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Waterfront, Sandy Beaches, Airstrip, Private Retreat

Photo gallery for Waterfront, Sandy Beaches, Airstrip, Private Retreat

Main house from dock
Terrace/patio
Aerial view
sunset from sandy beach
sandy beaches

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Grand Isle, VT
  • Place, Savage Island
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, University of Vermont
  • Place, Church Street Marketplace
  • Airport, Burlington, VT (BTV-Burlington Intl.)

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 5

4 Single Beds

Downstairs Bedroom 1

2 Double Beds

Screened porch Bedroom 5

4 Single Beds

Upstairs Bedroom 2 with private deck

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs master Bedroom 4 with two private decks and bathroom

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1 downstairs with washer and dryer

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Master Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Upstairs Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

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

About this property

Waterfront, Sandy Beaches, Airstrip, Private Retreat

This spectacular 207 acre private island estate offers incredible views, sunsets and sunrises, privacy and luxurious living in a green and eco sensitive manner. The main house is beautifully and comfortably furnished with hardwood floors throughout. The first floor open design features a large living room with two sets of French doors opening onto wrap-around porch/deck, wood stove and 2 story ceilings. Well-equipped kitchen (with spices and cooking basics available) overlooks the living room providing a relaxed entertaining and living atmosphere. Small dining nook off kitchen seats 5-6 and perfect for breakfast or crafting with kids. Dining room has large table that seats 12 with French doors opening onto a screened in eating area seating 6-8. A new screened-in sleeping porch on the north side of the house features four singles beds great for kids or adults looking for cool breezes at night. A den/5th bedroom, large slate-floored mudroom and bath/laundry room complete the first floor. Upstairs is a magnificent master bedroom with two small decks facing south and east, queen bed, walk-in closet and full bath. Two other bedrooms (one with deck) and a shared bath with shower are on the second floor. Comfortably sleeps 8 adults with small pull out ideal for a child and screened porch for up to 4 additional guests. A spiral staircase leads to the third floor enclosed widow's walk and offers gorgeous sunset and 360 degree views of island and lake. This property is 'off the grid' with an extensive photovoltaic solar system that supplies power to the main house. A back-up generator helps during the cloudy days, but some accommodation for nature's proclivities is required. An island caretaker and working farmer in residence at the south end is available to assist guests with navigating the solar system as well as providing trips ashore as needed. Panoramic views of water, mountains and pastoral fields are enjoyed from every room of the house. Extensive sandy beaches are just a 5 minute walk. Three mile mowed walking and running paths circle the island and are perfect for fitness minded guests. Fly in to a 2500 foot runway with excellent approaches north and south. Our caretaker grows lovely flowers and vegetables to share with guests and are yours for the picking. Savage Island is magic and the perfect place to relax with family and friends. Various beach and water toys and bikes are also for you to use.

Keywords: beaches, pastoral, scenic, fly-in, kid and pet friendly, confortable

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Mountain view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 1 total)
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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
This property uses solar energy
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
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

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Grand Isle

Located in Grand Isle, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Kent Delord House Museum and Champlain Valley Transportation Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Hero's Welcome and Crete Memorial Civic Center. Travelling with kids? Consider Strand Center for the Arts and Baggs' Landing. Kayaking and windsurfing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking/biking trails nearby.
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Map
Grand Isle, VT

What's nearby

  • Savage Island - 1 min walk - 0.0 km

Getting around

  • St. Albans Station - 28 min drive
  • Plattsburgh, NY (PBG-Plattsburgh Intl.) - 75 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Rest Stop
  • Sandbar Bar And Grill
  • McKee's Island Pub & Pizza
  • Pan's Pizza
  • Blue Paddle Bistro

Frequently asked questions

Is Waterfront, Sandy Beaches, Airstrip, Private Retreat pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Waterfront, Sandy Beaches, Airstrip, Private Retreat?

As of 15 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Waterfront, Sandy Beaches, Airstrip, Private Retreat on 18 Sept 2024 start from AU$1,576, 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 Waterfront, Sandy Beaches, Airstrip, Private Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Waterfront, Sandy Beaches, Airstrip, Private Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Waterfront, Sandy Beaches, Airstrip, Private Retreat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront, Sandy Beaches, Airstrip, Private Retreat located?

This family-friendly Grand Isle holiday home is located on a lake, within 3 mi (5 km) of Savage Island, Hyde Log Cabin and Grand Isle State Park. Hero's Welcome and Knight Point State 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. 37 out of 37 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 37 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 37 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 37 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 37 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Seth G.

Amazing property!

Could not have asked for a better vacation! The island was amazing and the house had everything we could've asked for. Wayne was super helpful and was always available to help if we needed anything. Can't wait to go back!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

ernest c., San Rafael

Heaven.

Best amazing location for a great getaway. Caretaker is wonderful, owners are wonderful. The location is a secluded paradise. Beautiful. I'd give it ten stars if I could.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Mick N.

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

Slice of Heaven

The host is fantastic and accommodating, the caretakers Wayne and Lynn We’re proactively helpful and seemed to go out of their way to be available but unintrusive. They were so great. The property and house are lovely. You can feel the good family vibes from their years of love at the property and it’s just stunningly beautiful. Hope to visit again soon! Thank you, Helen for hosting us! 🙏
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Russ P.

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

Privacy, fun, serenity

Our sojourn on Savage Island was truly glorious. Our deck faced east across Lake Champlain to Vermont, and a five-minute walk took us to a sandy beach on the west side of the island looking west to the Adirondacks. The remainder of the 200 acres were ours to enjoy as we wished, along with our most affable and helpful caretakers, Wayne and Lynn, a few sheep and chickens, and occasional guests in one other dwelling to our north. The privacy and scenery were sublime. We had a happy week we'll never forget.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Shane K.

Beautiful, tranquil and very, very special.

The Savage Island farm was the perfect escape for our family of five (my wife and I, our two teen daughters and our Nova Scotia Duck Toller Retriever). The house is beautiful, with stunning views, windows that capture the breeze, broad porches that offer sun and shade, bookshelves full of delightful family photos and great reads and an overall feeling of character and warmth. The island itself is full of its own delights, from sandy beach to intricate slate rocks, meadows and groves of trees. Add in a couple of lamb and a family of chickens and the setting is almost complete. The only thing missing is Wayne, the incredibly helpful and friendly caretaker who is there to help in any way you might need. For those of you who need to stay on-grid, you should know it's doable but not easy. I had to do some email and phone work on a couple of mornings, and there is no wifi, and my cell connection (via ATT) was sometimes good, sometimes not. Don't expect to get a lot done. Streaming video? Very challenging. But who needs to with this much non-work to enjoy!?!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Paul C.

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

Your own, amazing private island

We just returned from my second trip to Savage Island and it was every bit as stunning as it was the first time. 207 acres all to yourself. Beautiful sunsets, rainbows, and rolling fields of grass. Best of all...no crowds. If you're looking to unwind on a serene island getaway, you can't do much better.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Annika H.

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

AMAZING!!!!

We have fallen entirely in love with Savage Island! We can't say enough about how lovely our week was. The island is breathtaking; the house is perfect; the land is green and lush. Our week consisted of endless coffee on the wrap around porches; morning runs around the island; fresh eggs from the farm; slow days on the lake boating, swimming, snorkeling, and snoozing; yard games; cooking and enjoying slow dinners on the deck; and fantastic nights of sleep. Wayne and Lynn are fantastic caretakers and we are so thankful to the Riehle family for sharing this special place with us. It is so clear just how much this island is adored by family and friends; add us to the list of people holding Savage Island in a special place in our hearts. We hope to be back!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Hilary M.

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

Great Spot

This is such a special place. From the views to Wayne and Lynn that help make everything seamless. We can't wait to come back!

10/10 Excellent

Ethan C.

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

Savage Island is the Best!

We had a fantastic week staying on Savage Island for a second year in a row. What an awesome place. It is such a beautiful and unique property with lots of great adventures to be had. Wayne took great care of us and keeps the house and island in great shape. We enjoyed days at the beach, boating, epic Risk board games and lots of fun for both the kids and adults. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Anise R.

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

Beautiful Escape

We love Savage Island and everything about it. Countless walks around the island provided beautiful views of the changing seasons in Vermont. The house is gorgeous with tons of outdoor entertaining space and all the necessities for outdoor adventures and games. Wayne is an excellent caretaker and host, effortlessly shuttling us to the island and ensuring we had everything we needed for a perfect week. We highly recommend Savage Island for a beautiful, relaxing escape with friends and family. Can't wait to return.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Matt

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

Perfect getaway

This place is pretty magical. The wrap-a-round porch made getting a breeze, some shade or some sun the choice of the day. The bikes were an added touch that made exploring the whole island so easy. We had the pleasure of riding out a Tropical storm and the puzzles, games and movies made it perfect. The gem of the island is Wayne who is there for every need you may have, always with a smile and a good story to go with it. Can’t wait to return!!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ethan C.

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

Fantastic Island Escape!

We had a great week on Savage Island. In these difficult times, getting away to an island for a week was the perfect retreat for us all to regroup and relax with friends and family. Getting to the island was easy (the launch fit our shocking amount of supplies for the week without issue) and Wayne and Lynn were super helpful throughout the stay. We also brought our own boat which opened up exploring all of the inland sea which was really fun and exciting! The house fit a large group well and had everything we needed, the beaches were great and there was lots to explore! We will be back for sure.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Daniel L.

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

Best kept secret!

I have wanted to rent this property for years, and finally got a group together to do it... boy am I glad I did! It was everything and more. What an amazing spot to put everything aside and relax for a while. Walking/biking trails, beaches galore, wild flowers, and the best sunrises and sunsets. We brought a boat and landed a plane - both seamless to do. The caretaker Wayne was amazing, and communication with Helen was great too. Overall one of the best trips I’ve taken... mostly because of the beauty, allure, and solitude of Savage Island.

10/10 Excellent

Jamie M.

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

Selfishly, we probably shouldn't share such a positive review!

I suppose we should try and "game the system," offering a poor review so that this beautiful, peaceful, fun-filled, hide-away, remains unknown, and thus more available for use by our family. However, as both the owners and property managers are so nice, generous, and accommodating--despite the risk of this amazing property being booked throughout following summers--we simply have to give Savage Island top marks: all five stars. Savage Island is the ideal get-away for a large family (this was our second visit with 14 people). It accommodates large group activities--three large beaches, family dining inside and out, huge green space (volleyball, Frisbee golf, flag football, croquet), hiking, etc.--as well as small spaces to read a book, go for a (two person) sail, find a friend for a kayak or bike ride around the island, or just slip away for a walk during sunset. Wayne, who manages the property, is AMAZING. There is nothing we needed (he took care of everything before we arrived), but if we did need anything (forgot groceries, needed ice, more firewood), he willingly and happily helped us out. Wayne was conscientious of our privacy, while checking in enough to make sure we were all settled and set up. My suggestion--once you get to the island, stay on the island! Don't try to go into town or Burlington... get all your groceries before arriving... don't go over "antiquing" or shopping. Just stay on the island and enjoy the solitude, your family and friends, and the experiences only available on an island and with the lake. But most of all, don't book your visit during our family's preferred weeks!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Maria P.

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

Great Vacation Home

We really loved the privacy and island experience. The magic of Savage Island made for a lifetime of memories.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Helen R.

One word—fabulous!

An absolute delight.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Helen T.

The best vacation we've ever had

This property was perfect for our group - young-ish family with pre-teen kids, newly weds and grandparents. There was something for everyone! The house is gorgeous, open and airy. The island provides the sun and light breeze. Beaches on every side of the island let us move between sun and shade as desired, and see the sunset and sunrise from the beach. We had smores every night on a campfire! And Wayne, the caretaker, is the best onsite host you can ask for - at the door within 5 mins if you need him, invisible when you don't, and such a nice guy with fun insights about the island.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jamie M.

Everything we dreamed of, met all our expectations

Says it all... youtu.be/0b51tONecA4
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Shelly G.

Third Amazing Stay

Our family enjoyed a third vacation on Savage Island. The island is like a magical self-contained world where kids can roam free, explore wildlife, and swim the lake. A great place to make memories. Thanks again to Wayne, the island caretaker, handyman, and great host.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Audree F.

Savage Island is AMAZING

This was our second time at Savage Island and we had a fabulous time! It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Wayne, the caretaker, is wonderfully helpful and a really nice guy. We can't wait to go back!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Michael K.

Outstanding and exceptional experience

Savage island is like no other vacaion rental. Not only is the house stunning and the scenery marvelous but the quality of lodging also exceeded our expectations. The 207 acre island offers uncompromising levels of natural beauty and exploration like no other, one could spend weeks exploring the beaches along the shore, trails throughout the woods and waters surrounding the island. Wayne, the caretaker is extremely accommodating and caters to your needs at a moments notice. Make sure to pack plenty of ice and fresh water for your stay along with your food. Other than bear essentials not much else is needed to have a spectacular time. We certainly plan on going back in the near future and would highly reccomend Savage Island to anyone who prefers a unique and memorable vacation experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

ernest c., San Rafael

Heaven. Amazing experience.

Wow. I love this place. This island is magical with a wonderful history. You need to ask the caretaker for specifics however this area played a major role in the revolutionary war. As well as home to some interesting people over the years. Today, this island is a tranquil oasis for you and family and friends as you have over 200 acres for yourself surrounded by great beaches. They offer free water vehicles like kayaks and sailboats. Also great for romance. I can image spending a quiet week with my honey here. You will be alone to spend quality time together. The home is wonderful for entertaining and relaxing. The sky at night is magical. We had a waterfront fire every night. Helen, the owner, is also amazing and will ensure your stay is top-notch. All in all this place is heaven on earth and one of my favorite places to spend time. Rocco
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

William O.

A truly unique kind of vacation

Myself and a group of friends spent 4 nights here on July, and it was a fantastic experience. Coming from a large city, I can't understate how much I appreciated the serenity and seclusion of being disconnected from everything. There are some caveats with being in in a self-sustaining house on an island. The refrigerator doesn't get very cold, 110v wall plugs are hard to come by, and the lack of internet service and spotty signal may seem unappealing at first. However, the longer I was there, the less I found myself needing to check in online, or use my electronics. The caretaker, Wayne, was absolutely delightful. He never took issue with needing rides to and from the island, and was always up for a chat. He's also on the island, along with a few of the owners on occasion, but you'd hardly know they were there. All in all, I see myself booking a trip for next year very soon. I can't imagine visiting Burlington any other way at this point.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lindsey L.

Beautiful and Homey

My family and I stayed on the Island in between wedding events for a family member. We had a beautiful June weekend with wonderful springtime weather! It was a beautiful location to rest and recuperate. Thank you so much!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.

10/10 Excellent

Audree F.

Amazing!

We had the best time! The island is absolutely beautiful and the house is everything we hoped for and more. The owner was extremely pleasant and easy to work with, and the caretaker was very helpful with ferrying us back and forth to the island, along with all of our stuff. I highly recommend this property - we are already trying to plan when we can go back next!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2016

About the host

Hosted by Helen Riehle

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

My father-in-law bought the island in 1955 as a weekend retreat from the NYC area. He ended up relocating to Vermont and the island became his passion, building first a small log cabin, then an airstrip, and eventually creating a small sheep farm with several barns and fenced pastures. Following retirement the island became a summer and holiday gathering place and the main home was built in 1990s. Family weddings, reunions and various fund-raising events have enjoyed the incredible spot. The three sons now oversee the island and are pleased to share this special place with others.

What makes this property unique

The island is a wonderful place to get away from the stresses and noise of the real world. We help with haying and gardening if we want physical activity or simply sit and enjoy the sunsets, beaches and lake activities.

Languages:

English
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