Over-Water Deck, Sunset Views, Fireplace, Dock & Boat Lift, Kayaks/SUPs/Canoe!
“Pura Vida” is Spanish for “pure life,” a philosophy that encourages the appreciation of life’s simple treasures. Start with the morning sun bathing the hills across the lake in golden color & watch the drama of a brief afternoon storm pass, leaving the air clean & fresh. Enjoy the haunting calls of the loons, the lake breezes & sounds of the waves against the sea wall. Laugh around the table, savoring a meal with loved ones. Relax by a bonfire & watch the stunning colors of sunset bleed into the deep sapphire of twilight as the stars twinkle. In the colder months, snuggle up by the cozy fireplace & relax to the view & sounds of the waves outside. Curl up in a comfortable bed and sink into slumber, ready for the next day's adventures. There's something kind of magical about the light, the breeze, & the sound of the water here. Pura vida!
If your desired dates are already reserved on Pura Vida's calendar, or if you need another cottage for extended groups, you may want to take a look at Halcyon Cottage (VRBO #3089096), located right next door!
PETS: No pet fees for visiting dogs! However, it is required that all dogs including day visitors *must be disclosed* when booking, & guests must adhere to the pet rules & maximum dog numbers. No other pets permitted; particularly no cats due to family allergies. Dog visit requirements: Maximum of 2 dogs total including day visitors, <75 pounds each, must be up to date on all vaccines & especially flea/tick treatment prevention, *dogs are not allowed on the beds/furniture, *dogs must be crated if left alone in the house (or else must accompany owners when going out), all poop must be disposed of appropriately.
AMENITIES: With the increasing use of artificial intelligence by online booking sites, we are unable to control the occasionally inaccurate identification of property amenities by the website AI *in searches.* If there is a particular amenity that you are specifically seeking as important to your stay, please confirm that it is written it here in the description text, a photo provided, or else message us to confirm before booking. Property decor and furnishings are subject to change from listing photos without notice in response to maintenance needs.
INTERIOR: * Air conditioning * Gas fireplace for the cool seasons * Roku Smart TV, Blu-Ray/DVD player, & small DVD library (No cable; use the TV Roku to access your accounts or bring other streaming access) * 2 Desks for remote working & WiFi with internet speeds sufficient for streaming or virtual meetings (Download: 100Mbps, Upload: 5 Mbps) * Standard major appliances, variety of small appliances, dishes/tableware/glassware * A variety of coffee-making methods available. No paper filters needed, just bring your favorite grind! No Keurig on site * Professionally laundered linens and interior cleaning * Great selection of games
EXTERIOR: * Gorgeous lakeside dining on the deck * Beautiful sunset views & water sounds * Lakeshore firepit for small bonfires * Great fishing right from the dock (bring your own gear) * Only 10 steps to a small shale beach for gradual water entry & easy kayak launch * Two kid-sized sit-on-top kayaks * Two adult-sized sit-in recreational kayaks * Two 10’ stand-up paddle-boards * One vintage 2-person Grumman canoe * Life jackets * Gas grill. Provided as a convenience only & made available to guests to use at their own discretion. Please feel free to fire it up & clean it to your standards before cooking, & do your best to burn off/clean the grates for the next guest when done * Boat hoist for safe boat storage (*Boaters please see important info at the end*)
While life on the lake is most magical during the warmer months, the cottage is snug throughout the year & provides a front row seat to the natural dramatic beauty of winter storms on the lake. The beautiful indoor gas fireplace makes it even more cozy! Some guests have even likened a visit here to staying on a boat (minus the rocking!) with the sound of the waves heard from even inside the house!
Just 2 steps up to the front door from the gravel parking area & no cliffs or long staircases to navigate. Step out onto the over-water deck from the house, with a few additional short steps down to the dock & water. You'll be drawn there over morning coffee, to bask in sun & lake breeze, for a sunset libation, or to stargaze over hot chocolate!
The open kitchen/LR on the main floor is full of light. Also on the first floor are 2 bedrooms (BR1 has 1 queen; BR2 is small but has a bunk bed) & a full bath. Please note that while sturdy, maximum bunk occupancy is either 2 adults (1 each level) or 3 children. An open staircase leads to a second floor with a half bathroom & loft-style open space with a queen bed. Beds have comfortable memory foam mattresses. Recently updated decor features a comfort-oriented, eclectic, contemporary style. The house is small in square footage, but comfy & well-appointed (think urban loft meets peaceful lake cottage). Eco bonus: Heat and AC is provided by an efficient heat-pump system & all electricity supplied to the property is 100% solar generated, purchased from a nearby solar farm. Aside from the gas fireplace & range, the house is run by the sun!
Please note, because of idiosyncrasies of our right-on-the-water location & county waste water system restrictions, the house does not have a washer/dryer or dishwasher. Property outdoor amenities like the watercraft & some outdoor furniture are seasonally stored & *not available* during colder months (usually late Oct to mid May; exact dates are weather dependent & not guaranteed).
PARKING is limited. There is room to park *3 regular cars* OR *a combo of 1 large pickup/SUV with 1 car* on the property. Over-parking will prevent normal traffic flow on the one lane road & is not permitted - violators may be towed. Please message us to discuss options for overflow vehicles. ____ NOTE: We do not ever rent outside of professional booking websites that verify our ownership. If you see this property advertised on c*****list or elsewhere, those listings are scams. ____ CHECK-IN: Check in after 4:00 pm; check out by 10:00 AM. We genuinely empathize with the challenges of travel logistics & wish that we could accommodate alternatives, but the scheduled times that we must guarantee our cleaners do not permit early arrivals or late departures. ____ OCCUPANCY: Property use is strictly limited to the maximum occupancy of 6 registered guests. We will consider authorizing small numbers of occasional/temporary day visitors, but no parties, reunions, or sustained use of the property by unregistered visitors - we are not able to accommodate consistent extras or larger numbers of people because of off-grid septic logistics, general space limitations, parking & other neighborhood impacts. Please message us to discuss if having day visitors are part of your travel plans. Any approved visitors must abide by all house rules, including speed limits & parking restrictions. ____ WILDLIFE/INSECTS/SPIDERS: Critters are a natural part of lake life & a healthy ecosystem. We do our very best to keep them out of the house, but because we are so close to an important water source, use of chemical sprays must ethically & legally be limited due to environmental impacts. To reduce the numbers that sneak inside, seal up food & make sure to keep doors & screens closed, especially at night. ____ BOATING: Overnight in-water docking is not allowed as Cayuga Lake is a big lake with a lot of fetch; waves can be large & unpredictable and conditions change quickly. **When not directly observed, boats/PWC must either be on the hoist or stored on their trailer.** If you wish to rent a motorboat during your stay, boat rental companies will often deliver by water directly to the cottage & pop the boat right into the hoist for you! V-hull motorboats & PWC only; hoist cannot accommodate pontoon boats, sailboats or catamaran/trimarans. If you have a larger boat (>22’ hull) please message us with your boat type prior to booking so we can determine if it will fit safely in the hoist. Use of the boat hoist must be requested & agreed to by us >7 days prior to arrival or it will not be powered & available for use. Any guest wishing to use the hoist must be fully responsible for its safe use; on-site training is not available. *No guaranteed space for on-site trailer storage - message us to discuss options. Prior boaters have had very positive experiences with both the Long Point State Park (to the north) or nearby Don’s Marina (to the south) launches. *Hoist access is a courtesy only*; The hoist is very reliable but in the unlikely event that it is not available for any particular booking due to damage/malfunction/service delays, guests will need to store the boat on its trailer (or return rentals to rental facility) and re-launch daily. ____ SECURITY: Three exterior security cameras that record motion and sound are present (front door; parking area; boat hoist). Guest privacy is important to us; no camera covers private areas. ____ CANCELLATION POLICY: Refund in full for any cancellation requested within 48 hours of website reservation (check in date >2 weeks away) or within 24 hours of reservation (check in date 7-14 days away) * Please note that our cancellation policies are date-specific and vary seasonally, with less flexibility in the very busy summer months. If you have concerns about the potential for last minute impacts to your travel (weather, illness, other), we strongly recommend travel insurance
GRADUATIONS AND CORNELL REUNION EVENT BOOKINGS: The cottage is an easy drive for Ithaca events & a great place to relax away from the chaos! Full refunds in the event of ceremony cancellation. ____ Please note that as a navigable waterway, the waters of Cayuga Lake may be enjoyed by boaters, hunters and fishers; any on-water proximity is out of Host's control.
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Charming Lakefront Cottage in Heart of the Wine Trail: Seneca Fingerlake
Penn Yan
Charming Lakefront Cottage in Heart of the Wine Trail: Seneca Fingerlake
A dreamy Seneca Lake retreat with sweeping views, a relaxing hot tub under the stars, flexible bedroom setups, a fully stocked kitchen, cozy living spaces, and easy access to the lake, wineries, and waterfalls.
Romulus
A dreamy Seneca Lake retreat with sweeping views, a relaxing hot tub under the stars, flexible bedroom setups, a fully stocked kitchen, cozy living spaces, and easy access to the lake, wineries, and waterfalls.
Welcome to Voorheis Vistas: A peaceful hilltop escape with panoramic views, modern comforts, cozy bedrooms, a full kitchen, and horse accommodations—just minutes from Trumansburg, Taughannock Falls, Cornell, and the wine trails.
