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

Lakefront holiday home with kitchen and patio

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
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Cayuga Lake
  • Place, Sheldrake Point Winery
  • Place, King Ferry Winery
  • Airport, Ithaca, NY (ITH-Tompkins Regional)

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!

PETS: 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 it is written it here in the description text, a photo provided, or else message us to confirm before booking. Property decor and furnishings are subject to change from listing photos without notice in response to maintenance needs.

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, variety of small appliances, dishes/tableware/glassware
* A variety of coffee-making methods available. No paper filters needed, just bring your favorite grind! No Keurig on site
* Professionally laundered linens and interior cleaning
* 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
* Gas grill. Provided as a convenience only & made available to guests to use at their own discretion. Please feel free to fire it up & clean it to your standards before cooking, & do your best to burn off/clean the grates for the next guest when done
* Boat hoist for safe boat storage (*Boaters please see important info at the end*)

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 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 heard from even inside the house!

Just 2 steps up to the front door from the gravel parking area & no cliffs or long staircases to navigate. Step out onto the over-water deck from the house, with a few additional short steps down to the dock & water. 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 kitchen/LR on the main floor is full of light. Also on the first floor are 2 bedrooms (BR1 has 1 queen; BR2 is small but has a bunk bed) & a full bath. 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 & 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 is limited. There is room to park *3 regular cars* OR *a combo of 1 large pickup/SUV with 1 car* 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: 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*; The hoist is very reliable but in the unlikely event that it 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 that record motion and sound 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 impacts to your travel (weather, illness, other), we strongly recommend 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! 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.

Add dates for prices

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, plus eco-friendly cleaning products
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 - 4 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Wells College - 16 min drive - 19.0 km
  • Cornell University - 36 min drive - 44.8 km
  • Taughannock Falls State Park - 48 min drive - 60.0 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
  • ‪Thirsty Owl Wine Company - ‬65 min drive
  • ‪O'Malley's - ‬61 min drive
  • ‪King Ferry Corner Store - ‬5 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).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 171 out of 184 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 184 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 184 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 184 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 184 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful views, on the water, host communicated very well and also had instructions at cottage. Clean and well cared for, kitchen was ready to use.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice cozy place sitting right on the lake. I loved every morning drinking my coffee, sitting by the fire looking out over the lake. Very quiet neighborhood and the people we ran into were very friendly. The entire house was clean upon arrival and well stocked. Communication with the owners went very well. Great place to relax and take in nature!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Joyce D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing week here! The house was beautiful and well maintained. We had a slight issue at checkin but communication with Don was quick and effective and was resolved quickly. Would absolutely recommend this house to anyone looking for a relaxing and peaceful getaway!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debbie B.

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

Perfect

My family and I have been to Pura Vida Cottage many times! The cottage is exactly as pictured, very clean and the kitchen has everything you need. The fishing is fantastic and they provide kayaks (adult and child), paddle boards, tubes, a rowboat and life jackets. The swimming is awesome too. Don and Michelle are absolutely great and respond quickly to questions. The local property manager is also fantastic. The area is beautiful and there are breweries and hiking trails close by should you want to leave the cottage. Thanks, Don and Michelle. See you next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rachel L.

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

Great lakefront property !

Great property and location. Especially enjoyed the porch and dock!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rae H.

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

Repeat guests of these cottages!

We are repeat guests of these hosts, and we have excellent vacations and reunions in their properties. Access to the lake is easy and immediate. All of the recreational vehicles and safety equipment are easy to access, safe, clean, and fun! Communication with the hosts is always clear. They really set up their guests for success with an excellent local binder, a small amount of easy vacation reading materials and games for adults and kids, well-appointed furniture, and a well-stocked kitchen in terms of equipment, gadgets, and utensils. We have stayed in their cottages for two summers in a row, and plan to do so in the future!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Laura K.

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

Short trip

We loved the dock, kayaks, and location. We really enjoyed the close location of Aurora brewery and parks. Great for our short stay on the water.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam D., Philadelphia, PA

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

Great private cottage

The best finger lakes cottage we’ve rented. Quiet, private, well appointed, well maintained, super responsive property manager. Will absolutely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

2/10 Terrible

Michael C.

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

Wells Reunion

The property is in a quiet beautiful setting and description is accurate. Well appointed and stocked, we had a great time and would stay here again. It is located midlake and close to winery's and breweries. About 10 min to Aurora.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pete P.

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

So many ducks :)

Loved how quiet and relaxing the cottage was. The sound of the waves crashing on the lake wall was a very nice background for the weekend... And the ducks were fun
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

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

Nice Little Lake House

Lovely home, nicely situated on the lake. Kitchen had new appliances and was well stocked. The deck and pier was large and well built with trex..ideal for watching the sunset or taking in the fantastic view. Rooms and closets are a bit small.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gayle C.

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

Cute spot

I stayed in this cute house on the water with a friend for a knitting weekend. It fit our purposes perfectly as we weren’t looking for much. It was a beautiful and clean house on the water with a gorgeous view. This is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a relaxing time. We loved it!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Week with family

The layout of the lake house and cleanliness are superb. Parking is somewhat limited but enough for our 3 cars but not more for visitors. Communication with owners and management was excellent. We would definitely stay there again in the future
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Danielle G.

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

Very nice

Location was very quaint on the lake, clean in the inside! Definitely glow slow because the neighbors are watching.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Melanie K.

Perfect house and great space for a girls weekend getaway for 7! 5 stars, Loved it!

We thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our stay. We loved the house and all of the beautiful decorations and inviting dining and living rooms. The new memory foam mattresses were very comfortable. Very clean and fully stocked kitchen. It was wonderful to have the linens included too. We loved the view of the lake and deck. We would definitely recommend this property and come back for another weekend getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2017

10/10 Excellent

Michael D.

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

Delightful Stay On The Water

Nice quiet neighbhood and you're so close to the water (actually part of the home is built over the water) you feel like you're on a houseboat. Michele's attention to detail and everything being so well described, labeled makes everything so easy to find - and use. A quiet, peaceful getaway.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim S.

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

Beautiful setting on Cayuga Lake

The peaceful feeling you get when sitting in the adirondack chairs on the dock is amazing. The sunsets are beautiful. The cottage was perfect for us. We had 4 ladies and came to visit vineyards on Cayuga and Seneca Lakes. We were on the opposite side of Cayuga from most of the vineyards but the drive around to the other side was nice. I loved the tiny town of King Ferry and went to the King Ferry Cornerstore every day.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nancy O.

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

Tranquility at its best!

Thanks to a perfect home and location, we had a wonderful girls (two of us haven’t been”girls” in a long time.) weekend. The pictures on line are exactly as they are in person. The kitchen had everything we needed and more. We felt right at home as soon as we unbacked! We appreciated the attention paid to all the extra details. From the candles (charged) and lovely decor, to the Weber grill. Our steaks turned out awesome. We enjoyed the deck and it’s comfy furniture. The promise of a lovely sunset was fulfilled! We hope to come back soon!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ray F., Easton

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

Great Place with a Great View!

The property was perfect! The entire home has been updated. Everything inside is well organized (and labeled). Everything you need to enjoy a few days is provided. The property owners provided all kinds of detailed information on what's required, what to bring, etc. They were also great communicators on this website throughout the process. Oh, and the sunsets are breathtaking! We used this home for a 2-man fishing trip. Don's Marina, just up the road, was a perfect place to fuel up and store your boat each day. This house had a lift but we chose not to use it. I highly recommend this rental!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Rae H.

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

So magical we booked for next summer right after we got home!

The cottage was so cute, quiet, convenient, and well-appointed! It was precisely as it was advertised in all aspects. The owners communicated with us clearly and thoroughly before our week started, so we knew precisely what to expect. And somehow we were still greatly impressed! Lake access was trouble free and absolutely easy. All the amenities of a lake home were present and accounted for. We were able to make fires in the fire pit most nights, got into the lake every single day despite the weather being iffy a few days, and got paddling and kayaking so easily. We were comfortable, entertained, and happy the whole time. We had such an amazing time here. Unwinding and having fun that we booked both this cottage and their partner cottage for next summer. Pretty much as soon as we got back home!!! Both of our kids, 3 and 8 years old, had an amazing time here. There were games to play, stones to skip on the lake, easy access to the water, flotation devices, and bunk beds. They couldn't ask for more! All amenities worked perfectly and were clean. We are so excited for our next visit!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Crystal C.

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

Waterfront Cottage for a Rural Getaway

We rented this house for 4 adults for a week-long adventure on Cayuga Lake, and it was a wonderful upstate escape. The kitchen is well-stocked with cooking equipment and flatware, but you will have to bring ALL sundries, including salt and oil. The lake is generally calm and perfect for kayaking, though it was too cold to do any swimming in late May. You'll also enjoy wonderful sunsets from the deck, and we loved seeing all the wildlife along the lake shore, even when a heron landed on the dock and then took a massive poop. Runners/cyclists: There is a very steep hill to get away from the shore, but once you get through that, it's easy to get to wineries in the area. There is also an ice cream shop and a general store 2-2.5 miles away. There is a standing a/c unit upstairs and floor fans, but if you are expecting crisp 68 degree temps, that's just not going to happen when it's 88 outside. However, it does cool off at night once the sun sets. This being a rural setting, you should expect a fair amount of insects around the house. However, most of them were fairly harmless. Be very careful about leaving food out. Internet is not super fast but was stable enough to support multiple video calls at once, and the network reception also stretches out to the deck, so that you can make your coworkers appropriately jealous.
Stayed 8 nights in May 2020

10/10 Excellent

Lucy O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property was great!! We stayed at Halcyon last year and both properties are in a great location and offer so much for a quick get away. We had a wonderful time.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Madison W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great home! Very clean. Had a large crate already for our dog which made traveling easier since we did not have to bring that. Very detail oriented with notes about the home & surrounding area. Great neighborhood, I went on walks daily and all the neighbors were very friendly. Can’t beat the sunsets off the dock.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Cole R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the easy minimum stepe parking to entry; entry deck to rear deck; and deck to dock!This was the most completely supplied we have ever stayed in! The kitchen supplies were phenomenal.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey G.

Great house, right on the water. Don and Michelle
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

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

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests