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Private Gated Water Front Home on American Lake. Private beach and dock.

Photo gallery for Private Gated Water Front Home on American Lake. Private beach and dock.

Lake
Sunrise at Thornewood Cottage
Exterior
Exterior
Yard Beach

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 91475 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Private Gated Water Front Home on American Lake. Private beach and dock.

Private rental home on American Lake
Discover Thornewood Cottage (aka TWCottage), a serene lakeside retreat on American Lake, just minutes from Tacoma and a short drive to Olympia and Seattle. Whether you’re a family seeking a relaxing vacation, a couple looking for a romantic escape, or a corporate traveler needing comfort and convenience, this fully furnished cottage offers everything you need.

Enjoy breathtaking lake views, private access to the water, and modern amenities including high-speed Wi-Fi, a dedicated workspace, and a fully equipped kitchen. Perfect for extended stays, business trips, or weekend getaways, Thornewood Cottage combines the charm of a historic setting with the comfort of contemporary living.

Located near major attractions, military bases, and corporate hubs, it’s ideal for relocation housing, executive stays, and family vacations. Explore the Pacific Northwest, then return to your peaceful lakeside haven.





Escape to Thornewood Cottage, a beautifully maintained vacation home near Tacoma, Washington that feels like a world away. Nestled on the historic grounds of Thornewood Estates, next to the iconic Thornewood Castle, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and luxury in an exclusive gated community.

Why Stay at Thornewood Cottage?

Ideal for family vacations, extended corporate stays, relocations, or temporary housing during building or remodeling.
Recently updated with new carpet, wood flooring, fresh paint, and stylish furnishings for a clean, modern feel.
Private gated access with unobstructed views of American Lake, your own sandy beach, and a private dock.
Home Features:

Spacious open layout with vaulted ceilings and a cozy gas fireplace.
Large deck overlooking the lake – perfect for relaxing or entertaining.
Primary Suite: King bed, soaking tub, walk-in shower, skylight, and vaulted ceilings.
Second Bedroom: Queen bed, vaulted ceilings, walk-in closet.
Third Bedroom: Bunk bed (twin over full/queen).
Fully stocked kitchen with breakfast bar, dishwasher, washer/dryer, Smart TV, and custom lighting.
Location Highlights:

10 min to Tacoma, 15 min to Chambers Bay, 15 min to Olympia, 40 min to SeaTac Airport, 45 min to Seattle.
2 min to JBLM (McChord AFB / Fort Lewis), near PLU, UPS, and Commencement Bay Rowing Club.
Perfect for vacation rentals, corporate lodging, traveling professionals, military housing, and extended stays.

Thank you for considering TW Cottage for your next visit to the area.

Lots of Golf near by; Tacoma Golf and Country Club, Chambers Bay, The Home Course, and more.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 29
Check out before 10:30 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

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
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Lakewood

Located in Lakewood, this holiday home is near theme parks and on the beach. Fort Lewis Museum and Freighthouse Square are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Area and Tacoma Nature Center. Narrows Plaza Bowl and Feast Arts Center are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating and sledging.
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Map
Lakewood, WA

What's nearby

  • Lakewold Gardens - 4 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Joint Base Lewis-McChord - 4 min drive - 5.7 km
  • Fort Lewis Museum - 5 min drive - 7.4 km
  • St. Clare Hospital - 6 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Great American Casino - 6 min drive - 8.1 km

Getting around

  • Lakewood Station - 8 min drive
  • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪North Fort PX - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Lake City Perk Espresso - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Domino's Pizza - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Private Gated Water Front Home on American Lake. Private beach and dock. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Private Gated Water Front Home on American Lake. Private beach and dock.?

As of 1 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Private Gated Water Front Home on American Lake. Private beach and dock. on 21 May, 2026 start from S$427, 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 Private Gated Water Front Home on American Lake. Private beach and dock.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Private Gated Water Front Home on American Lake. Private beach and dock.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Gated Water Front Home on American Lake. Private beach and dock.?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Private Gated Water Front Home on American Lake. Private beach and dock. located?

Nestled on the beach, this Lakewood holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Lakewold Gardens, St. Clare Hospital and Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Grand Prix Raceway and McChord Clinic 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.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 33 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 33 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 33 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Glyn B.

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

Great location for our family

Wonderful home and host.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Sept, 2024
Glad you enjoyed your stay. Safe travels and look forward to your return.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gerald W.

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

Lake cottage serenity

Wonderful host, beautiful lake views, Resident Bald Eagles and Osprey. A perfect location to relax and enjoy all Washington has to offer.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Jul, 2025
Thank you so much for choosing TWCottage. It was a pleasure meeting you and glad you enjoyed the beautiful location. We appreciate how clean you left the home. Please keep us in mind for future travel to Tacoma. Sincerely, Randy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Scott F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What an amazing place! On American lake on a gorgeous property with a dock. It’s even next to an eloquent castle. The host was so responsive and kind. The home was beautiful, clean, and perfect, with an amazing view.
Stayed 18 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Oct, 2025
Thank you Scott, We are so happy you and your family enjoyed your stay, the lake, and the wonderful grounds. Safe Travels and hopefully our paths cross again. Randy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Faith T.

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

Great family house we stayed for Xmas. It is comfortable and homey. Randy was very attentive. I

It needs some updates but very clean and has many amenities.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jan, 2022
Hello Faith, We appreciate your review. In the coming months we are doing a complete refresh and updates so we are hopeful you will return soon. Thank you again for choosing Thornewood Cottage vacation on American Lake. Kindly, Randy Foley
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Caroline R.

Family of five comfortably enjoyed the beautiful view!

Gorgeous sunsets and everything you need for cooking and relaxing. The property is so quiet but so close to shopping. For us it was a good midpoint for Oregon or Seattle visits.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Mar, 2020
Caroline, Thank you so much for the kind words. We’re glad your family thoroughly enjoyed stay at Thornewood Cottage on American Lake. Please come back and visit soon Sincerely Randy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JCL C.

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

Amazing property!

What a place, it's a great house and a beautiful little neighborhood. Communication with the owner was great, he actually called me the day of check-in to make sure everything was OK. Everything you might need such as a grocery store is close by. Rent this place if you are in Lakewood
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Jul, 2024
Thank you for the kind review. Safe travels and please keep us in mind for future stays.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert K.

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

Fun At The Lake

Clean, well equipped, great location with many amenities located nearby. The property owner provided a significant number of water toys along with a friendly dog to greet you on the beach most mornings.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Sept, 2021
Thank you Robert! So glad your family enjoyed your stay. Hope you have the chance to return. Sincerely, Randy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stacy R.

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

Jblm

We came up to see my son who just got stationed at JBLM. The house had everything we needed, all necessary kitchen things too. Beds were really comfy. The area is real secure and close to the base. Everything was super clean in the house, no issues at all. Thanks so much, we will be back
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Nov, 2023
Thank you Stacy! Glad you enjoyed your stay in TWCottage and you were able to reunite with your son. Safe travels and we look forward to your return. Sincerely, Randy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

alex p.

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

Beautiful lake view home

This home is set in a very quiet and beautiful gated neighborhood. This home has a fantastic Lake view with direct access to the lake and a private beach / dock to use. You could almost call this lake frontage with the exception of having 60’ of grass between you and the lake. The Owner Randy was fantastic to work with and had great communication. I would absolutely VRBO with Randy again. Great property, location and owners. Highly recommend this property
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Sept, 2022
Thank You Alex for the kind words. We’re glad you enjoyed your stay and hope that our paths will cross again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mandy R.

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

Great house - great location!

Randy was VERY responsive. House is great, very clean. And you can’t beat the view of the lake. Kitchen has everything you need, plenty of towels/linens too. The Thornewood Estates area is eclectic for sure, and the Thornewood cottage is perfect for a family or friends to spend a few nights. Close to I5 and Lakewood. Two hours to Mt St Helens, 90 min to Olympic National Forest! Or just stay at the house and enjoy the sunset over the lake.
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Apr, 2021
Thank you Mandy For the kind words. We’d love to have you back anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim C.

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

Amazing Lake-Cation!!

We needed a local get away and found our new annual tradition!! Randy was a great host! Home had great views of the lake with bald eagles regularly flying overhead, very nice interior for the home, and most importantly we were able to launch our boat at the property and had our own dock for the week! It was a short walk out the door and maybe 30 yards to our own dock on the lake!! Whether the kids were swimming at the dock, out on the boat, or laying out in the lounge chairs at the beach, the entire family had an amazing time. Thanks for everything! See you again soon!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Aug, 2022
Thank you Tim! We are so glad your family enjoyed their stay and we look forward to your return and helping create more memories. Sincerely, Randy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda G.

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

Lakeside Oasis in the middle of Tacoma!

This is a real find for folks visiting the Tacoma area. A bit pricey but worth paying a bit more for the excellent lodging and beautiful setting. It's true that the house is not technically lakefront but the view is nonetheless wonderful, and there is direct access to the lake with a small dock and beach "reserved" for guests. There is a nice large deck facing the lake which offered a lovely view and opportunities to observe a variety of birds, including bald eagles and geese flocks. The property owners do also live just in front of the rental and, although we have never stayed in this type of arrangement, we found Randy and his wife to be delightful and helpful but at the same time completely unobtrusive. We definitely intend to stay again when we return to Tacoma for family visits!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jul, 2023
Thank you Linda for the kind words. We are glad you enjoyed your stay and look forward to your return. Safe travels and lots of memories. Kindly, Jen and Randy Foley
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jordan J.

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

Great place, exactly as advertised

Everything was perfect, the gated community was a nice addition and made me feel safe especially leaving early and coming back late every day. Very quiet, very clean and very updated. No complaints at all. I hope I need to travel there more frequently and i would make this my go-to spot!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Apr, 2023
Thank you for choosing to stay. Hope you return soon.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen P.

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

Lakeside family reunion

We rented home near our relatives in Lakewood. We used lake house to gather for dinner, lunch and lake activities. Hosts welcomed us and provided extra chairs for our larger group. Wonderful experience. Thank you.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Marcus G.

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

Very nice place

Clean, good location and very friendly host. The house sits back off the lake with an obstructed view. The only issue I had with the rental is that the pictures left that part out. There is a dock but you have to cross through the other property to get there.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

scott p.

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

Peaceful work trip

Lot of stairs walking into the house. Other than that the house has a great view of the lake and is well stocked and maintained. Communication with Randy was easy and painless. I would recommend this house for anyone(other then those who have difficulty with stairs). We will definitely be back if he had availability on our future trips to the area.
Stayed 13 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maria T.

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

Family celebration

A family of 7 in Seattle to attend the college graduation of a granddaughter/niece. The family was thrilled with the location and the house
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kerri M.

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

Family gathering

This “cottage” home was just beautiful and perfect for our family. The location was close to everything in the Tacoma/Seattle area. We loved the design, the view, American lake access and all the little extras the owner provided.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Oct, 2021
Hi Kerri. We’re so happy you and your family chose to stay at Thornewood Cottage. You were wonderful guests I truly appreciate how are you took care of the home I’m glad your time. Sincerely Randy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer P.

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

Exactly what we needed

My family was in the area for a week dealing with a difficult and unpleasant situation. We needed a comfortable place to stay that would allow us to feel safe and able to relax at the end of the day. Thornewood Cottage was absolutely perfect for us. Convenient location in a lovely gated community, plenty of space for 5, the house had everything we needed, comfy beds, nice showers and tub, a beautiful view of American Lake with lake access, including a small beach and dock. We were all very grateful to have such a lovely place to stay, it helped us survive a challenging week.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly K.

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

Great memories

This place was amazing! Randy was so helpful and responsive if I had a question. My family definitely wants to go back. There was one item that threw me off when we first got there and that was the owner’s home is next door to the house. So there really isn’t a fine division between the properties, but Randy made sure his guests parked on the other side of his home. So we had privacy. My family is social so we didn’t mind meeting new people.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Aug, 2021
Thank you so much Kelly for choosing Thornewood Cottage on American Lake. It was a pleasure meeting you and look forward to your return. Sincerely, Randy
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter L.

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

Great Stay

Great property and would definitely stay here again. Fantastic view of the water and eagles flying nearby. Randy was very helpful and responsive.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Clean, beautiful home, right on the water and lovely owners!

We had a wonderful stay! There was a good amount of space for all of us, and it definitely felt like a vacation having our own dock to the lake. Randy and his wife checked in with us multiple times asking if there was anything they could do to make our stay even better! I would totally recommend this rental to anyone looking for a nice getaway!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sheryl B.

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

Lakehouse fun

Nice July family get away at the lakehouse. Was just like it looked and a fun place to stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristin B.

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

Great Lake house

Great place to stay on American Lake. Host was very friendly. Nice clean and well maintained house.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

theresa t.

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

Fun stay on Lake America

Randy’s place was perfectly located. We loved hanging out on the dock, swimming right off the dock and catching some reys. The kitchen was well stocked. The beds and linen were so comfortable. Randy was very responsive when we told him the fireplace wasn’t working. It was a great pleasure to meet Jingles (Randy’s) dog and their friends Bernese Mountain Dog puppy Theo. We saw so many bald eagles...which was so beautiful! The sunsets were amazing!!! Really my only recommendation would be to try and convince the neighbor to trim their tree so you do have a sweeping view from the balcony.
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2020

About the host

Hosted by Randy Foley

Host profile image
Our family has lived on American Lake since 2000. My wife and two daughters live in the same area as Thornewood Cottage and simply love the area and all the beauty, history of Thornewood Castle next door, and recreation it has to offer. We believe you will too. We would love to help make your travel as wonderful as possible.

Why they chose this property

Thonewood has a rich history dating back to the 1800s when several timber industry moguls were made. Most notably the Weyerhoeuser Company. Tacoma was the timber capital of the world. Chester Thorne was the financier to the timber barons. Thornewood Castle (thornewoodcastle.com) sits just 150' away. The location is very secluded and private yet you are less than 15 minutes to City of Tacoma and Olympia. JBLM is less than 5 minutes. 10+ years and hundreds of repeat stays, all agree Thornewood Cottage on American Lake is one of the best places they have ever stayed.

What makes this property unique

Waterfront vacation with your own private beach and dock.

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