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Bantam Lake Cottage - 4 min walk to lake/shared beach, 6 Kayaks, 2 SUP, fire pit

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New solar power with backup battery - fall 2022
Shared deeded right of way - grass area and small beach, swimming, launch kayaks
Great room, spring 2022, sitting area, bar, dinning area for 6 , eat in kitchen
400 feet down the lane to lake access at beach, summer 2021
Large flat back yard - Spring 2025

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61400 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Family Bedroom

2 Single Beds and 1 Double Bed

Great Room

1 Double Futon

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Hall Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Master Bath

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Bantam Lake Cottage - 4 min walk to lake/shared beach, 6 Kayaks, 2 SUP, fire pit

***Summer of 2026*** - Available for Monthly or longer rentals. Calendar may restrict some dates. Send a message if you have specific dates in mind. July can possibly be split in to 2 rentals depending on dates.

Tesla Level 2 NACS charger with an available Adapter for J1772 compatible EV’s only. Up to 60A.

Large single-family one level cottage on a private lane with lake access including small shared beach/lawn, this is a 3-4 minute walk down a private lane. Use of 8 different watercraft (details below/stored in garage) The large flat yard includes a Weber gas grill, Solo "smokeless" fire pit, picnic table, additional seating and umbrella for shade. Outdoor games for family fun include: corn hole, bocce and croquet!

The main living space inside is perfect for board games, movies and includes use of Nintendo Wii with classic video games.

The cottage features 3 zone AC/Heat, dishwasher, high capacity laundry/dryer and linens/towels/beach towels for your stay. *** The cottage has Solar and a Powerwall+ battery, your stay is greener and the power stays on in an outage. ***

Please note:
- Booking set to 24h review. Please read the FULL DESCRIPTION and ASK ANY QUESTIONS you have BEFORE sending a booking request. Sending a quick description of your party and what you expect from your stay will help decide if the property is a good match for your trip and speed up the booking process.
- Lake access is 400 feet down the private lane at a small shared beach/lawn/dock, property is NOT waterfront, but you can see the lake /sunrise from the bench in the front yard. (Access to water is approximately a 3-4 minute walk.)
- Use of outdoor equipment is at guests own risk and subject to guests signing a waiver.
- Events and parties are not permitted. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is permitted only in accordance with all applicable laws of the State of Connecticut, including the legal drinking age of 21.
- CT COVID19 information: https://portal.ct.gov/coronavirus- Please check here BEFORE booking to make sure you are not impacted by travel restrictions.
- Turnover day is Saturday. For booking of 10+ nights alternative check-out days may be available. We have a 7 night minimum.
-There is an empty lot next to the house, no plans have been filed with the town yet, we are monitoring and will update here and advise guests with bookings as appropriate. We planted a new hedge to screen this out in 2022. The lot next to the lake access is building a new house starting in 2024.
- Single level, but there are 2 steps at the external stairs/entryways and a single step inside.

Watercraft details:
Stable 1.5 seater (sit on top) kayak for taking young children/a small dog out or solo use
1 seater adult kayak (sit inside)
2 Adult Kayak (sit on top)
2 youth kayaks (sit on top, up to 150lb)
Adult SUP Paddle Board
Youth SUP Paddle Board
Life vests in multiple child and adult sizes.
All the watercraft are stored in the garage along with multiple sets of wheels for transporting them to the lake and back. Life vests and all the other accessories you may need including an anchor, drybag, paddle leash, can be found in the attached garage. A pair of waterproof industrial long-range radios available for use on the charger in the kitchen, take one while kayaking to keep in touch or use them to call up to the house and get someone to bring you a fresh beverage while at the beach.

There is a public boat launch a 5 min drive away and you can pick up and drop off your party at the beach (no dock), but no unattended/overnight mooring is allowed.

The cottage is built on a double lot and this means it is significantly larger than most 2 bedroom cottages (1400 sq ft+). In addition to having 2 full bathrooms it also boasts an oversized great room with vaulted ceilings perfect for family time. This space also offers an additional full bed in the sectional for sleeping options. The kitchen/coat closet also has a safe for any valuables.

The open eat-in kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, pots and pans, chefs knives, and glasses for every libation you can think of. There are plates, bowls, silverware and kitchen and BBQ utensils. Appliances include a drip coffee maker, K-Cup/Nespresso espresso machine, Soda Stream soda maker, toaster oven, slow cooker, waffle Iron, Icemaker, rice cooker/steamer and a Ninja Professional Blender. New dishcloth and sponge along with dish soap, dishwasher pod, cleaning supplies and paper towels are provided along with aluminum foil, glad bags, and basics like salt, pepper, sugar, flour, oil and many other basics and essentials.

The main sitting area and TV allow you to enjoy streaming TV (Sling TV Blue) and streaming services including Netflix, Apple TV+ (including 20+ kids movies in the library), Disney+ with Hulu, Max, and Peacock.

The house is set-up with a keyless Google Home smart lock for no contact arrival and departure and includes four linked Google Protect fire and carbon monoxide alarms and other smart safety monitoring devices. The garage door openers are also accessible with the same pin.

Internet : 500/500mbps + 300/300 mbps backup fiber internet with a new eero Pro mesh wifi to ensure complete wifi coverage throughout the house. Landline phone with 2 wireless handsets.

The master bedroom has a queen bed with memory foam mattress and waterproof/allergy mattress protector and pillow protectors), desk and monitor for HDMI connection to a laptop if work calls or access to Sling TV and Netflix. Blackout shades on both windows. The master closet has a luggage rack and wooden hangers, and bedding and a 2 inch CertiPUR-US memory foam mattress topper for the sectional that converts into a full bed in the living room. There is also a pack and play with an infant mattress and 2 sheets for younger guests.

The second bedroom has 3 beds:
Full with memory foam mattress and waterproof/allergy mattress protector and pillow protectors.
Twin with memory foam mattress and waterproof/allergy mattress protector and pillow protectors
Twin trundle with memory foam mattress and waterproof/allergy mattress protector and pillow protectors
Luggage rack and wooden hangers in the closet, and a reading nook by a window with some children's books. The room features blackout shades on all three windows.

Linens are provided including bedding sheets and blankets, comforters and pillows, bath towels, and beach towels. A high capacity top loader washer and high capacity dryer are available for use in the laundry (detergent provided), there is also a drying rack for swimsuits and other laundry, and a steam iron and ironing board.

*** Cleaning Fee and Turnover *** The cleaning fee is to recover part of the cost of the turnover service used. This includes cleaning and washing of towels and linens, blankets and making the beds for arrival (please leave your used towels and linens at the end of the bed or in the laundry area at checkout). Please leave the property as you found it, dishes should be washed and put away or loaded in the dishwasher and left running when you leave. Failure to do so by a previous guest can cause delays to your check-in time (so pay it forward), any extra charge may be passed through to cover the additional cost of the cleaning service if the property is not left in a good state. If beds, furniture (indoor and outdoor) kayaks, floats, grill, or the fire pit have been moved please return it to the location where you found it on arrival carefully. By placing a booking request you agree to this policy.

Things to do:
Beach "Club" : http://www.sandybeachonbantamlake.com/
Boat Rental / Water Sports: https://connwatersports.com/
Additional Kayak Rentals: https://sportsmens.biz/rentals/
Boat Launch: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Boating/Boat-Launches/Bantam-Lake-Boat-Launch
Walking Trails: https://whitememorialcc.org/our-property/
MT Tom State Park: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/State-Parks/Parks/Mount-Tom-State-Park
Snow Sports: https://www.mohawkmtn.com

Local Places:
Seafood: https://www.westshoreseafood.com
Ice Cream: https://www.arethusafarm.com/ice-cream
https://popeysicecreamshoppe.net
Bread: http://www.bantambread.com
Breakfast to-go: https://www.thebakehousect.com
Coffee: https://www.toastandco.com
BBQ and Mexican: http://woodspitbbq.com
Fine Dining and Spa: https://www.winvian.com
Pizza: https://bantampizza.wordpress.com
Family Spot: http://bohemianpizza.com
Local Ski Mountains:
Mt Mohawk https://www.mohawkmtn.com/
Mt Southington https://mountsouthington.com/
Ski Butternut: https://skibutternut.com
Grocery:
Stop & Shop-located in Village Green (Litchfield CT)
The Market CT (793 Bantam Road, Bantam CT)
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
If you unsure of what this includes message
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Message with details of your pet before booking
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds, gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Return kayaks and SUPS and any other outdoor equipment to garage.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Use of the fire pit, grill, watercraft, floats, swimming in lake at own risk. By booking, you agree to sign waiver of liability at/or before checkin.
Guests take responsibility for returning and securing all equipment after use. Please use provided safety equipment including adult and child PFD’s.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages permitted only in accordance with all applicable laws of State of Connecticut, including legal drinking age of 21.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: If you unsure of what this includes message
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Morris

