Seneca Lake Cottage FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the cottage? Can we drive by and see it while we’re in the area?

Do you provide any watercraft?

Can we bring our boat?

Is there central air and heat?

Is there wi-fi?

Can we waive the cleaning fee if we clean it ourselves and promise to leave it very clean?

Can we reserve the same week every summer?

Do you provide linens?

Is there firewood for beach bonfires?

We have a very well mannered dog. Can we bring him?

We’d like to have a (family reunion/wedding/bachelor or bachelorette party/wedding anniversary/graduation party, etc) there. We’d even provide port-a-johns and do all the clean up.

Why don’t you put in…. (fill in the blank). No offense.

Why do you ask to know a little about our group before renting to us?

What is there to do in the area?

Where exactly is the cottage? Can we drive by and see it while we’re in the area?

The cottage is roughly 3 miles north of Watkins Glen. Due to concerns for the security and privacy of our neighbors and guests, we do not broadcast the address over the internet. Also because of the location and seasonality of the property, it does not lend itself to a drive-by viewing. Unauthorized visits to the property, whether you’ve rented there before or not, is trespassing. That said, we are happy to accommodate special needs with sufficient communication and coordination beforehand. For example, if you need to determine if the property is sufficiently handicapped-accessible for your situation, contact us and we’ll do our best to arrange something mutually agreeable.

Do you provide any watercraft?

Our insurance company has made it abundantly clear that they do not wish us to do this. It’s a darn shame, really, that our world has come to the place where we can’t let someone use even a rowboat. However, it is what it is, so we’ve provided information on rentals and area marinas, should you be so inclined.

Can we bring our boat?

The short answer is: it depends. We have a relatively new, not-cheap dock we’d like to keep in good shape, so we consider this on a case-by-case basis.

Is there central air and heat?

Nope. This is a seasonal cottage located next to a temperature-moderating lake. In the summer, if needed at all, we do fine with fans and windows. In the spring and fall we typically limit group size, and when heat is needed rely on electric baseboard heating downstairs, which keeps it quite warm and cozy.

Is there wi-fi?

Due to its location, the cottage can’t get cable or DSL, and satellite is cost prohibitive for a seasonal place (and we don’t want it anyway). So there is no wi-fi per se, but… Regrettably, smart phones and their ilk work very well there.

Can we waive the cleaning fee if we clean it ourselves and promise to leave it very clean?

No. This is a wonderful idea in theory, but not in practice. Our definition of “clean” and that of the person following you, may not be your definition of clean. Our definition includes a checklist, and our housekeeper doesn’t just tidy up, she cleans. The fee also includes garbage removal which most people don’t want to take home with them.

Can we reserve the same week every summer?

Very possibly. We give preference to returning, good guests, and also to smaller group sizes

Do you provide linens?

Mattress pads, blankets, comforters/bedspreads and pillows are provided, as well as kitchen linens. Guests bring their own bath towels, washcloths, sheets and pillowcases, unless otherwise arranged.

Is there firewood for beach bonfires?

Often, yes. Much depends on when you visit, and how much the people before you used. A lot of wood washes up, but later in the season it may be used up. We provide contact information for a local individual who will deliver firewood for far less than if you bought it in bundles locally. (It is against the law in many states, including New York, to bring in firewood from out-of-state, or from more than 50 miles away within state. They’re trying to contain an invasive, destructive insect.) Often there is some leftover from when someone else ordered. And each group’s use of firewood is dependent on personal preference and weather. So there’s no way for us to know, but we have tried to make it easy for you to obtain some if it’s not already present.

We have a very well mannered dog. Can we bring him?

Sorry, no. Oh that we could say yes, because we’re pet lovers too. But as you know, most people say they are responsible pet owners, even in a rental, however it ain’t necessarily so. We love our little cottage and think you will too. We just don’t accommodate pets.

We’d like to have a (family reunion/wedding/bachelor or bachelorette party/wedding anniversary/graduation party, etc) there. We’d even provide port-a-johns and do all the clean up.

Our cottage is not a good match for your needs, on oh-so-many levels. We have one bathroom; in inclement weather it can be a tight fit indoors (one reason we limit occupancy even more so in the spring and fall); there is limited parking; we love our neighbors and don’t want to irritate them; we (and many other families) love our cottage and don’t appreciate the wear and tear and lack of respect that the above situations generate. We simply aren’t a good match for your needs, but you’ll find many other wonderful venues on and near the lakes that will be. Thanks for understanding.

Why don’t you put in… (cable, central air, central heat, a dishwasher, a second bathroom, etc. etc.) No offense.

The short answer to all of the above is that either we can’t or we don’t want to… this is a vintage, seasonal cottage. While updated, it has virtually the same footprint as when built in the 20’s or 30’s. It has a breezy, screened in porch with a screen door that slams; it has a hammock and trees that whisper in the breeze and lake sounds and ducks and herons and seagulls. We can’t tell you how many people tell us they love not having a dishwasher, because kids help, generations mix – it’s an activity that doesn’t make for awkward silences or strained conversation, and singing and joking and towel-snapping rules. You learn to ask if anyone needs to use the bathroom before going in to take a shower. Mutual consideration is key at the cottage.

If you want granite countertops, a master bedroom suite, multiple bathrooms, central heat and air and to be plugged in with HBO, Wii, and World of Warcraft, this is not the cottage for you. We don’t mind! No offense taken.

Why do you ask to know a little about our group before renting to us?

We ask because we’re not a motel. We want to share our cottage with people who will enjoy and respect it. We don’t care if you’re blue, green or purple, but it’s in everyone’s interest to have a good match between property and renter.

What is there to do in the area?

Lots, actually. Please see our “Things to Do” link and all the categories in it. You can always leave a jigsaw puzzle up for anyone to work on as they pass by with their cup of coffee, but there should also be something for everyone within those links. Be sure to hike the Glen! J And it’s free!

Fabulous location on Seneca Lake!!

Level waterfront near Watkins Glen in the heart of Wine country....