Vacation Rentals by Owner

Wish we could have stayed longer!

Guest: RanitaB (New York, NY)
Date of Stay: 08/23/11 Review Submitted: 09/05/11

Our time in late August at this charming retreat was just what we needed to unwind and reset our priorities in life! The pond was lively, cool, and clear, with abundant fish, herons, ducks, turtles, and even a kingfisher spotted on one our our kayak rides across the pond to the interesting beaver dam areas. The grassy waterfront and sturdy dock were ample enough and offered a perfect blend of sun and shade, so that we could comfortably camp out down by the water with our 6-month-old daughter the whole day. The pond bottom at shore is a blend of fine sand and mud, but clean enough to enjoy wading and floating with the baby. There is no shortage of boats and flotation devices for safety and everything is easy to stow away in the neat enclosed space under the deck at the top of the stairs to the water. The kitchen was all set to go, with ample offerings of clean cookware, utensils, serving dishes, and cooking basics; there is an outdoor grill and the spacious deck with its high table and chairs is a wonderful place for outdoors breakfast and dinners. Indoors, there was plenty of room for the whole family to spread out and play, and the place is cheerfully and tastefully furnished with eclectic decor. All in all, it's the lakefront getaway you wish you owned, without the headache of upkeep! Thank you, Christine--we look forward to returning!

Recommended for:Families with young children, romantic getaway.

Great waterfront getaway

Guest: Jersey Family (New Jersey)
Date of Stay: 08/14/11 Review Submitted: 09/07/11

If you like the water, this is a great place. We went swimming, kayaking, and tube floating in the beautiful pond directly off the property. It's called a pond, but it's really more of a lake: beautiful, big, refreshing. It's great fun to swim from one end to the next. Christine really took care of us. When my daughter needed to see a pediatrician, she gave us her local recommendations. When we were looking for activities, she gave us great ideas. She really made it clear that she wanted us to have a great time.

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Two weeks of peace.

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/10 Review Submitted: 08/28/10

We stayed at this wonderful cottage for the first two weeks of August and it was great. There were a couple of days that was rather hot but we really did not mind it since the house stayed cool enough through out the day and night. My husband and I have stayed at both of Christine's homes, the log cabin and now the waterfront cottage, and we have never been disappointed. She is a pleasure to do business with. Thanks again Christine for everything.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

CD from Boston

Guest: Fussy (Brookline, MA)
Date of Stay: 06/27/10 Review Submitted: 07/27/10

Lakefront cottage was perfect getaway to escape sizzling weather in the city. Located up in the hills, the temp dropped as we drove in from WInstead; water was delicious and shaded deck in the afternoon gave us a place to avoid the sun. Cottage so confortable with ceiling fans that provided just the right amount of cooling-- no AC needed here with breeze and fans. We did lots of hiking, kayaking and swimming -- All in all a great place for a summer vacation.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Anne Wortham (Cobbs Creek, VA)
Date of Stay: 10/28/09 Review Submitted: 10/28/09

What a delightful hideaway on Park Pond! When we arrived it was snowing which added to the charm of the renovated cabin. The house is very comfortable, decorated in a charming style with bright colors and whimsical art. Everything one needs is there: kayaks, barbecue, spices, coffee, etc. The owners have thought of everything to make a person's stay memorable. We loved the area for hiking and mountain views. We went in October to catch the fall colors, and we were so pleased with the great restaurants in the area. We loved the small, but friendly Winstead Diner where there were lively conversations every morning. Fly fishing looked very popular on the beautiful rivers. There is tons to do in the area or simply curl up on the comfy sofa with a good book and enjoy the peace and quiet and the beautiful view. We can't say enough about this wonderful retreat. Annie and Neil

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Guest: Lynda20 (The Villages, FL)
Date of Stay: 08/14/08 Review Submitted: 08/14/08

We thoroughly enjoyed our respite at Park Pond. It is such a tranquil environment. The cottage was comfortable, clean, functional and cheerful and the Pond was pristine and serene. I hope to return for an even longer stay next year. We were there in the summer months but I can imagine it as a great Winter getaway as well!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/08 Review Submitted: 07/06/08

Our stay at the Park Pond cottage was delightful. The house is comfortable and view of the water is spectacular. Not much traffic on the pond - all is quiet mostly. Kayaking on the pond is restful and beautiful. A lovely spot that I would love to return to anytime.

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autumn idyll

Guest: sally and steve (melbourne, australia)
Date of Stay: 10/01/07 Review Submitted: 01/25/08

We spent a lovely Columbus Day weekend here, and can absolutely recommend this property for a vacation. The sense of peace and tranquility was almost palpable. The house is very light and airy, with views of greenery from every window. The pond is very accessible- a few steps from the house, and a convenient pontoon to launch the kayaks. The owners provide plenty of water toys, including life vests in a variety of sizes. The lake is very private, with only a few houses on the water. There are houses right next door, but are effectively screened for privacy with trees. The amenities in the house were fine, nothing missing for a typical vacation stay. The decor is casual beachy style- perfect for bare feet and an outdoor focus. The only problem is that you can't close a door on the children's room, so one can't noise proof their room i.e. you have to be quiet for a while after kids go to bed, so that they won't stay awake listening to the adults downstairs. But there was a minor glitch only. Overall we loved the property and our time there, and would definitely come back.

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

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/07 Review Submitted: 07/21/07

What a wonderful surprise to arrive at this most beautiful location, to find such silence. My 2 boys didnt leave the water, with such activities as kayaking, tubing, swimming & fishing, who would leave. We spent our days enjoying the deck in the sun, bbqing and playing games until the sun set. The biking is endless, the town of Winchester is beautiful. this is a great escape from the crazy world of noise and chaos. We enjoyed how pleasant the owners are, and loved how comftorable the home was, i felt like it was our own home. I dont think there is anything to change about this great escape, everyone will enjoy!! cant wait to come again.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 12/01/06 Review Submitted: 12/17/06

We've spent a wonderful thanksgiving weekend at the waterfront cabin with our two little daugthers. We have appreciate very much the comfort of the house the beautiful view on the lake as well the peaceful and very agreable surrondings. Concerning the aerea we highly recommend to explore the North : Colebrook countrystore is a must !

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/06 Review Submitted: 09/17/06

We had a wonderful stay at Park Pond. The house is lovely, comfortable, and tastefully decorated. We only left to do grocery shopping. My kids (age 3 and 5) had so much fun catching frogs and just playing in the water they didn't want to leave the property. My husband and I had a great time kayaking and following a Blue Heron on the pond. Thank you Christine for a lovely vacation.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/06 Review Submitted: 08/28/06

We had a great stay at the lake house! Grilling on the deck in the evenings, over looking the lake - just beautiful! We bought cheap fishing rods at the k-mart in town and our kids had so much fun fishing off the deck. The Kayaks were great fun as well. Thanks Christine, we hope to come again next year!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/06 Review Submitted: 07/17/06

We stayed at this sweet little getaway in Litchfield over the 4th of July and had a great time. The house is very clean, updated and quaintly decorated without losing that cabin/comfortable feel. While it isn't especially remote, all the people on the pond are very friendly, and the trees around the deck out back still make it feel secluded. And the view is beautiful! We have two children under three, and the pond and dock were perfect - generally safe and accessible. I would just say that if you have very small children, be prepared for lots of fireworks over the 4th of July - if you have older kids, then you've got a great front row seat!!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 09/01/05 Review Submitted: 09/17/05

We were delighted with our stay on Park Pond. The house is well equipped and beautifully decorated in a simple, Mediterrenean style. The deck gives a tranquil view over the pond and we were able to kayak all the way round, including taking a quick swim, in an hour. There are plenty of nearby state parks and forests for hiking / picnics etc. We found the local 'dinner and a movie' theater very enjoyable as well. Strongly recommended for a week, or just a long weekend, away from the city.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/01/05 Review Submitted: 08/25/05

Lovely home neatly tucked away at the end of a winding country road, this property offers unlimited access to everything but everyday life. A tasteful blend of rustic cabin and modern living, it is artfully decorated in seascape colors that compliment it's natural wooded setting yet somehow manages to transport the guests to a beachfront cottage. We found every little thing we would need for a night of marathon movie-watching, wine tasting, grilling, kayaking, and relaxing. We enjoyed the privacy from the neighbors we never saw and the friendly disposition of those we met. We found the information prepared by the owner to be most helpful. The kitchen and bath faciltiies were clean and recently updated. The polished wood floors on the main level made barefoot living a joy. Last, but certainly not least, the view is absolutely beautfiul. The sunrise at 6 a.m. is breathtaking. The "cabin" is not really a cabin at all. It's a wonderfully preserved waterfront home at the edge of a large and easily navigable pond in the hills. We look forward to our return. Some great places to visit... The Gilsen's Theater (recommended by the owners), The Dutch Epicure Shop in Bantam, The Bantam Bread Co just up the road, and Moscarello's Garden Shoppes (multiple locations).

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Elizabeth_HAC35340 (Petaluma, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/01/05 Review Submitted: 08/15/05

This house was WONDERFUL!!!! The entire inside was newly renovated with almost all new furniture. The look was current and very tasteful (Pottery Barn/Crate and Barrel style). Lots of open space, a large deck overlooking the water with outdoor (and indoor) dining set. Everything you could possibly need was provided (save your clothing and food) and even food staples were provided (flour, sugar, S&P, other spices and more). The television did not receive much, but why would you want it on when you are enjoying such a lovely environment? I did not even put it on until my son came and wanted to watch videos. (If necessary, one can rent DVDs to use on the DVD player that came with the house.) The master bedroom had an exceptionally comfortable bed (can't say about the other beds, but my son didn't complain, so I imagine they are also of equal quality). BBQ and tools provided. I can't think of anything that was not furnished. We kayaked around the lovely pond on kayaks that were also supplied (along w/life vests). The pond and area are gorgeous and there is so much to do within short distances from the house, such as antiquing, shopping of all sorts, other outdoor activities, good restaurants. I would love to keep this place a secret but that would not be fair to the kind and helpful owners. All thumbs up on this rental from both my son and me.

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/01/05 Review Submitted: 07/20/05

We LOVED this cottage! We had a great time and enjoyed kayaking and rowing-we brought our own canoe. We also enjoyed relaxing on the deck which had an amazing view of the pond. The pond is a nice size too--not too big or too small. This location is peaceful and provided us a lovely weekend away! It's a great spot for a small group of family or friends or a couple. We plan to rent this annually!

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Guestbook Comment

Guest: Rebecca Q. (Winchester, MA)
Date of Stay: 07/01/05 Review Submitted: 07/05/05

We had a wonderful on Park Pond. The house has been beautifully renovated and the pond is the perfect place for the whole family. We swam, kayaked, and bbq'd every day. The setting is beautiful and quiet -- a true getaway. Thank you!

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Guest: N/A
Date of Stay: 03/25/05 Review Submitted: 03/24/05

Welcome to our Waterfront Retreat in beautiful Litchfield County, Connecticut. Enjoy the view of Park Pond from the house and deck, or take a swim or paddle out in the kayak. Hike through rural Winchester Center, or visit Winsted's dinner theater and Torrington's Nutmeg Ballet. However you spend your time with us, we are confident it will be memorable. Thank you for being our guest.

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