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Welcoming retreat close to Cornell, Ithaca College, and Cayuga Lake

Photo gallery for Welcoming retreat close to Cornell, Ithaca College, and Cayuga Lake

A house with a front porch, a pathway leading to the entrance, and a garden with various plants and flowers.
A two-story house with a grey exterior, a front porch with a white railing, and a small garden with purple flowers and a variety of other plants.
A two-story house with a grey exterior, a front porch, and a well-maintained lawn.
A gravel path winding through a grassy area with trees and a clear blue sky.
A field with tall grasses and trees with yellow leaves.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 1% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 7

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View in a map
Ithaca, NY
  • Place, Shops at Ithaca Mall
    ‪2 min drive‬
  • Place, Cornell University
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Ithaca Commons
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional)
    ‪7 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Office 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3

Soap · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Welcoming retreat close to Cornell, Ithaca College, and Cayuga Lake

Our warm, welcoming, home is situated on 5.6 acres, set back from the road, providing privacy and seclusion in a beautiful natural setting just a mile from shopping and restaurants, 1.5 miles from the airport, 10 minutes from Cornell & downtown Ithaca, and 15 minutes from Ithaca College.

Three bedrooms upstairs with high-quality queen mattresses, Smart TVs in two. Two full bathrooms upstairs (one en suite) plus half-bath on the main level. Main level has two large, light-filled family living spaces, one with a large Smart TV & gas fireplace, as well as an office that includes a twin daybed that can pull out to queen/king if needed. Three-zoned AC throughout.

Large deck, gas grill, and fenced backyard for corn hole, frisbee, watching the deer graze, or catching a shooting star before bed. Linens/towels/pillows, paper products, fully outfitted kitchen including condiments/spices for cooking. Plenty of parking for multiple vehicles. High-speed wireless internet. This is a great home base for visits to Cornell University or Ithaca College, local festivals, Cayuga Lake, and Finger Lakes wine/cider/craft beer trails.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 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
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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
Gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Please close any open windows. If you were using the heat, please turn the thermostats to 58 w/fan on "auto" before leaving. For AC, please turn up to 74 on "auto" as well.
Please text Margarite when you've left.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2809459vb
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
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

About the area

Ithaca

Ithaca is home to this holiday home. Shoppers can check out Ithaca Commons, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Cayuga Lake and Ithaca Falls Natural Area. Ready for a night out? Consider Stewart Park and Schoellkopf Field. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating.
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Map
Ithaca, NY

What's nearby

  • Shops at Ithaca Mall - 2 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Cornell University - 9 min drive - 8.2 km
  • Ithaca Commons - 11 min drive - 9.6 km
  • Ithaca College - 14 min drive - 11.0 km
  • Buttermilk Falls State Park - 16 min drive - 12.0 km

Getting around

  • Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional) - 6 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Sumo Japanese Sushi And Hibachi Grill - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Dunkin' - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Ithaca Bakery - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Welcoming retreat close to Cornell, Ithaca College, and Cayuga Lake pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Welcoming retreat close to Cornell, Ithaca College, and Cayuga Lake?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Welcoming retreat close to Cornell, Ithaca College, and Cayuga Lake?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Welcoming retreat close to Cornell, Ithaca College, and Cayuga Lake?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Welcoming retreat close to Cornell, Ithaca College, and Cayuga Lake located?

Situated in Ithaca, this holiday home is 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from Shops at Ithaca Mall and 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Cayuga Lake. Regal Ithaca Mall and Triphammer Marketplace are also within 3 miles (5 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. 50 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 50 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Noel B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was a quiet and spacious house for our family! We were in Ithaca to visit Cornell and this house was a great location and great value compared to hotels. The host was very responsive and we had a lovely time. We will definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Apr 2026
Thanks for choosing to stay in our home! Great to hear that you found the location convenient and the home a good size for your family. Looking forward to hosting you again in the future!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great stay. The house was perfect for our purposes and clean and comfortable.
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Mar 2026
Glad we were able to host you and that you found the house comfortable! Looking forward to seeing you back for a future visit.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marco A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were back in Ithaca for just the weekend for our Cornell reunion and stayed here with a group of friends. The house was conveniently located just a few minutes from campus. The host was great at communicating leading up to, during, and after our stay. The house was clean, comfortable, and spacious with a nice backyard and deck. The house is fully equipped and surely would be great for a longer stay. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jun 2026
I'm really glad you found the house convenient to Cornell and a comfortable place for all of you! Thanks so much for leaving it in great shape - much appreciated. Hope to have you back for a future reunion, hockey game weekend, or just a fun trip to enjoy the leaves and wineries in the fall!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family stayed in this beautifully clean, comfortable home for Ithaca College graduation. The well-appointed kitchen had everything we needed to prepare our meals. The property is spacious, quiet, and an easy drive to campus and town. Laurie is the perfect host!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 21 May 2026
I'm so happy you all had a great stay for IC commencement (and that the weather was good - always a plus)! We've tried to let equip the kitchen in a way that would work for us if we were living there full time, so I'm glad that worked well for your family. Thank you for leaving the place immaculate! I hope you'll find another reason to return to Ithaca and the Finger Lakes - we'd love to have you back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We enjoyed our stay. It was a short drive to Cornell, our primary destination. The house was spacious and so quiet, a great retreat. We would definitely here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Apr 2026
I’m so glad you enjoyed the proximity plus privacy of our home. Thanks for taking such wonderful care of it! We hope to host you again in the future.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The home was beautiful, quiet, nicely appointed, and exactly as promised. The kitchen was great, the bedrooms were very comfortable and the bathrooms are clean and convenient. There is a beautiful deck and yard to use but we didnt have time for that due to the wedding consuming our days.The only issue is that the address shows on the wrong road for 2 of the 4 cars that met up there. easy to fix just go to the street that is correct not hard to find.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jun 2026
I'm happy our home was a comfortable respite in between all of the wedding festivities of the weekend! I'm sorry about the directional issues some in your party experienced and I'll look at how I might be clearer in my pre-arrival communications to ensure there's no confusion about the location. Grateful for the feedback. We look forward to hosting you again in the future for a non-wedding-filled weekend!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tara B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We stayed at this property for Cornell graduation weekend. We needed room for grandparents, aunt, parents and siblings (7 adults) and this house was perfect! Even the tougher to please older generation commented how happy they were with the beautiful house!The location is very convenient to campus (about 10 minutes) and only 3 minutes from Target and other grocery stores.The house itself sets up great, with plenty of space for everyone to relax and be comfortable. Bedrooms were spacious, bathrooms clean, and the kitchen had everything we needed and more. When the weather cooperated, we enjoyed the deck and yard. When it turned rainy and cold, we snuggled on the couch enjoying the cozy fireplace.The house is very well supplied with everything you need for a comfy stay.The owner was very welcoming, communicative and lovely to deal with.I highly recommend booking this for any visit to Cornell or Ithaca College- but especially for graduation weekend where a nice, quiet space to retreat is so helpful!It was also great to be able to have casual dinners & grill or order in rather than fight the crowds for grad weekend reservations.Plus, the hotels that weekend are so much more expensive than normal and here you get a whole house!
Stayed 5 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 31 May 2026
Wow, thanks for the kind words! I love that the spaciousness of the house was able to make all generations feel comfortable, and that the proximity to shopping and Cornell was convenient. I'm so happy you took advantage of the kitchen, grill, and deck, too! Thanks for taking such great care of our home. We hope to host you and your family again for a weekend of fun that doesn't involve commencement weekend crowds!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is by far the best vacation rental that my family and I have ever enjoyed. The location is close to everything, but completely peaceful and private. The house itself is immaculate. It is spacious enough for a large family gathering and the hosts have absolutely thought of everything. We will definitely look to stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Oct 2025
I'm thrilled that you had a great stay and enjoyed our home, Peter! When we bought the house several years ago, it was that combination of "close to everything, but completely peaceful and private" that hooked us. Excited to have you back again, and thank you for taking such good care of the place!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christine A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The stay at Laurie's was wonderful! Well stocked, with decent cook pans and utensils. Very clean house, comfortable beds, enjoyable outdoor areas. Thank you Laurie for the exceptional home and amenities!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Oct 2025
Loved having you, Christine! Glad you were able to enjoy the outdoor and indoor areas to relax plus had time to do some cooking. Thank you for caring for our home so well. We look forward to a return visit!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This rental was the full package. Beautiful home and furnishings, great location, great recommendations about places to go and restaurants to go to as well as a super responsive hostess who went above and beyond to ensure that our stay was perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Oct 2025
I’m really glad you enjoyed the house and the location, Kristin! We also appreciate the proximity to shopping/dining as well as downtown and the two colleges. I so appreciate your going above and beyond with the cleaning, and really hope we will have the opportunity to host you again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sara S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay. Very nice home.....shot drive into downtown Ithaca and over to Cornell. Beautiful, serene home.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin M.

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

Lovely Stay

This was a wonderful place to stay! Nice, clean, spacious, and very welcoming hosts. Has everything you need and ideally located.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Jul 2024
So glad you all enjoyed our home! Thanks so much for taking great care of the place. Excited to have you and your family for a future stay!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lori M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay while in Ithaca for a wedding. The house is beautiful and comfortable; quiet and secluded, yet 12 minutes from Cornell. We did not want to leave! We enjoyed the Farmers Market Saturday morning, Ithaca Falls and Ithaca Bakery Sunday morning. We hope to come back for a longer stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Oct 2025
Thanks so much for the wonderful recap of your stay, Lori! And for leaving lovely bouquets of flowers (I assume from your visit to the famed Ithaca Farmers Market) scattered around the house. :) We would love to host you and your family again when you can spend more time exploring all that the area has to offer!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Winnie L.

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

Ithaca weekend

We had a fantastic time. Everything was perfect. The house was spacious and well maintained. The grounds were very pretty. Thanks for opening your home to us !
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug 2025
It was a pleasure hosting you and your family! I’m glad you were able to spread out and take advantage of the different living spaces within the house (and hopefully on the deck as well). I appreciate your care for our home and look forward to your return!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at this welcoming retreat! The house was perfect for our family—spacious, comfortable, and thoughtfully equipped with a well-stocked kitchen and multiple family rooms for relaxing together. The location was ideal for visiting Cornell, Ithaca College, and Cayuga Lake, and we especially enjoyed spending time on the back deck. Laurie was fantastic to work with—easy to communicate with and incredibly attentive. We would absolutely stay here again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug 2025
I'm so glad you and your family enjoyed your time at our home, Heather, and that you appreciated the convenience of the location. Thanks so much for taking wonderful care of the place - we look forward to hosting you all again when you're back in the Finger Lakes!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

diana g.

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

Perfect fit

I highly recommend this property if you’re traveling to Ithaca. Communication with host was great, very clean, location was great for many activities. It was the perfect fit for our family weekend getaway.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Oct 2024
Thanks so much! I'm glad you were able to use our home for you and your adult children as your home base for visiting family in the area. I appreciate your taking good care of the place and hope you'll stay again on your next visit!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelley B.

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

Comfortable, spacious, great views and location

Perfect spot for our family attending graduation weekend. Close to airport and Cornell campus. Clean, cozy, comfortable spot to relax together in between events. Hosts were great with communication and instructions - even had coffee creamers for us! First class all the way, thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 28 May 2025
So glad we could be a comfortable base that felt like home during a busy Commencement weekend! Thanks for taking such great care of our home - we hope you'll return for some fun in the Finger Lakes (without graduation craziness)!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie S.

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

Cornell Reunion

Perfect house for our stay for Cornell Reunion with the family.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jun 2023
Thanks so much, Julie! It was a pleasure having you and your family stay in our home!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara C.

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

Wedding

I would rate the house and contents above a 5 star. We felt at home as soon as we walked in the door. Our family was in Ithaca for a wedding. We also explored the area. The house was a short distance from everything we wanted to do. Laurie was also an amazing host.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah L.

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

Really nice house

This house was even better than we expected. Good location where the house was private but still close to a lot of places. It was really clean, the beds were comfortable and they had k cups ready for us. I will absolutely stay in this house next time we’re in Ithaca!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Jul 2023
So glad you enjoyed the house, Sarah! You are welcome back anytime - thanks for being a wonderful guest!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachelle P.

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

Amazing Property

Had a fantastic time at this property with my family while moving my daughter into Cornell. Very clean and plenty of space for all of us to spread out. Laurie was fantastic with communication throughout the entire process. Will absolutely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Aug 2023
Thanks so much for caring for our house as if it were your own! We loved having you and always enjoy hosting Cornell and IC families. Looking forward to having you back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tanya V.

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

Absolute gem in perfect location!

Beautiful home with a wonderful backyard, ideal location for all things Ithaca, Cornell and the Finger Lakes. The property is spacious, so comfortable and we were a short drive to everything we wanted to take in. The hosts were incredibly helpful with recommendations and we were able to take in so much, even during a short stay. We will be back!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Mar 2023
So glad you enjoyed your stay! Thanks for your openness to being our first guest; I’d welcome any thoughts and suggestions you have for future guests. Look forward to having you back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Graham C.

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

Wonderful Finger Lakes vacation home

We loved our stay in this lovely, tastefully, handsomely appointed house. Laurie was an attentive hostess who responded quickly and professionally in all our dealings. Instructions were thorough and there were very nice, thoughtful touches on our arrival. This rental ranks in the very top tier of our VRBO rentals.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul 2024
Wow, thank you so much for your kind review, Graham! It was a genuine pleasure having you and your family stay in our home; thank you for caring for it so thoughtfully. I'm glad you had some days of usual, beautiful Finger Lakes summer. We'd welcome you all back anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine R.

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

Great find!

We felt at home instantly at Laurie’s clean, spacious house. Well appointed with bright open floor plan. Bedding, linens and bathrooms were perfect. Easy access to parks, lake and colleges. Will definitely stay again!
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Mar 2023
Thank you, Katherine! So glad you felt at home. Would love to welcome you back when you visit again!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Allison P.

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

College drop off trip

We loved everything about the Cherry Rd house!! It was so cozy and cute. It was so thoughtfully decorated and had everything we needed. We loved the privacy and the location. We were able to get everywhere we needed to be quickly. We hope to stay there again one day! We love Ithaca ❤️
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Aug 2023
Thanks so much, Allison! So glad you found the location convenient - we definitely appreciate being so close to both Ithaca College and Cornell. Look forward to having you back for future visits!

About the host

Hosted by Laurie Koehler

Host profile image
Though originally from the D.C. area, I'm a super fan of Ithaca and the Finger Lakes, having chosen to live here on two separate occasions as an adult who works in higher education. We love the combination of a beautiful natural environment which still takes my breath away every day, with a small, manageable city centered on education with an incredible arts scene, great food, and a lack of pretension. While known for being a wine-lovers paradise, I'm more knowledgeable about the outstanding craft beer scene in the area and am happy to provide recommendations if you are interested. Of course, I also have plenty of other recommendations on ways to spend your time here, what not to miss, the importance of trying all of the local ice cream, where to go for a short run, and more!

Why they chose this property

I'm so grateful to have found this house and the 5.6 acres on which it is situated! I feel like we live in the middle of a bird sanctuary/nature preserve and that when I'm at the house, the spaces inside and outside allow me to breathe in a way that the stress of the world sometimes can impede. As only the second owners of the home, I have such an appreciation for the original owners' thought processes in building the place - maximizing light, passive solar, and the views. It's private without being isolated - you can watch the deer in the front field one minute and then hop in the car and be at Ithaca Coffee Company or Salt Point Brewing in five minutes or Downtown or at the Farmer's Market in ten. Plus it's just really well built with quality materials and craftsmanship. It's a privilege to live here and serve as the stewards and caretakers of this remarkable place.

What makes this property unique

Every night, before heading upstairs to bed, if it's a relatively clear night, I make it a point to step outside - usually onto the back deck, but sometimes onto the front porch - look at the stars, and take some deep breaths. First off, I've never lived anywhere before with so little light pollution, so getting to see the number of stars I do is special (during one of the recent meteor showers, I literally counted 16 unique "shooting star" sightings!). But for me, it's also a chance to be reminded to keep perspective on the challenges of the day. I hope, if you choose to stay here, you'll also be able to find some peace and perspective amidst the busyness of your days.

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