Relax and unwind with top rated water views, offering a scenic experience.
On the beach
A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.
By the lake
Guests love the beautiful lakefront location.
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6
Popular amenities
On beach
Onsite parking available
Kitchen
Air conditioning
Barbecue grill
Balcony
Explore the area
East Springfield, PA
Raccoon Park
Place, Raccoon Park
1 min walk
Eagley Park
Place, Eagley Park
3 min drive
Waldameer & Water World
Place, Waldameer & Water World
35 min drive
Erie, PA (ERI-Erie Intl.)
Airport, Erie, PA (ERI-Erie Intl.)
29 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Full Bedroom
1 Double Bed
Queen Bedroom #1
1 Queen Bed
Queen Bedroom #2
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area
About this property
DIRECT beach access from property - 5 lakefront acres
Get away from it all at this charming historical Lake Erie retreat located 23 miles West of Erie, PA and 7 miles East of Conneaut, OH. Nestled on five private wooded acres with 365 feet of private beach, the cottage offers a fun-filled and relaxing get-a-way for any type of vacationer. Path on property directly to private beach. Note: most lakefront properties have a bluff with NO beach/lake access. We are UNIQUE!!!!
This 3 bedroom home is available year round. The property is bordered by Lake Erie to the North, Raccoon Creek to the East and to the South and West, the largest tract of undeveloped land on the South Shore of Lake Erie, 4,000 acres of the Pennsylvania State Gamelands/David M Roderick Wildlife Reserve. The new Lake Erie Bluff's park is also very near by.
Historical property built around 1912 as the Superintendent's house for the Elmwood Home for Boys. Completely renovated, the first floor has a spacious modern kitchen stocked with all equipment to prepare any meal - a foodies delight. The living room has a gas fireplace to cozy up to on a chilly eve. A very large deck on the back is the perfect place to relax, listen to the waves, and see the boats go by. If the weather turns, the enclosed front porch allows you to still take in the beauty of the serene property.
The second floor has 3 bedrooms and ONE bath. Two Queen and One Double Bed. Garden style tub/shower combo.
Become a friend on that popular social networking site FB, just search '"Cottage On Lake Erie". (All words begin with CAPS) to see many more photos of and around the property.
Please note: our property has a driveway motion sensor light with a camera. This is the ONLY camera on premises! Please rest assured, there are NO cameras anywhere within the home, on the back deck, or on the front porch. Driveway ONLY. Your privacy is of utmost concern!
Nearby: Markko Winery, Tarsitano Winery, Buccia Winery, Twisted Elk Brewing, Black Monk Brewing, Erie Brewing, Erie Distillery, Covered Bridges of Ashtabula County, Geneva on the Lake, Presque Isle State Park, Tom Ridge Center, The White Turkey Drive-In, Peggy Gray Candies, Waldameer Amusement Park, Splash Lagoon, The Brig Niagara, Pymatuning Lake (where the ducks walk on the fish's backs), Amish country, Camp Fitch, Camp Sherwin, Camp Eriez, Charter Fishing in Conneaut or Erie (no cleaning fish at the cottage!), Tasty Twist, Peggy Gray Candies, Conneaut Lake Park, Golfing (Over Lake is very nice and nearby), lake Kayaking, Canoeing (Grand River and Elk Creek access are a short drive), jet skiing, scuba diving (yes, in Lake Erie!), Morel mushroom hunting, disc golf ...
Relaxing: The environment simply lures you into leaving your stresses behind. Take time for incredible sunsets that rival those of Key West!
Swimming: On your own private beach. Build a fire on the beach and cook a hot dog or roast a marshmallow. There is almost always drift wood to keep the fire going.
Games: Horseshoes and bocce balls are all provided. The large side yard is a great place to play catch.
Hiking: Over 4000 acres of State game lands are just outside your front door. *Hiking not recommended during hunting season.
Boating: The cottage has room to park your boat. Boats will need launched in Conneaut, Elk Creek, or other nearby ramps. Please clear boat/trailer parking with owners. Kayaks can be launched at Raccoon Park nextdoor!
Hunting: Deer, turkey, dove and much more bring the hunters in from all over the world.
Birding: At least 50 species of bird nest here. Bald Eagles are now a common site, Mississippi Kites, Peregrine Falcons are all sighted during migration. Late August and early September brings Monarch butterflies on their way to Mexico. King rail, black tern, least bittern, great egret, yellow crowned night heron and the common tern are others the avid birder has a chance of seeing. Recently spotted Scarlet Tanager and Rose Breasted Grosbeak. Pileated wood peckers!!!
Fishing: Either from the shore, along Raccoon Creek, or nearby Elk and Walnut Creeks, your own boat or chartering in Conneaut or Erie. Walleye, Trout, Perch and many other species. Ice Fishing in Presque Isle bay is a popular winter sport. *NO CLEANING FISH AT THE COTTAGE*
Biking: The lightly traveled roads make for great rides, from leisurely to hard core. Check out Old Lake Road west of the OH/PA line, its awesome!
Golfing, Sailing, Exploring ...
Keywords: House; Lake; Beach; Lakefront; Private;
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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A peaceful place to unwind and relax for all who visit.
East Springfield
A peaceful place to unwind and relax for all who visit.
The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Leave the home as you found it - floors swept, clean fridge, stove top and oven. Please note we do not charge additional cleaning fee - most VRBOs charge $150-$250 for cleaning!
Specific check out instructions are posted on the refrigerator.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rental Agreement and copy of driver's license must be submitted within 72 hours of booking
No parties or large gatherings are permitted at the property.
The party booking must be a guest staying in the home during all dates booked - no third party bookings are accepted.
Important information
You need to know
Property Registration Number 84572912
Property # 243536
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the neighborhood
West Springfield
Located in West Springfield, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the beach. Middle Road Covered Bridge and Creek Road Covered Bridge are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Conneaut Railroad Museum and Conneaut Community Center for the Arts. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the sledding and snowmobiling.
Is DIRECT beach access from property - 5 lakefront acres pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at DIRECT beach access from property - 5 lakefront acres?
As of Jun 8, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at DIRECT beach access from property - 5 lakefront acres on Oct 7, 2026 start from $238, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking?
Onsite parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at DIRECT beach access from property - 5 lakefront acres?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at DIRECT beach access from property - 5 lakefront acres?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is DIRECT beach access from property - 5 lakefront acres located?
Situated on the beach, this vacation home is within a 5-minute walk of Raccoon Park and Lake Erie. Eagley Park and Springfield Township Town Hall are also within 3 mi (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
We were very pleased with the property. Well stocked and well cared for. The location right next to Raccoon park and the State Game lands was perfect for us.
Sandy T.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on May 28, 2026
Thank you! We are glad you were pleased with the property! We put a lot of TLC into the Cottage On Lake Erie each year - she's over 100 yrs old so always some kind of maintenance and improvements. We definitely call her our "Labor of Love". We hope you visit again.
Beautiful house, great place to spend a few days enjoying beachcombing, campfires, and nice evenings on the deck
Jeff K.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 7, 2025
We are so pleased you enjoyed your stay at the Cottage On Lake Erie! Sounds like you had great weather, and took advantage of the property and shoreline! (I hope the wife got the beach fire!)
A cherished place! The cleanest and most well maintained vacation home we've stayed in. Beds were comfortable and we had everything we needed during our stay. I would stay here again.
Lelaine M.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 7, 2025
Thank you! We are so happy you enjoyed your stay at the Cottage On Lake Erie! So appreciate your review!
The home & property offer a great place to escape and enjoy the view of Lake Erie. We enjoyed our stay and were able to visit both Erie and Conneaut, OH with reasonable driving distance. We would recommend this home for your stay and we would love to come back ourselves in the future.
Breanna T.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 15, 2025
Thank you! We are happy you enjoyed your stay at the Cottage On Lake Erie! Appreciate your kind review! Come back anytime!
Everything was great, the walk to the lake is a little steep but not much you can do about that.
D H.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 17, 2025
Thanks for the review Seth!
We do point out in our Rental Agreement that the path to the lake may be considered steep for some. Unfortunately, the bridge was out so you couldn't just walk down to Raccoon Park next door to the lake.
We are VERY fortunate to have Lake access, as most properties along this stretch are cliff only with no lake access from the property.
We enjoyed our stay at the Cottage on Lake Erie. The house was very nice, beautiful view of the lake. A very peaceful setting. Beautiful sunsets
Cassi T.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 9, 2025
Thank you for your lovely review of the Cottage On Lake Erie! We do get some awesome sunsets! (I always say they rival those of Key West!) Wish we could have earned a 10 - please let us know what we can do to improve our rating. Thank you
This was such a charming little cottage. It's nestled in a woodsy area about 30 minutes from Presque Isle. It was cute and cozy and the perfect place for our family getaway! The drive to Presque Isle was really easy to make and we found a lot of super cute local shops along the way!
Kayla F.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 17, 2025
Glad you got to experience the area and enjoy the Cottage On Lake Erie! Thank you for your kind review!
We really enjoyed our stay. This cottage was exactly what we were looking for.
Laureen M.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2020
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 1, 2023
Thanks so much for your 5 star review and words. It makes us so happy to know that you made great memories at the cottage. WE can't be there all the time and it is a spot that is conducive to great family and friend times.
We had a great stay at the cabin. One of the nicer properties in the region. Communication with Rick and Dianne was great. Just note, there is no cell service there whatsoever (bonus imo) but the wifi was strong.
Ryan L.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 1, 2025
Thank you, Ryan! We are glad you liked the property! We do include a statement in our rental agreement advising of poor/little cell service - when we are there, we switch our phones to connect via WiFi. Some wireless providers have this option, some do not.
Kind of a spur-of-the-moment trip. Done some fishing which was awesome. Cottage was very private and in a really good centralized location.
Gregory J.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on May 30, 2025
Thank you Greg! We are glad you were happy with the property and its location! The steelhead run in Elk Creek just 8 mi down the road - people come from all over the country to fish it spring and fall.
The cottage was absolutely wonderful as was the area. Husband and I hoping to return. Looking for relaxing- this is it. Thank you property owners.
Beverly F.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on May 13, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind review - we are pleased you found the property relaxing! You are more than welcome at the Cottage On Lake Erie anytime!
About the host
Hosted by Dianne Swanson
The home has been in the family since the 1950's - we purchased the home in 2008 from family. It is a historical property built in the early 1900's and was originally the headmaster's home for the Elmwood Home for Boys. We love hosting and providing families with memories that last a lifetime! You will see by our numerous FIVE STAR reviews, the number of families that boast how special the property is. Many of our guests have been coming to the Cottage On Lake Erie for years!
Why they chose this property
The land has been owned by the family since the mid 50's. After the Elmwood Home for Boys closed, there were two other owners of the surrounding property. I believe one used it to harvest timber, the other gutted what was remaining of the Elmwood Home for Boys and had the buildings torn down (after destroyed by fire). In the mid 50's, my grandfather, James Evans of Girard, and partners purchased 200 acres including what is now Raccoon Park. The cottage was rented to Micheal Obrien, a good tenant whom they sold the cottage to. He raised his family there and lived there until it was sold back to the family in 1987 when he died. In 1965 the partners sold the acreage of what is now Raccoon Park and kept four 2.5 acre plots west of Raccoon Creek along the lake. Two of those 2.5 acre lots is what the cottage sits on. It is our piece of paradise all year round and a big piece of our heart and family history.
What makes this property unique
The Cottage On Lake Erie is one of very few properties along the south shore of Lake Erie that has a path directly from the property down to the lake/beach. (Most other properties along the shore have a cliff shoreline which does not allow access directly to the lake!) Some activities our guests enjoy include: Hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, hunting, birding, kayaking, fires on the beach, watching incredible sunsets, visiting nearby wineries & breweries, and spending quality time with family. Close to Presque Isle State Park. The property nickname is "Boonies", as the property sits across from over 4,000 acres of State Game Lands. On a very clear day, you can make out Canada across Lake Erie! Directly to the east of the property is Raccoon Creek - a quite popular fishing mecca. On the other side of the creek lies Raccoon Park, which was once part of the cottage property. It's a lovely park with two pavilions - one which is open to the public at all times, and the other which can be rented for special occasions and has a kitchen. The park has recently updated all playground equipment and added concrete paths allowing greater accessibility for those with disabilities.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests