Discover Cayuga Lake waterfront cottage charm

The Next Chapter

After years of hard work, raising a family, and countless early mornings, we found ourselves standing on the front porch of our lakeside cottage, looking out over the calm waters of Cayuga Lake. Retirement was here, and with it, the freedom to finally slow down and savor life at a different pace. But we weren’t quite ready for full stillness—there was still a spark of adventure left in us.

The idea of what if we could share this piece of paradise with others? We wanted others to experience that magic, too. So, we took a leap and decided to transform our beloved home into a short-term rental.

With some careful planning, a little paint, and a lot of love, we made our cottage into a cozy haven, blending comfort with rustic charm. We created a place where guests could wake up to the sunrise over the lake, sip a glass of local wine as the sun dipped below the horizon, and enjoy the quiet serenity that we’d come to cherish so much. Every corner of the house told a story—whether it was a hand-carved piece of wood from our early days, a vintage find from a trip, or a photograph of our family’s adventures.

Opening the door to guests brought a whole new kind of joy. We got to meet people from all walks of life—families escaping the city, couples seeking a romantic weekend, solo travelers looking for peace. We shared our favorite spots on the wine trail, recommended hiking paths, and often ended up sitting by the fire pit with our guests, swapping stories about life, love, and the beauty of slowing down.

Retirement wasn’t about sitting still—it was about starting something new, something that allowed us to continue living with purpose. Every guest who stepped through our door became a part of our story, and in return, they left with their own memories. Our little cottage had gone from being just a home to a welcoming space for others to find peace and joy, just like we had.

The cottage is a 3 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath 2 story house. The Master bedroom has a King bed with sliding glass doors overlooking the lake. The Guest bedroom has a Queen bed with sliding glass doors looking over the lake as well. The Bunk room has one bunk bed that sleeps 2.
Cottage is used for weekend get a way or weekly rental, providing a comfortable retreat and still feel the convenience of home. The the kitchen is on the lower level with floor to ceiling windows with stunning views of the lake. We have a level soft shell walk-in beach. The home is located on a private dead end street with a large grassy field directly across from the house for outdoor fun and games. The home was completely remodeled this year all amenities in the home is brand new.