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Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve

Photo gallery for Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve

Adirondack chairs adorn the porch. The awning provides shade on hot summer days.
View of the Main House from cliffs.
Water views from the front porch
View from the porch looking at the base of the diving board.
Sunset views from porch.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
6 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Deck or patio
  • Toys
  • Barbecue
  • Kitchen
  • Internet access
  • Pet-friendly

Rooms & beds

6 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Bedroom

1 Double Bed

Bedroom

1 King Bed

Bedroom

2 Single Bunk Beds

Bedroom 6

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve

Located on the beautiful St Lawrence River, a 10 minute boat ride from Gananoque, Canada, and 20 minutes from Clayton, NY. 4 bedroom Adirondack Camp with spectacular sunset views of the Thousand Islands. Separate, quaint cabin with bedroom and full bath and 1 bedroom boathouse. Located on family-owned, 650+ acre private preserve of rolling pastures and woods great for walking and mountain biking. Multiple docks for boating, swimming, and fishing. Diving board. 2 kayaks.

Grindstone Island is easily accessible by boat / water taxi. RJ Marine in Clayton, New York offers a water taxi service. If you would like to rent a boat, Clayton Marina in Clayton offers boat rentals. Please note: there is no ferry or bridge to Grindstone Island.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 30

Check out before 10:00 AM

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Yes

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Events

No events allowed

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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)

Pets considered. Please contact host.

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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No smoking indoors, please.

No campfires allowed on property due to fire risk.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 102178
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
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Clayton

Located in Clayton, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Thousand Islands Bridge and Boldt Castle are notable landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Ontario and Thousand Islands National Park. Gananoque Boat Line and Alex Bay 500 Go-Karts are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and snorkelling nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and mountain biking.
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Map
Clayton, NY

Restaurants

  • Tim Hortons
  • Popeyes
  • McDonald's
  • Subway
  • Bar Petunia

Frequently asked questions

Is Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

How much is parking at Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Grindstone Island Waterfront Lodge, Cabin&Boathouse on 650 Acre Private Preserve located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is steps from Lake Ontario.

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

Verified

10/10 Excellent

timothy h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A very quaint, quiet location. The hosts were awesome in answering all of our questions before we ever arrived. It was just as described and likely a unique property with the private preserve. We truly enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time as usual can not wait til next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful views from this rustic vacation home. Enjoyed, kayaking, pattle boarding, fishing, swimming, site seeing in Clayton, Alexandra bay and bolt castle and yacht house. Beautiful, peaceful and surrounded by the beauty of the thousand islands.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Greg W.

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

St Lawrence Paradise

Always great to stay at the Howard Smith property and now there is a winery close by. Rustic, fun, beautiful!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katerina B.

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

Amazing grounds and location

We loved every minute of it! Very relaxing! The blueberry island was a hit with kids!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

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

Beautiful

We love coming here every year The owners are great and the location is absolutely beautiful. Can’t wait till next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Louisa o.

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

The most magical place in the world

There is not better equip house with endless trails and amazing sunsets. Incredibly cozy and perfect in every way.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert T.

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

Yet another lovely week on Grindstone!

Maybe our tenth visit here over the past 25 years- need we say more?
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carissa P.

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

A Special Place

This was our second year here. Loved it even more this year. We brought bikes and explored the island, getting to know some of the local folks. This is a place where you can really relax. Thanks for having us!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eric P.

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

What A Vacation!

Our stay at the Howard Smith lodge was fantastic. Even though the weather was not the best, everything about this place made us feel right at home. From the large family room with the banquet table for family meals and board games, to the adirondack lined back deck overlooking the lake, and the overall property as a whole, we had the most relaxing and therapeutic vacation in years. The kitchen is as well stocked as any vacation home we have aver stayed in, so for people who like to cook or bake, you could not ask for more. Thank you, Sandra and Isabel, for your hospitality and for sharing this beautiful, amazing family lodge. We will definitely be returning next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

lynn h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had the most amazing week. We watched sunsets from the porch, fished off the dock and kayaked almost every day. We road bikes and hiked on the island which is rich with history. There is a wonderful winery on the island open on weekends that is a short walk. We got a tour of the island in a car from the winery hostess. Clayton is only a 20 minute boat ride and Wellesley island state park is 30 minutes . We launched our boat from Wellesley and left the truck /trailer there for the week. The home and the owner couldn’t have been more wonderful. I was smitten as soon as I stepped off our boat. It was better than expected . It was very clean and had everything we needed. I don’t know how we could’ve had better week!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maureen T.

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

One week is too short!!

We have rented this property multiple times. It is so beautiful both inside and out. We spent most of our time jumping off the diving board and floating down to the boathouse. We also explored the island with a 6 mile walk, as well as a bike excursion around the island and over to the winery! We brought bikes, paddle boards and waterskis. The kitchen is small but quaint. The huge dining room table is perfect for big dinners and card games to follow. The beds are very comfortable, great living space and an incredible front porch with killer sunsets. Great hosts, as well!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tanya S.

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

Idyllic Cottage on Grindstone

My husband, myself and our two sons (13 and 7) had a wonderful two weeks at this beautiful property. It offers great swimming and fishing. Our sons loved the diving board and swimming off the dock. My son and husband both caught pike while fishing near the dock. It is excellent for bird sightings. We saw a pair of Loons one morning, emerge from the water right in front of us, while sitting on dock. Other birds spotted: common merganser with chicks, osprey, belted kingfisher, to name a few. Potter's beach is a short boat ride away. Excellent accommodation, very clean, well appointed. Its a 5-10 minute walk to Grindstone Winery, which has ongoing events. I highly recommend and would definitely come again.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Philip P.

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

Rustic Charm

The property is very scenic and we were fortunate to catch a great week of weather including plenty of sunshine and calm seas 5 out of the 7 days we stayed. We chose the location based on the privacy and serenity it provides. That did not disappoint and the views of the river and surrounding islands is quite beautiful. The buildings are very rustic. If that is a quality that you appreciate, then you will be pleased. Frankly, the property was more rustic than we anticipated which is why I did not give the highest rating. A boat is a must have to stay at this property. We enjoyed numerous boat rides back and forth to Clayton, however it’s a fairly long ride so if the weather is not cooperating, it would be a challenge. The house is well stocked and clean (again for what it is). Overall, our extended family - including grandparents - had a great time!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

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

Beautiful

This is our 2nd time renting this cabin. It is in a beautiful spot and has everything you need. We love staying here on our family vacation. Can’t wait til next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ROBERT K.

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

Cozy Cabin and Outstanding Views

We truly had a great and relaxing time exploring the island, swimming, and fishing. The cabin(s) were just right for our group and the owners were very accommodating. Thank you for the memories
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert T.

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

Great family gathering place!

We have been here 7 or 8 times over the past 30 years- that tells you something, right? We never fail to be delighted!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicholas P.

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

Classic 1000 Island cottage

Beautiful location. Wonderful "great room", fun, well appointed kitchen. quaint, cozy bedrooms, user friendly pink granite shore front. Wonderful boathouse.
Stayed 13 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Matthew S.

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

Stunning Property

This property makes you lose track of time. The island and the land surrounding this home is beyond beautiful. Isabel and family thanks for sharing your piece of Thousand Islands with us. It is a real treasure! Matt and Amy
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rob G.

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

So much better than Maine

This was the best summer family vacation. The house and property are amazing. Everyone was friendly and the owner's family went out of their way to accommodate us. The kids all spent a lot of time between the diving board, swimming, water skiing, and snorkeling. I took a walk, read a book, shared some wine with the neighbors, watched the sunsets, took a cruise out to Boldt castle, dock up in Clayton and got a great meal on the waterfront at Bella's. And most of all we had a lot of fun hanging out in the big living room and deck at night playing games with family and friends. Thank you Abby, Isabel, and Jeff!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carissa P.

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

Another amazing year!

We were able to spend even more time on the island this year and enjoyed amazing views, swimming, bike riding and more. Very relaxing and rejuvenating times!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

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

Paradise

We had a wonderful time. The location and property is amazing. We can not wait for next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

George M.

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

Perfect

It’s a perfect spot. As a life-long Thousand Islander, I was pretty sure I knew all the special spots. But this one previously escaped me. It’s the most perfect spot on the River if you are seeking solitude, privacy and natural beauty. What a special place.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Maureen T.

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

This was not our first time renting this slice of paradise and won't be our last!

We have been renting this property since 2012. There is no other place quite like it in the 1,000 Islands. We were fortunate to rent for two weeks this summer; although that still felt too short of a stay. The "front door" of this property is the majestic St. Lawrence River, overlooking islands and Canada. My kids favorite spot is the diving board off the rocks into the clear channel. The "back door" leads to rolling farm fields with cows and puffy clouds. Perfect for a walk, run or bike. The main cottage is rustic, yet warm and inviting with a beautiful front porch to catch a sunset every evening. The bedroom off the boathouse is perfect for sleeping and hearing the river below while falling asleep. The one-bedroom cottage (with bathroom) is super cute and perfect for a couple looking for a bit of privacy from the hustle and bustle of the main cottage. I would move here if I could! We can't wait to come back next summer.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debra H.

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

Perfect Lodge for Making Memories

We have stayed at the Howard-Smith lodge several times . Just everything about the main lodge, the cottage and boathouse charm wraps you up and takes you to a place like no other. The front porch is our favorite place to gather and watch spectacular sunsets. My girls and I put together some fantastic meals in the cozy yet well-equipped kitchen and was thankful they shared a full array of supplies as well as fresh herbs growing outside the front porch . Can’t wait to come back! Thank you for sharing your family’ s treasure❤️
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

About the host

Hosted by Sandra H Hamlen

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English

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