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Lakehouse Retreat---a Hidden Gem on Swains Lake in Barrington NH

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Exterior
Front of house is approx 25ft from the water
Upper deck with retractable awning
Taking a break from the sun? Sit under the awning!
Additional seating

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6223.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer

Explore the area

Map
Barrington, NH
  • Ayers Pond
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • University of New Hampshire
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Market Square
    ‪34 min drive‬
  • Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Half Bathroom

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Lakehouse Retreat---a Hidden Gem on Swains Lake in Barrington NH

One week left for the summer of 2024!!!!

Come and enjoy our pristine home on beautiful Calef Island.

Drive across a birch lined causeway and you will find this spacious year round Half Acre Lake House in Barrington, NH. Walk through the front door and be greeted with sun filled rooms, cathedral ceilings, and spectacular lake views. A nature lovers delight this 3 Bedroom/2.5 Bath is situated on a gorgeous property complete with 180 feet of water frontage. Two sandy beaches, hammocks, outdoor grilling area, kayaks with life preservers, water toys are all yours for the taking. Read underneath a canopy of trees, swim off the dock into cool clear waters, or kayak this 3.5 mile lake. Then dine on the deck or patio area, listen to the sound of loons, and watch one of the best sunsets you have ever seen. And for all the fisherman out there Swains Lake has been written up as New Hampshire's 'Hidden Treasure'.
We often have been told 'One week is not enough!

This centrally located property is minutes from Market Basket/Hannafords, NH State Liquor Store, Wentworth-Douglas Urgent Care- Dover Hospital-Walgreens

Visit the historic seaside town of Portsmouth NH -17 miles away- with its endless choices of fine dining, museums, cruises, and shopping.
It doesn’t stop there...

We welcome guests during all of the New England seasons, reach out to us for monthly rental rates.

Our reviews speak volumes from our families that return every year. Because they rent directly through us, they can no longer write a review through HomeAway. That is why the most current reviews are from 2018.

Any questions, please feel free to write to us, without any obligation to book! You will be able to save on service and booking fees.

Mary Ann and Ken


Property manager

Mary Ann Marshall

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 10
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
We do not rent to children under the age of 10 yrs
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Events

No events allowed
We do not allow parties/reunions/lg gatherings
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Pets

Pets allowed
Dogs only
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Quiet time from 10pm to 8am, we are very considerate of our neighbors

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
Note from host: we do not allow parties/reunions/lg gatherings
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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Barrington

Located in Barrington, this holiday home is near theme parks and on the waterfront. Betty and Barney Hill Archive and Sarah Orne Jewett House are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Bedrock Gardens and Woodman Institute. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Lee USA Speedway or Lundholm Gymnasium. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Barrington, NH

What's nearby

  • Ayers Pond - 13 min drive - 10.7 km
  • University of New Hampshire - 15 min drive - 13.9 km
  • Flag Hill Winery - 18 min drive - 18.1 km
  • New England Dragway - 27 min drive - 27.4 km
  • Market Square - 34 min drive - 33.5 km

Getting around

  • Durham Station - 17 min drive
  • Portsmouth, NH (PSM-Portsmouth Intl.) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Sunny's Restaurant - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Subway - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Coffee Craving - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lakehouse Retreat---a Hidden Gem on Swains Lake in Barrington NH pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Lakehouse Retreat---a Hidden Gem on Swains Lake in Barrington NH?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lakehouse Retreat---a Hidden Gem on Swains Lake in Barrington NH?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lakehouse Retreat---a Hidden Gem on Swains Lake in Barrington NH located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 3 mi (4.9 km) from Stonehouse Forest and within 9 miles (15 km) of Langley & Kennard Forest and Wheelwright Pond. Ayers Pond and Little River Park are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 35 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tom Bishop B., Ridgefield, CT

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

Everything was above expectations

We had a great stay, everything was there in surplus. The house is well stocked and extraordinarily decorated/accented with .. nice artwork and other cool items. Owners very nice and helpful. Great location on the lake with view to the west for sunsets on the two decks. Stores close by for everything from, donuts to ice cream to big grocery store. Be sure to Checkout Calef's Country Store, very interested. Fishing was good, good golf nearby. We played Nippo Lake and Pease. Next time will do Breakfast Hill golf. You won't be disappointed.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tara R.

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

Lake Perfection

This was our first time renting property on Lake Swain. The house is spacious with many amenities, including a deck with gorgeous views of Lake Swain. Everything was clean and furnished nicely, with many small touches of antiques throughout the home. The lake access is easy with two different locations to access the water, one of which is beach access perfect for small children or pets. The lot is large outside with hammocks, kayaks, a variety of seating areas, and a fire pit. We had family come for two nights and they had plenty of space with the two bedrooms downstairs and an additional living room. Everyone loved the property! Lake Swain is very clean and perfect for many water activities. The sunset views from the deck were gorgeous! The owners are lovely and very helpful. We hope to rent again next summer!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Joanne N.

Lovely Lakeside Getaway

Our family spent a week this summer at Calef Island and it was truly an amazing experience. The home and property are well kept and are stocked with all the things you could possibly need. We spent most of the time grilling, swimming and just relaxing. The view is amazing, and the lake was perfect. The kids had a blast swimming and playing all day. The a/c was a nice treat especially with hot and humid weather we've been experiencing. I would highly recommend a stay here, and look forward to going back again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Marsha D.

Lovely lake house, wonderful, relaxing, fun family holiday

Our family of two seniors (mom and dad), five adult children (youngest 29, oldest in her 40's) and one very energetic Australian shepherd recently spent the 4th of July week at this lovely lakehouse. The young adult "kids" came and left on different days, as their busy professional lives allowed, with only a couple days of overlap when we were all there. Everyone found the house and location delightful. We all swam and kayak'd and the young men in the family all fished, with some degree of delicious success. The hammocks were also very big hits. The world cup was happening, so there was also a lot of soccer watching. The kitchen was wonderfully complete and we ate out only one time the whole week. We barbecued almost every night, and even made s'mores in the fire pit one night. Our California born and raised "kids" especially enjoyed setting off fireworks over the lake, something strictly forbidden at home. Most nights, the sunsets were lovely and sitting on the porch overlooking the lake with a cool glass of something was much enjoyed. The loons in the early morning were a joy to see and hear. We would all heartily recommend this lovely home to anyone looking for a beautiful place to unwind and savor some quality family/friends time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Susan L.

Best Lakeside Vacation Rental!

This wonderful home is truly a Gem on the lake. We have stayed here several years and will be back next year. We love the beautiful views across the lake (enjoying the most amazing sunsets!), the family- and dog-friendly beaches on the property, swimming and kayaking in the clean lake, listening to the loons, cooking family dinners in the well stocked kitchen, and the quiet atmosphere that Calef Island offers. The house is perfect for a couple but can also accommodate families easily. We love it here!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

Beautiful home, property, beach and lake

2016 was our 3rd year returning to this beautiful place. The lake, kayaking and swimming are just wonderful. Sitting on the deck every day having breakfast over-looking the lake, is one of our favorite things to do. Our labrador thinks this place is the best. He can’t wait to get into the water. They graciously let us bring our newly rescued 13 year old labrador. We did not know how she would do, but she loved being there and she loves to swim. That was great for exercise for her old joints. There is a beach which makes it so easy to get into the water. No climbing over rocks! Then there is the dock, the hammock and games to play. MaryAnn and Ken could not be more welcoming. The home is just perfect. The Calef Country store is not to be missed they have the best sandwiches! We came home with hundreds of memories preserved in our camera and can’t wait until next year!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

maureen s.

It really is a hidden gem!

We have been coming here for about five years so needless to say we enjoy the house, the lake (can’t beat the view) and especially the owners very much. Mary Ann and Ken are delightful, responsive people who really are very accommodating and make sure you enjoy your stay. The house is very private with a large piece of land and a spectacular view. The fishing is quite good, kayaking is great fun and reading a book on either porch is a great way to end the day. There are not a lot of restaurants nearby but if you grill something up, you can kick back and relax at any of three outside areas and you are guaranteed the best waterfront dining to be had. Can’t beat that!!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Wonderful

We love coming up here every year to Maryann & Ken's cabin because it's like coming home. Everything you need is close and at the same time you feel like you're away from it all. Best view on lake bar none. Best fireworks display I've seen it many years plus the 4th of July boat parade was amazing. Thanks again for letting use your wonderful cabin.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jeff P.

Couldn't ask for better!

The house and scenery were magnificent! My wife, my 3 daughters, and I had a great week escaping the southeastern heat and absolutely hated having to leave. Mary Ann and Ken were kind, gracious hosts and super helpful with all of my questions. We spent time swimming, kayaking, and fishing and loved the sounds of the loons. We were planning a different vacation next year, but had such an amazing time we're probably coming back!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Susan L.

A week isn't enough!

This is the second year we've come to Swain's Lake and we wondered if it could be possibly be as wonderful as our visit last year. Stepping onto the deck to see the lake was like coming home and when our last day arrived we, again, didn't want to leave. Mary Ann and Ken met us upon arrival to make sure we had everything we needed; they are wonderful, thoughtful hosts! We enjoyed many moments on the upper deck, eating meals, reading, sipping coffee and watching the changing light on the lake. We explored the nooks and crannies of the lake in the kayaks and cooled off by bobbing just off the sandy beach in the warm lake waters. Swains Lake is very clean so you get to see lots of wildlife: loons (our favorites), great blue herons, ducks and geese, hawks and fish darting in the clear waters. Every morning I watched a muskrat make her way along the shore right next to the house leaving a glassy V-shaped wake behind her. The dogs LOVED fetching their toy sticks into the water from the beach and the human swimmers in the family swam across the lake several times. In addition to several Barrington hikes, we took a day trip to Pawtuckaway State Forest and were rewarded with a beautiful hike to the top of North Mountain. Must tries are the Stonehouse Baking company (donuts! bagels!), the Calef Country Store (delicious sandwiches, homemade dog treats and the famous CCS aged cheddar cheese) and Zampa Restaurant. We've already made reservations for two weeks next year!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

The Wheats

Once again we had a wonderful stay at the lake house. Mary Ann & Ken are always great hosts and the place is always ready for two great weeks. Thanks once again for a relaxing stay on Swains Lake. Heading up for our 6th year in 2016.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Kristine C., Burlington

lovely, quiet, lakefront house

We just finished our second year renting this property. Owners are very nice and their house is very neat and clean. House is well stocked, it will have most everything you could think of. Lots of fun nooks outside for kids to explore. There is several lake entrances on property, so its nice to decide whether to walk in or jump in! The lake is exceptionally warm!! My teen daughters loved being downstairs (where their bedrooms were) as they had their own space and privacy. I like to go for runs and this was a safe area to do so. Very hilly, but beautiful country roads to explore. I would recommend planning on eating at home because there aren't many good restaurants nearby. Ogunquit is 40 minutes away, so if we craved lobsters and steamers, we'd go there. Otherwise, I would recommend this for a family that just loves mellow, old fashion summertime days spent by the lake.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Shawn R.

6 Stars!!!

Can't say enough good things about our stay. The home is clean and cozy with everything you may need. Any item you can think of is up to date and in perfect working condition. The property is spread out and multi-leveled. Plenty of places for shade / sun - family or quiet time. Ken and Mary Ann were wonderful hosts. Always prompt, courteous and friendly. Their home is perfect to get away and yet still close enough to civilization for any thing that comes to mind. You could not as for a better location. We are a family with 3 young adults (17, 18, 20) and we are all avid fishermen / boaters. There is a rope swing just across the lake (Swing at your own risk) and also some hills for hiking. Fishing wise it was just ridiculous... We have a bass boat and fish avidly throughout the morning and evening. 20 - 30 fish daily still may be understated... Mostly in the 1 pound range but we did mange quite a few lunkers as well. We were not disappointed by any means. (4 pounder right off the dock) Very impressed with how healthy the lake was overall. Full of life. The lake itself is under 400 acres but with all of the coves, islands and channels is appears much, much larger. From the upper deck you have the best view of the sunsets and the entire lake overall. Absolutely beautiful. You are tucked away but still right in the middle of all the action. It has to be the best piece of property on the lake for too many reasons to list We would give it 6 Stars if we were able to... Previous reviews say the same thing. The pictures of the home and property don't tell the whole story of how lovely this place is. We would love to come back again next season. Thank you for sharing your beautiful home. We had such a great time. The "R " Family
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Randy C.

What a special place!

Myself, wife and two children had an absolute blast! The house was immaculate and had every amenity we could ever need. The sunsets were amazing and truly a tranquil week. I brought up my boat and was able to launch on site which made it very easy to take in and out. Although I wont tell you where the fish are... But can say that i had no problems catching 20+ bass a day. We will definitely be back hopefully year after year!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

Wonderful Get-a-way

My husband, myself and our black lab, Morgan, rented this wonderful place for a week, the first week of September 2014. It’s always hard for us to get away from work so this was a real treat for us. The weather was beautiful, and the house was lovely. The kitchen had everything you could want. We ate most meals on the upper deck overlooking the lake...ahhhh. Listening to the loons across the lake was wonderful. There is a dock, stone stairs into the lake and a stone bulkhead which are great. But the best thing is the sandy beach. You will need water shoes as you do in most lakes, but the big rocks did not start until you are about 10-15 feet into the water. Our dog loved splashing in the shallow water. We used the kayaks every day and having the beach made it easy to get in and out versus using a dock. We brought floats and it was so relaxing to just float around in the water. And there are several TVs and high speed internet access (a must for us in case work called). Don't forget to visit the Calef country store and order their delicious sandwiches. The ice cream shop nearby was great, Morgan especially liked that.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Susan L.

Wonderful Place to Visit!

We spent a week on Calef Island at the end of July and cannot recommend it enough! This is a wonderful place to relax. MaryAnn and Ken have thought of EVERYTHING that you might want or need to make your stay comfortable and fun. This is the first vacation-home kitchen that really does have everything that you need to prepare whatever meals you might want. We really appreciated that our two dogs could come on vacation with us. They spent many happy hours chasing their toys into the water at the sandy beach. Swains Lake is perfect for swimming or just bobbing, warm enough to welcome you in at any time of day. We went kayaking every day, took walks on the local trails and quiet roads, rested in the hammocks, enjoyed dinners on the deck looking out over the lake, listened to the calls of the loons (and enjoyed an entire day when they were fishing right in front of the house), fished, caught and released numerous small bass and gazed out at the serenity of the lake. The pictures of the house and grounds are good but don't do the place justice. The house is situated in such a way that you really feel like you barely have neighbors. The lake was busy with people enjoying water sports on the weekend but during the week it was much quieter. We discovered many beautiful nooks and crannies during our paddles around the lake. The rock outcroppings and lush vegetation are beautiful! We will be back next year! Thank you, Ken and Mary Ann, for sharing your wonderful home with us!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Still Our Favorite Place

We spent another two weeks at Swain's Lake and it's getting harder to leave each year. Most times if you revisit the same place after going once you are disappointed because it just never captures the first time experience again. However this was our fourth year at the lake and we think it actually gets better each year. The only problem is it takes us longer each year to adjust to normal living. Ken & Mary Ann are great hosts, we always look forward to coming back. Remember that after our fifth time next year we expect to added to the will, LOL. Thank you again for a wonderful two weeks.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ginger R., Southborough, MA

Wonderful Old-fashion Vacation

Our family had a wonderful stay at Swain's Lake. Owners were wonderful to work with and the property was fantastic. We were truly able to enjoy and "old-fashion" lake house vacation with boating, fishing, and floating on the lake. We watched the loons every morning while we enjoyed our coffee on the upper deck, the kids loved exploring the lake, and it was a great location for Boots (our aging black lab) to easily access the water. The kitchen was well equipped - we made dinner in every night and found everything we needed to prepare our meals. Beds were comfortable and the kids had plenty of space to "relax" inside during our rainy day. Loved all of the board games, too! I would highly recommend this property to anyone who is looking for an old-fashioned family vacation full of MANY happy memories! Thanks for sharing your home-away-from-home Mary Ann and Ken!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Larry C.

super place

My family and I stayed at this home for a month and it was fabulous. The location was totally awesome with views of the lake that were breath taking...and we got to see them every day. There was a pair of bald eagles that we saw about every other day soaring close to our top deck. The house itself was very cozy and was beautifully adorned. I appreciated the opportunity to stay on the island during my stay and the owners were very helpful. larry
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Susan M., West Islip, NY

Beautiful View

Our family of 6 had a great time on Swain's Lake. Mary Ann and Ken were wonderful to work with and met us at the home on our arrival. We were pleasantly surprised at how big the property was and very private and peaceful. The house had plenty of room for our 4 kids and there was plenty to do. They all loved the swing and hammocks, swimming in the lake and exploring the lake on the kayaks. My favorite part was watching the sunset over the lake every night. The kitchen has plenty of room and everything you would need to prepare meals. During our week we visited Portsmouth, Kennebunkport, Portland and took the Cog Railway to the top of Mt. Washington. We also visited the Ice Cream shop down the road. Thank you Mary Ann and Ken for a wonderful week in your home.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Greer Family

We so enjoyed our stay at this home away from home. We enjoyed all of the lovely "spots" to swim, sit, relax, read and watch the sunsets. We really enjoyed eating outdoors and the after dark fires in the outdoor fireplace. The camp has all of the things you need for cooking. It is near to the grocery store, movie theater and there are two very nice, affordable golf courses very close by. The washer/dryer come in handy to dry all of those swimming towels. Thank you so much for letting us have our dogs at the camp. One loved the swimming and the other we took on many hikes. It was so nice being able to have them with us. The sunsets were beautiful but the very best time of the day is first thing in the morning, relaxing in the peace and quiet on the deck. Thank you so much, Mary Ann and Ken. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful spot!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Third Time A Charm

Well it was our 3rd year at the cabin and this time we stayed 2 weeks. We finally got a chance to visit Portsmouth and Seabrook for some lobster rolls. We went to the Market Basket down the road and bought 8 dozen clams and 6 lobsters for around $60.00 and had quite a clam bake. I can't really see how you can beat this property for a vacation, we saw the greatest sunsets from the upper deck almost every night, weather permitting and again just hated to leave. Thanks again Mary Ann & Ken for allowing us to share your wonderful place on the lake.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Fabulous Experience!

My family has been renting on various NH lakes for decades, and this was by far our best experience. This cottage is everything promised and more - private without being remote, beautiful views, plenty of space and all of the amenities provided for us. We rented in the fall and it was spectacular - seeing the colors of the foliage change as we watched the sunset from the deck - absolutely breathtaking. We hiked and kayaked and had the best time, and were able to relax in the peace and quiet too. Mary Ann and Ken have thought of everything - and meeting them in person was one of the highlights of our stay. We'll definitely be back - can't wait!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

YGNb92huzr1Knw1YQRYCOjhHtYQS23obm+i/VljM+NDY5PlyfycoIPKUA5cU0qqF Y.

One of our nicest vacations

This year, my family and I wanted to find a vacation spot to spend some quality time and relax, and this was just the place. Upon arrival, Mary Ann met us with a warm smile and showed us around her lovely home. The pictures on the website do not do the home justice. The interior is very comfortable, and a place you settle into right away. The view from the upper deck is simply breathtaking. The evening sunset view from here warranted at least 60 photos from the week. The house was so well equipped; all we needed to bring was food and towels. We grilled out most nights and enjoyed the views from the patio area. We even made fast friends with the three ducks who visited us each night. To our surprise, our daughter, who is not the real outdoorsy type, transformed over night. She caught her first fish and learned to kayak, and begged us to try and stay longer! We will definitely plan on coming back here again. Thank you Mary Ann and Ken for allowing us to enjoy your beautiful home.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Very Happy Campers

It was our second time renting this lake house and it's looking good for another year. To be honest we really can't find anything that can top it. We rent a couple vacation homes a year and this house is the only one we have ever returned to, it's that special. The owners are very easy to deal with and always respond to any questions in a very timely manner. The lake front of this house just cannot be beat, it has it all, a boat ramp, dock, hammocks, sandy beach & sunning area, firepit, even steps going down to the water. Again, like last year, we had outings planned but once you sit on that top deck and look out over the lake you forget about all your plans and end up vegging all week. Really all you need to bring is a good book however you might never open it. Thanks Mary Ann & Ken for another wonderful week at your lake house.

About the host

Hosted by Mary Ann Marshall

Host profile image
My husband and I have lived in New England our entire lives. We enjoy the beautiful four seasons and especially love the outdoors. Hiking, swimming, skiing, kayaking, or just enjoying the wildlife are only some of our passions. Trying to balance a busy work week with time for the outdoors had been a real challenge, until we bought the house on Calef Island.

My husband has renovated the property, starting with the downstair bedrooms, adding a full bath, and updating the family room. He has just completed replacing the two bathrooms upstairs, windows and all. He is a true genius, already is planning projects for 2021.

I, on the other hand, try not to irritate him with last minute changes and tweaks that inevitably drive him nuts......wall colors are the hardest, he thinks I should seek counseling.

Why they chose this property

Growing up in the Berkshires, in western Massachusetts, I have always loved the endless hills, valleys and lakes. One of my fondest memories was spending my summers at my grandfathers cottage on Pontoosuc Lake in Lanesborough, MA.
When I married and moved to the Boston area my husband and I wanted a property closer to us. Friends knew of this and asked us to see their home.

It truly was love at first sight, as we walked in the back door (front door is on the water) we could see straight to the lake, with the sparkling waters and sounds of Loons. The windows were open and a soft breeze filled the house. The water was only 20ft from the front door. Sunny with open views of conservation area, wildlife, blue skies, and the soft waves made it quite mesmerizing.

We knew there would not be another property to better this one and we have never regretted it!

What makes this property unique

The wonderful feature of this home is that you drive directly to the back door, unload, and walk out the front door to sun and fun.
It is clean, private, quiet, and peaceful.
That is why most of our weeks are rented to repeat guests that have been with us over 8 years, taking two or more weeks for their total enjoyment.

***Because families contact us directly they cannot add to the reviews on HomeAway
Call directly at 508-265-5487
Look forward to speaking with you
Mary Ann

Languages:

English