are prohibited.
Your vacation is more than an investment of money. It is an investment of your time and your hope. We take your investment very seriously and it shows. Read the reviews and see what our guests have to say.
We've developed a webpage!: Go to www.atcottage.com to see some lovely slideshows about the cottage. This is a work in progress. Ken and I took our camera out this winter and drove to some of our favorite sites. Keep an eye on this page. We will start photographing again as the leaves pop out on the trees.
Property Type
- Cottage
- 900 sq. ft.
Accommodation Type
- Vacation Rental
Meals
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Suitability
- Wheelchair Inaccessible
- Children Welcome
- Long-Term Renters Welcome
- Non Smoking Only
- Pets Not Allowed
Bedrooms
- 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7
- Bedroom 1
- 1 queen
- Bedroom 2
- 1 double
- Loft
- 1 double, 1 twin/ single
Bathrooms
- 1.0 Bathrooms
- Bathroom 1
- toilet, combination tub/shower
Other Amenities
Entertainment
- DVD Player
- CD Player
- Toys
- Satellite / Cable
- Books
- Stereo
- Games For Kids
- Books For Kids
- Radio
- Television
Theme
- Family
- Away From It All
Attractions
- Restaurants
- Library
- Winery Tours
- Caves
- Arboretum
- Festivals
- Theme Parks
- Recreation Center
- Water Parks
- Churches
- Pond
- Live Theater
- Cinemas
- Forests
- Autumn Foliage
- Museums
Car
- Necessary
Leisure Activities
- Horseback Riding
- Sledding
- Outlet Shopping
- Antiquing
- Sight Seeing
- Scenic Drives
- Bird Watching
- Walking
- Gambling Casinos
local services and businesses
- Medical Services
- Groceries
- Hospital
- ATM/Bank
- Massage Therapist
- Babysitter
Location Type
- Mountain
- Rural
sports and adventure activities
- Equestrian Events
- Mountaineering
- Swimming
- Cycling
- Freshwater Fishing
- Mountain Climbing
- Hiking
- Fly Fishing
- Sailing
- Fishing
- Water Tubing
- Golf
- Mountain Biking
Arrival Day
- Flexible
catering options
- Guests Provide Their Own Meals
Dining
- Dining Area
- Child's Highchair
forms of payment
- Accept Credit Card
General
- Basic Soaps
- Laundry Soap
- Mobile Phone
- Wireless Internet
- Paper Towels
- Filtered Water
- Local Activities Guide
- Towels Provided
- Clothes Dryer
- Local Restaurant Guide
- Firewood
- Activities Guide
- Shampoo
- Local Maps
- Internet
- Toilet Paper
- Broadband Access
- Fireplace
- Heating
- Linens Provided
- Parking Off Street
- Alarm Clock
- Hair Dryer
- Washing Machine
Kitchen
- 4 Ring Stove
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Coffee Maker
- Blender
- Freezer
- Coffee Grinder
- Pantry Items
- Toaster
- Cooking Utensils
- Oven
Outside
- Beach Towels
- Porch / Veranda
Reviews
Write a review-
We Didn't Want To Leave
We Didn't Want To Leave
- Guest J C.
- Date of stay 05/03/13
- Review Submitted 05/14/13
From the initial email to the final wrap-up, we had a wonderful experience renting from Liz and Ken. The directions to the cabin, keys, and all the details of settling in were simple and helpful. The cabin was immaculate and homey, and well-stocked with kitchen and bathroom items. From having a fire laid in the fireplace, ready for us to strike a match, to the fluffy towels, to the assortment of coffee, tea and hot cocoa, we found everything to be even better than expected. The front porch was the perfect spot for our morning coffee and evening glass of wine. We had wonderful weather so we hiked, toured the Yuengling Brewery, went wine-tasting, shopped at the flea/farmer's market, and visited Hawk Mountain. We wouldn't have minded some rain because the cabin had masses of books, magazines, games and puzzles which we didn't have time to enjoy this time around. As soon as our schedules allow, we will be back. I'm already recommending this cabin to friends and relatives, so I hope there will be room on the calendar for our group of 4.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Perfect Getaway
Perfect Getaway
- Guest Jenny V.
- Date of stay 04/17/13
- Review Submitted 04/18/13
We loved the cabin! Everything was perfectly organized for a relaxing weekend in the woods. The cabin is so well decorated. The kitchen is very well equipped, the beds are very comfortable. The fireplace was amazing and the marshmallows delicious! We hiked for hours on the Appalachian trail without seeing people. We'll be back!!!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Perfect!
Perfect!
- Guest Sarah B
- Date of stay 12/28/12
- Review Submitted 01/27/13
I was looking for an inexpensive, cozy getaway for my sister's 30th birthday when I happened upon Liz's cabin. One look at the pictures and the reviews and I just had a sense that this was it. I couldn't have been more right! I quickly reached out to Liz and asked about the dates. It was a holiday weekend and often, those dates can be tough to reserve because owners are looking for very specific rental dates. Liz worked with me from the start and made the entire booking process painless. She was responsive to questions up front and continued to make herself available through our time at the cabin. The cabin is perfect. Quaint, comfortable, clean and really spacious. We had seven in our party and didn't once feel too crowded. We played games, took a glass blowing class at Goggleworks in Reading, found a great restaurant thanks to Liz's extensive local homemade guidebok, cooked, laughed...it really was perfect. I live in Wyoming so won't be able to visit quite as often as I'd like, but the rest of the ladies have already started planning their next visit. I have a feeling that Liz's cabin will be a part of our friends' and family's future traditions for a long time to come.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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The cottage
The cottage
- Guest Suzette S.
- Date of stay 01/11/13
- Review Submitted 01/16/13
another world, cozy, well appointed and yet close enough to home in the philly suburbs. we loved this place! the weather was cold and wet but we STILL had a great time building fires, roasting marshmallows and playing games. we ventured out to a funky flee market, ate some down-home food and bought too much candy in port clinton, all welcome childish delights! Liz, your enthusiasm, and desire for a great experience was felt and realized. many thanks. i can't wait to get there again to walk in the woods. thank you for creating and sharing such a special place. all the best, spsDid you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Perfect way to relax!
Perfect way to relax!
- Guest Nicole G.
- Date of stay 07/20/12
- Review Submitted 12/31/12
We LOVE this place! This was my second time staying here and it was as peaceful the second time as it was the first. My first stay was a weekend away with my sister, the location was about half way between us (MD and MA) and easy to get to. The second stay was a birthday present to my boyfriend and he loved it. The cottage is cozy and comfortable and the owner's hospitality is amazing. There's plenty to do in the area but, that's only if you can bring yourself to leave the cabin. The porch is perfect for relaxing and there's nothing better than curling up with a warm drink and a good book in front of the fireplace. I can't wait to go back. My sister and I are already scheming our next girl's weekend there this summer. The only downside to the cabin is having to leave it at the end of the stay. Even my boyfriend looked sad when we left. PS. We'd love to take the Jeep stay at the cabin in the winter after a fresh snow.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Cozy Christmas Cabin Revisited!
Cozy Christmas Cabin Revisited!
- Guest Wendy
- Date of stay 12/06/12
- Review Submitted 12/22/12
Every year we take a trip to Liz and Ken's wonderful cottage in the woods and every year new and happy memories are created! This year we came over a very chilly and rainy weekend - which was still perfect for enjoying fires, baking cookies and playing in the loft. Every year we try and do something new - this year's joy was a trip to Lititz, PA - a charming little town about an hour away from the cottage. We went to some great stores including the local toy store, the book store, and the Curiousity Shop that everyone loved and where we finished up our Christmas shopping. We also had lunch at a place called Tomato Pie - cozy and delicious and purchased some sweet treats at the Wilbur chocolate store and museum. A great day and some great new memories. Thanks as always - we will be back!Recommended for: Sightseeing, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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A clean, comfortable, quiet retreat!
A clean, comfortable, quiet retreat!
- Guest Nicole K.
- Date of stay 11/22/12
- Review Submitted 12/19/12
The cabin is incredible homey, tastefully decorated, clean, and complete with everything you could need. We felt so at home here we truly didn't want to leave. Our two young children LOVED the spacious loft stocked with toys. If you want a quiet mountain experience, this is it. But if you need a little more, there is internet, cable, books, and numerous activity suggestions. Liz and Ken leave a detailed book with lots of sight seeing recommendations and helpful tips. The property is isolated enough to feel private but not so much that you feel lost. Having coffee on the porch, sitting by the roaring fire, finding the "secret swing" up on the mountain, a welcome kit for making smores, and listening to the children play in the loft...all make for great memories. But we will surely rent the cabin again. I miss it already.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1
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A Weekend Away
A Weekend Away
- Guest Casey
- Date of stay 10/25/12
- Review Submitted 11/29/12
My husband and I were looking for a weekend getaway and thought this cabin might fit the bill. It far exceeded our expectations. While Liz and Ken have a notebook full of ideas for exploring the area, we chose to stay in and do nothing but read books, enjoying the absolute quiet of the woods The cabin has a rustic exterior but the inside is fully drywalled and is weather-tight so you'll be very comfortable. The five star reviews are spot-on and I'll venture to say you'll not find nicer hosts anywhere on VRBO!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Absolutely Perfect Experience
Absolutely Perfect Experience
- Guest Joe P.