Trumansburg
Welcome to Voorheis Vistas: A peaceful hilltop escape with panoramic views, modern comforts, cozy bedrooms, a full kitchen, and horse accommodations—just minutes from Trumansburg, Taughannock Falls, Cornell, and the wine trails.
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Store watercraft in an upside-down position and re-lock to rack. Replace paddles in rack and hang PFDs in closet.
Ensure return of all remotes
Per our trash company's requirements, *all waste and recycling must be placed in the provided kitchen-sized trash bags* before placing in outdoor bins. No small bits of waste free in the outdoor bins
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Complaints from neighbors (speeding, inappropriate parking, noise) are violations of house rules, as are unauthorized pets. Must disclose all pets.
Disconnecting or tampering with wifi or exterior security cameras (doorbell; parking; boat lift) is prohibited. No cameras present in private areas
Only supervised daytime dock mooring. For boat hoist access requests to permit overnight storage, message owners at least 7 days in advance of visit.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 809940vb
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
Note from host: Limited day guests only with owner approval
This property uses solar energy, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
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
About the area
King Ferry
Located in King Ferry, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. King Ferry Golf Course and Bright Leaf Vineyard are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Cayuga Lake and Long Point State Park - Finger Lakes. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Dick Van Dyke Addiction Treatment Center, or consider a night out at Dutch Harvest Farm. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and ice skating.
Long Point State Park - Finger Lakes - 12 min drive - 14.7 km
Getting around
Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional) - 37 min drive
Restaurants
King Ferry Corner Store - 5 min drive
NY Quick Shop - 59 min drive
Aurora Ale & Lager Co. - 9 min drive
Giovanni's Gourmet Pizza - 59 min drive
Countryside Market - 63 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Over-Water Deck, Sunset Views, Fireplace, Dock & Boat Lift, Kayaks/SUPs/Canoe! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Over-Water Deck, Sunset Views, Fireplace, Dock & Boat Lift, Kayaks/SUPs/Canoe!?
As of 9 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Over-Water Deck, Sunset Views, Fireplace, Dock & Boat Lift, Kayaks/SUPs/Canoe! on 26 May, 2026 start from S$773, 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 Over-Water Deck, Sunset Views, Fireplace, Dock & Boat Lift, Kayaks/SUPs/Canoe!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Over-Water Deck, Sunset Views, Fireplace, Dock & Boat Lift, Kayaks/SUPs/Canoe!?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Over-Water Deck, Sunset Views, Fireplace, Dock & Boat Lift, Kayaks/SUPs/Canoe!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Over-Water Deck, Sunset Views, Fireplace, Dock & Boat Lift, Kayaks/SUPs/Canoe! located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Cayuga Lake and King Ferry Golf Course. Bright Leaf Vineyard and King Ferry Winery are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Pura Vida is an incredible home right on the Catuga Lake. The cottage is well stocked. The dock and porch were excellent for views of the lake. Don and Michele were great hosts and very communicative. The two night stay was very relaxing and enjoyable.
This property was great!! We stayed at Halcyon last year and both properties are in a great location and offer so much for a quick get away. We had a wonderful time.
Loved the easy minimum stepe parking to entry; entry deck to rear deck; and deck to dock!This was the most completely supplied we have ever stayed in! The kitchen supplies were phenomenal.
We had a relaxing week at this beautiful lake house. Our family and pups loved having access to the lake, kayaks, and paddleboards. We watched beautiful sunsets and enjoyed some local hikes. There are so many activities to enjoy in the area!
Nice cozy place sitting right on the lake. I loved every morning drinking my coffee, sitting by the fire looking out over the lake. Very quiet neighborhood and the people we ran into were very friendly. The entire house was clean upon arrival and well stocked. Communication with the owners went very well. Great place to relax and take in nature!
Always a great time at this beautiful home. We enjoy our trips each year and love this house. Everything is always perfect and the house is clean and has all the amenities you need. The dock and Sups are great! We will be back!
We had an amazing week here! The house was beautiful and well maintained. We had a slight issue at checkin but communication with Don was quick and effective and was resolved quickly. Would absolutely recommend this house to anyone looking for a relaxing and peaceful getaway!!
The property is a "find". Charming house, decorated with thought and style. The location is ideal, and the attached deck and dock allow for peaceful and beautiful sunsets and views.Owners are resposive and really work to make sure tenants enjoy their time in the house. On top of this, we are able to bring our four-leggers who also "love" the house!! Couldn't ask for more!!
Great home! Very clean. Had a large crate already for our dog which made traveling easier since we did not have to bring that. Very detail oriented with notes about the home & surrounding area. Great neighborhood, I went on walks daily and all the neighbors were very friendly. Can’t beat the sunsets off the dock.
We had a wonderful time at the cottage. Being so close to the lake allowed for a quick dip followed by a relaxing day on the deck with a beautiful view. Being allowed to bring our pets was an added bonus. The hosts responded quickly to our questions and made us feel at home. The cottage was clean and had everything needed for our stay. I highly recommend this jewel of a home.
We enjoyed staying at this cottage which is directly on the lake and offers great sunset views. The cottage is comfortable and clean and offers all the conveniences you want. We recommend this rental for anyone looking to stay on Cayuga Lake.
Great outdoor spaces with wonderful views as well as a beautiful inside space. Hard to find this nice a place that allows our four leggers.
Highly recommend!
Melody K.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024
About the host
Hosted by Don & Michele
I'm a Finger Lakes native, and although my immediate family doesn't currently reside here full time we still have numerous personal ties to the area and visit frequently. This lakehouse is not architecturally new but is recently updated and the location is fantastic. It is important to us that our home is clean, comfortable, welcoming, and set up to make enjoyment of the lake easy! We very much want our visitors to enjoy their stay; we enjoy sharing fun local hidden gems to help make a visit even more special, so please ask and we'll be happy to provide ideas that fit your individual interests! Sharing one's home is an exercise in trust; we ask in return that guests treat our home and possessions with care, respect, and responsibility, and to communicate honestly and forthrightly with us.
Why they chose this property
We love this location (can't beat the sunset and water views!) and the unique feel of the neighborhood. Our neighbors are really friendly & a great community! It is private & peaceful, located within easy reach of beautiful hiking trails, state parks, wineries/breweries, farmer's markets, & nearby fun college towns (an easy 19 miles to Ithaca) with restaurants and lots to explore. Several east shore wineries that host outdoor concerts & other fun and family-friendly events are very close, emblematic of that wine country lifestyle! Unlike so many cliff-side Cayuga Lake cottages, there are no tall staircases at Pura Vida Cottage, & one feels much more connected to the lake here! Also, unlike some of the other nearby lake access roads, we are on a short, dead-end road so traffic is minimal, the ambiance is peaceful and relaxed, and yet it is quick and easy to get back to the main road to go on the day's adventure! If you can bear to tear yourself away from the lakeshore, it's an easy jaunt to Aurora (8 miles), Ithaca (20mi), and Auburn (20mi), & within easy distance of the many regional state parks, waterfalls, & hiking trails to explore. We are 1/2 mile from the King Ferry Golf Club, and centrally located to great east shore wineries (distance in miles) like Bright Leaf (1), Treleaven (2.5), Long Point (5.5), and Heart & Hands (13) and a myriad of microbreweries like the Aurora Brewing Company (5.5), Prison City (23), and Shepherds Brewing (23) miles to the north, Salt Point Brewing (14), Liquid State Brewing (21), Lucky Hare Brewing (21), Hopshire Farm & Brewery (23), and the Ithaca Beer Company (24) to the south, and Owasco Lake Brewing (21), Summerhill Brewing (20), Homer Hops & Brewery (23), the Cortland Beer Company (28) to the east. Groceries: King Ferry Corner Store (2.5), Village Market in Aurora (9), Aldi's (15), ShurFine (15), Tops (15), Wegmans (20).
What makes this property unique
The incredible proximity to the water with the space of the over-water deck is one of our favorite things about this house. The wall of west-facing windows makes the indoor space feel like it extends right out to the lake and the gas fireplace definitely increases the cozy factor in the winter! We love being able to hear the water from anywhere in the house, and enjoying the view from the deck is so peaceful!
The loons seem to like this area and their haunting calls are beautiful background in the evenings, great blue herons can be seen hunting our shoreline, and there is a consistent parade of migratory ducks and geese. Osprey and/or bald eagle sightings are not at all uncommon! We love the proximity to Aurora, Ithaca, and the wineries, parks, and hiking trails of the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake (while still feeling like we can enjoy a private retreat and enjoyment of nature).
There is notably less boat traffic on this part of the lake compared to locations further south or north. If you bring your boat or rent one while here, it is a fun and easy trip across the lake to the Sheldrake Winery or Thirsty Owl Winery boat docks, which is the epitome of a Finger Lakes summer ... winery visits and tasting experiences by boat!
We are close to a nearby golf course, Mackenzie-Childs is an easy visit for a unique and memorable shopping experience, Aurora has a wonderful spa nearby, and the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge to the north or Filmore Glen State Park to the east are easy day trips in addition to the MANY options for exploration and fun found after a 30 minute drive south to Ithaca. Treleaven Winery offers lots of family friendly events and is just a short 2.5 miles away. Bright Leaf Vineyard is just 3/4 mile up the hill from the house.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests