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Over-Water Deck, Sunset Views, Fireplace, Dock & Boat Lift, Kayaks/SUPs/Canoe!

Photo gallery for Over-Water Deck, Sunset Views, Fireplace, Dock & Boat Lift, Kayaks/SUPs/Canoe!

View from over-water deck. Stunning views in any season. Fantastic sunsets.
Sunset libations right on the deck! Can’t beat this at any local restaurant/bar!
Terrace/patio
Upper deck looking south
Upper deck, looking North

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6102.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
King Ferry, NY
  • Cayuga Lake
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Sheldrake Point Winery
  • King Ferry Winery
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional)
    ‪42 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Downstairs Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Downstairs Bedroom 2

1 Single Bunk Bed

Upstairs Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1: Downstairs

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2: Upstairs

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Over-Water Deck, Sunset Views, Fireplace, Dock & Boat Lift, Kayaks/SUPs/Canoe!

“Pura Vida” is Spanish for “pure life,” a philosophy that encourages the appreciation of life’s simple treasures. Start with the morning sun bathing the hills across the lake in golden color & watch the drama of a brief afternoon storm pass, leaving the air clean & fresh. Enjoy the haunting calls of the loons, the lake breezes & sounds of the waves against the sea wall. Laugh around the table, savoring a meal with loved ones. Relax by a bonfire & watch the stunning colors of sunset bleed into the deep sapphire of twilight as the stars twinkle. In the colder months, snuggle up by the cozy fireplace & relax to the view & sounds of the waves outside. Curl up in a comfortable bed and sink into slumber, ready for the next day's adventures. There's something kind of magical about the light, the breeze, & the sound of the water here. Pura vida!

If your desired dates are already reserved on Pura Vida's calendar, or if you need another cottage for extended groups, you may want to take a look at Halcyon Cottage (VRBO #3089096), located right next door!

No pet fees for visiting dogs! However, it is required that all dogs including day visitors *must be disclosed* when booking, & guests must adhere to the pet rules & maximum dog numbers. No other pets permitted; particularly no cats due to family allergies. Dog visit requirements: Maximum of 2 dogs total including day visitors, <75 pounds each, must be up to date on all vaccines & especially flea/tick treatment prevention, *dogs are not allowed on the beds/furniture, *dogs must be crated if left alone in the house (or else must accompany owners when going out), all poop must be disposed of appropriately.

AMENITIES:
With the increasing use of artificial intelligence by online booking sites, we are unable to control the occasionally inaccurate identification of property amenities by the website AI *in searches.* If there is a particular amenity that you are specifically seeking as important to your stay, please confirm that we have written it here in the description text or that we have provided a photo, or else message us to confirm before booking.

INTERIOR:
* Air conditioning
* Gas fireplace for the cool seasons
* Roku Smart TV, Blu-Ray/DVD player, & small DVD library (No cable; use the TV Roku to access your accounts or bring other streaming access)
* 2 Desks for remote working & WiFi with internet speeds sufficient for streaming or virtual meetings (Download: 100Mbps, Upload: 5 Mbps)
* Standard major appliances, dishes/tableware/glassware
* Other kitchen appliances: Microwave, toaster, blender, hand-mixer, waffle-maker
* A variety of coffee-making methods available including drip, steeping, French press, & Moka pot. No paper filters needed, just bring your favorite grind!
* Fresh, clean bed sheets bath towels with professional interior cleaning between each rental
* Great selection of games

EXTERIOR:
* Gorgeous lakeside dining on the deck
* Beautiful sunset views & water sounds
* Lakeshore firepit for small bonfires
* Great fishing right from the dock (bring your own gear)
* Only 10 steps to a small shale beach for gradual water entry & easy kayak launch
* Two kid-sized sit-on-top kayaks
* Two adult-sized sit-in recreational kayaks
* Two 10’ stand-up paddle-boards
* One vintage 2-person Grumman canoe
* Life jackets
* Deck & dock in easy-on-bare-feet composite decking
* Boat hoist for safe boat storage (*Boaters please see important information at the end about having a boat at the cottage*)

Additional description: While life on the lake is most magical during the warmer months, the cottage is snug throughout the year & provides a front row seat to the natural dramatic beauty of the effects of winter storms on the lake. The beautiful indoor gas fireplace makes it even more cozy! Some guests have even likened a visit here to staying on a boat (minus the rocking!) with the sound of the waves lapping at the sea wall heard from even inside the house!

Just 2 steps up to the front door from the gravel parking area. There are no cliffs or long staircases to navigate; step out onto the over-water deck from the house itself, with a few additional short steps down to the dock & water. The deck is perfect for relaxing at any time & you'll be drawn there over morning coffee, to bask in sun & lake breeze, for a sunset libation, or to stargaze over hot chocolate!

The open floor plan on the main floor is full of light. A full bathroom with a shower/tub combo is on the first floor & 2 bedrooms (BR1 has 1 queen; BR2 is small but has a bunk bed (upper twin & lower full). Please note that while sturdy, maximum bunk occupancy is either 2 adults (1 each level) or 3 children. An open staircase leads to a second floor with a half bathroom & loft-style open space with a queen bed. Beds have comfortable memory foam mattresses. Recently updated decor features a comfort-oriented, eclectic, contemporary style. The house is small in square footage, but comfy & well-appointed (think urban loft meets peaceful lake cottage). Eco bonus: Heat and AC is provided by an efficient heat-pump system & all electricity supplied to the property is 100% solar generated, purchased from a nearby solar farm. Aside from the gas fireplace and range, the house is run by the sun!

Please note, because of idiosyncrasies of our right-on-the-water location & county waste water system restrictions, the house does not have a washer/dryer or dishwasher. Property outdoor amenities like the watercraft & some outdoor furniture are seasonally stored & *not available* during colder months (usually late Oct to mid May; exact dates are weather dependent & not guaranteed).

Parking at the house is limited. There is room to park *3 regular cars* OR *a combo of 1 large pickup/SUV with 1 car combo* on the property. Over-parking will prevent normal traffic flow on the one lane road & is not permitted - violators may be towed. Please message us to discuss options for overflow vehicles.
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NOTE: We do not ever rent outside of professional booking websites that verify our ownership. If you see this property advertised on c*****list or elsewhere, those listings are scams.
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CHECK-IN: Check in after 4:00 pm; check out by 10:00 AM. We genuinely empathize with the challenges of travel logistics & wish that we could accommodate alternatives, but the scheduled times that we must guarantee our cleaners do not permit early arrivals or late departures.
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OCCUPANCY: Property use is strictly limited to the maximum occupancy of 6 registered guests. We will consider authorizing small numbers of occasional/temporary day visitors, but no parties, reunions, or sustained use of the property by unregistered visitors - we are not able to accommodate consistent extras or larger numbers of people because of off-grid septic logistics, general space limitations, parking & other neighborhood impacts. Please message us to discuss if having day visitors are part of your travel plans. Any approved visitors must abide by all house rules, including speed limits & parking restrictions.
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WILDLIFE/INSECTS/SPIDERS: Critters are a natural part of lake life & a healthy ecosystem. We do our very best to keep them out of the house, but because we are so close to an important water source, use of chemical sprays must ethically & legally be limited due to environmental impacts. To reduce the numbers that sneak inside, seal up food & make sure to keep doors & screens closed, especially at night.
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BOATING/BOAT HOIST: Overnight in-water docking is not allowed as Cayuga Lake is a big lake with a lot of fetch; waves can be large & unpredictable and conditions change quickly. **When not directly observed, boats/PWC must either be on the hoist or stored on their trailer.** If you wish to rent a motorboat during your stay, boat rental companies will often deliver by water directly to the cottage & pop the boat right into the hoist for you! V-hull motorboats & PWC only; hoist cannot accommodate pontoon boats, sailboats or catamaran/trimarans. If you have a larger boat (>22’ hull) please message us with your boat type prior to booking so we can determine if it will fit safely in the hoist. Use of the boat hoist must be requested & agreed to by us >7 days prior to arrival or it will not be powered & available for use. Any guest wishing to use the hoist must be fully responsible for its safe use; on-site training is not available. *No guaranteed space for on-site trailer storage - message us to discuss options. Prior boaters have had very positive experiences with both the Long Point State Park (to the north) or nearby Don’s Marina (to the south) launches. Hoist access is a courtesy only; in the unlikely event that the hoist is not available for any particular booking due to damage/malfunction/service delays, guests will need to store the boat on its trailer (or return rentals to rental facility) and re-launch daily.
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SECURITY: Three exterior security cameras are present (front door; parking area; boat hoist). Guest privacy is important to us; no camera covers private areas.
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CANCELLATION POLICY: Refund in full for any cancellation requested within 48 hours of website reservation (check in date >2 weeks away) or within 24 hours of reservation (check in date 7-14 days away)
* Please note that our cancellation policies are date-specific and vary seasonally, with less flexibility in the very busy summer months. If you have concerns about the potential for last minute weather/illness impacting your travel, we do recommend looking into travel insurance

GRADUATIONS AND CORNELL REUNION EVENT BOOKINGS - The cottage is an easy drive for Ithaca events & a great place to relax away from the chaos! 3 night minimum. Full refunds in the event of ceremony cancellation.
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Please note that as a navigable waterway, the waters of Cayuga Lake may be enjoyed by boaters, hunters and fishers; any on-water proximity is out of Host's control.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
AT OWN RISK; stairs; NOT CHILDPROOFED; waterfront
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Events

No events allowed
Limited day guests only with owner approval
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
*No cats*; dog max 75 lbs; Must disclose all dogs
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Zero tolerance for smoking
Complaints from neighbors (speeding, inappropriate parking, noise) are violations of house rules, as are unauthorized pets. Must disclose all pets.
Disconnecting or tampering with wifi or exterior security cameras (doorbell; parking; basement) is prohibited. No cameras are present in private areas
Only supervised daytime dock mooring. For boat hoist access requests to permit overnight storage, message owners at least 7 days in advance of visit.

Important information

You need to know

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
Note from host: Limited day guests only with owner approval
This property uses solar energy
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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

King Ferry

Located in King Ferry, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. King Ferry Golf Course and Bright Leaf Vineyard are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Cayuga Lake and Long Point State Park - Finger Lakes. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's going on at Dick Van Dyke Addiction Treatment Center, or consider a night out at Dutch Harvest Farm. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
King Ferry, NY

What's nearby

  • Cayuga Lake - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • King Ferry Winery - 5 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Wells College - 21 min drive - 19.0 km
  • Cornell University - 42 min drive - 39.4 km
  • Taughannock Falls State Park - 58 min drive - 59.9 km

Getting around

  • Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional) - 37 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪NY Quick Shop - ‬59 min drive
  • ‪Aurora Ale & Lager Co. - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪King Ferry Corner Store - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Sheldrake Point Winery - ‬62 min drive
  • ‪O'Malley's - ‬61 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Over-Water Deck, Sunset Views, Fireplace, Dock & Boat Lift, Kayaks/SUPs/Canoe! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at Over-Water Deck, Sunset Views, Fireplace, Dock & Boat Lift, Kayaks/SUPs/Canoe!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Over-Water Deck, Sunset Views, Fireplace, Dock & Boat Lift, Kayaks/SUPs/Canoe!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Over-Water Deck, Sunset Views, Fireplace, Dock & Boat Lift, Kayaks/SUPs/Canoe! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Cayuga Lake and King Ferry Golf Course. Bright Leaf Vineyard and King Ferry Winery are also within 3 miles (5 km).

About the host

Hosted by Don & Michele

Host profile image
I'm a Finger Lakes native, and although my immediate family doesn't currently reside here full time we still have numerous personal ties to the area and visit frequently. This lakehouse is not architecturally new but is recently updated and the location is fantastic. It is important to us that our home is clean, comfortable, welcoming, and set up to make enjoyment of the lake easy! We very much want our visitors to enjoy their stay; we enjoy sharing fun local hidden gems to help make a visit even more special, so please ask and we'll be happy to provide ideas that fit your individual interests! Sharing one's home is an exercise in trust; we ask in return that guests treat our home and possessions with care, respect, and responsibility, and to communicate honestly and forthrightly with us.

Why they chose this property

We love this location (can't beat the sunset and water views!) and the unique feel of the neighborhood. Our neighbors are really friendly & a great community! It is private & peaceful, located within easy reach of beautiful hiking trails, state parks, wineries/breweries, farmer's markets, & nearby fun college towns (an easy 19 miles to Ithaca) with restaurants and lots to explore. Several east shore wineries that host outdoor concerts & other fun and family-friendly events are very close, emblematic of that wine country lifestyle! Unlike so many cliff-side Cayuga Lake cottages, there are no tall staircases at Pura Vida Cottage, & one feels much more connected to the lake here! Also, unlike some of the other nearby lake access roads, we are on a short, dead-end road so traffic is minimal, the ambiance is peaceful and relaxed, and yet it is quick and easy to get back to the main road to go on the day's adventure! If you can bear to tear yourself away from the lakeshore, it's an easy jaunt to Aurora (8 miles), Ithaca (20mi), and Auburn (20mi), & within easy distance of the many regional state parks, waterfalls, & hiking trails to explore. We are 1/2 mile from the King Ferry Golf Club, and centrally located to great east shore wineries (distance in miles) like Bright Leaf (1), Treleaven (2.5), Long Point (5.5), and Heart & Hands (13) and a myriad of microbreweries like the Aurora Brewing Company (5.5), Prison City (23), and Shepherds Brewing (23) miles to the north, Salt Point Brewing (14), Liquid State Brewing (21), Lucky Hare Brewing (21), Hopshire Farm & Brewery (23), and the Ithaca Beer Company (24) to the south, and Owasco Lake Brewing (21), Summerhill Brewing (20), Homer Hops & Brewery (23), the Cortland Beer Company (28) to the east. Groceries: King Ferry Corner Store (2.5), Village Market in Aurora (9), Aldi's (15), ShurFine (15), Tops (15), Wegmans (20).

What makes this property unique

The incredible proximity to the water with the space of the over-water deck is one of our favorite things about this house. The wall of west-facing windows makes the indoor space feel like it extends right out to the lake and the gas fireplace definitely increases the cozy factor in the winter! We love being able to hear the water from anywhere in the house, and enjoying the view from the deck is so peaceful!

The loons seem to like this area and their haunting calls are beautiful background in the evenings, great blue herons can be seen hunting our shoreline, and there is a consistent parade of migratory ducks and geese. Osprey and/or bald eagle sightings are not at all uncommon! We love the proximity to Aurora, Ithaca, and the wineries, parks, and hiking trails of the eastern shore of Cayuga Lake (while still feeling like we can enjoy a private retreat and enjoyment of nature).

There is notably less boat traffic on this part of the lake compared to locations further south or north. If you bring your boat or rent one while here, it is a fun and easy trip across the lake to the Sheldrake Winery or Thirsty Owl Winery boat docks, which is the epitome of a Finger Lakes summer ... winery visits and tasting experiences by boat!

We are close to a nearby golf course, Mackenzie-Childs is an easy visit for a unique and memorable shopping experience, Aurora has a wonderful spa nearby, and the Montezuma Wildlife Refuge to the north or Filmore Glen State Park to the east are easy day trips in addition to the MANY options for exploration and fun found after a 30 minute drive south to Ithaca. Treleaven Winery offers lots of family friendly events and is just a short 2.5 miles away. Bright Leaf Vineyard is just 3/4 mile up the hill from the house.

Languages:

English

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