“Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway
One of the very few waterfront homes available for rent. What other houses offer you 150 feet private lakefront where you can awake to birdsong? absolute best house in the best little town for the full Berkshire experience. If you want your own totally private oasis, and a whole house to yourself, leaving crowds and hassle behind, come up to this lovely, quiet, lakefront Berkshire house with a Zen-like feel, just a mile from the center of Sheffield. Just sit and listen to the silence.
Immaculately behaved, non-shedding, totally house trained small dogs welcome. Ask about special rates for longer stays.
Perfect location for all Berkshire activities, including Tanglewood and Jacob’s Pillow, plus Shakespeare and Company, Norman Rockwell, The Mount, Berkshire Botanical Gardens.
Light-filled, year-round lakefront house (150 feet on private lake with own dock). with fireplace and fire pit, all decorated in mid-century retro style and immaculately clean. Think 'Walden,' think 'On Golden Pond.' Two bedrooms with A/C—one queen-sized bed, two twins, two full baths, living room with fireplace and A/C, dining area, kitchen with dishwasher and microwave, den with pull-out couch. Water softener, plus screened in porch, full laundry room, two car garage, fire pit, comfortable outdoor seating for five plus two—and all on the most blissful private 150 acre lake with wonderful fishing--bass and pike--and just a mile off Route 7, Sheffield, handy to everything and spotlessly clean. Cleaned, bleached and treated with UVC wand sanitizer. Self checkin and checkout. Lake is natural, pure and lovely to look at (but not good for swimming due to natural vegetation). Canoeing, fishing and kayaking are great. Your own dock and 150 feet on the lake. Kayaks and canoe. Ping pong table! Electric bikes available to rent. Dog walkers available!!
You can work from home here. WiFi, 5G, good cell reception, slightly rare in the Berkshires., Smart cable tv. Spectrum service. This is a slice of heaven! Everything you need for that perfect Berkshire getaway—we can give lots of tips for top-notch local restaurants and things to do. Local owners readily available to answer questions and make recommendations. Great local hiking on closeby Appalachian trail, great biking (we have 4 good bikes), wildlife observation (meet our otter and nesting bald Eagle), riveting local history (Shays Rebellion, Mum Bett), local swimming recommendations.
Very convenient for Berkshire School and Hotchkiss parents. Also convenient for nearby Litchfield County, Conn, including Music Mountain events, plus Lime Rock Park racing. Further west, Hudson, NY, is fun to explore, along with houses like Olana, built by Frederic Church of the Hudson River School. You will never run out of things to do here—or nothing at all—whatever you want. Bliss!!!!
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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
About the area
Sheffield
Located in Sheffield, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Ashley House and Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Drury Preserve and Jug End State Reservation. Harney and Sons Tea Tasting Room and Berkshire Botanical Garden are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the sledging and ice skating.
Thom Reed UFO Monument Park - 6 min drive - 3.3 km
Lime Kiln Farm Wildlife Sanctuary - 9 min drive - 6.7 km
Magnolia Bluffs Casino - 10 min drive - 6.4 km
Three Mile Pond Wildlife Management Area - 11 min drive - 9.2 km
Getting around
Hudson, NY (HCC-Columbia County) - 43 min drive
Restaurants
Dunkin' - 12 min drive
Café Rena - 11 min drive
Guido’s Kitchen - 11 min drive
Miller's Pub - 13 min drive
Patisserie Lenox - 13 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway?
As of 9 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway on 24 Nov 2026 start from AU$469, 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 “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Thom Reed UFO Monument Park and 1.9 mi (3 km) from Housatonic River. Magnolia Bluffs Casino and Drury Preserve are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Wonderful winter getaway! This cozy lake cottage is well situated near two ski resorts and several adorable New England small towns. We enjoyed a lovely snowstorm nestled in this warm and inviting home. Owner was extremely responsive and helpful answering our questions.
Sandra R.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jan 2026
A really nice and generous response from lovely guests. We do hope they come back again.
This house was perfect for a short winter get away! The host was very responsive when questions did come up.
Gabby W.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Jan 2026
Lovely guests who left the house spotless. They were very understanding when we had a WiFi glitch and had brought lots of board games.
Sweet dog, too! We hope they come back again.
Our family of four loved staying at this sweet little lakeside cottage. The views of the lake were beautiful. The house is just enough off the path in the country, but close enough to plenty of stuff to do. We skied at Butternut, went to the Norman Rockwell Museum, and spent sometime in. Great Barrington. The house was lovely, clean and all the amenities we needed for our trip with two kids. The host was lovely and communicated with us well during our stay. We would love to visit again, perhaps in another season like Fall.
Tanya B.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Feb 2026
Thank you so much for this kind and generous review.
We enjoyed having you to stay.
Warm wishes,
Gillian
This was our 2nd stay at this property, and it was as good as last year. It was very clean and comfortable. A very nice place to just kick back and relax.
RICHARD P.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Jan 2026
We love having guests like these, especially when they are return visitors. Really nice people who appreciate the house and the Berkshire. Five stars!!
We had a wonderful stay at Elterwater over the Thanksgiving holiday. The layout of the house was perfect for us and we loved the view from the den as well as sitting by the fireplace. Our dogs loved going on walks around the pond. The location was great & Gillian was a gracious host! We look forward to our next trip!
Melissa A.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Dec 2025
And these guests could not have been nicer. They left the house absolutely immaculate, and even did the laundry. Truly lovely people who are welcome back any time.
Gill
Great location. Nice amenities. The great room is, well, great! We were there in early November and it was too cold and wet to make use of the outside but well new back!
Returned for the third time, absolutely love the property. A slice of heaven in the Berkshires.
d c.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Sept 2025
And we love these wonderful guests who are perfectly in tune with everything the Berkshires has to offer—fishing, cooking, and just relaxing on the screened porch breathing in the serenity.
Great week spent at the lake! Great Barrington is adorable with great food nearby. The accommodations were perfect for our family of four with dog. We spent some time paddling, some time roasting marshmallows, some time shopping. Very peaceful and comfortable!
Julia M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 30 June 2025
Absolutely lovely guests—considerate and appreciative. Do hop they come back again!
Great location, beautiful scenery on the lake with privacy. Fishing was great!
ann e.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 15 June 2024
These were absolutely lovely guests who made the most of everything we had to offer. They were definitely 5 star guests although for some reason the site posted it as 4–but no, definitely 5.
The house was left immaculate. Truly wonderful people.
Without a doubt the best place we ever rented. We have stayed at many places through the years but this was the best. Can't say anything negative about our stay it was as good as it gets!
RICHARD P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 22 June 2024
And what terrific guests these were. They loved everything the Berkshires had to offer and made the most of every minute. Mostly, they enjoyed our little corner of paradise, loving being by the water and just relaxing and enjoying life. Just really wonderful people.
Gillian
Gillian is most welcoming and her home is warm and inviting. Even in chilly November we loved sitting by the fire, walking the road, and enjoying the beautiful lake. We were welcomed with a bottle of wine, and enjoyed all the Berkshires offers in rhe Fall. Loved walking the riverside park made famous by the visitors from another planet, had a fabulous meal at Cantina 229, and great wings at Roberto's. The home is large with every amenity, cozy bedrooms, a wonderful kitchen, and a bucolic setting. Must be fabulous in summer! A real gem!
Kate E.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Nov 2025
What an absolutely wonderful review! Despite chilly November weather, these guests made the absolute best of their stay. They were a pleasure to meet, along with the sweet dog, Roxie.
In addition, the house was left spotless—such a delight! Kate’s review gets posted in my refrigerator.
Gillian
Elterwater is an absolutely amazing place to relax, recharge and enjoy being in a wooded area, next to a lake and yet a short drive away from restaurants, attractions and shops. The home is immaculate, well stocked with kitchen items, bath and bedding linens and good WiFi for staying in touch… if that’s what you choose. But, the peaceful surroundings may have you opting to take time to enjoy nature in a lovely home. Gillian was a perfect host. She had helpful suggestions for places to see and restaurants to try. We will definitely stay there again.
marsha i.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Oct 2025
What a warm and generous review. Our feelings were mutual because I really enjoyed having these terrific guests to stay. They left the house spotless and even started the laundry and ran the dishwasher.
Five stars for these wonderful guests!
Gillian
We had a wonderful time and the house was perfect and just what we were looking for, for a long Easter weekend.A quiet, comfortable house on a large pond (or maybe a small lake). Plenty of lake front windows with almost every room having a view of the lake. The setting is Berkshire rural, yet it's just mins from downtown Sheffield and only a dozen minutes from downtown Great Barrington. The house had plenty of space for us, we were four people and a well behaved doodle (dog). We were there on Easter and it was a great setting for an egg hunt. The gas fireplace was appreciated as it worked well, providing us heat over the chilly weekend and ambiance in the evenings. Endless hiking trails are close drives away. Plenty of restaurants, grocery stores, and everything else. The homeowner was delightful. We did not meet her in person but she was always responsive on the app. She gave us tips before the trip, check in procedures, and was around to answer questions as needed. We've been in lots of home rentals over the decades and the host was top level. The home was very clean and well provided for. The host even left us with some very nice welcoming extras for our arrival, which is rare in a home rental. We wish we could have stayed longer and hope to return!
Steve A.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Apr 2026
What a generous, heart-warming review. This family was truly delightful. When I went in after their stay I found that everything was immaculate.
Couldn’t have asked for nicer, more communicative guests, and I do hope they keep coming back at every season. A real pleasure to host people like these in Sheffield.
We had a fun family stay hete during Thanksgiving. The house had everything we needed for our non traditional Thanksgiving meal. Close to Great Barrington stores and on a beautiful Berkshire Lake.
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Dec 2024
We have been so lucky to have truly terrific guests, time after time. They come and relish all the Berkshires has to offer, leave the house immaculate (if not improved!) and are altogether really lovely people.
Come on back! It’s lovely here year round.
Gillian
About the host
Hosted by Dr. Gillian Hettinger
English professor and husband fell in love with this idyllic house, not least because of the lake, which is amazing. Perfect in all seasons, and something to do all year long. We love the wildlife and drifting gently in the canoe across the private lake--wonderful winter views across private lake, great fishing in the summertime. The land across the road and across the lake is all preserved so your views are spectacular. Great local restaurants and, of course, everything the Berkshires has to offer. You'll be delighted with this rare find and come back again and again. You'll come for the culture--the music, theater, dance--and you'll stay for tranquil hours reading a favorite book on the porch, or beginning to write your novel.
Why they chose this property
This year-round lovely property has everything you want for the perfect vacation getaway--romantic weekend, hiking the Appalachian Trail, skiing, girls'/guys' retreat. Feel the weight of the world fall off your shoulders when you enter and look out at the lake, just beyond the slope to water's edge. Cozy fireplace in living room. Fire pit out by the lake. Peaceful, yet not remote and on a sought-after, very private lake with views -- about a mile off Route 7 in Sheffield and just five miles south of Great Barrington. The house is immaculately clean-- there's also the charm of hearing the screen door slam on the porch which evokes memories of summers past.
What makes this property unique
200 feet directly on the 150-acre private lake with your own private dock, kayak and canoe and protected shoreline across the lake. Surrounded by Land Trust protected property. Enjoy the cozy fireplace in addition to individually controlled heat in every room. You will never want to leave. Water is pure, tested, and good to drink. All linens and paper products provided--just walk in, relax, and enjoy this magical house--don't you deserve it?