Cabin

Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake

110ft historic 1936 Stainless Budd Rail Carriage on Skaneateles lakes only rail

Tranquility along one of the USA’s most pristine lakes...Priceless

Favorite spot for afternoon refreshments; breakfast, lunch or evening night cap

Dinning Room; table can be extended, but why stay inside?

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Wonderful

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 7840 sq ft

Popular amenities

Dryer
Washer
Kitchen
Barbecue grill
Parking available

Explore the area

Homer, NY

Skaneateles Lake
‪1 min walk‬
Otisco Lake
‪25 min drive‬
Syracuse University
‪56 min drive‬
Syracuse, NY (SYR-Hancock Intl.)
‪68 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bunk Bed

Convertible bed(s)

2 Double Futons

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom Master

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Balcony

Garden

Dining area

About this property

Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake

A family setting. Enjoy morning coffee and evening barbecues on deck overlooking the lake! Historic railcar built in 1936 by Budd and located on Skaneateles in 1976 has been completely refurbished-including charming oak and cherry interior cut and planked in the property. Property features large 20' X 40' dock on 198' of private lakefront. Pebbled beach at lakefront allows for easy wading into the lake. Many upgrades completed in 2018. Enjoy time in the most unique rental property that Skaneateles has to offer!

Keywords: Railcar, Skaneateles, rental, lake, fishing, boating, family, cabin, house

Property manager

Ian DeSouza

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Washing machine

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

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Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly

House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM

Check out before 9:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

Events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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

Parties and events are allowed on site

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 deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

North America

Homer, NY

What's nearby

Skaneateles Lake - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Otisco Lake - 25 min drive - 18.8 km
State University of New York-Cortland - 26 min drive - 27.6 km
Syracuse University - 56 min drive - 74.7 km
Cornell University - 59 min drive - 62.1 km

Getting around

Cortland, NY (CTX-Cortland County) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

‪1820 House - ‬18 min drive
‪The Glen Haven Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
‪Colonial Lodge - ‬15 min drive
‪Grammie's Pantry - ‬14 min drive
‪The Loft - ‬34 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake?

Checkout is at 9:00 AM.

Where is Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is steps from Skaneateles Lake and within 6 mi (10 km) of Niles Town Hall and Bahar Nature Preserve. Carpenter Falls and Bear Swamp State Forest are also within 9 miles (15 km).

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

8.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Jesse G.

10 Aug, 2025

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

Best Stay I've Ever Had

The train was absolutely lovely and the dock down across the street gave us access to the clearest, cleanest water! We had an absolutely lovely time swimming and grilling steaks. One of the best small vacations I've ever had. Highly recommend!

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessi K.

4 Jul, 2025

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

Amazing place

We really enjoyed our stay and this train house! It's truly unique experience, especially for young kids to be in real " train house". Everything is all about comfort inside, plenty of storage and everything you can possibly need for comfortable stay. We spent most of our time on the dock on the lake, amazing views and the lake so beautiful, kids didn't care the water was cold and had plenty of fun in the lake. Planning on coming back.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Barbara B.

16 Jul, 2025

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

Girls get together

We had amazing time. The train car was absolutely amazing! Everything was perfect. The deck at the lake was big and we stayed there with our rafts all day Saturday. Not too many stairs to maneuver. Easy to get down to the lake. Just the experience of the train car was memorable. Ian was a great host! We would do it again.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Romayne S.

20 Jul, 2024

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

Wonderful experience!

Very nice! Children especially loved staying in the train. Outside living areas were superb!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

2 Sept, 2022

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

Very happy with accommodations. Large dock on the water was great for relaxing, swimming

Great experience

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert C.

29 May, 2024

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

Fantastic

Our stay was great, the use of the train car for the cottage is an extremely cool idea. The place was very clean, amenities were all there per Vrbo . The owner is great guy who stopped to make sure everything was good . The lake view is beautiful and large deck at the lake is spot on.We would definitely book this site again

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly R.

16 Jul, 2023

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

July 4th Getaway

My friend and I were looking to get away for a few days with our kids and dogs. This was a perfect little getaway! We enjoyed sitting on the deck but most all the amazing dock looking out onto Skaneateles Lake.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

JoAnn B., Homer, NY

29 Jul, 2023

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

Great time at the Lake!

We had a wonderful time Fishing, Boating, swimming Grandkids had a ball and cant wait until next year. Thank you Ian 😊

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

helen z.

25 Jul, 2022

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

A unique adventure!

A wonderful part of the lake, crystal clear lake water, friendly neighbors and interesting areas nearby to explore. The owner,(Ian) was quick to respond to any question we might have. A wonder stay!

Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2022

6/10 Okay

Bob T.

22 Oct, 2021

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Great location, unique rental (not great), way too expensive

Beautiful, quiet location on the lake. But the railcar was poorly maintained and way too expensive.

Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021

8/10 Good

Mike M., Lyndonville

15 Jun, 2023

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

Peaceful as it gets

We (6 adults) came and stayed during the week for a relaxing 3 days. The property owner was excellent to work with. We watch eagles in a nest just south of the cabin in a large pine. We kayaked around the southern end of the lake. Used the camp as a base for several outings. Had a BBQ and campfire. The novelty of staying in the train car was also a unique experience.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lyndsey B.

6 Jul, 2023

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

So Much Fun!

We had a wonderful time at the railcar. It is surprisingly spacious! It so cool to see all the old features that have been kept intact in the railcar. Everything was very clean and it was amazing that all the supplies we needed were there (sheets, towels, dishes, etc.). It was a hot and humid day but the A/C kept the inside comfortable. Just note, the railcar is across the quiet road from the water/dock, so not on the water itself. We hope to stay again next summer!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Colm M.

20 Aug, 2021

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

1st week of Aug stay

The location and water access was great. The lake was excellent. There's a lot to do and everyone we met was friendly and pleasant. There were a few minor things that were not so good.... the internet connectivity was poor and there were a few too many ants indoors. Elderly or infirm people should be aware that there are a lot of stairs to climb. Overall though we enjoyed our stay a lot and we especially enjoyed the lake access and the general area.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Marie M.

27 Jul, 2019

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

Great Trip!

We had such a nice time on our stay in the Railcar. It’s at the end of the lake so it’s much more secluded and the deck access is amazing! We stayed out there all day just relaxing, swimming and using the kayaks provided. You can rent a boat and keep it there if you want to add to your trip. It was the best part for us! The rail car is really cool, however it’s a little tight. Mostly the bathrooms but it is an actually rail car so it makes sense. There is a lot of steps on this stay so be aware of that with planning. They are steep going to the dock access and a lot going up to the rail car itself. All in all we enjoyed it! Thank you Ian!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Vanessa F., Toronto, ON

25 Jul, 2015

Beautiful and relaxing getaway spot in the Finger Lakes

My husband and I celebrated our first anniversary by travelling to the Finger Lakes with another couple. We all stayed comfortable in the railcar. It was easy to find, the location is great, and we were able to bring our golden retriever along. Close to a few towns and driving distance to wine trails and great hikes. The railcar was clean and temperature-controlled, although it could use a little TLC and some pest control (a small ant problem). The stairs are a bit rickety (tough for old dogs/small children) but there is an alternate entrance with more solid stairs on the other end of the car. The dock was incredible (although the stairs down to that could also use a touch-up), as Lake Skaneateles is perfect for swimming, and we enjoyed taking the kayaks out as well. The kitchen, while small, actually has a pretty awesome stove and everything you need for cooking, as well as a few staples that came in handy. It was easy to get in touch with the hosts when we needed to. We also enjoyed the fire pit in front of the car at night. I would definitely recommend staying in this historic, unique place in the Finger Lakes.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

John F.

6 Aug, 2013

Rustic Rail Car

The listing was accurate but potential customers should be aware that the dock is across the street and down a steep set of stairs. People with boats should also be aware that many of the other boaters don't recognize "no wake" zones and expect your boat to be subjected to a lot of wake (bring lots of bumpers). With all that being said, the dock is the best part of the property and we would've spent our whole time on it if we had better weather. I would've rated the rail car as above average if it was cleaner. The bedding was stained, the stove top was not cleaned and there is no exhaust fan, the bathrooms had left over used soap and shampoos from the previous tenants, and there were numerous wasps and ants inside. The stairs leading to the entry of the rail car are in need of replacement or repair and the deck needs a cleaning. There is also a hedge row out front that could use a trimming and would give customers a better view of the lake. We were unable to get any TV stations off of the antenna but the DVD did work. The owner was accessible and seemed to generally care for our needs. In my opinion, updated bathrooms and flooring with some basic TLC inside and out would make this property much more enjoyable.

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Allison M.

27 Jul, 2017

Kids loved it but needs some updating

The kids loved the exterior and that fact we were staying in a train. The bunk bed room was perfect for them. The house had lots of pros and cons. It could definitely be a 4+ stars with a few upgrades. Biggest issues were the air stopped working while we were there and you are in a large metal box when it is 90 outside so it got a bit warm. The owner came out and attempted to fix it and was were able to get it functioning on a part time basis (we had to turn it off for part of the day and then it would work at night). He was unable to get someone out to repair it while we were there. As stated in previous reviews, the trundle bed was unsleepable as it was just a box spring. The funtons were comfortable though. There was a broken window in the basement and the basement was wet and covered in cobwebs. Trying to go down there to do a load a laundry was kinda gross. Although we were close to wine country we couldn't find a wine opener! Good thing we had our own. Some blinds to block the morning light reflecting off the lake would also be nice. The sun came in early and bright. It rained pretty hard one day and some of the windows leaked. The kitchen had pretty much everything we needed to make our meals. The bathrooms were small but manageable. The house was fairly close to two towns for groceries and entertainment. There was a great hike to go behind a waterfall and swim in the river farther down that our kids loved. It is within 45 minutes of some of the finger lakes wineries and some other nice waterfall hikes. The lake was beautiful and we had a great time in it pretty much every day. There was kayaks down there to use along with a fire pit for enjoying the sunset. You could jump right in off the dock or explore with the kayaks and tub. There was ample parking for the 3 cars we had. The large deck with patio table was great and we ate almost all of our meals there.The owner responded quickly to all contact and wanted to make sure we had everything we need to enjoy our stay. Overall we would probably go back to the area and even go to the railcar again with a few updates. Our kids have asked to go back as they loved that fact that it was a real train car and you could see the wheels and everything.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

23 Jul, 2024

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

Beautiful & Fun Place

We experienced Chamber of Commerce perfect weather for our weekend! The lake was a main activity center with swimming, kayaking and tubing (we brought the tubes). Around the house (railcar) lots of grilling, campfire and hanging out. The pictures on the site don't do it justice. Lots of space outside. We did have a tent for extra spreading out at bedtime. The youngsters had space to run around and play. As someone else mentioned in a review the kitchen was updated from the pics. Everyone in the family had a blast and was thrilled with the railcar! Other vacationers in the area stopped to take pics and asked if we were the owners.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

14 Aug, 2022

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

rail car adventure

how fun!!! we had a great week @ the lake and can add rail car stay to our bucket list! Beds were comfy and the kitchen is more updated than the pics show. It is close quarters - but you are in a railcar - so you know that,,,but plenty of other spaces to be. we enjoyed morning coffee of the end porch , but my favorite space was the dock, lots of room for water fun. the lake was warm (for skinny)

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

john a.

19 Sept, 2021

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

An enjoyable stay

This was a delightful change of pace. We felt we marked something off on our bucket list. A very cozy "train ride." When you first enter the rail car, it really looks like a rail car. Many of the original features of the rail car have been preserved. And the dock was just beautiful. Ian was very personable and caring. In summary, kids of any age would enjoy this.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

8/10 Good

Catherine G., ROCHESTER

28 Aug, 2021

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming but needed work

Let's start out with the pros. The idea and concept is totally cool. While staying there we felt safe and the charm of the place was also cool. The property manager had great communication. The property was well stocked with things a family would need to cook and sleep and enjoy the deck and fire pit. The dock was also pleasant. The cons. it wasn't the cleanest of places I have stayed at. The drapes were dusty, the tub was stained and had a worm in it. The 2nd bathroom had dead bugs in the toilet bowl. There were ants everywhere. And although Ian and Cindy provided traps they were in the kitchen, in the living room and bedrooms, on the sheets. If a person is curvy or big and tall, I don't recommend this place at all. Keeping in mind it is a rail car yes, the hallway, bathrooms and doorways in general qere hard to maneuver past. I am curvy. The driveway is also something I would say to avoid unless you have a jeep. We used the parking spot but it was tough on my car and we ventually I gave up. The driveway has many rocks, dips and holes. Though the dock was pleasant, again, curvy People beware. There are very steep stairs leading down to it and very narrow. I barely could fit and im not that much overweight The kids however had a blast but I had to go through a lot to watch them. And the heat. It was so hot in the car we had to go out to our car for relief to turn the air con on. We left the first night for 3 hours for it to cool down and be barnacle to go inside. It is a rail car. That said. We kept it low but for some reason it kept going up again and would be unbarable again. It was beyond frustrating in 85 degree weather and muggy all 3 days. And just in general. Everything is 25 minutes away. We did a lot of traveling. Including a midnight run for needed supplies and I would strongly suggest avoiding that. The road is narrow, dark, curvy and long. 15 minutes sometimes before you would see a hint of civilization. That said. The Lakeview Pub was a great place to eat and in the heart of Skaneateles ( village of) right on the water. We navigated there and Applebee's, Perkins, antique shops and little shops near the pub. ( very expensive). K don't know if I'd do it again. We had great weather and my kids dealt with the cons pretty well. But I was less than satisfied to say the least. I'm sorry. This just wasn't my cup of tea.

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Suze M.

15 Jul, 2021

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

Choo Choo on the lake.

Staying at this property was a lot of fun! We all loved the train. The dock was just across the road and easy to get to. The bonus was seeing the eagle swoop down to the water looking for fish.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Amelia R.

25 Jun, 2021

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

A unique cabin by a beautiful lake

The railroad car was funky and interesting for the kids. The dock across the way was gorgeous – we just sat there for hours enjoying the view. Ian was a pleasure to communicate with - he got back to us immediately about any question. It was fun to have kayaks at the ready and basically it was a wonderful jumping off point for adventures. I’d highly recommend and would come back.

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jill R., Cleveland

18 Jun, 2021

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

stayed 3 nights mid week. Easy to get settled. 20 minutes to shopping/restaurants. Dock was great

Unique, great location. Very responsive host. Loved it.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kara S.

31 Mar, 2021

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

Neat little place

Quick response from management

Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021

About the host

Hosted by Ian DeSouza

We are local residents with a property further up the lake. My children have all grown up on and around the lake, and regard it as a special place. The railcar was our lake cottage for the better part of ten years, and very much a part of us now.

Why they chose this property

Its unique and rustic. Comfortable for a longer stay, we have had visitors who lived there for six months and loved it, and easy for a short one or two night novelty stay at the end or beginning of a longer holiday elsewhere. Fishing, boating, swimming are fantastic in this notably pristine glacial lake; in fact, we drink from it untreated.

What makes this property unique

The views, sounds, ambiance around the property are soothing and lovely. Its a relaxing place, with most of the comforts of home out in the woods, by a lake....and what is there not to love about sleeping in an authentic railway carriage with history. A fire in the pit on the lawn outside the car just makes for the perfect way to unwind and end the day. The setting is rustic, after all it is a setting in the woods with many of the sounds and feel of a nature based setting that has included a nesting pair of Bald Eagles nearby, deer, foxes, different varieties of water fowl and the other creatures you would expect in such a setting.

Languages:

English

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Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake

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Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

Convertible bed(s)

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 2

Bathroom Master

Spaces

About this property

Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake

Property manager

Languages

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Have a question?

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House Rules

Children

Events

Pets

Smoking

Important information

You need to know

We should mention

About the area

North America

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Wonderful

8.8/10

9.8/10

9.8/10

10/10

9.2/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jesse G.

Best Stay I've Ever Had

Jesse G.

10/10 Excellent

Jessi K.

Amazing place

Jessi K.

10/10 Excellent

Barbara B.

Girls get together

Barbara B.

10/10 Excellent

Romayne S.

Wonderful experience!

Romayne S.

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

Very happy with accommodations. Large dock on the water was great for relaxing, swimming

Michael C.

10/10 Excellent

Robert C.

Fantastic

Robert C.

10/10 Excellent

Kelly R.

July 4th Getaway

Kelly R.

10/10 Excellent

JoAnn B., Homer, NY

Great time at the Lake!

JoAnn B.

10/10 Excellent