Historic Lake Cottage in Seneca Lake

The two-story, lake level Historic Lake Cottage, was built around 1890 in a small ravine as a small fruit packing house. In the early 1900s the Osgood family converted the cedar- sided building into their summer cottage to enjoy the beauties and serenity of Seneca Lake. My family purchased the property in the summer of 1935. I have now seen three family generations learn to swim, hike the nearby ravines and build campfires nearly every night in the summer.
There is more than 250 feet of private beach with a 180 degree view of one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Geneva at the north is named after Geneva, Switzerland, noted for its exquisite beauty. Swimming, sunning, reading, snacking, watching spectacular sunsets--all from the privacy of your own beach.

The Historic Lake Cottage itself, with its glassed/screened front porch only 30 feet from the lake shore, keeps you involved in the environment, watching the rain or storms rise out of the northwest, or sitting with the setting sun directly across the lake, three miles wide at this point.

The living room, lounge area, holds the cable TV, DVD, lots of books and magazines, table for board and card games which have been used by my familiy and many guests.

Although cooking seems to have declined these past years, the cottage kitchen offers ample space for amateur chefs. It is equipped with an electric stove, large  fridge, coffee maker, micro,  various pots and pans, for those of us who love to cook, even on vacation. There's a gas grill on the back deck for BBQs, too.

The upstairs sleeps four in an open-floor plan, with a double bed looking out over the water, and bunk beds in the back. The full bathroom that divides the area, has a shower and tub. Morning coffee is delicious on the upper back deck which looks out over the small creek and woods.

Fishing in Seneca Lake is world class. Ask for further information.

There is cable TV, DVD, CD, gas grill, picnic table, beach chairs; rowboat and a swim raft, campfire pit for smores and songs.

The Historic Lake Cottage borders on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail with some of the top wineries in the States.

The Seneca Lake Wine Trail between Lodi and Watkins Glen offers 23 wineries in 23 miles. Some wineries offer excellent dining for lunch or dinner. Neighboring Amish farmers provide fresh fruits and vegetables in season on roadside stands.

Just to the south, in Hector, is New York's only National Forest - the Finger Lakes National Forest. With hiking trails crossing federal grazing land, the walk is similar to trails in England.

The cottage is about half an hour's drive from Ithaca, home to Cornell University and Ithaca College. Ithaca offers a variety of great restaurants, shopping opportunities, and beautiful gardens, especially the Plantation Garden at Cornell.

Watkins Glen, with its Grand Prix Racing, is 30 minutes away, as is Geneva to the North with Hobart and William Smith Colleges.

Continue on from Watkins to the Corning Glass Center, a world-class attraction, not to be missed.

To the North, Seneca Falls, also a half hour drive, is home to the Women's Rights Movement and Elizabeth Cady Stanton House.

Neigboring Taughannock Falls State Park, with its spectacular 250' falls and walking trail to the falls which are higher than Niagara, is about 20 miles away.

Public golf is a 10-minute drive for a well- kept 9-hole course, and New York State maintains a boat ramp at Lodi Point, where you may also rent a slip for your boat.

And don't forget Cooperstown, about two and one-half hours east, for the thrill of your baseball passion and for a touch of class at Glimmerglass summer opera.

Open May 12 through October 13, 2012.

Day Rate:     May 12 to June 23: $240 day with a two-day minimum.
                    September 1 to October 15: $240 day with a two-day minimum.

Week Rate:  June 23 through September 1:   $1500 per week.

A 50% deposit is due upon booking with the rental balance due upon arrival. Check-in is 3 pm Saturday, with check-out 10 am the following Saturday. If you should have to cancel, I will make every effort to book the space again. If I am successful in re-booking, I will return your deposit.

There are no additional fees or taxes. Housekeeping is included in the rate.