Vacation Rentals by Owner

A Quiet and Charming Vermont Retreat

Guest: Leonore and Chris (Arlington, VA)
Date of Stay: 10/14/11 Review Submitted: 10/29/11

We loved our week at Otter Cove. My husband and I enjoyed the quiet time, and it was everything we expected and more. Karen (owner) was great in answering any questions we had and in accommodating us. We can't add much more to the other positive reviews that describe Otter Cove. The home has the quiet rustic charm of a secluded Vermont cottage, but all the modern amenities you would need. Clean, comfortable, cozy. The morning views are stunning. The gas fireplace is cozy at night. It brought back many fond memories of my childhood and the many summers I spent on the lake. Thanks to Karen and Cliff for their hospitality. We look forward to returning to Otter Cove soon. Didn't see the Otter, but maybe next summer! :-)

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Karen and Cliff

Guest: Maeve and Harry
Date of Stay: 07/30/11 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

A wonderful time in a wonderful place! A real respite, a chance to enjoy what often passes us by. Appreciating natures beauty and tranquility. Will take good memories with us! Best wishes

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Not quite the experience we expected

Guest: Melissa L. (Boston, MA, USA)
Date of Stay: 07/17/11 Review Submitted: 08/04/11

The cottage is nice, and the pictures are an accurate representation. The view is lovely. However, there are a few things to be made aware of in terms of the whole experience. First, the cottage is not nearly as “secluded” as described. There is currently a large house being built next door. We awoke not to the sounds of mother nature, but to the sounds of hammering early (very early) each morning. The construction was intermittent, but there was plenty of noise, shouting workers, blaring music, and incoming and outgoing trucks to interfere with the peaceful vacation and privacy we anticipated based on the description. We found it rather upsetting and unprofessional that we were not warned about this. And worse, when we complained, we were met with resistance and, ultimately, no compensation for what we deemed a far less enjoyable (and, therefore, valuable) experience. The property is way overpriced for this reason. The owners were completely unwilling to offer us any money back (except for an offer of a credit for a weekend in the "off season"). This could have been handled in a much more positive way, beginning with a simple warning and apology and willingness to understand our perspective, and I was surprised at how unconcerned and dismissive they were. Their unwillingness stemmed from their position was that the construction was out of their control and similar to a situation where it "rained all week". While we agree that they certainly couldn't be responsible for the construction noise, that wasn't the issue. The point was that they advertised a "quiet, secluded cabin", which to our extreme disappointment, was clearly not the case. On another note, don’t assume you can have an enjoyable swim from the property. Yes, it is lakefront with a dock. But the lake itself is quite grassy, and the beach area is shallow and very thick with mud. It’s a good distance out before you’d clear the grass and the mud and reach the depth to have a nice, relaxing swim. Also, there is no ladder on the dock, the dock is too high to ease into the water, yet the lake is too shallow to dive or jump in. Although it is possible to swim, technically, it’s not the best. (In the owner’s defense, the ad does not mention swimming, but I want others to know what to expect as we found this really disappointing).

Owner response:We apologize for Melissa's and Toby's unenjoyable experience at our Otter Cove. Cliff and I strive to make our guest welcome, always. We felt we were receptive to the girls complaints and spent time meeting with builders of this said home being built approximately 300 feet away from our soft wood barriers. Everything was being done to mitigate what ever noise was caused by this construction. Otter Cove is located on its own 10 acre piece with also 300 feet of frontage with large and tall softwood tree barriers on each side not to mention woods in back of cottage and property. As for swimming, it is shallow and young children as well as adults do well in tune with reviews we have received. The lake is approximately 27 miles and it does not seem to affect children and adults in their swimming and having fun. Otter Cove is usually tranquil and peaceful but because of this construction to a home approximately 300 feet away from barrier the peace and quiet was not as it usually is as we found out with the girls stay. In eight years this is a first and truthfully speaking out of our control but learned first and fore- most, a fore-warning should have been relayed to up and coming guest arriving this year, to which we have done so. To be fair we also feel the girls are partly disingenuous with their narration in demagoguing Otter Cove but of coarse entitled to their say. Non the less, we wish Melissa and Toby well in future. Always a learning experience and saddened by the negative review. Finally, we truly thank our guest and repeat guest who have graced our Otter Cove with their stay and treasure it as we do. We have been fortunate and blessed for these last eight years. Thank you, Cliff and Karen

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Dear Karen and Cliff

Guest: Eugene and Amanda
Date of Stay: 05/30/11 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

Thank you for letting us stay in your beautiful home. The peacelfulness and serenity of this place is just what we needed to take a break from the big city. We had an amazing time and we hope to come back again during the winter so we could go skiing at Jay!

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Gorgeous spot for a quiet get away

Guest: Kathy and Pat Brooklyn, NY
Date of Stay: 02/21/11 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

Visited Montreal for festival of lights, enjoyed huge, Viex-Montreal restaurant and yes peaceful country setting right here with full moon, fine place and reflection time away from NYC. Snow is just falling again. All best,

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Karen and Cliff

Guest: Jenny and Kevin
Date of Stay: 01/03/11 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

Thank you very much for letting us stay at your home. We had a wonderful time! Your home is beautiful and very relaxing. We had such a good time sitting by the fireplace, relaxing in the whirlpool, and just enjoying the beautiful view. Our dogs had a wonderful time playing outside too! Thank you again,

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Karen and Cliff

Guest: Tim and Dorothy and Oreo CT
Date of Stay: 10/03/10 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

Tim and I wish our vacation at Otter Cove never had to end. We enjoyed the peace and quiet and the lovely views. We hiked, biked, and kayaked till we dropped. Our dog Oreo enjoyed the hikes with us. She gives Otter Cove 4 paws up! Thanks for allowing us to bring her along. We look forward to coming back.

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Hi Karen and Cliff

Guest: Margaret, Frances and Molly
Date of Stay: 09/25/10 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

My mother and I had a wonderful time at Otter Cove. The time went by way to fast. We loved using the canoe- our beagle, Molly, enjoyed being paddled around like a queen on her barge. We were disappointed, in some ways that the weather was so warm, we did not have cause to use the fire pit! You have done a beautiful job with this property, it's perfectly situated with a gorgeous view of the lake. We hope to return again! Thank you!

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Friday

Guest: Stacey and Robert
Date of Stay: 09/03/10 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

Today is our last full day here in what turns out to be altogether too short a week. We've loved the quiet, the lake, the great weather and of coarse this fantastic house. We've been staying in vacation rentals in Vermont the past few years, and this one is clearly the most comfortable, most private, and the best-appointed camp we've been to- the yard is adorable and we loved being able to walk right down to the water, as well as enjoy campfires nearly every night under the stars. You have just the place for weary city workers like us! Many thanks,

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Karen and Cliff

Guest: Karen + Bob and Bob and Danna
Date of Stay: 08/28/10 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

We enjoyed our stay at Otter Cove. It was quiet, relaxing. The house is very nice and open. We enjoyed our boat on this enormous lake. All the restaurants we ate at were fabulous. We saw a bald eagle + a baby otter on the other side of the island. Us girls did a lot of shopping, so I hope we fit it all in the truck! And the guys did alot of fishing (caught 1 big one) + a few small ones. We all liked the house and the lake so we may be back! maybe next time we will get to go to Canada. Thanks, Who ever did your pictures with the dried flowers did a beautiful job!

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Karen and Clifford

Guest: Catherine, Laura, Mary, Sue, Angela + Haylee
Date of Stay: 08/21/10 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

This was probably the best week of my life!!! We usually went snorkeling in the water. It was so awesome!!!! I loved it. Angel I thought it was the best, cutest house I've ever been in, I loved it. I love the dock and the lake and the water was warm, I LOVED IT! Thank you for the most relaxing vacation we've had in a long, long, long time. Your house was wonderful the lake was terrific and our minds and bodies appreciated the rest. Your new best friends,

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Karen and Clifford

Guest: Jean and Mila Buddy and girly
Date of Stay: 08/07/10 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

Thank you for making this wonderful cottage available to us. It is so comfortable and inviting. We enjoyed canoeing and kayaking on the lake, BBqing, fires in the pit, relaxing on the porch, and watching all the birds (when our dogs didn't chase them away)! The farmers market on Wed was a nice surprise. We took a drive to Lake Willougby for a short hike, and another drive to Jay + Troy one day. When we are at home- driving is painful- so many cars- so much traffic + stress. But herem it's an activity we truly enjoyed. The farms and rivers and mountain views were beautiful. We had a great vacation

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Karen and Cliff

Guest: Nicole and Tim
Date of Stay: 07/17/10 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

The obvious love and care you put into this lovely home, made us feel welcome, relaxed and very content. The view is amazing, the house is gorgeous and we are already looking forward to next year. Our trip to Otter Cove will surely become a family tradition! Brightest Blessings to you both

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Karen and Cliff

Guest: Janet and Chris
Date of Stay: 05/10/10 Review Submitted: 08/13/11

If I wished for the perfect place to spend my birthday, this would be it. The house, the view, the peace and quiet, the birds and animals. Thanks for helping my sister with this surprise! Its been a wonderful week of relaxation and fun. Our only concern was when Kip chased Rocky the racoon up the tree where he stayed all day. Thanks for making your place here at Otter Cove the perfect "healing garden"

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Guest: Gayle7 (San Diego, CA Brookfield, CT)
Date of Stay: 07/15/09 Review Submitted: 07/15/09

Well, let me just let you all know what a special little spot Otter Cove is. I work in San Diego, and my husband lives in CT. I spend most of my time in/out of planes, trains, cars. Having a demanding position and being away from Richard takes its toll. We found the lake thru a few friends, and I found Otter Cove almost 1 year before we actually stayed there. It was charming, PRIVATE, serene, and the wild life was a constant form of entertainment. Grab the one you love, make your coffee, sit on the deck, and allow the day to drift.. While you are there dont forget to have a special meal in The Tree House, rent a boat and Lake Mem will do the rest. Say HI to my bull frogs in the side area. LOVED THEM! We already have a date for next year! Dont miss this opportunity. Thank you Karen and Cliff for your hospitality. xo Gayle & Richard

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Guest: Joe and Beth
Date of Stay: 06/04/07 Review Submitted: 06/03/07

Beth and I had a magical couple of days at your home. Our stay was relaxing, peaceful and every comfort was available in Otter Cove. This time was my birthday gift to me from Beth and it was without a doubt the nicest present I've ever had. We plan on coming back again to enjoy your slice of paradise. Joe and Beth

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Guest: Melanie Murray & Chris Downing
Date of Stay: 02/07/06 Review Submitted: 02/06/06

Chris and I absolutely loved our time here! The house is wonderful: quaint and secluded, and most of all, quiet! We love the views, the critters( I made friends with a couple of very nosy ducks and Chris and I were astounded by the huge appetite of the local birds). Chris and I rented a kayak and took a lovely tour of the lake, we loved the raft and Chis caught some fish right off the dock. The town is lovely and Chris definitely got his fill of the local golf courses. We had an absolutely fabulous time at Otter Cove. Thank you! Melanie Murray Chris Downing

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Guest: Lori Raymond
Date of Stay: 02/07/06 Review Submitted: 02/06/06

What a beautiful place! I could not have asked for more... this quiet October morning sipping coffee by the fireplace and looking out at the lake is the epitomy of "getting away" and relaxation. The only thing missing was a decent sunrise- the clouds are low today! Thanks for sharing your lake house with me- I know I'll be back! Lori Raymond

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Guest: Tom and Beth Cardozo
Date of Stay: 02/07/06 Review Submitted: 02/06/06

Karen, I have always dreamed about staying in a place like Otter Cove. We couldn't have found a lovelier more perfect retreat than this one for Tom and I and especially for Willow and Spenser. The lake is beautiful and your home is wonderful. We felt very confortable here and very relaxed. P.S. The blackberry pancakes and Clifford's syrup were the best! Thank you. Tom and Beth Cardozo

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Guest: David and Gloria Mcnulty
Date of Stay: 02/07/06 Review Submitted: 02/06/06

What a wonderful gem in the woods. After 5 hour drive into 50 degree Vt we were sure that a ski weekend was not going to happen but the temperature dropped and the snow came. We made a wonderful dinner and looked at the most beautiful scene. We have stayed at many places sight unseen and one learns to deal with things that are not as you would make them. This is definitely not the case with Otter Cove. It was so much better than we could have hoped for. Thank you so much for sharing your home with us. I hoped we've begun a tradition. Best, The Mcnulty's

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Guest: Jan and Joel Bennett
Date of Stay: 02/07/06 Review Submitted: 02/06/06

Karen and Clifford, We arrived on Sunday night a week ago to spend a beautiful sunny week here with not a cloud in the sky and temperatures in 70s-80s all week. While we spent a lot of time here---relaxing on the hammock, sitting on the dock, cuddling onthe couch--- we also explored and hiked a good bit. The first day we hiked up Mount Hor to both the south and east look out, when we got on top, we were met by a hot air balloon! what a coincidence! we also drove to Owls Head and hiked to the summit for even more spectacular views and had a sweet lunch in Mansonville at the Owl's Bread Cafe. Regarding food, we really appreciated Newport's Natural Foods Cafe where we ate lunch almost everyday. The food was hearty, wholesome, tasted excellent and was reasonably priced. we also walked the bike path/old railroad tracks onthe east side of the lake. We rented kayaks from Jim- a great guy with lots of local stories. Most of all, we would not of come up here if we did not find a quiet, serene, cozy place like this Otter Cove--- a place to meditate, enjoy the view, relax and rest. Thank you so much for your gracious warmth, welcome, orientation, local direction and the great maple syrup-how can one not have pancakes at Otter Cove? with Cliff's dark syrup? We would enjoy coming back and recommend this to others Jan and Joel Bennett

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Guest: Roman and Christine Kolinski
Date of Stay: 02/07/06 Review Submitted: 02/06/06

Dear Karen and Cliff, It will be a sad departure when we leave this land of tranquility. All is so peaceful, so cozy. We sat here for hours just absorbing God's beauty. It's amazing, when you first arrive to Otter's Cove it immediately becomes your home. The children adapt right away, Roman and I drop our life of chaos at the front door and even Vahlyk, our pup relaxes. Wish we could stay at least another week. It's time to pack & clean up and prepare for the next lucky visitor. A sincere thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Roman, Christine, Markiau, Peter and Andrea & Vahlyk Kolinsky

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Guest: Susan Faucon
Date of Stay: 02/07/06 Review Submitted: 02/06/06

Karen, Tony, Rossi and I had a marvelous week here at Otter Cove. The cottage is perfectly designed for romance and frolic. We climbed every mountain we could find and returned each day to this sweet and private piece of Vermont. Thank you for your kindness and the maple syrup. Yum Susan

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Guest: Pat Connelly
Date of Stay: 02/07/06 Review Submitted: 02/06/06

Karen and Clifford, Otter Cove was one ofthe most beautiful places we have ever been to. We caught over 20 fish and swam everyday. The lake was wonderful. We loved the otters. We also saw deer, hummingbirds, kingfishers and a fox. On Rt.114 we saw our first moose. It was amazing. Pat Connelly

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