If you’re planning a trip to the Finger Lakes, Heron Ledge has just what you want: privacy, massive views, large decks, open floor plan, and contemporary accommodations. Only minutes from Watkins Glen, the home is perched 125’ above the lake on a cliff known as the “Painted Rocks.” Located on the east side of Seneca, you will be spoiled with breathtaking sunsets. This is the perfect “base camp” for exploring the premiere wineries and breweries on both the east and west sides of Seneca Lake. If the wine trail doesn’t keep you busy enough, explore the cheese trail, tour the local waterfalls, or rent a boat in Watkins Glen for your own personal tour of the lake.
Parking is conveniently located steps from the front door. The main level of the house has an open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the lake. The chef’s kitchen is well appointed with oak flooring, large granite island, new refrigerator with dual ice makers, 18-bottle wine cooler, (to hold all of your treasures from the local wineries) dual-oven gas range, new microwave, and a whisper-quiet dishwasher. The kitchen is fully equipped and has everything you need to make your favorite gourmet meals, including basic herbs, spices and condiments. Off the main floor is a bathroom with shower, and the upstairs loft has a love seat, futon sofa (that converts to a sleeping space) and a desk. A wireless printer and paper are provided for your personal use to print out wine tour itineraries and maps.
The lower level of the house contains the master bedroom, guest room, and a beautifully tiled bathroom. The master bedroom has a king size bed, walk-in closet, lake view, flat screen tv and a private entrance onto the deck. The guest bedroom is furnished with a queen size bed, and lake view. Each bedroom is also equipped with USB chargers for your mobile devices. Towels, blankets and linens are provided.
The living room is equipped with a large flat screen TV, Blu-ray DVD player, and a surround sound system. Standard cable TV with HD stations and high-speed wireless internet is also provided. All of the entertainment components are Wi-Fi enabled with access to Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, YouTube, etc. There are hundreds of channels of internet radio to choose from too. If you are looking for more traditional forms of entertainment, we also have board games for all ages, playing cards, dominoes, and jig saw puzzles. Forgot to bring a book? We have two large bookcases filled with almost 500 books to read! But most likely you will be content to sit out on one of the 3 amazing decks with a glass of wine to enjoy Seneca Lake.
This year-round house was custom designed and is well maintained. A washer/dryer are provided. The lower level has radiant heat through the concrete floor, and the upper level has two Mitsubishi heating and cooling units to keep the house comfortable in any weather. The HRV central ventilation system continuously circulates fresh air throughout the house. The house boasts three levels of decks to view the lake and has a large table and patio furniture to eat a meal or just relax and enjoy the lake and stunning sunsets. A Weber gas grill is located off the kitchen to deliver quick and convenient meals.
Outdoors, we have over 3 acres of naturally wooded hillside. Mature oak, hickory, and maple trees create lush shade in the summer time. In the fall, the colors are unbelievably beautiful. Natural stone steps wind down to a spacious lower level with a fire ring, all inlaid with large shale flagstones. The stone steps continue down to a huge observation deck on the edge of the cliff, where you have epic views over the lake. The nighttime lights of Watkins Glen will captivate you.
Heron Ledge has 800’ of natural lake frontage, but unfortunately, convenient lake access from the property is not available. If you need to get your feet wet, Clute Park is only a short 5-minute drive away. With its soft silty bottom, and warm shallow water, it’s the preferred place for locals to swim. This is NOT a traditional vacation rental with direct access to the water, but the privacy and panorama over Seneca Lake is unmatched. We call the nighttime view of Watkins Glen our mini-Manhattan. The hardest part about coming to Heron Ledge is leaving!