The Next Chapter
After years of hard work, raising a family, and countless early mornings, we found ourselves standing on the front porch of our lakeside cottage, looking out over the calm waters of Cayuga Lake. Retirement was here, and with it, the freedom to finally slow down and savor life at a different pace. But we werenât quite ready for full stillnessâthere was still a spark of adventure left in us.
The idea of what if we could share this piece of paradise with others? We wanted others to experience that magic, too. So, we took a leap and decided to transform our beloved home into a short-term rental.
With some careful planning, a little paint, and a lot of love, we made our cottage into a cozy haven, blending comfort with rustic charm. We created a place where guests could wake up to the sunrise over the lake, sip a glass of local wine as the sun dipped below the horizon, and enjoy the quiet serenity that weâd come to cherish so much. Every corner of the house told a storyâwhether it was a hand-carved piece of wood from our early days, a vintage find from a trip, or a photograph of our familyâs adventures.
Opening the door to guests brought a whole new kind of joy. We got to meet people from all walks of lifeâfamilies escaping the city, couples seeking a romantic weekend, solo travelers looking for peace. We shared our favorite spots on the wine trail, recommended hiking paths, and often ended up sitting by the fire pit with our guests, swapping stories about life, love, and the beauty of slowing down.
Retirement wasnât about sitting stillâit was about starting something new, something that allowed us to continue living with purpose. Every guest who stepped through our door became a part of our story, and in return, they left with their own memories. Our little cottage had gone from being just a home to a welcoming space for others to find peace and joy, just like we had.