A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
Discover nearby landmarks
Walk to Skaneateles Lake
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Onsite parking available
Dog-friendly
Kitchen
Barbecue
Deck or patio
Free Wi-Fi
Explore the area
Skaneateles, NY
Skaneateles Lake
Place, Skaneateles Lake
3 min walk
Finger Lakes
Place, Finger Lakes
3 min walk
Syracuse University
Place, Syracuse University
33 min drive
Syracuse, NY (SYR-Hancock Intl.)
Airport, Syracuse, NY (SYR-Hancock Intl.)
49 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
2 Single Beds
Bedroom 3
2 Single Beds
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Dining area
About this property
A Wonderful Rustic Cottage on Skaneateles Lake
If you’re looking for a secluded rustic cottage on a beautiful lake, Pinewood is the place for you. Located on the eastern shore of Skaneateles Lake, the “jewel of the Finger Lakes”, Pinewood, is the perfect getaway. Pinewood is a rustic 3 bedroom cottage, secluded in the woods, on the lake. You can enjoy sunny days on the dock and in the water. In the evening the sunsets are breathtaking from your porch, the firepit or the dock. You are just 8 miles by boat or car from the Village of Skaneateles where you can find restaurants, gift shops, and a grocery store. From your front door it is just a few steps to the firepit. Chairs surround the firepit and we provide all the wood you need to enjoy your evenings around the fire. Just past the firepit are the stairs, (40 steps down) leading to the water and the private dock. There you find chairs for sitting and enjoying the lake. There are two kayaks and life vests so you can have fun paddling around the lake. This 3 bedroom cottage has a Master bedroom with a Queen bed. The additional 2 bedrooms each have 2 twin beds. Maximum occupancy is 6 people. Cottage has an open plan kitchen/living room/dining area. Cottage is fully furnished. Cottage has cable TV, cd/dvd player, Wifi internet, a selection of dvd’s, gas stove, refrigerator, microwave, and an outdoor gas grill, (propane is provided by owner). Bed linens and towels are provided. Beds are made before you arrive. We even provide beach towels. There is one bathroom with a shower. The cottage has a covered porch and open deck with a patio table and 6 cushioned chairs. There is also a picnic table that seats 6. This cottage has 100 feet of lakefront and is situated on 5 wooded acres. The one half mile private road insulates you from the nearest public road. On the lake you have a 36’ dock to enjoy. If you have a boat the dock will accommodate up to a 24’ boat for passengers to board or leave the boat. There is a mooring buoy available for leaving the boat when not in use. There is a rowboat to get you to and from your boat or just to have fun rowing around on the lake. Great swimming, fishing, and boating in the clear water of Skaneateles Lake. Whether a place to come and hang out or a vacation starting point to see the wonders of the Finger Lakes, we think you will love Pinewood. All you need is your clothes, your food, and your water toys.
Owner requires a separate rental agreement after booking.
Pets: Dogs on approval. No Cats. No Smoking inside Pinewood.
In case of bad weather cottage has a back-up generator to provide electricity.
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 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
About the area
Skaneateles
Located in Skaneateles, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Skaneateles Lake and Bahar Nature Preserve, while John D. Barrow Art Gallery and Skaneateles Historical Society are cultural highlights. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Merry-Go-Round Playhouse, or consider a night out at Robinson Pavilion at Anyela’s Vineyards. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and hiking/biking trails nearby.
Syracuse Regional Transportation Center - 39 min drive
Cortland, NY (CTX-Cortland County) - 38 min drive
Restaurants
The Milkhouse - 13 min drive
Lakeside Vista - 8 min drive
Frank's Moondance - 13 min drive
Niles Gourmet Bistro - 39 min drive
Mandana Inn - 25 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is A Wonderful Rustic Cottage on Skaneateles Lake pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at A Wonderful Rustic Cottage on Skaneateles Lake?
As of 2 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at A Wonderful Rustic Cottage on Skaneateles Lake on 31 July 2027 start from AU$2,627, 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 A Wonderful Rustic Cottage on Skaneateles Lake?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at A Wonderful Rustic Cottage on Skaneateles Lake?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at A Wonderful Rustic Cottage on Skaneateles Lake?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is A Wonderful Rustic Cottage on Skaneateles Lake located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is steps away from Skaneateles Lake and Finger Lakes. Otisco Lake and John D. Barrow Art Gallery are also within 9 miles (15 km).
Reviews
9.8
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
We were incredibly lucky with beautiful weather and as always (this is our 5th year) the best hosts one could wish for. A truly quiet, gorgeous lakefront cabin on the Finger Lakes most spectacular water!
helen z.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Aug 2025
As always, we enjoy your company every year. You are both special people at our lakeside get away.
amazing lake front experience, incredible sunsets. Rustic cabin in a perfect location.
alex p.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug 2020
Thanks for the review. It was a pleasure having your family as our guests. We enjoyed seeing the boys have so much fun and Trubador was always amazing. You and Emily have a wonderful family and we would love to have you back here any time you can make it part of your summer.
We spent another 2 weeks at the cottage on Skaneateles Lake. Our hosts were as wonderful as always and we enjoyed the water, the woods and all the fantastic restaurants in the village. We hope we can always return there.
We love this property on the lake. A purely relaxing week with swimming, kayaking and watching our dog have the time of her life in the water. Thanks for sharing your special place.
We absolutely loved this little no frills, rustic cabin, (July 11-18, 2021) we didn't miss the air conditioning at all, surrounded by trees and plenty of fans made it pleasant! The hosts, Ken and Barbara are so nice, very friendly and helpful, we can't wait to stay again next year!
rose c.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Aug 2021
Thank you for being such wonderful guests. Wish we could control weather but not to be. Glad you got a few days on the lake with your boat. Look forward to having you back at Pinewood Cottage next year!
We had a great visit here. Loved that the listing description is very accurate & the positive reviews all justified. You can enjoy the lake from 3 different levels, the cabin was easy to get to, comfortable & well-equipped in a great location on the lake, and we enjoyed the kayaks, dock, firepit & the great front porch. Hosts friendly & helpful. Sweet dog too!
Katie S.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Sept 2020
Thank you for letting us know how you stay went. Your comments will give future guests a more complete idea of what to expect and the special features of our cottage.
This was our fourth year of staying at this adorable cottage. Every time we arrive something new has been done. This year it was a beautiful new kitchen that is so user-friendly! We hope to return to this wonderful place as long as we are able.
helen z.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Sept 2024
Thanks Helen, we enjoy your company. Summers would not be the same without you and the family.
Your family and dogs are what the cottage on the lake is all about.
See you next summer !!
My family and I had such a wonderful stay! Barbara and Ken were wonderful hosts and very attentive. We were greeted upon our arrival and any questions we had were answered immediately. This cottage was the perfect space for my family and our dogs. Skaneateles Lake is the cleanest and most beautiful lake I’ve ever seen and I can’t wait to come back next year!
Bridget M.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug 2021
Thank you Bridget. We had a wonderful time with you and your family, including the three little ones. as our guests. Ken fell in love with the dogs and misses them. Look forward to seeing you all next summer.
Barb and Ken
Once again we had the perfect 2 weeks at the adorable cottage on the lake. There is a new dock that is absolutely world class and large enough to comfortably host a group of friends enjoying the sunset. As always our hosts were welcoming and there to help, but never ever intrusive. A very special place on one of the worlds most beautiful lakes!
helen z.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Sept 2022
Thanks for the wonderful thoughts. We miss you and cannot wait until next summer to see you again. Have a great winter.
This was our 2nd stay at the camp. rustic charm, quiet and a new dock that is great to hang out on! Our hosts are so friendly & live next door so any questions or problems are taken care of immediately. We cant wait to book it again for next year! ❤️
Pinewood is just as it states, relaxing. Our hosts couldn't have been better. Ask about the history of the cabin as it's a great story. The swimming is top notch! No weeds, smooth rock bottom. The stairs provide a good workout.
If you're lucky enough to be there for a Borodino VFD pancake breakfast you'll be very happy!
Stephen N.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Aug 2024
We were so glad to have you as our guests. We enjoyed our time with you. Come back anytime. Come and enjoy more Pancake Breakfasts. They are on the 4th Sunday in June, July, and August every year. Thanks again for being our guests.
Returned to Skaneateles Lake 50 years after creating impossible to duplicate little kid memories. What a happy surprise and magical vacation! Our welcoming and down to earth hosts were lovely, informative and kind. Their well appointed cozy cabin is tucked steps from beautiful Skaneateles Lake. Kayaks await and mooring - we rented a pontoon boat to explore the spectacular lake - what fun! The village shops, restaurants and tour options are just right. All joy! We will be back!
Melanie P.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Sept 2022
After 50 years so happy your experience with us was a success. We so enjoyed having you here and look forward to seeing you again next summer.
PS: Found the problem with the shower and fixed it. Thanks for letting us know about it.
The property is lovely and simple. So easy to pack for since everything is included-even beach towels, bedding, and paper products! The lake is spectacular, the sunsets are stunning, and the owners are wonderfully social! The access to lake can be a little steep for elderly or folks with physical disabilities. However definitely still doable and worth the extra effort! Loved it! Thank you Barbara and Ken!
Ginny H.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Thank you for a great review. We are glad you had a wonderful visit. Should Skaneateles Lake be your next summer vacation trip, let us know if we can be your destination. Thank You.
Barbara, Ken and Zayda
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Gretchen E.
7 Aug 2017
Classic camp with all the necessities
We have grown up around this lake in one camp of another so it was nice to find something we were used to being in. Old wood flooring, plenty of sleeping space, great covered porch and far enough off the road to feel secluded. We loved getting to know Ken and Barb and their families history on the lake. We feel as though we have made new friends to visit again. They make sure you're more than taken care of. The camp comes fully equipped! The plus was being able to bring our dog! Very nice spot to relax and read a book or entertain on the porch or indoors. These old camps are hard to find now so get in while you can!
