Entire home

WOW views @Oconee! Fireplace! Pvt Dock! Grill! Firepit! Hot-tub! Canoe! Pets OK!

Photo gallery for WOW views @Oconee! Fireplace! Pvt Dock! Grill! Firepit! Hot-tub! Canoe! Pets OK!

Wow views of a wide section of Oconee from much of the house in Eatonton, Ga.
Fall view with hot-tub enclosure on the left & gazebo at right.
Lake Oconee from the back door; fire pit patio, sandbox & private dock
Semi-enclosed 3.5-seater hot tub; shutters allow privacy or an open view.
Private dock w/ light & electrical outlet. Boat-lift not operational.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 9153.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer

Explore the area

Map
Eatonton, GA
  • Lake Oconee
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Lake Oconee Village
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Reynolds Plantation Golf Club
    ‪26 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Bedroom 1 Downstairs

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2 Downstairs

1 Queen Bed and 1 Single Bed

Open Upstairs loft

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 1 downstairs

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2 hallway downstairs

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 3 upstairs

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

WOW views @Oconee! Fireplace! Pvt Dock! Grill! Firepit! Hot-tub! Canoe! Pets OK!

Less than 1 1/2 hrs from Atlanta or an hour from UGA in Athens, you'll find much to do here at Lakeside Family Retreat all year round. (Click "View More".) From the back porch of this airy a-frame, enjoy the quiet sunrise over the lake with your morning coffee. Catch the WOW views from much of the house and watch occasional passing boats from our jasmine-covered gazebo's 'back porch' swing. There's a sand box with stairs into the water and the glider on our private dock is a favorite roost for sunbathers and evening sunset watchers. Paddle our Old Town canoe to a nearby cove. If its warm, swim, float, fish, boat or picnic. In cooler weather, our fireplace, fire-pit and hot tub add to the 'cabin in the woods' feel. The gas grill and full kitchen are always available; restaurants are nearby, or meals can be delivered, if you just don't feel like cooking.

We're always improving. Check out our new patio; we've re-carpeted the loft, put in a bar and upgraded the primary bath; new coffee station; other renovations in the works. Come see what's changed!

Jet skis, pontoons and other boats can be rented nearby and we're a short walk from the Sun Life Marina (formerly Waterfront on Lake Oconee) with its public boat ramp. Good shopping and antiquing can be found in neighboring Madison, Eatonton and Greensboro. A multiplex movie theater is about 15 minutes away near a Publix grocery store. And you'll be within 10-15 minutes of restaurants like the Mellow Mushroom, Silver Moon or El Agave. The Ritz Carlton complex is about 20 minutes away if you feel like a cocktail on their veranda. Several golf courses, tennis centers, hiking and biking trails and other sports activities are within that same 10-20 minute range, though what is open and available for public use may vary with the season. Within 40 minutes are places catering to shooting and hunting enthusiasts, off-road vehicles, horseback riding, archery and other outdoor adventures. There is an Uncle Remus Museum nearby in Eatonton and 'Andulusia,' the home of Flannery O'Conner, is in Milledgeville.

Parking, vehicles and boats: Our carport, driveway and parking area will accommodate a maximum total of six vehicles, including boat trailers. RV's are prohibited by local ordinance. Up to two boats can be moored at our private dock. Please don't drive across our grass; public boat ramp is at Sun Life Marina, where you turn onto our dirt road.

Pets: The owner approves pets individually; guests are asked for details on breed, age and weight. Our limit is usually two. Local Putnam County Ordinances require dogs to be leashed or otherwise contained at all times.

Baby on board? We have a "Pack N Play On the Go" for guest use. Let us know you need it.

The nightly rate VRBO shows at the top of the inquiry box is the rental rate paid to the owner. Be sure to click "Price details' to get the complete picture including taxes, cleaning and fees paid to VRBO.

OUR APPROACH
At Lakeside Family Retreat, it is not our goal to provide pristine, designer-decorated rooms. We're aiming for a livable, family atmosphere, sort of a 'funky, cozy' vibe, where you can relax and enjoy the spectacular view and the many joys the lake has to offer. The Retreat is perfect for a multi-generational family vacation or holiday celebration; a small birthday or retirement acknowledgement; bible study group, "just-the-girl’s" getaway; fishing retreat or golf buddies get-together, etc. The hot tub, fireplace and fire-pit also make it popular for a romantic weekend to celebrate an anniversary or other 'couples' milestone. Guests of all descriptions and their well-behaved pets are most welcome! (Service animals are exempt from the pet fee; just let us know if one is coming.) We would love to host you!

