Welcome to your private woodland retreat surrounded by nature. Resting on a wooded hilltop within one of the largest high-elevation forests in the region, this charming log cabin offers the perfect blend of seclusion and convenience. Located in the heart of the Finger Lakes region, you’ll be just a short drive from the vibrant towns of Ithaca and Watkins Glen, known for their wineries, dining, lakes, gorges, waterfalls, and cultural attractions.
Simple Attractive Design:
Step inside and feel instantly at home. An open-concept interior highlights the classic and traditional log cabin structure with its large wooden beams. An attractive glass-fronted wood stove perches on a mason-built local-stone hearth. Large windows frame tranquil forest views. The fully equipped kitchen with full-sized refrigerator, microwave, and dual fuel range has everything you need to prepare gourmet meals, and the dining room table is roomy enough for enjoying those meals—or a board game—with loved ones. The bathroom features a charming clawfoot tub for showering…or soaking. Two queen beds in the roomy loft comfortably sleep four people, and custom-fitted “sleep kits” for the sofas allow accommodation of up to two additional sleepers. Curl up and watch a movie with the projector and large (retractable) screen. You’ll find the high-speed Wi-Fi allows you to stay as connected as you desire, but the space is also designed to encouraged disconnecting from the outside world and lingering in a different way with your favorite person, or your favorite people, or even a well-behaved furry friend.
Simply Picturesque Grounds:
Step outside to see, hear and feel nature on the big covered porch. Set-up an outdoor meal around the “smoke-less" fire pit. Wander around the salamander-, frog-, and koi-filled pond ringed by tiny native wildflowers. Maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of our neighborhood mink. Or put on your hiking boots, pack a lunch, and head down-slope to meander the private 50-acres, or pick up the Finger Lakes Trail. You could spend countless days exploring the nearly 12,000 acres of State-owned conservation lands surrounding the property. Hike, relax, grill, toast marshmallows and watch the sun set over the wooded hill beyond pond. Listen to the frogs. Star-gaze. The quiet hilltop location will fill you with peace and tranquility.
Nearby Attractions:
The neighboring seasonal roads are excellent for biking in the summer, and provide some of the best trails around for snowshoeing and x-country skiing in winter.
Finger Lakes Trail Access:
Use the cabin as your basecamp for day hikes along this unique long-distance hiking trail system that spans approximately 580 miles through the Finger Lakes region from Allegheny State Park in the west to the Catskill Mountains in the east.
More In the Out of Doors:
For more hiking, picnicking and swimming, four of the Finger Lakes’ finest State Parks—Watkins Glen, Robert Treman, Buttermilk Falls, and Taughannock Falls—are within 15 miles.
Lakes, Lakes, Lakes:
In summer, nearby Seneca, Cayuga and Cayuta lakes offer ample water-based summer recreation.
And For Everything Else:
Music, shopping, food, drink—you are only 12 miles from downtown Ithaca, 15 miles from Watkins Glen, and 13 miles from the village of Trumansburg.
Ithaca (12 mi/20 min):
Explore shopping and dining on the Ithaca Commons, visit Cornell University, College Town, Ithaca College, dozens of restaurants (with diverse ethnic offerings), the famous Ithaca’s Farmer’s Market, the Science Center, Stuart Park, Cass Park and Ice Skating Rink, the Children’s Park, and multiple annual festivals.
Watkins Glen (20 mi/30 min):
Discover the famous Watkins Glen State Park, dip into Seneca Lake at Watkins Glen Beach, visit nearby Montour Falls, explore the beauty of Seneca Lake and it’s many wineries and breweries, or have a meal at one of the many unique restaurants and cafes.
Trumansburg (13 mi/20 min):
Take a stroll in a beautiful deep gorge to the stunning 215-foot waterfall at Taughannock Falls State Park—or just pull up at the overlook. Take a swim in Cayuga Lake, but when you’re done, don’t miss the quaint village main street, with its perfect little set of offerings: Sundries gift shop, Gimme Coffee shop, Main Street Market (local and specialty foods), Garrett’s Brewery, and Atlas Bowl (yes, hip bowling with complete bar and kitchen). Or get your dance on at the famous GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance. Visit the lively Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays all through the summer and fall. Heck, jump on the Black Diamond Trail and bike the 15 miles down to Ithaca’s Cass Park!
Finger Lakes Beer and Wine:
Sample award-winning wines and craft beers at dozens of nearby vineyards and breweries and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region.
Whether you’re seeking a getaway, a retreat, or discovery and an adventure, with your partner or your family, this log cabin is the perfect home base. Book your stay today and experience the natural beauty and vibrant local culture of the Finger Lakes!
INFORMATION FOR GUESTS
Cell Service:
The property has limited/spotty cell service.
Please check with your provider to confirm your service quality.
The cabin does have high-speed, fiber-optic WiFi for your use.
Winter Access:
The main road to the cabin is maintained year round, but the elevation means we get more snow locally than the surrounding areas.
All-wheel drive is always advisable and occasionally necessary during the winter months.
Your Furry Friends:
Dog are allowed, conditionally.
Need prior approval and agreement to our pet policy & pet fee (see below).
The *Other* Furry Friends:
More often than not, you won’t see a bit of wildlife besides birds and pond critters.
However, we do have lots of wildlife around including fox, coyote, fishers, raccoons, and **MULTIPLE RESIDENT PORCUPINES**
We almost never see these creatures, but our camera traps log them routinely, and your dog could quickly find one.
Dog owners are highly recommended to keep their dog on a leash and under control at all times if there is any chance they will stray from you and into the woods.
The Littlest Friends:
We run as clean and tight a ship as we can in order to keep the smaller “wildlife” outside and away from our cabin.
We’ve not had problems with mice in the house, but over the course of your stay you may hear a squirrel on the roof, or a woodpecker exploring the cabin perimeter, or encounter a chatty curious Phoebe nesting nearby.
Insects are perpetually finding their way in in small numbers. We routinely vacuum such intruders away. This should be a minor nuisance for most guests. However, know yourself; if bugs disturb you, this might not be the best place for you ; )
Not Really a Swimming Pond:
The pond is primarily for wildlife and ambience, not so much for swimming (by people or pets). But there is a little dingy to get out onto it.
Amenities:
- Fully equipped kitchen
- Wood stove for chilly nights
- Spacious porch with ample seating
- “Smokeless” Fire pit (Breeo) with cooking equipment
- Adirondack chairs
- Picnic table
- Charcoal grill (bring your own charcoal)
- Private trails on the property
- Ample parking
House Rules:
- Check in after 3:00 PM & Check out before 11:00 AM
- Minimum age to rent: 22
- Children allowed: 0-17, however the cabin is not baby or child proofed
- No “events” allowed (parties)
- No excessive loud noise (yelling or music), especially after 10 (we have two neighbors within shouting distance)
- Smoking is not permitted, evidence of smoking will incur an additional cleaning fee.
- Pets are allowed with pre-approval only (see Pet Policy below) and agreement to Pet Policy rules
- No firearms (including BB guns & air rifles) or fireworks at any time
- Open fires/campfires are permitted only in the fire pit.
- Hunting and wood-cutting is not permitted on the property.
- ATVs are not permitted on the property.
We have two surveillance cameras at the house (external/outside only).
Pet Policy:
- This property is dog-friendly (maximum 2 medium or 100 combined lbs of dog).
- Dogs must be completely housebroken, well-behaved, and pest free.
- A $50 pet fee will be charged.
- Dogs must be kept in control at all times while outdoors.
- We are going for a “leave no trace” model of dog occupancy:
---- Guests are responsible for cleaning up and properly disposing of dog waste in the yard areas
---- Inside the cabin, dogs will not be left unattended unless crated
---- Dogs are not allowed on furniture nor on or in beds
---- No dog play inside cabin (i.e. throwing balls, chasing, jumping, scratching, skidding, etc.)
---- If pets have an accident in the cabin, all clean-ups will be performed by the Guests
---- Upon leaving, Guests agree to clean-up after their pets (fur/mud/dirt/other messes, basic supplies provided)
---- Guests agree that they will not use any house linens or towels on pets or pet clean-up; only those brought by Guests for their pets
---- If any pets are brought and the pet fee was not paid, there will be a $150 fee taken out of your deposit
---- Guests agree that failure to comply with clean-ups inside cabin or outside cabin will result in an additional cleaning charge of not less than $100
---- Guests agree to pay for any damages caused by pets