- Date of stay 11/15/12
- Review Submitted 11/21/12
This was the absolutely perfect place for our long weekend. It was me and my wife's 1st wedding anniversary and we wanted a nice relaxing weekend away, and that is exactly what we got. We arrived late on Thursday night and found the place with no trouble at all thanks to the owner's (Liz) door to door directions. Upon entering the cottage we were greeted with a nice hand written note, a bottle of sparkling cider and two glasses and some supplies to make smores on the fire. The house was so well maintained and so clean, was decorated really great and just the overall layout and design made the place so inviting and enjoyable. We built a fire in the great stone fireplace, opened some wine, and just had the most relaxing and stress free weekend. The house has everything you could possibly need with the exception of your clothes and groceries. From towels to blankets, board games, wireless internet and cable, firewood, there isn't anything we needed that we didn't have. And if you're looking for privacy, there is a ton of that too. Liz was so helpful in helping us plan some activities and things to do while up there, and the binder at the cottage gives you SO many options of things to do, a description of them, and directions to them as well. After speaking with her the first few times, it was as if we'd known her for years and it was just the personal experience we needed. We will absolutely be returning to this place and we look forward to even staying longer. You will not find a better place to go and although we don't have any, it is very kid friendly and they made sure to keep the kinds in mind with the loft and all of the toys and games supplied in the house. As for what we did; Friday we went into West Reading, which was about 30 minutes. There are lots of little shops, some good restaurants and dessert shops, and we just walked around for a while. Saturday we did a mini winery Tour visiting a few of the local wineries, all of the information was provided by Liz and we got around just fine. We look forward to returning and can't wait to go back.Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
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Would highly recommend
Would highly recommend
- Guest Jamin Y.
- Date of stay 10/14/12
- Review Submitted 10/21/12
My wife, three young daughters, and I thoroughly enjoyed several nights and a day at the Appalachian Trail Cottage. We needed respite from what has been an absolutely crazy life for the last several months. We felt restored after our short time there, and hope to return someday. The cabin is beautiful and fully furnished. It rained through early afternoon the day we were there, so we made s'mores, watched a movie, and the girls played with some of the many toys in the loft. We enjoyed the fall splendor surrounding cabin and in the late afternoon, went hiking on the nearby Appalachian trail. Thanks for the wonderful time in a beautiful setting!Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0
Rates
| Dates | Nightly | Wknd Night | Weekend | Weekly | Monthly * | Event |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base Rate 2 night min stay |
$185 | $1295 | $4220 | |||
Fees:
- Tax Rate 6%
This owner accepts HomeAway's most secure form of payment.
HomeAway PaymentsSM is the most secure way to pay and automatically protects your payment up to $10,000 (learn more). Call the owner directly to confirm payment details.
Location
Owner info
Year Purchased: 1998
About the owner: My husband and I have been married for 31 years. Our sons grew up spending weekends and vacations at the cottage. A few years ago, we did an extensive renovation. The house had been built in the early 1950's and was in serious need of an up-date. We gutted it and rebuilt it from the inside out. When we renovated it, we used the best materials and implemented excellent design. Our first guests came in June of 2008. Since then, it has been our pleasure to provide families, couples, groups of friends, and individuals with an opportunity to experience the joy that we have known through this wonderful place.
Why the Owner Chose Bethel:
For the first 16 years of our marriage, we looked for a private retreat where we could 'get away from it all'. Proximity to the Appalachian Trail was a priority. We needed a place that was isolated. We did not want to be able to see other houses. We wanted a place that was not in a development...was not on a road, was not surrounded by houses with lawns and hot-tubs and pools. We wanted to have a retreat that was part of nature, not a place that violated nature. In 1998, after looking at countless houses, in countless locations, we found this home. We had never seen anything even remotely like it. We had to have it. We put in our bid: full asking price, no inspections, no contingencies. We knew that this was where we belonged.
The Unique Benefits at this Cottage:
Peace. No worries. I don't know why, but it is virtually impossible to worry when you are on this property. For some strange reason, your worries melt away as soon as you enter the drive that leads to the cottage. However, if you are looking for family fun and adventure, it is right around the corner. For the first ten years of owning the cottage, we were very content to explore the woods, hike the Appalachian Trail, sit on the porch, and read. In 2008, when we first started renting the house, I decided to research activities that would be interesting to our guests. My 'things to do' guide is 21 pages long! All of the activities are under an hour drive--most within 15 minutes.
Contact us
- Primary: +1 610 6401410
- Secondary: 610 585-0262
- Click Here to see All My Rental Listings
Photos
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The cottage in summer
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Livingroom with fireplace--we provide firewood
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first floor bedroom with double bed
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loft with double bed
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The cottage road
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Fully equipped kitchen. You can even bake a pie!
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First floor bedroom with queen bed
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Loft with single bed
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The cottage is on this mountain...to the left.
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Welcome!
