Entire home
“Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway
Photo gallery for “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway





Reviews
10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 41400 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Sheffield, MA
- Place, Housatonic River5 min drive
- Place, Thom Reed UFO Monument Park6 min drive
- Place, Lime Kiln Farm Wildlife Sanctuary10 min drive
- Airport, Pittsfield, MA (PSF-Pittsfield Municipal)50 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
2 Single Beds
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Sofa Bed
Den with tv, pullout couch
1 Double Bed
Living room
1 Double Bed
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Bathroom 2
Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
“Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway
One of the very few waterfront homes available for rent. What other houses offer you 150 feet private lakefront where you can awake to birdsong? absolute best house in the best little town for the full Berkshire experience. If you want your own totally private oasis, and a whole house to yourself, leaving crowds and hassle behind, come up to this lovely, quiet, lakefront Berkshire house with a Zen-like feel, just a mile from the center of Sheffield. Just sit and listen to the silence.
Immaculately behaved, non-shedding, totally house trained small dogs welcome.
Ask about special rates for longer stays.
Perfect location for all Berkshire activities, including Tanglewood and Jacob’s Pillow, plus Shakespeare and Company, Norman Rockwell, The Mount, Berkshire Botanical Gardens.
Light-filled, year-round lakefront house (150 feet on private lake with own dock). with fireplace and fire pit, all decorated in mid-century retro style and immaculately clean. Think 'Walden,' think 'On Golden Pond.' Two bedrooms with A/C—one queen-sized bed, two twins, two full baths, living room with fireplace and A/C, dining area, kitchen with dishwasher and microwave, den with pull-out couch.
Water softener, plus screened in porch, full laundry room, two car garage, fire pit, comfortable outdoor seating for five plus two—and all on the most blissful private 150 acre lake with wonderful fishing--bass and pike--and just a mile off Route 7, Sheffield, handy to everything and spotlessly clean. Cleaned, bleached and treated with UVC wand sanitizer. Self checkin and checkout.
Lake is natural, pure and lovely to look at (but not good for swimming due to natural vegetation). Canoeing, fishing and kayaking are great. Your own dock and 150 feet on the lake. Kayaks and canoe. Ping pong table! Electric bikes available to rent. Dog walkers available!!
You can work from home here. WiFi, 5G, good cell reception, slightly rare in the Berkshires., Smart cable tv. Spectrum service. This is a slice of heaven! Everything you need for that perfect Berkshire getaway—we can give lots of tips for top-notch local restaurants and things to do. Local owners readily available to answer questions and make recommendations.
Great local hiking on closeby Appalachian trail, great biking (we have 4 good bikes), wildlife observation (meet our otter and nesting bald Eagle), riveting local history (Shays Rebellion, Mum Bett), local swimming recommendations.
Very convenient for Berkshire School and Hotchkiss parents.
Also convenient for nearby Litchfield County, Conn, including Music Mountain events, plus Lime Rock Park racing.
Further west, Hudson, NY, is fun to explore, along with houses like Olana, built by Frederic Church of the Hudson River School.
You will never run out of things to do here—or nothing at all—whatever you want.
Bliss!!!!
Immaculately behaved, non-shedding, totally house trained small dogs welcome.
Ask about special rates for longer stays.
Perfect location for all Berkshire activities, including Tanglewood and Jacob’s Pillow, plus Shakespeare and Company, Norman Rockwell, The Mount, Berkshire Botanical Gardens.
Light-filled, year-round lakefront house (150 feet on private lake with own dock). with fireplace and fire pit, all decorated in mid-century retro style and immaculately clean. Think 'Walden,' think 'On Golden Pond.' Two bedrooms with A/C—one queen-sized bed, two twins, two full baths, living room with fireplace and A/C, dining area, kitchen with dishwasher and microwave, den with pull-out couch.
Water softener, plus screened in porch, full laundry room, two car garage, fire pit, comfortable outdoor seating for five plus two—and all on the most blissful private 150 acre lake with wonderful fishing--bass and pike--and just a mile off Route 7, Sheffield, handy to everything and spotlessly clean. Cleaned, bleached and treated with UVC wand sanitizer. Self checkin and checkout.
Lake is natural, pure and lovely to look at (but not good for swimming due to natural vegetation). Canoeing, fishing and kayaking are great. Your own dock and 150 feet on the lake. Kayaks and canoe. Ping pong table! Electric bikes available to rent. Dog walkers available!!
You can work from home here. WiFi, 5G, good cell reception, slightly rare in the Berkshires., Smart cable tv. Spectrum service. This is a slice of heaven! Everything you need for that perfect Berkshire getaway—we can give lots of tips for top-notch local restaurants and things to do. Local owners readily available to answer questions and make recommendations.
Great local hiking on closeby Appalachian trail, great biking (we have 4 good bikes), wildlife observation (meet our otter and nesting bald Eagle), riveting local history (Shays Rebellion, Mum Bett), local swimming recommendations.
Very convenient for Berkshire School and Hotchkiss parents.
Also convenient for nearby Litchfield County, Conn, including Music Mountain events, plus Lime Rock Park racing.
Further west, Hudson, NY, is fun to explore, along with houses like Olana, built by Frederic Church of the Hudson River School.
You will never run out of things to do here—or nothing at all—whatever you want.
Bliss!!!!
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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- Kitchen
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10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (126 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Owners have no liability.
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed
Totally house-trained, small, non-shedding and of
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
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
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 and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number C0126212670
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Sheffield
Located in Sheffield, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Ashley House and Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Drury Preserve and Jug End State Reservation. Harney and Sons Tea Tasting Room and Berkshire Botanical Garden are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Sheffield, MA
What's nearby
- Housatonic River - 5 min drive - 2.2 km
- Thom Reed UFO Monument Park - 6 min drive - 2.5 km
- Lime Kiln Farm Wildlife Sanctuary - 10 min drive - 7.1 km
- Magnolia Bluffs Casino - 11 min drive - 6.7 km
- Great Barrington Historical Society & Museum - 12 min drive - 10.2 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Café Rena - 11 min drive
- Dunkin' - 12 min drive
- Patisserie Lenox - 13 min drive
- Miller's Pub - 13 min drive
- SoCo Creamery - 13 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.6/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
7 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Sandra R.
19 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy



Sandra R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
Gabby W.
2 Jan 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gabby W.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
10/10 Excellent
RICHARD P.
11 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
RICHARD P.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Melissa A.
2 Dec 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy


Melissa A.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
10/10 Excellent
Carol ?.
8 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Carol ?.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
d c.
18 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

d c.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Viktor G.
3 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Viktor G.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
10/10 Excellent
Laurie W.
30 May 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very comfortable stay and convenient! Great layout and view. We loved canoeing on the pond
Laurie W.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
10/10 Excellent
Julia M.
27 Jun 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely family getaway
Julia M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
marsha i.
19 Oct 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
marsha i.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
debbie c.
9 Sept 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Idyllic Retreat
debbie c.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Sam F.
10 Feb 2019
Lovely home
Sam F.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019
10/10 Excellent
ann e.
15 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great house on the lake for some R&R
ann e.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
RICHARD P.
22 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Stay
RICHARD P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
christopher m., Auburn
15 Feb 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great time!
christopher m.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022
10/10 Excellent
Joseph P K.
8 Oct 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
excellent
Joseph P K.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Valeriy S.
24 Jun 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Good fishing
Valeriy S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
9 Dec 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely Lake Cabin
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lisa C.
12 Sept 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely house
Lisa C.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
10/10 Excellent
Amy S.
27 May 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Terrific location and quality
Amy S.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022
10/10 Excellent
Dorine O.
20 Nov 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice property perfect for my needs
Dorine O.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
27 Oct 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to visit!
Verified traveller
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
10/10 Excellent
John C.
2 Jan 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful ski weekend
John C.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024
10/10 Excellent
Viktor G.
13 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thank you very much
Viktor G.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
About the host
Hosted by Dr. Gillian Hettinger
English professor and husband fell in love with this idyllic house, not least because of the lake, which is amazing. Perfect in all seasons, and something to do all year long. We love the wildlife and drifting gently in the canoe across the private lake--wonderful winter views across private lake, great fishing in the summertime. The land across the road and across the lake is all preserved so your views are spectacular. Great local restaurants and, of course, everything the Berkshires has to offer. You'll be delighted with this rare find and come back again and again. You'll come for the culture--the music, theater, dance--and you'll stay for tranquil hours reading a favorite book on the porch, or beginning to write your novel.
Why they chose this property
This year-round lovely property has everything you want for the perfect vacation getaway--romantic weekend, hiking the Appalachian Trail, skiing, girls'/guys' retreat. Feel the weight of the world fall off your shoulders when you enter and look out at the lake, just beyond the slope to water's edge. Cozy fireplace in living room. Fire pit out by the lake. Peaceful, yet not remote and on a sought-after, very private lake with views -- about a mile off Route 7 in Sheffield and just five miles south of Great Barrington. The house is immaculately clean-- there's also the charm of hearing the screen door slam on the porch which evokes memories of summers past.
What makes this property unique
200 feet directly on the 150-acre private lake with your own private dock, kayak and canoe and protected shoreline across the lake. Surrounded by Land Trust protected property. Enjoy the cozy fireplace in addition to individually controlled heat in every room. You will never want to leave. Water is pure, tested, and good to drink. All linens and paper products provided--just walk in, relax, and enjoy this magical house--don't you deserve it?
Languages:
English
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