Entire home

Madison & ~UW~-Madison Area Lakefront Home

Beachfront cottage with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Madison & ~UW~-Madison Area Lakefront Home

Another perfect sunset at the Cottage!
Exterior
Outdoor dining
Entry - Ahhhh! Welcome to Madison!
Kitchen and entry view

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6130.1 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View map
McFarland, WI
  • Place, Lake Waubesa
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Alliant Energy Center
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Airport, Madison, WI (MSN-Dane County Regional)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Madison & ~UW~-Madison Area Lakefront Home

Experience Madison & UW-Madison by staying in this ‘Coastal Living’ inspired lake front cottage. Downtown Madison and campus events are 15 minutes away, by car, Uber, or taxi. Fully licensed!

Relax on the wood deck that overlooks the lake, enjoy the large lawn, and go swimming, boating, fishing, or kayaking from the pier. Hiking and bike trails are practically right outside the back door. The new Lower Yahara River Trail is less than two blocks away; it connects McFarland to Madison and includes the longest boardwalk bridge constructed solely for non-motorized transportation in North America!

This beautiful, newly redesigned and rebuilt cottage on Lake Waubesa, in McFarland, Wisconsin is a 15 minute drive or Uber ride from downtown Madison, a 5 minute walk to restaurants, bars and shops in McFarland, and minutes away from the outdoor concerts, farmers markets, and other amazing activities Madison and the surrounding areas have to offer.

The living room, dining room, kitchen, first floor bedroom and the upstairs master bedroom have lake views and unparalleled sunsets.

Two first floor bedrooms, two contemporary bathrooms, a living room with TV, dining room with a large table for easy entertaining, and an entry mud room. The upstairs master bedroom has vintage wood beams and the best sunset views on Lake Waubesa. The charming, fully-equipped gourmet kitchen has white cupboards, granite counter tops, and is outfitted with stainless steel appliances that include a dishwasher. All rooms are very spacious.

Huge windows offer breathtaking views of the lake from almost every room. The illuminated Wisconsin State Capitol can be seen at night — along with other lights that twinkle around the lake.

This quintessential lake home — recently renovated by a renowned local interior designer —honors the aesthetics of lake living with vintage furnishings, nautical accessories, comfy furniture, and soft grey colors.

Boat owners are responsible for any damages to the dock. Pets are not allowed for any reason and can result in forfeiture of the entire deposit.

Also note that we are limited to six total guests; this includes overnights, parties and / or events at the property. This is controlled by village ordinance and limited by the owner for the comfort of all our guests. ANY LEASE VIOLATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO THE FORFEITURE OF THE ENTIRE DEPOSIT.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Beach view

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Place used sheets, towels on main bathroom floor.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Please follow the check-out procedure as listed in the binder on the kitchen counter.
Violation of these rules will result in forfeiture of the security deposit.

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
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 deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

McFarland

Located in McFarland, this cottage is on the beach. Lake Kegonsa State Park and Capital Springs State Recreation Area reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Vilas Park. Looking to enjoy an event or a game? See what's going on at Alliant Energy Center or Camp Randall Stadium. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
McFarland, WI

What's nearby

  • Lake Waubesa - 1 min drive - 0.0 km
  • Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison - 6 min drive - 7.8 km
  • Alliant Energy Center - 9 min drive - 11.7 km
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison - 13 min drive - 14.9 km
  • Camp Randall Stadium - 14 min drive - 16.3 km

Getting around

  • Madison Station - 13 min drive
  • Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) - 19 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Parkside Pub - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Maple Tree - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪Christy's Landing - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Madison & ~UW~-Madison Area Lakefront Home pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Madison & ~UW~-Madison Area Lakefront Home?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Madison & ~UW~-Madison Area Lakefront Home?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Madison & ~UW~-Madison Area Lakefront Home located?

Nestled on the beach, this McFarland cottage is within 3 mi (5 km) of Lake Waubesa, Capital Springs State Recreation Area and Aldo Leopold Nature Center. McFarland Dog Park and Monona Dog Park are also within 3 miles (5 km).

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. 187 out of 200 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 200 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 200 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 200 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 200 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jody G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
What a lovely place to spend a few days with family! There was so much to do within a short distance but we loved being able to just chill on the water. We had a wonderful stay and can’t wait to visit again. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mary D.

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

Clean and comfy cottage getaway

The cottage is a great location, hiking trail, restaurants and pubs in walking distance, and short drive to Madison. It is well-furnished, comfortable and is located on the water with great views. My friends and I would highly recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Alison O.

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

4th stay - always great

Wonderful property, stayed the long weekend of Madison graduation weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautifully located westerly views, the lake cottage is placed perfectly lakeside for watersports or just staring at the water and sunsets. The kitchen is much better furnished than most and we were in need of nothing. The beds and all the furniture are very comfortable. The main sitting room has numerous light-filling windows. There is a table and sitting area on the front deck for mornings. We spent most of the daytime and through sunset on the back porch with its nicely sized table and chairs or the adirondack chairs overlooking the lake. Our host was superbly helpful with the whole process and also suggestions for the greater Madison area. We are very thankful for our stay and highly recommend this lakeside cottage close to Madison, Wisconsin!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Liz L.

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

Relaxing lakefront home

Beautiful lakefront home in McFarland, near Madison WI. My family loved our relaxing weekend!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lee E.

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

Perfect location and home

We loved our three evenings at this lake house, watching wildlife and enjoying the sunsets over water. Very comfortable home and great location with proximity to park and boardwalk.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenifer C.

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

Nice weekend on the lake.

It’s a beautiful place. We enjoyed our stay. I would recommend bringing eye patches, the main bedroom is bright in the morning.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Beautiful lake setting

Clean, cute, and comfy house. Close to trails and Madison. Would definitely stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

William L.

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

Why it was great!

Several super places within easy walking.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy W.

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

Best VRBO ever

My sisters and I stayed at this beautiful home for a weekend retreat to catch up and relax. It was absolutely perfect, from the gorgeous views of the lake and sunset to the comfortable beds and beautiful decor. We have such happy memories of our stay there and will definitely be visiting again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Bruce B., Los Angeles, USA

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

Wonderful lake house with spectacular views.

Great place in beautiful setting. Everything was perfect (for longer stays, washer and dryer would be helpful). Loved it!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Lisa A. S.

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

Spring Break getaway

The cottage is clean and well stocked for a long weekend. The view of the lake is beautiful, and I'm sure it's even better in the warm months. We had everything we needed. Great little house for a long weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mary Pat B.

PB

Excellent accommodations and wonderful views of the lake! Such a special place to stay and every comfort detail attended to by the host manager. I would not hesitate to book another reservation again!

10/10 Excellent

Nora L.

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

McFarland Paradise

This was our second visit to this property. It's hard to describe how fabulous it is!. Beautiful, quiet, relaxing, so well equipped and great communication with the host. Don't miss out!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sherrie S.

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

Loved it!

We enjoyed our stay very much! It was a perfect setting for our 2 families to hang out for a fun football weekend!! The house is beautiful and the lake view is gorgeous! Very close to campus! We hope to rent again!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Bindu H., Chicago

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

Relaxing and lovely!

This was our third time staying at this lovely lake house for a girls weekend. We had a wonderful, relaxing stay and can’t wait to return next year! The house could not be cleaner and we enjoyed watching the sunsets on the lake. Wish we could e stayed for a week!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2020

10/10 Excellent

Alison O.

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

Great getaway during Family Weekend at UW-M

Great house for a fall long weekend near Madison. Walked the nearby trail, went to an apple orchard, sat in the Adirondack chairs and watched the sunset, ate at McFarland restaurants. All wonderful!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Laura K.

Great location, Beautiful property, Very clean!

We were in town for a wedding, and this rental was the perfect spot for our family to turn the occasion into a relaxing vacation on the lake. There are three sports bars within a block of the house, a boardwalk/trail for biking, running, and walking, as well as two playgrounds for any little ones! We couldn’t have been more delighted in finding this property!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M., Wadsworth, Ohio

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

Beautiful view and remodel

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this beautiful lake house! The house is remodeled to perfection with a wall of windows looking out onto the lake. The furniture was comfortable and there was plenty of space for the 6 of us. Easy to get to University of Wisconsin for the football game. Would definitely stay at this property again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

John B.

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

Winter Break

Family of 4 traveling from MKE. Easy communication with Jennifer before trip started made for easy beginning to our trip. House is lovely and close to good hiking trails as well as downtown Madison. Enjoyed watching the coming and goings on the frozen lake. Thanks for the great stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Robert R.

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

Very Nice

The property was wonderfully located with a beautiful view. It was also exceptionally clean and very well renovated. There were a few nice local restaurants/bars which made the stay even nicer. The only item was when I was told that we parked in the wrong place I responded and indicated the home was wonderful. I never heard back - just kind of seemed weird. I like having a personable connection with the owner but didn't necesarily feel that way here. But still a wonderful stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steve N.

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

Daughter's Wedding Stay

We stayed for a week around our daughter's wedding. Great location. Such easy access to the Madison beltway yet you feel miles from any city. Conveniently located minutes from a grocery store, and several restaurants, and a terrific biking/walking trail that connects you with all of nearby Madison. The lake house is really nicely decorated, "big" for its size, and offers a great view over Lake Wabesa guarded by several beautiful oak trees. The morning patio is a great place to start your day, and the main patio on the lake side is a great place to end it!

10/10 Excellent

Alexandra W.

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

Perfect Vacation Home

Reunited with high school friends for a long weekend and stayed in this rental. This house may be the best rental I’ve ever stayed in! The house is even nicer and cleaner than the pictures and was extremely well appointed. The beds are extremely comfortable and everything is updated. We had a small issue with a window during the stay and the property manager was out to fix it within minutes. The view is phenomenal and we spent a lot of time sitting by the lake. A very peaceful spot. 5 stars and highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ryan L.

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

As advertised!

Clean and well-equipped in a quiet neighborhood and street. Only 15 min from downtown Madison. Great lake view. Note that there is no self-serve laundry on site. Other than that, you’ve got everything you need. I highly recommend this property. Bonus: electric bike rental station and access to Lower Yahara Trail is a short walk away. We biked all the way to downtown Madison and back. Madison and suburbs are very bike-friendly.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maribeth G.

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

What a View!

I rented this lakefront house for my sister and her sons (and their wives) who were in town for my son's wedding. Although I did not stay in the house myself, my sister and nephews independently told me the property was amazing! Their only regret is that with wedding activities to attend throughout the weekend, they did not get to enjoy the property as much as they would've loved. The house was clean, spacious, well-equipped with supplies, and situated on the lake with an incredible view. Check-in was also easy. They all want to come back. I promised them I'd find a week-end later this year or next summer with nothing else to do but stay at the house and enjoy it. Great place.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

About the host

Hosted by Jennifer

Host profile image
Locally renowned interior designer has long owned a 100-year old family home and cottage in the area.

Why they chose this property

- 2 hours from Chicago
- 15 minutes from downtown Madison, the state capitol, UW campus, State Street, Camp Randall, the Farmer’s Market
- 5 minutes away from the Village of McFarland — grocery stores, liquor stores, pharmacies, drug store, restaurants, and gas stations, etc.
- less than 2 blocks from the new Lower Yahara River Trail, connecting McFarland to the Madison area's vast network of bike paths
- Internet / wifi & NetFlix
- California closets
- Lake pier
- Additional Street parking
- No pets
- Wheel chair accessible
- Non-Smoking
- Minimum Age Limit: 25
- Children welcome
- Sleeps 6
Access to Madison by boat or bicycle. Wrought iron beds, wicker baskets, a twig bench, and retro light fixtures are a few of the authentic details.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests