Heron Ledge – Watkins Glen Cliffside View

Property description

If you’re planning a trip to the Finger Lakes, Heron Ledge has just what you want: privacy, massive view, 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 wineries 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.

The first floor of the house has an open floor plan with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the lake. The kitchen, living room, and dining area flow together for easy socialization. The kitchen is appointed with a large pantry; you are stocked with all of your cooking needs. Basic herbs, spices, and condiments are provided. A new refrigerator/freezer and state of the art dishwasher accompany a gas range, microwave, and Kuerig coffee maker. Pots, pans, baking dishes, and a full complement of serving ware ensure you have everything you need for homemade meals. A furnished sunroom is located off the kitchen for enjoying a good book in the afternoon, and the loft offers an additional sitting area with a coffee table, 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, and a private entrance onto the deck. The guest bedroom is furnished with a queen size bed, dresser, end tables, closet, and lake view. Towels and linens are provided.

The living room is equipped with a 47” flat screen TV, Blu-ray DVD player, and a surround sound system. Standard cable TV with over 100 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 dishwasher and 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 fireplace on the main floor adds ambiance and therapeutic warmth on a cold winter night. The HRV central ventilation system continuously circulates fresh air throughout the house. A Weber gas grill on the deck delivers 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. Epic views over the lake, and down on the fishermen. The nighttime lights of Watkins Glen will captivate you.

Heron Ledge is marketed as an amazing view property with privacy, but it also has 800’ of natural shale beach. Locals know this property as the “Painted Rocks” and it features centuries-old cliff-side painted illustrations commemorating the indians’ escape from General Sullivan’s war campaign. The paintings have been restored over the years, and an American flag and tee-pee were added in 1929. The Painted Rocks remain an important landmark and icon to Seneca Lake boaters and its lore. Access to the beach, however, is not a casual affair. It involves a long hike down steep slopes with a short vertical climb at the end. The path is not well defined (follow the orange flagging), but your reward will be a huge private beach with a dock. This is NOT a traditional vacation rental with direct access to the lake, but if you have full mobility and plenty of energy, you can get there!