Located in Morris, this cottage is in a rural area. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Camp Columbia State Park and White Memorial Conservation Center, while Litchfield Historical Society Museum and Tapping Reeve House and Law School are cultural highlights. Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden and The Christmas Shop are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Cottages in MorrisOpens in a new window
Map
Morris, CT

What's nearby

  • Bantam Lake - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Camp Columbia State Park - 2 min drive - 3.2 km
  • Candlewood Lake - 28 min drive - 35.9 km
  • Lime Rock Park - 40 min drive - 50.7 km
  • Quinnipiac University - 50 min drive - 63.5 km

Getting around

  • Oxford, CT (OXC-Waterbury - Oxford) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Popey's Ice Cream - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪West Shore Seafood And Eatery - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪love hearts bakery and cafe - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪G.W. Tavern - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Bantam Lake Cottage - 4 min walk to lake/shared beach, 6 Kayaks, 2 SUP, fire pit pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much does it cost to stay at Bantam Lake Cottage - 4 min walk to lake/shared beach, 6 Kayaks, 2 SUP, fire pit?

As of 1 Apr 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Bantam Lake Cottage - 4 min walk to lake/shared beach, 6 Kayaks, 2 SUP, fire pit on 18 Apr 2026 start from £228, 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 at Bantam Lake Cottage - 4 min walk to lake/shared beach, 6 Kayaks, 2 SUP, fire pit?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Bantam Lake Cottage - 4 min walk to lake/shared beach, 6 Kayaks, 2 SUP, fire pit?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Bantam Lake Cottage - 4 min walk to lake/shared beach, 6 Kayaks, 2 SUP, fire pit?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Bantam Lake Cottage - 4 min walk to lake/shared beach, 6 Kayaks, 2 SUP, fire pit located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Bantam Lake and 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Camp Columbia State Park. White Memorial Conservation Center and Mount Tom State Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 33 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

jan s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Host has done a great job to make their guests feel at home!!

Every kitchen/ lake amenities you could need! We look forward to returning and would highly recommend this property!!
Stayed 21 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful vacation getaway near the lake

This is an awesome, well stocked vacation home with lots of thoughtful touches. We loved being such a quick walk to the lake. The kitchen and living room are great, the backyard is lovely. Would recommend the house to anyone looking to visit the Litchfield area!
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

Coby V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication

Bantam Lake

The cottage was very nice but was hoping for a better location on the lake - we basically couldn’t really see the Lake unless you went out into the little lane. The general area was fun, lots to see and do.
Stayed 21 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

R R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing lake stay

Excellent host with great attention to detail to make us feel welcome. House was exceptionally clean and well stocked with lots of amenities. Tom was an excellent communicator. We really appreciated all the water toys, and we had a blast on the lake! Overall, an excellent vacation stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jamie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay!

We absolutely loved our stay! The house is beautiful, spacious and clean, and provided everything we could possibly need and more. The master bathroom is beautiful, beds are comfortable, towels are plush. And the house is well equipped for children. The location is great - several great restaurants and a sweet public beach nearby. Thomas is a fabulous host. We will definitely return!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Week in Bantam

We spent a week at 9 Willow Drive to celebrate our 50 th Anniversary. Immediately upon entering the charming cottage we knew we had found the perfect place. Every need for a comfortable stay was thoughtfully provided by our hosts. Comfortable beds, a well equipped kitchen and baths and pleasing decor made for a very pleasant stay. We hope to return next year! Sincerely, Joe & Lauren Matthews
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wendy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing! Host thinks of absolutely everything to make the stay absolutely seamless. The only rental we’ve stayed at that provides enough supplies for our entire stay. The most thoughtful touches including air purifiers, every appliance you could possibly need and welcome gifts. Very accommodating to guests and always asks for feedback. Even added a recliner after our visit last year when we mentioned it.The neighborhood and proximity to the lake are great as well as the use of a variety of watercraft’s available with the rental and a golf cart to use around the neighborhood.We cannot say enough about our experience here 2 years in a row. All VRBO Hosts should take a page out of this Host’s playbook as it couldn’t be a better experience!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Krystal F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A beautiful family getaway

Our family had the pleasure of staying for 2 weeks while our home was being renovated and it was truly “home away from home”. The Tollers have thought of everything for this property from the beautiful decor, books, children’s games, water activities to the yard games. The lake access and small beach were just perfect for the little ones to enjoy their swimming time. We were greeted with a thoughtful card and welcome gifts from litchfield distillery and arethusa, it was the sweetest! We would recommend this property without a doubt. Thank you Toller family 🌸☀️
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location, house, attention to detail.

Staying here with my family was a really great experience. Bantam Lake, Morris, and the greater Litchfield county area is one of the most pleasant and beautiful places in Connecticut. I grew up in this area and I return every summer. This year we chose to rent in Morris because this house had all the great watercraft available and was so close to the lake. The house was also really nice, modern, and clean. The owner, Thomas, clearly has paid attention to every detail in order to make the stay a lovely experience for the guests. I highly recommend this place and my family and I hope to return next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location for exploring Litchfield!

Strengths: welcome package (note, ice cream in freezer, dog poop bags - very generous!); location, amenities (AC, kitchen appliances, well stocked (detergent, coffee pods...); abundance of kayaks and other items for use on the lake; gorgeous master bath; large-capacity washer/drier; communication with owners was timely and appropriate Areas of growth: outside seating - in sunshine and there is no table with an umbrella to eat outside; quality of beach area for the property - dog poop, no way to safely step down to beach area; inside seating for watching TV etc is a bit uncomfortable and limited Overall: I would rent this property again for a shorter stay.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Fonda L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful vacation home

First of all what a beautiful welcome to our beautiful vacation! The owner made sure we felt welcome. What a beautiful home. We had kayaks, a paddle board available to us to use at Batam Lake which was about 1/2 block from the house. What a fun time! We had our daughter and her family over and we played corn hole in the back yard which was so comfortable! We also spent a lot of time in the back yard sitting under the weeping willow tree! My favorite time enjoying family in the back yard. We cooked out and also had several meals we cooked in the beautiful kitchen. Everything available that you could possibly need to cook with. The owner checked in with me via text making sure we had everything we needed. This place provided everything you could ever need! We were so happy with this VRBO! Thank you for such a beautiful home for our vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kerri P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a Hidden Gem!!

This house had it all for a 2 week lake vacation with my family of four including 2 grown kids and our dog. Tom and Erin thought of everything to make our stay stress free. The kitchen was well stocked with all the tools and essential ingredients and we were able to cook dinners for most nights of our stay. The backyard was fabulous for romping with the dog and enjoying cornhole and s'mores. We enjoyed kayaking/paddleboarding and swimming in Bantam Lake (some of the kayaks were a bit small for adult use, but we made do). Tom and Erin were quick to respond to questions and very welcoming hosts. Hoping we can return soon and maybe for a winter visit for some skiing.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Bantam Lake Cottage - great!

What a special place. This was our first time at Bantam Lake. We were able to swim, kayak, hike, and more. We have family nearby and they visited us each day spending time swimming. It was the cleanest and tidiest cottage we have rented over the years, and beautifully remodeled. The owner was easy to contact and responded quickly when I had some questions about the kayaks. The house was well-stocked with everything we needed – with a special treat of ice cream in the freezer upon our arrival. The AC worked well, and the weather was quite hot during our stay. It’s in a cute quiet neighborhood. I would totally recommend a stay at Bantam Lake Cottage, it was just what we needed.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lucille B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely spot & Inviting home

We stayed here with our extended family and couldn't have had a better time! All of the amenities here are top quality, the house is well stocked with necessities, and the rooms are tastefully decorated. We got a lot of daily use out of the kayaks, paddle boards, & paddle boat (with life jackets of all sizes provided) as well as corn hole. The water access was just as advertised, an easy short walk away, no problem for young children. Also nearby is an ice cream shop, a great bread store, seafood restaurant, and a market. Thomas was easy to contact and generous with accommodations, and left a book with all the info we'd need. We also found ice cream & drinks from local stores when we arrived, a wonderful treat to discover! We all loved our stay here and would highly recommend it to others!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wendy C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing

By far the best VRBO that we’ve stayed at. This host has thought of absolutely everything. From air purifiers to every appliance you could need. We rent at least 2-3 vacation homes per year and this is the first time we have not had to go out and buy supplies such as paper towel, toilet paper, shampoo, etc. extremely well stocked including welcome gifts. It was extremely clean and well maintained. Communication with the host was top notch and the location and neighbors were great. Appreciated the thoughtful touches for our pups including bowls and doggie doo bags. Abundance of towels, sheets and pillows. We will definitely be back and highly recommend this rental and the host!
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful week on Lake Bantam

We spent a week on Lake Bantam with our two children, 12 and 8. The house is perfectly appointed with attentive hosts who have supplied everything you could want to play on the lake, modern appliances, and free streaming services for movies with the kids. They paid attention to small details, like citronella candles for grilling and s'mores out back. Walk to the lake and drive 3 minutes to nice restaurants, a market and the Arethusa Dairy and Cafe for great pastries in the morning and ice cream at night. (Oh, and our trip was delayed a day by Hurricane Ida. We were refunded a night of our stay AND the Tollers extended the rental!)
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exceptional - a cut above!

There aren’t enough superlatives to describe this place! Spotlessly clean, high-end appliances and furnishings, extremely well-appointed. Charming outside, beautiful inside. Everything has been thought of by the hosts! The home was exactly as depicted and the photos were quite accurate. Directions to the home were flawless, and the contactless access was exactly per the instructions provided. The host, Thomas, was extremely responsive, responding almost immediately to a couple of minor questions I had. My sister and I stayed here with my dog, who enjoyed the limited number of steps to get inside and the lovely, large back yard. It was also wonderful to be able to enjoy the very short walk to view beautiful Bantam Lake every day. I can’t recommend this place enough! My sister and I look toward to returning in the future!
Stayed 9 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Taryn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

perfect family getaway

My family and I stayed at The Bantam Lakehouse for a week and had such a lovely time. The house was well-equipped with everything we could possibly need, clean, and in a good location. Thomas and his family thought of everything for their home, including all the kitchen gadgets you could imagine! The walk to the lake is short and sweet, and we often had it to ourselves. We made good use of the paddle boat, the kayaks and life vests. The lake was clean and we spent all day in it. We grilled at home, had smores by the campfire, read a ton, enjoyed some nearby food (the fish market right down the street was delicious and byob! also, arethusa for breakfast, and touring/tasting at the Litchfield distillery), and even hiked the trail up to the watch tower at Mount Tom. When we arrived, there were balloons for my 3 year old's birthday celebration, and local ice cream in the freezer. You cannot go wrong booking this home for your family vacation. We had a blast and made many memories together. Thank you, Thomas and family for such an amazing week!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fantastic all around!!!

we had a great stay at the house. It has everything you need and Tom did a great job with any questions we had. The lake is a few houses down and easy to navigate. The house was well updated with every appliance and gadget you could ever need. The beds are comfy and everything is new. We will definitely be back. The area is fantastic as well. The Seafood shack down the block was phenomenal. Breakfast from Arethusa was off the charts. Highly recommend the house and the area!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great home!

First off, with all the amenities this home offers, it definitely feels more like a year round house than a short-term rental cottage. There are so many thoughtful “extras” that make a stay there so relaxing! We took full advantage of the yard games as well as the kayaks and paddle boards. The location is great as well between the short walk to the lake or quick drive to close by White Memorial Conservation Center or town to shop. The owners were also very responsive to the few questions we had. We had a great stay at the Bantam Lake Cottage!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nichole

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Comfortable & Inviting Stay

My family & I had a lovely time at the Bantam Lake Cottage! The Teller family were the most gracious & thoughtful hosts, and really made my family feel comfortable in their cottage. There were special treats left for all members of the family, even our little dog! Thanks so much for the perfect place to ring in the new year!
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jill H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

It was perfect!!!

This house and location were awesome! The house was fully stocked in the kitchen and bathrooms. I had shopped ahead at the Stop and Shop 10 minutes away and didnt need to go out for anything else. House was absolutely spotless and kitchen fully stocked. Best part was the garage. Kayaks, SUP, oars, life jackets, beach chairs, sand toys, fire pit, wagon to pull it all etc… not to mention the board games and books. We had Monopoly and card game tournaments while we watched the Olympics and I (the mom) read 7 books! If you love an “old fashioned” laid back vacation- you cannot go wrong with Bantam Cottage. We had the lake beach to ourselves every day! If you are there, make friends with neighbors as we met amazing people who brought us on their boats and let us fish off their docks! We are already picking out week for next summer.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent Lake Property for Families

My family and I just completed a week stay at Bantam Cottage and we are so happy we selected this property. All the pictures of the property are completely accurate. It is a beautiful home that the homeowner put incredible thought into. It is a very comfortable place for a family with young children. Everything was there right down to the bathroom step stools and kid-sized utensils!! The best part is the lake and the water sports- pedal boat, adult and kids kayaks, SUP board and everything to go with them, plus awesome beach toys and towels. We really didn't need to bring a thing! Beautiful yard to enjoy with corn hole and bocce, grill, picnic table, fire pit and Adirondack chairs. If you get some rain- there was even miniature golf set up in the garage, plenty of great board games in the great room, and a wonderful window seat to read in. I can't say enough about the homeowner. The communication prior to our stay was excellent. Walking into the house for the first time, all of us felt like we received a VIP welcome with notes and overly generous local area goodies. Bowls and a toy were even ready for our dog!! There was a very detailed book about the house, all the amenities, and the area. We didn’t have an issues but I felt very comfortable that I could reach the homeowner should any arise. I would highly recommend Bantam Lake Cottage to anyone.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brenda O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Very pleased repeat guests!

Definitely a lovely home away from home. We were welcomed both with a lighted sign and a hand-written welcome note, local spirits and ice creams in the kitchen. Thomas even remembered about our kids liking pancakes and had a special mix and syrup out and available for us. All your desired kitchen amenities at your fingertips. Well-stocked fridge and cupboards with essentials (condiments, sauces, spices, etc) made cooking a breeze. Board games, the new garage putt putt golf, cards, books, and the best of digital TV to keep the whole family entertained on the occasional rain day. S'mores, corn hole, bocci, and the fire pit were again a hit after a full day of paddling the various water toys (to include the new kayak and SUP). Morris Town Hall happily accommodated our request for a Sandy Beach visitor's parking pass for the week, which was cheaper than some MA or CT coastal day passes. Due to all of the recent rains and high water at the deeded dock area, there was more sand Beach area for the kiddos to play with over there. We'll definitely be coming back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Super comfy home

We were really pleased with this cottage and all its comforts. Everything we needed was provided, kayaks, life jackets, cozy bedding, organic soaps/shampoos/lotions. The best, however, was the great kitchen—extremely well-stocked! The water was beautiful. An overall great experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

About the host

Hosted by Thomas Toller

Host profile image
We are a family of 4, Thomas has lived and worked all over the world, including Europe, the UK, Asia, and New Zealand before moving to the US. Erin is New England born and raised. We met in the City in 2010 and moved to Fairfield CT to raise our 2 boys (9 and 7) in 2016. The photo gallery in the hallway features pictures of some trips we have taken to other places on, by or surrounded by water.

Why they chose this property

The cottage is primarily for our own use and set up our family with young children like ours, and to host our family and friends. We choose this year-round property as a perfect getaway, only a 1-hour drive from home in Fairfield CT and 2 hours drive from NYC. A 3-4 minute walk to Bantam lake and a 10-20 min drive to walking trails and Mohawk mountain ski area to teach our sons to ski. There are also local farms to visit in the fall and a great bookshop in Washington Depot a rainy day and lots of great places to eat local food.

What makes this property unique

The cottage sits on a double lot, originally one had the garage and the other a smaller cottage. When the property was expanded the oversize great room was built linking both, the open layout and vaulted ceiling create a great entertaining and family space (the square footage is double that found in most other 2 bed properties in the area). The layout lets you put the kids to bed at the far end of the house and enjoy a glass of wine or sit around the fire-pit without waking them. Erin works in publishing and is an avid reader, she has curated some interesting reads at the house.

Languages:

English
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