Secluded Winter Retreat in the Finger Lakes—Cozy Cabin, Wood Stove, Deep Quiet

Welcome
Welcome to your true midwinter retreat in the woods. There is no better place to be as we settle into the winter season. Wake to a silent sunrise, snow-dusted trees, and long mornings by the wood stove. The cabin is warm, quiet, and designed for staying in—exceptional sleep, a fully equipped kitchen, and cozy spaces to read, cook, and disconnect. When you’re ready to explore, winter hikes and waterfalls are just minutes away.

Resting on a wooded hilltop surrounded by one of the largest protected forests in the region, this lovingly refinished full-log cabin offers the perfect blend of seclusion and convenience. Its location in the heart of the Finger Lakes places you just a short drive from the vibrant towns of Ithaca and Watkins Glen, known for their wineries, dining, lakes, waterfalls, and cultural attractions.

The Full Log Cabin Experience
Step inside and feel instantly at home. An open-concept interior highlights the classic, traditional log cabin structure, with large wooden beams and tranquil forest views framed by oversized windows. An attractive glass-fronted wood stove perches on a masonry-built local-stone hearth.

The fully equipped kitchen—with a full-sized refrigerator, microwave, and dual-fuel range—has everything you need to prepare gourmet meals, and the dining table is roomy enough for shared meals or a board game with loved ones. The bathroom features a charming clawfoot tub for showering—or soaking.
Two queen beds in the spacious loft comfortably sleep four, and custom-fitted “sleep kits” for the sofas allow accommodation for up to two additional guests. Curl up and watch a movie using the projector and large retractable screen. High-speed fiber-optic Wi-Fi lets you stay as connected as you wish, while the space itself is designed to encourage unplugging and lingering—whether with your favorite person, your favorite people, or a well-behaved furry friend.

Lovely Location
Step outside to see, hear, and feel nature from the spacious covered porch. Gather around the smokeless fire pit for outdoor meals, or wander past the salamander-, frog-, and koi-filled pond ringed with native wildflowers. In winter, you may even catch a glimpse of our neighborhood mink.
Pull on your hiking boots and head downslope to explore the private 50 acres, or connect directly to the Finger Lakes Trail. Nearly 12,000 acres of surrounding state-owned conservation land offer endless opportunities to explore—hike, relax, grill, toast marshmallows, watch the sunset beyond the pond, listen to the wind in the trees (or complete silence), and stargaze. The quiet hilltop setting invites peace and tranquility.

Right off the Property
The neighboring seasonal roads are excellent for biking in summer and offer some of the best nearby routes for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter.

Finger Lakes Trail Access
Use the cabin as your basecamp for day hikes along this unique long-distance trail system, spanning approximately 580 miles through the Finger Lakes region—from Allegany State Park in the west to the Catskill Mountains in the east.

And of Course, the Gorges
For hiking, picnicking, and swimming, four of the Finger Lakes’ finest state parks—Watkins Glen, Robert Treman, Buttermilk Falls, and Taughannock Falls—are all within 15 miles (about a 30-minute drive). The cabin provides full information on these destinations.

Lakes, Lakes, Lakes
In summer, nearby Seneca, Cayuga, and Cayuta Lakes offer ample opportunities for swimming, paddling, boating, and other water-based recreation.

Nearby Towns & Attractions

Ithaca (12 mi / 20 min)
Explore the Ithaca Commons, Cornell University, Ithaca College, and dozens of restaurants offering diverse cuisines. Highlights include the nationally renowned Ithaca Farmers Market, the Sciencenter, Stewart and Cass Parks, ice skating, children’s parks, and lively annual festivals.

Watkins Glen (20 mi / 30 min)
Visit the famous Watkins Glen State Park, swim at Watkins Glen Beach on Seneca Lake, explore nearby Montour Falls, sample local wineries and breweries, or dine at one of the many charming restaurants and cafés.

Trumansburg (13 mi / 20 min)
Walk the dramatic gorge to the 215-foot waterfall at Taughannock Falls State Park—or simply enjoy the overlook. Swim in Cayuga Lake, stroll the inviting village main street, bowl at Atlas Bowl, enjoy live music and dancing at the GrassRoots Festival, or bike the Black Diamond Trail all the way to Ithaca.

Finger Lakes Beer & Wine
Sample award-winning wines and craft beers at dozens of nearby vineyards and breweries while taking in the scenic beauty of the region.

A Perfect Home Base
Whether you’re seeking a quiet retreat, an outdoor adventure, or a mix of both—with your partner, family, or close friends—this log cabin is an ideal home base for experiencing the peace, natural beauty, and vibrant culture of the Finger Lakes. Book your stay and make it your own.

Information for Guests (Please Read Before Booking)

Cell Service
Cell service is limited and can be spotty. Please check with your provider to confirm coverage. The cabin does have high-speed fiber-optic Wi-Fi.

Winter Access
The main road to the cabin is maintained year-round, but the higher elevation means we often receive more snow than surrounding areas. All-wheel drive is always advisable and occasionally necessary during winter months.

Pets
Dogs are allowed with prior approval and agreement to our pet policy and pet fee (see below).

Wildlife
Most guests see little wildlife beyond birds and pond critters, but the surrounding forest is home to fox, coyote, fisher, raccoon, and porcupine. These animals are rarely seen near the cabin; however, dogs should remain leashed on woodland walks, as wildlife may be present downslope.

Critters
We take great pride in maintaining a clean, well-kept cabin and have not had issues with mice indoors. That said, this is a cabin in the woods. You may occasionally hear a squirrel on the roof, a woodpecker exploring the exterior, or notice a few insects that have wandered inside. We routinely address these quickly, and most guests find this a non-issue. If bugs are a major concern, a woodland cabin may not be the best fit.

Not a Swimming Pond
The pond is intended for wildlife and ambience—not for swimming (by people or pets) and not for fishing (goldfish only). A small dinghy is available for getting out onto the pond.

Amenities
Fully equipped kitchen
Wood stove for chilly nights
Spacious covered porch with ample seating
Smokeless fire pit (Breeo) with cooking equipment
Adirondack chairs
Picnic table
Charcoal grill (bring your own charcoal)
Private trails on the property
Ample parking

House Rules
Check-in after 3:30 PM; check-out before 10:30 AM
Minimum age to rent: 22
Children welcome (0–17), though the cabin is not baby- or child-proofed
No events or parties
No excessive noise, especially after 10 PM (neighbors are nearby)
No smoking (evidence incurs an additional cleaning fee)
Pets allowed by pre-approval only, per pet policy
No firearms (including BB guns or air rifles) or fireworks
Open fires permitted only in the fire pit
No hunting, wood-cutting, or ATVs on the property
Note: Two exterior-only security cameras are installed at the house. We may briefly verify guest arrival. Undisclosed additional guests may result in a fee of up to $200.

Pet Policy

Dog-friendly (maximum of 2 medium dogs or ~100 lbs combined)
Dogs must be housebroken, well-behaved, and pest-free
$50 pet fee
Dogs must remain under control at all times outdoors
Leave-no-trace policy applies

Guests agree to:
Clean up and properly dispose of dog waste outdoors
Keep dogs off furniture and beds
Crate dogs if left unattended indoors
Avoid indoor dog play (running, jumping, throwing toys, etc.)
Handle any pet accidents and basic cleanup (supplies provided)
Use only guest-provided items—not house linens—for pet cleanup
Failure to comply may result in additional cleaning or damage charges.
Pets brought without paying the pet fee will incur a $150 charge.