Gretchen E.
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
We so enjoyed your company and all the history of your family as well.
Anytime you are in the area, the door is always open and a glass of spirits awaits your arrival.
This is a special place and we are glad you, dog and family were able to share the wonders and spirit of Pinewood Cottage on Skaneateles Lake.
Barb and Ken
We enjoyed our week at the Pinewood property located midway on beautiful Skaneateles Lake. Barbara and Ken were great hosts. As others have noted they are not intrusive but around if you need anything. The house is as described clean, neat, comfortable and pretty well stocked. It was a very humid week so the house got a little stuffy even with open windows and the fans on, however we spent the days out on the lake or visiting tourist spots. We slept comfortably at night. Also, as noted, the paths to the house and down to the water are a little steep and could be difficult to manage for less-abled or older visitors. Overall our stay was very pleasant and relaxing. Thank you!
Michael H.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept 2021
Thanks for the great review. We thoroughly enjoyed having you as our guests. Your honest review is both refreshing and helpful to future guests.
Archival
10/10 Excellent
10 Sept 2015
Just perfect!
This little cottage is nestled in the woods with a lovely view of the lake. The owners are just wonderful. Barbara baked us a plate of cookies, which were especially welcome after our 6+ hour drive. They were wonderful neighbors, available and helpful when we wanted and nearly invisible when we wanted to be by ourselves. It felt like we were staying in the guest house of old friends.
The house is an old hand-built cabin with few frills, but a nice open kitchen, decent sized dining table, and living room overlooking the lake. The covered front patio was our favorite place to sit and take in the fantastic view. There's no beach, but easy access to the lake for swimming. The water is bracing, but crystal clear (it's the water supply for Skaneateles). While there are motor boats in the lake, they mostly steer clear of the shore so swimming feels very safe and relaxing. The beds are comfortable and the cottage had everything we needed. It's by no means fancy, but it feels very authentic. You can imagine people sitting in the cabin 50 years ago doing exactly what you are doing (minus the cable TV and WiFi). And the mail boat really is fun. Also, the house is a real bargain, reflecting the lack of (utterly superfluous) frills. We loved this home and hope to return soon.
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Mar 2020
Len:
Thank you for such a great review and invaluable insight of our family cottage. It was great having you as our guest. Hope to see you here in future years.
Barbara & Ken
This was our second year visiting this perfect cabin in the woods. We loved the upgrades that were done. Great spot to relax and enjoy the Lake and close enough to town for a short trip in to enjoy the sights. Love this cottage and we plan on visiting again next year!!
Shelley a.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept 2021
Thanks for the great review. Glad the upgrades met your approval. We so enjoyed having you again as our guest.
We had a rainy but wonderful week! Ken and Barbara are incredibly nice and helpful. The lake is breathtaking and our 3 boys enjoyed jumping off the dock, swimming and using the kayaks. It was very nice to be nestled in the woods, but still with a lot of amenities. We would highly recommend, especially for families!
Jessica M.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Sept 2021
Thankyou for the nice review. Unfortunately we can't control the weather. Wish we could.. We enjoyed having you as our guests and had a great time tubing with your boys.
Fantastic cottage on possibly one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Many water toys are available to the guests along with a wonderfully put together kitchen with all the appliances from home. The water is gorgeous and the owners are perfectly respectful of your privacy.. A little piece of Paradise!
helen z.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug 2021
Thank you Helen. We enjoyed having you and your family, especially the dogs as our guests again. You and Denny feel to us as though you are part of our family.
Barb and Ken
This property is tucked away on the beautiful shoreline of Skaneateles Lake. The owners of the home are close if you need them but perfectly respectful of the renters privacy. The days were filled with swimming, windsurfing and rest. The house and waterfront are equipped with every possible toy or tool you might need. We are returning every year we are able!
helen z.
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Oct 2020
Thank you Helen. We enjoyed having you here as much as you enjoyed staying with us. Look forward to seeing you again next summer.
We loved this property and wished we could have stayed another week. The lake access is wonderful. The stairs down to the dock are great. Many of them but not too hare to manage at all. We can't wait to come back again next year. Everything you need for a relaxing wonderful time at the lake!!
Shelley a.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Aug 2020
Thank you for your wonderful review. We thoroughly enjoyed having you as our guests. We would love to have you back again next year . We are so glad you love this place as much as we do. Thanks again.
About the host
Hosted by Barbara Hearst
Barbara (Littlehales) Hearst is part of the third generation of the Littlehales family that has owned this property since 1918. She spends her summer with her husband on the property in a cottage adjacent to the Pinewood cottage.
Why they chose this property
Barbara's grandfather came to the property in 1918 and decided it was the perfect summer home for his family to enjoy the lake activities and escape the summer heat of their home in Syracuse. Subsequent generations agreed and have maintained family ownership of the property.
What makes this property unique
Pinewood cottage was built after WWII as a one room cottage by her uncle. Over the years three bedrooms and a bathroom were added. However the rustic cottage feel was retained. Modern amenities have been added without losing the rustic charm of a simple cottage.