Location was great, neighbors were friendly. We didnât spend much time indoors. We were always on the lake or the deck.
The contact always responded promptly.
The dock could use some updating which I think they already have plans of doing that. The shore is super rocky, but if you swim out by the end of the dock itâs great!
Will be renting again in the future.
Wanted to get out of town for a few days; a little âgirl timeâ for me and my daughter, we wanted to do something before I start my new job and she heads back to school. It was the perfect spot. Diamond lake is a hidden gem only 90 min from where we live so, it was just the right amount of âawayâ without burning a day at airports and such. A quick trip to the grocery store on the way into town and we were set for the weekend. Stacey was easy to contact and there were no hiccups whatsoever! Keep in mind that this particular property is on the island and therefore requires you to get on the car ferry to get across; just about a 5 min cruise. Also, remember that they are on eastern time; weâre from Indiana so we had to factor that in. Bring some floaties or your boat if you have one and enjoy this quaint oasis that has been well cared for for over 80 years by her family. We will make every effort to return next year!
Everything was perfect! The only smallâŠcomment-not criticizing. The shoreline is a little rocky so my dog couldnât get in the water and that might be tough for smaller kids. We swam off the end of the pier and the water is sooooo clean. I rented the paddle board and I was very entertaining for all who saw that struggle but it was super fun. We would come back and my cousins plan on a stay here as well. Great neighbors too!!!! Excellent communication the entire time.
I was not impressed with the upkeep of this cottage. I grew up around my auntâs lake cottage at Shavehead lake so I know that it isnât an easy job to take care of a cottage. The decks were both in need of some sanding and painting. There were not curtains on a lot of the windows. The sliding glass door wouldnât latch. Luckily there was a board to keep it closed. The screen door to the sliding door was badly damaged. In the pictures it showed small decks at the bottom of the steps and the end of the pier, but there was none. Luckily we rented a pontoon so we could sit close to the lake to enjoy it. We couldnât use the gas grill because it was so dirty. There was cleaner but not rags, we didnât want to ruin the kitchen or bathroom towels to clean it. There was also supposed to be a first aid kit, which there was none. Whoever designed the bathroom wasnât very good. You have to get in the corner to open the door to get in and out. Plus you have to stand in a cold shower until it warms up, otherwise it sprays out. On a positive closure to this review. I like the decor that was picked out. This cottage would be so welcoming and cozy with just a little tender loving care.
Great view. Nice decorations-BUT way too many $$$ for: Daughter to get locked in bedroom- handle on inside door broken and missing both bedroom door handles broken. Sister with cane had to watch very broken decking boards by door to get in. Lots of bugs came in under door if out side light used. No door mat when rained very wet floor. Silverware had butter and food on some. Charge for parking with no actual easy place to park. Tight between shed and tree. Only1 kitchen towel, 1 bathroom hand towel for 6 people for the week. Paid extra cleaning fees and asked to take garbage out, strip beds, clean and disinfect all surfaces etc. etc.!!
The place was an amazing location and well equipped including the kitchen. Water was a bit rocky, so definitely bring water shoes but was also perfectly clear with no seaweed around. Definitely recommend renting a boat as the marina is right across from the house and easy to bring boat back and forth. One of the places to sleep was a rollaway bed so we brought an air mattress which worked out great. Only two double beds and a pullout couch plus cot. Overall we loved the place and the lake !
This island cottage is charming and being on the island makes for a great vacation
Family stayed here during our family. Was great fun to be on the island. Very friendly place. Cottage is charming, great lake views. water front location with a pier to park your boat. Fun to ride the ferry over to the island.
This little cottage was perfect for our 4th of July weekend. The neighborhood on the island was really cool and the people who live there do a 4th of July parade on their golf carts, it was really cute. This house has a great view of the lake and we were able to sit on the back deck and watch the fireworks. The house was clean, all the kitchen appliances were clean, and the grill was in good condition. The patio furniture was comfortable and the fire pit was fun to use on our first night there. We got to meet the neighbors and everyone is so friendly. The swimming area is rocky so please bring water shoes.
Property is a quirky lake cottage. Beds are creaky, floors are not level, needs some updating but exactly what you would expect from a lake cottage rental. Boat dock is very shallow with rocky bottom so be prepared. Could use new carpet, some new mattresses, and a bigger fire pit. Barge is a factor to consider as well as we almost missed the morning window on our after Labor Day departure, make sure you know the schedule. We brought our boat, which makes this place a perfect boating vacation property. Boat launch is on the mainland, but there is a small ramp without a dock next to the barge on the island. Also there is no gas docks on the lake, so you need to bring extra cans.
Hi
The cottage was in a great location. I have rented cottages for years and have never had one so poorly equiped with basic kitchen items. Also, the stove was ancient, dirty and hard to use. The lack of wi-fi is a big negative. The channel changer didn't work. The beds were like sleeping in a canoe-we rolled to the middle. We left a day early since we were so sore from sleeping on those beds.
The shower pressure was wonderful!
The worst thing about this property was the gap between the deck and the back door. All three kidsâ legs ended up stuck in the gap, and got SERIOUSLY scrapped up. Also, kids got hurt on nails sticking out of the deck. The shower head was broken & water went all over the floor. The âfire pitâ was completely rotted out. The beds were horribly uncomfortable. The only toy, game, or play thing was a sandbox with barely any sand. There was no butcher knife (no salt or pepper either), not enough towels or wash cloths and only a half bottle of soap for three days. There were curtains missing on windows. No batteries in the remote & no internet. I would not recommend this property as is.
My family and I had an amazing time!! The cottage was super clean and just perfect for us. I loved the boat lamp and boat pictures that were hung around the cottage. It truly fit the theme for our weekend. We rented a boat at the marina and spent the majority of the time on the water. We will be back again next summer :)
Stacey was so kind when my directionally disabled self could not find the cottage. Thank you for guiding me!
The cottage is lovely, with great outdoor space and lots of fun quirks. The 1960s stove is awesome and works great.
Two suggestions: Towel hooks in the bathroom would be helpful. Itâs kind of a bummer trying to figure out where to hang your wet towel after a shower. Also, please consider adding WiFi.
This cottage was a great find for the 4th of July at Diamond Lake! It was clean, affordable, and in a great location on the island. We were able to watch the fireworks from the porch. The owner replied instantly to any messages sent, including when we accidentally locked ourselves out. We will definitely rent here again!
We had an absolute blast!!! Be sure to bring all the food and beverage you need with you, because there arenât any stores near by. If you do that, youâll have a great trip. Diamond lake is so clear and beautiful! Bring cash with you if you plan on renting from park shore marina and make a reservation in advance! They told me I couldnât over the phone but, but they told me I could have when I got there and there were no water trampolines available. Barge Boarding address can be found online, so definitely find that and use that as an address. The island address wouldnât pull up directions on Apple Maps. Very clean home! Totally worth it!
Owner was very easy to work with. Check in process was very easy. The barge process and getting to the property were easier than expected. The only complaint I have is that the deck is in very bad shape. Worried about my kids getting splinters walking on it. Just meant we had to spend more time down on the dock/rental boat and in the water. Itâs a beautiful lake/island and I would absolutely stay in this house again.
Pictures are not indiciative of cleanliness & condition of home
The carpet is gross. To say pet-stained, is an understatement...& I have a dog...but he doesn't pee all over my carpet. I brought it to Stacey's attention immediately & sent pictures and she said they "were aware." The "new" bathroom has a shower door that won't shut so water goes all over the floor (& there are no hooks to hang anything & they didn't bother to even paint the drywall). The beds do not fit the frame on which they sit and fall in when sat upon. All beds were terribly uncomfortable with springs poking you in the back. Don't even consider the hide-a-bed unless you take the mattress & put it on the floor (which is covered in pet pee). The 1960s oven has doors that open in such a way that it's very challenging to get a pizza in & out w/out burning yourself. Not a single float - not even a $5 noodle to float on--so would be nice to know you have to bring your own, especially since you're on an island. While the swimming area is shallow--it's completely rocky so you should know to bring shoes that can go in the water(my son cut his foot). Stacey was responsive when I told her the lawn needed mowing and the pier was unsafe & wobbly. They came immediately. The yard and house are unkept (abandoned pier and shore station on the unkept bank & chipped blue and yellow paint, windows painted shut). The neighbors are lovely & I felt badly for them as they all detest the house. It's the eyesore of the island. I should have just walked out after night one, but my boys & I had been planning this vaca for 6 months together & it was too late to go anywhere else. We just stayed outside mostly. I hope they will at the very least, replace the flooring. I'm shocked this is owned by a realtor. I hope they'll sell this valuable property to somewhere who will care about it.
The property is located on Diamond Island. To travel to the cottage, you will enjoy about a 10 minute barge ride. The barge will take your car and all of your belongings from the mainland to the Island. The "Parking Fee" set up in our listing is the fee to travel on the barge per night. Once on the barge you will fill out a pass given to you by the barge operator. It's that easy, your done!
However, if your expenses for the barge exceeds the "Parking Fee" amount I will be contacting you after your stay to fulfill the remaining balance.