See all properties
Cabin

Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake

Photo gallery for Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake

110ft historic 1936 Stainless Budd Rail Carriage on Skaneateles lakes only rail
Tranquility along one of the USA’s most pristine lakes...Priceless
Favorite spot for afternoon refreshments; breakfast, lunch or evening night cap
Livingroom
Dinning Room; table can be extended, but why stay inside?

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 778.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
Homer, NY
  • Skaneateles Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Otisco Lake
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • State University of New York-Cortland
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Cortland, NY (CTX-Cortland County)
    ‪26 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Single Bunk Bed

Convertible bed(s)

2 Double Futons

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom Master

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake

A family setting. Enjoy morning coffee and evening barbecues on deck overlooking the lake! Historic railcar built in 1936 by Budd and located on Skaneateles in 1976 has been completely refurbished-including charming oak and cherry interior cut and planked in the property. Property features large 20' X 40' dock on 198' of private lakefront. Pebbled beach at lakefront allows for easy wading into the lake. Many upgrades completed in 2018. Enjoy time in the most unique rental property that Skaneateles has to offer!

Keywords: Railcar, Skaneateles, rental, lake, fishing, boating, family, cabin, house

Property manager

Ian DeSouza

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Property grounds

Lakeview Crooked Cascade Cottage on Owasco

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
9.6 out of 10, (4 reviews)
Lakeview Crooked Cascade Cottage on Owasco

House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Check out before 9:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

Events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Parties and events are allowed on site
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 and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

North America

Map
Homer, NY

What's nearby

  • Skaneateles Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Otisco Lake - 21 min drive - 14.8 km
  • State University of New York-Cortland - 25 min drive - 23.9 km
  • Cornell University - 51 min drive - 52.6 km
  • Syracuse University - 52 min drive - 53.1 km

Getting around

  • Cortland, NY (CTX-Cortland County) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Glen Haven Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪1820 House - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Colonial Lodge at Bear Swamp - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪The Loft - ‬34 min drive
  • ‪Grammie's Pantry Tea Room & Gift Shop - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake?

As of 26 April 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake on 1 May 2025 start from NZ$1,040.09, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

What time is check-in at Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake?

Checkout is at 9:00 AM.

Where is Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is steps from Skaneateles Lake and within 6 mi (10 km) of Niles Town Hall and Bahar Nature Preserve. Carpenter Falls and Bear Swamp State Forest are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 39 out of 67 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 21 out of 67 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 5 out of 67 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 67 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 67 reviews

8.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.2/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Beautiful & Fun Place

We experienced Chamber of Commerce perfect weather for our weekend! The lake was a main activity center with swimming, kayaking and tubing (we brought the tubes). Around the house (railcar) lots of grilling, campfire and hanging out. The pictures on the site don't do it justice. Lots of space outside. We did have a tent for extra spreading out at bedtime. The youngsters had space to run around and play. As someone else mentioned in a review the kitchen was updated from the pics. Everyone in the family had a blast and was thrilled with the railcar! Other vacationers in the area stopped to take pics and asked if we were the owners.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Romayne S.

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

Wonderful experience!

Very nice! Children especially loved staying in the train. Outside living areas were superb!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert C.

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

Fantastic

Our stay was great, the use of the train car for the cottage is an extremely cool idea. The place was very clean, amenities were all there per Vrbo . The owner is great guy who stopped to make sure everything was good . The lake view is beautiful and large deck at the lake is spot on.We would definitely book this site again
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

JoAnn B., Homer, NY

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

Great time at the Lake!

We had a wonderful time Fishing, Boating, swimming Grandkids had a ball and cant wait until next year. Thank you Ian 😊
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly R.

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

July 4th Getaway

My friend and I were looking to get away for a few days with our kids and dogs. This was a perfect little getaway! We enjoyed sitting on the deck but most all the amazing dock looking out onto Skaneateles Lake.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lyndsey B.

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

So Much Fun!

We had a wonderful time at the railcar. It is surprisingly spacious! It so cool to see all the old features that have been kept intact in the railcar. Everything was very clean and it was amazing that all the supplies we needed were there (sheets, towels, dishes, etc.). It was a hot and humid day but the A/C kept the inside comfortable. Just note, the railcar is across the quiet road from the water/dock, so not on the water itself. We hope to stay again next summer!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Mike M., Lyndonville

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

Peaceful as it gets

We (6 adults) came and stayed during the week for a relaxing 3 days. The property owner was excellent to work with. We watch eagles in a nest just south of the cabin in a large pine. We kayaked around the southern end of the lake. Used the camp as a base for several outings. Had a BBQ and campfire. The novelty of staying in the train car was also a unique experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

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

Very happy with accommodations. Large dock on the water was great for relaxing, swimming

Great experience
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

rail car adventure

how fun!!! we had a great week @ the lake and can add rail car stay to our bucket list! Beds were comfy and the kitchen is more updated than the pics show. It is close quarters - but you are in a railcar - so you know that,,,but plenty of other spaces to be. we enjoyed morning coffee of the end porch , but my favorite space was the dock, lots of room for water fun. the lake was warm (for skinny)
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

helen z.

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

A unique adventure!

A wonderful part of the lake, crystal clear lake water, friendly neighbors and interesting areas nearby to explore. The owner,(Ian) was quick to respond to any question we might have. A wonder stay!
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2022

6/10 Okay

Bob T.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Great location, unique rental (not great), way too expensive

Beautiful, quiet location on the lake. But the railcar was poorly maintained and way too expensive.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

john a.

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

An enjoyable stay

This was a delightful change of pace. We felt we marked something off on our bucket list. A very cozy "train ride." When you first enter the rail car, it really looks like a rail car. Many of the original features of the rail car have been preserved. And the dock was just beautiful. Ian was very personable and caring. In summary, kids of any age would enjoy this.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

8/10 Good

Catherine G., ROCHESTER

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

Charming but needed work

Let's start out with the pros. The idea and concept is totally cool. While staying there we felt safe and the charm of the place was also cool. The property manager had great communication. The property was well stocked with things a family would need to cook and sleep and enjoy the deck and fire pit. The dock was also pleasant. The cons. it wasn't the cleanest of places I have stayed at. The drapes were dusty, the tub was stained and had a worm in it. The 2nd bathroom had dead bugs in the toilet bowl. There were ants everywhere. And although Ian and Cindy provided traps they were in the kitchen, in the living room and bedrooms, on the sheets. If a person is curvy or big and tall, I don't recommend this place at all. Keeping in mind it is a rail car yes, the hallway, bathrooms and doorways in general qere hard to maneuver past. I am curvy. The driveway is also something I would say to avoid unless you have a jeep. We used the parking spot but it was tough on my car and we ventually I gave up. The driveway has many rocks, dips and holes. Though the dock was pleasant, again, curvy People beware. There are very steep stairs leading down to it and very narrow. I barely could fit and im not that much overweight The kids however had a blast but I had to go through a lot to watch them. And the heat. It was so hot in the car we had to go out to our car for relief to turn the air con on. We left the first night for 3 hours for it to cool down and be barnacle to go inside. It is a rail car. That said. We kept it low but for some reason it kept going up again and would be unbarable again. It was beyond frustrating in 85 degree weather and muggy all 3 days. And just in general. Everything is 25 minutes away. We did a lot of traveling. Including a midnight run for needed supplies and I would strongly suggest avoiding that. The road is narrow, dark, curvy and long. 15 minutes sometimes before you would see a hint of civilization. That said. The Lakeview Pub was a great place to eat and in the heart of Skaneateles ( village of) right on the water. We navigated there and Applebee's, Perkins, antique shops and little shops near the pub. ( very expensive). K don't know if I'd do it again. We had great weather and my kids dealt with the cons pretty well. But I was less than satisfied to say the least. I'm sorry. This just wasn't my cup of tea.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Colm M.

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

1st week of Aug stay

The location and water access was great. The lake was excellent. There's a lot to do and everyone we met was friendly and pleasant. There were a few minor things that were not so good.... the internet connectivity was poor and there were a few too many ants indoors. Elderly or infirm people should be aware that there are a lot of stairs to climb. Overall though we enjoyed our stay a lot and we especially enjoyed the lake access and the general area.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Suze M.

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

Choo Choo on the lake.

Staying at this property was a lot of fun! We all loved the train. The dock was just across the road and easy to get to. The bonus was seeing the eagle swoop down to the water looking for fish.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Amelia R.

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

A unique cabin by a beautiful lake

The railroad car was funky and interesting for the kids. The dock across the way was gorgeous – we just sat there for hours enjoying the view. Ian was a pleasure to communicate with - he got back to us immediately about any question. It was fun to have kayaks at the ready and basically it was a wonderful jumping off point for adventures. I’d highly recommend and would come back.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jill R., Cleveland

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

stayed 3 nights mid week. Easy to get settled. 20 minutes to shopping/restaurants. Dock was great

Unique, great location. Very responsive host. Loved it.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kara S.

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

Neat little place

Quick response from management
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2021

8/10 Good

Dr.Anu v., Buffalo, Ny

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

Its was a beautiful stay

We loved our stay at this unique place. We were greeted by Mr. Ian. He showed us around the place. That was helpful as some places has antique light switches. The place itself is beautiful, very well kept. Mr. DeSouza left thoughtful list of places to visit around Skaneateles lake. The coach itself has everything including a washer dryer. It was comfortable and clean We will definitely visit again.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer G.

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

Unique stay!

The railcar was exactly what we hoped it would be. Unique, spacious, clean, great location and fun. Highly recommend! We’re looking forward to coming back in the summer! Ian is flexible & so easy to work with.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2020

8/10 Good

Leslie H.

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

Fun Experience

We enjoyed our stay. Not many can say they stayed in a railcar. The keypad didn’t work well. The railcar itself had updated features. We didn’t know beforehand to bring our own water. Overall we enjoyed our time. The lake is beautiful. We saw a bald eagle while kayaking in the lake. The fire pit outside was cozy and our dogs loved being outside with us. We easily went to wineries and to the town of Skeneatles which is adorable. Would definitely recommend if you’re looking for something different in the region.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Rodd K.

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

Beautiful view and tranquil location

Unique accommodations. Enjoyed the location. Had a very relaxing stay. Everyone enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

6/10 Okay

Kathleen G.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Unique experience

Enjoyed view of the lake, outdoor barbecuing, and dining, and finishing off the night by sitting around the firepit.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

nic d.

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

railcar

This place is great!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

tammy o.

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

No murder on THIS Orient Express!

The rail car was everything we hoped for. Quaint and comfy! The deck was great and the inside was roomy. Kitchen well equipped. Deck down by the water was great! We enjoyed going out in the two available kayaks! An overall very pleasant getaway!
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020

About the host

Hosted by Ian DeSouza

Host profile image
We are local residents with a property further up the lake. My children have all grown up on and around the lake, and regard it as a special place. The railcar was our lake cottage for the better part of ten years, and very much a part of us now.

Why they chose this property

Its unique and rustic. Comfortable for a longer stay, we have had visitors who lived there for six months and loved it, and easy for a short one or two night novelty stay at the end or beginning of a longer holiday elsewhere. Fishing, boating, swimming are fantastic in this notably pristine glacial lake; in fact, we drink from it untreated.

What makes this property unique

The views, sounds, ambiance around the property are soothing and lovely. Its a relaxing place, with most of the comforts of home out in the woods, by a lake....and what is there not to love about sleeping in an authentic railway carriage with history. A fire in the pit on the lawn outside the car just makes for the perfect way to unwind and end the day. The setting is rustic, after all it is a setting in the woods with many of the sounds and feel of a nature based setting that has included a nesting pair of Bald Eagles nearby, deer, foxes, different varieties of water fowl and the other creatures you would expect in such a setting.

Languages:

English
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback