We have rented this property multiple times. It is so beautiful both inside and out. We spent most of our time jumping off the diving board and floating down to the boathouse. We also explored the island with a 6 mile walk, as well as a bike excursion around the island and over to the winery! We brought bikes, paddle boards and waterskis. The kitchen is small but quaint. The huge dining room table is perfect for big dinners and card games to follow. The beds are very comfortable, great living space and an incredible front porch with killer sunsets. Great hosts, as well!!
Our stay at the Howard Smith lodge was fantastic. Even though the weather was not the best, everything about this place made us feel right at home. From the large family room with the banquet table for family meals and board games, to the adirondack lined back deck overlooking the lake, and the overall property as a whole, we had the most relaxing and therapeutic vacation in years. The kitchen is as well stocked as any vacation home we have aver stayed in, so for people who like to cook or bake, you could not ask for more. Thank you, Sandra and Isabel, for your hospitality and for sharing this beautiful, amazing family lodge. We will definitely be returning next year!
My husband, myself and our two sons (13 and 7) had a wonderful two weeks at this beautiful property. It offers great swimming and fishing. Our sons loved the diving board and swimming off the dock. My son and husband both caught pike while fishing near the dock. It is excellent for bird sightings. We saw a pair of Loons one morning, emerge from the water right in front of us, while sitting on dock. Other birds spotted: common merganser with chicks, osprey, belted kingfisher, to name a few. Potter's beach is a short boat ride away. Excellent accommodation, very clean, well appointed. Its a 5-10 minute walk to Grindstone Winery, which has ongoing events. I highly recommend and would definitely come again.
The property is very scenic and we were fortunate to catch a great week of weather including plenty of sunshine and calm seas 5 out of the 7 days we stayed. We chose the location based on the privacy and serenity it provides. That did not disappoint and the views of the river and surrounding islands is quite beautiful. The buildings are very rustic. If that is a quality that you appreciate, then you will be pleased. Frankly, the property was more rustic than we anticipated which is why I did not give the highest rating. A boat is a must have to stay at this property. We enjoyed numerous boat rides back and forth to Clayton, however itâs a fairly long ride so if the weather is not cooperating, it would be a challenge. The house is well stocked and clean (again for what it is). Overall, our extended family - including grandparents - had a great time!
This is our 2nd time renting this cabin. It is in a beautiful spot and has everything you need. We love staying here on our family vacation. Canât wait til next year.
We truly had a great and relaxing time exploring the island, swimming, and fishing. The cabin(s) were just right for our group and the owners were very accommodating. Thank you for the memories
This property makes you lose track of time. The island and the land surrounding this home is beyond beautiful. Isabel and family thanks for sharing your piece of Thousand Islands with us. It is a real treasure!
Matt and Amy
This was the best summer family vacation. The house and property are amazing. Everyone was friendly and the owner's family went out of their way to accommodate us. The kids all spent a lot of time between the diving board, swimming, water skiing, and snorkeling. I took a walk, read a book, shared some wine with the neighbors, watched the sunsets, took a cruise out to Boldt castle, dock up in Clayton and got a great meal on the waterfront at Bella's. And most of all we had a lot of fun hanging out in the big living room and deck at night playing games with family and friends. Thank you Abby, Isabel, and Jeff!
We were able to spend even more time on the island this year and enjoyed amazing views, swimming, bike riding and more. Very relaxing and rejuvenating times!
Itâs a perfect spot. As a life-long Thousand Islander, I was pretty sure I knew all the special spots. But this one previously escaped me. Itâs the most perfect spot on the River if you are seeking solitude, privacy and natural beauty. What a special place.
This was not our first time renting this slice of paradise and won't be our last!
We have been renting this property since 2012. There is no other place quite like it in the 1,000 Islands. We were fortunate to rent for two weeks this summer; although that still felt too short of a stay. The "front door" of this property is the majestic St. Lawrence River, overlooking islands and Canada. My kids favorite spot is the diving board off the rocks into the clear channel. The "back door" leads to rolling farm fields with cows and puffy clouds. Perfect for a walk, run or bike. The main cottage is rustic, yet warm and inviting with a beautiful front porch to catch a sunset every evening. The bedroom off the boathouse is perfect for sleeping and hearing the river below while falling asleep. The one-bedroom cottage (with bathroom) is super cute and perfect for a couple looking for a bit of privacy from the hustle and bustle of the main cottage. I would move here if I could! We can't wait to come back next summer.
This was our second year here. Loved it even more this year. We brought bikes and explored the island, getting to know some of the local folks. This is a place where you can really relax. Thanks for having us!
We have stayed at the Howard-Smith lodge several times . Just everything about the main lodge, the cottage and boathouse charm wraps you up and takes you to a place like no other. The front porch is our favorite place to gather and watch spectacular sunsets. My girls and I put together some fantastic meals in the cozy yet well-equipped kitchen and was thankful they shared a full array of supplies as well as fresh herbs growing outside the front porch .
Canât wait to come back! Thank you for sharing your familyâ s treasureâ€ïž
We wanted to write a review to say how much we enjoyed our stay at your beautiful retreat. The views were more spectacular than we ever imagined and the peacefulness of the river made our stay absolutely wonderful! We enjoyed the loons in the evening and the peaceful quiet of the surrounding islands. We have been vacationing in the 1000 islands for over 25 years. We have camped on Wellsey Island and we have rented another cottage on Grindstone as well. We can honestly say your cottage with the beautiful views of the river and sunsets was the best we have ever had. This was the consensus with our entire family and we could not have been more pleased with the week. The weather played a huge roll in our comfort and we were not disappointed with 8 out of 9 beautiful sunny days.The location, privacy and scenery was amazing and we would recommend to anyone.
We want you and your family to know how enjoyable our stay was and THANK YOU for sharing your cottage with us. We will definitely be back as we miss the peacefulness already!
Cindy and Rick and family
We had a wonderful vacation. The camp has everything needed and the owners are available and accommodating. We highly recommend staying here. We enjoyed swimming, fishing, hiking, and the most beautiful sunsets from the porch.