*****SPECIALS
Last minute specials are possible; check dates in the near future. The automated system will not take a reservation for the same day so use the 'contact host' button if today is when you want to come.

Our Putnam County Short-Term Vacation Rental License is Number STR-039364

Property manager

John Martin
Premier Host

Languages

Dutch, English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 3:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Beware: Open stairs; high porch; fire-pit; hot-tub
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Owner approves each pet; leash req'd by ordinance
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Porch/Decks are only appropriate smoking areas.
Avoid behavior offensive to neighbors; keep noise down; leash req'd for pets. Observe quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM
Adult supervision req'd for all fires in pit or fireplace and for hot-tub. Fireplace used Oct-May only. No glass in hot-tub area.
Put furniture and tools back as found. (If use grill, clean it. Put folding chairs on rack. Return hatchet to woodbox. Return canoe to rack.)

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Eatonton

Located in Eatonton, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Uncle Remus Museum and Andalusia are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Oconee Park II and Lake Oconee Village. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Eatonton, GA

What's nearby

  • Lake Oconee - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Lake Oconee Village - 15 min drive - 11.3 km
  • Reynolds Plantation Golf Club - 26 min drive - 17.1 km
  • Rock Eagle Effigy Mound - 27 min drive - 22.1 km
  • Lake Sinclair - 50 min drive - 28.7 km

Restaurants

  • ‪El Agave - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪The Creek Club - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Waffle House - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is WOW views @Oconee! Fireplace! Pvt Dock! Grill! Firepit! Hot-tub! Canoe! Pets OK! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at WOW views @Oconee! Fireplace! Pvt Dock! Grill! Firepit! Hot-tub! Canoe! Pets OK!?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at WOW views @Oconee! Fireplace! Pvt Dock! Grill! Firepit! Hot-tub! Canoe! Pets OK!?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is WOW views @Oconee! Fireplace! Pvt Dock! Grill! Firepit! Hot-tub! Canoe! Pets OK! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Oconee and within 9 miles (15 km) of Oconee Park II and Lake Oconee Village. St. Mary's Good Samaritan Hospital and Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 237 out of 277 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 33 out of 277 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 277 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 277 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 277 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

angel m.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Huge screened in porch overlooking Lake Oconee

This is the third year we have booked this house and we love it. The huge screened in porch overlooking Lake Oconee and the aframe style with windows all the way to the ceiling is what first got my attention. You can relax inside or outside on the screened porch and have amazing views of the lake. Also it has shade trees everywhere so it is a little private getaway.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jimmy W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice house

House was what we expected. great location. when we need to talk to the owner he replied quickly.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Helen W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lake Oconee Bday trip

3 couples stayed for the weekend and it was perfect. Plenty of room with the porch and dock. It is wonderful for everyone to hang out together. Lovely view on the lake and eady to get to.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Paul A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

What a VRBO experience should be like

As a first-time VRBO user, I am genuinely grateful for such an outstanding experience, which has set the bar high for future stays. The house was impeccably clean and thoughtfully stocked, even providing firewood for the fire pit. The breathtaking views and the host's exceptional communication truly enhanced our visit. If you haven't yet explored Lake Oconee, I wholeheartedly recommend planning a trip there and staying at this remarkable property.
Stayed 4 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Derek K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

Great property. Being our stay was in March, I would love to enjoy some summer nights there. We will be going back!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

8/10 Good

lakelyn b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Good place for a weekend away!

This is a cozy place to stay for a quick weekend trip. A little outdated, but still cozy and nice. We enjoyed fishing on the dock and in the canoe. There was plenty of room for our entire family and pups.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Garry W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome

Great place, will return
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Debbie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend at Lake Oconee

We had a delightful stay at the lake house. The house was clean and well-supplied. Everything was in good working order. Lake access was excellent and I really enjoyed watching the sun rise over the lake each morning through the large picture windows. We enjoyed the hot tub, fire pit and dock. Thank you Gail and John.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Stay

We would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Allie A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful property

We had a great stay. The property was beautiful, just as pictured. Comfortable beds and very clean place. We had two questions for the home owner while there and he answered quickly and was able to help. Would definitely return.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

8/10 Good

brad s.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lake Escape

Great property!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Taylor M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lakehouse with amazing views!

We enjoyed a quick trip for some rest and relaxation with our dog. The house was clean, well maintained and large enough for several people. The house is right on the lake on a large lot with beautiful views. We would definitely recommend this rental and plan to rent again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matt

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome house and great host.

Our family truly enjoyed our stay at this cozy lake house. Would definitely rent again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Toney W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hreat

Na
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angela E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fun family get away!

We had a wonderful stay. House was perfect for our family. The lake was beautiful and the home was cozy!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Hurricane Helene

John and Gail were great about accommodating refuge for our family during the hurricane. Great place for family and beautiful view of the lake!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Theresa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas Trip

My husband and I are visiting our daughter and family from Canyon Lake, Texas. As we once owned a lakefront lake house on Table Rock Lake we always look to find lakes wherever we go. We were all delightfully surprised at your charming lakefront lake house with an amazing setting. Though it’s winter we all enjoyed the hot tub, the beautiful views and well designed floor plan. We also thoroughly playing games by the fireplace with a cozy fire.We definitely hope to rent again this summer to enjoy the water next time!,
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Don S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location

Backyard was everything. Kids loved the sand pit. Quiet and serene. Perfect.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Family Vacation

Was clean and had everything you would want. Great vacation with the family. Would 100% rent again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Greg B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay on Lake Oconee

My family spent most of our time in the screened in porch, beautiful space. Rooms and amenities were great. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Katherine L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet and great view

Great for a relaxing lake vacation, and love that it’s dog friendly. The home is spacious and had everything we needed. The screened porch is great for sunsets or rainy days. This was our second visit and we hope to return.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ronald R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lakefront Haven

A perfect get-away! This has cozy spaces to enjoy the gorgeous view of the lake from dockside to the spacious screened in porch or the living room. The house was very clean and well-stocked. John and Gail made the check-in and check-out process easy and responded quickly with any questions, even accommodating us with an early check-in after a long drive to escape a FL hurricane.. It is a quick drive to shop in Lake Oconee Village. We loved this property and would definitely stay here again when returning to the area.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gayle H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect lake retreat

We are regular guests and love getting away to relax with the beautiful view. The kids loved making s’mores in the new fire pit!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

August 2024

We had a wonderful time sitting on the screened porch. The view of the lake was amazing
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary Lynn S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Retreat

This was a beautiful setting, wonderful house, great location. The town of Eatonton close by has great restaurants and shopping. Harbor Golf Club close by was beautiful. We did not have kids with us but this would be a great place for family get togethers. Highly recommend. Someday we’ll take our kids and grandkids! John the owner was wonderful to work with, very responsive! Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

About the host

Hosted by John Martin

Host profile image
Lakeside Family Retreat is owned by John Martin. His business partner, Gail Farrell, provides reservation assistance. John is a UGA law graduate, retired lawyer and lives in SE Metro Atlanta. Gail is a GSU alumnus and frequent traveler. Both grew up in the N. Atlanta suburb of Dunwoody, now Brookhaven. And they both enjoy a good hike. If you are also a walker, while at the property, try nearby Rock Hawk located at Wallace Dam Rd & Lawrence Shoals Rd, Eatonton.

Why they chose this property

We were so fortunate to find this corner on Lake Oconee that is closer to Atlanta than most other vacation rentals on the lake. It has a real "lake house feel" to it: a private gravel road leading to the house which is surrounded by mature hardwoods; a lot which gently descends to the lake front; beautiful views of the lake from most of the house. Once you're here, you won't want to leave!

What makes this property unique

The Lakeside Family Retreat has a sizeable, wooded lot that provides a cozy atmosphere, a lovely view, private dock and gentle slope with walk-in access to the lake. The A-frame is roomy and open with plenty of space for family and friends. You can see the lake from most of the house; stand in the kitchen or sit at the table and watch the kids on the porch. While the house will accommodate nine guests, there are plenty of private spaces to have a quiet conversation, such as the gazebo swing and the glider on the dock. The huge screened-in porch with cypress-lined, vaulted ceiling lets you relax and enjoy all the sounds and sights of the lake, even on a rainy day.

Our loft has a full bath as well as the little balcony overlooking the lot. The place has a real "family-feel" and that alone reduces stress. In fall and winter, the fireplace is a nice addition and we keep the hot tub available all year for another pleasant way to wind down. There's an extra tank of gas available for the grill, too.

Languages:

English, Dutch

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests