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Amazing All-Season Private Lakefront Retreat!

Photo gallery for Amazing All-Season Private Lakefront Retreat!

Amazing Lakefront Retreat!
Side View of House in Early Summer with Rhododendrons in Full Bloom.
Living Area.
Dining Area.
Sunset on Highland Lake, NY.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8325.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Beach view
  • Hot tub
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Highland Lake, NY
  • Mohican Lake
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Kadampa Meditation Center New York and World Peace Temple
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Bethel Woods Center For The Arts
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Monticello, NY (MSV-Sullivan County Intl.)
    ‪32 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Den

1 Queen Bed

Semi Basement Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Semi Basement Living Area

1 Double Sofa Bed

Top Floor Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Top Floor Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Ground Floor Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Top Floor Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Spaces

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

About this property

Amazing All-Season Private Lakefront Retreat!


Under a 2-hour drive from New York City with skiing at Big Bear close by, not far from Milford, PA, and Bethel Woods Arts & Concert venue (home of the original Woodstock festival) and Resorts World Casino. Close to the Forestburgh Playhouse & local arts venues, antiquing, Minisink Battlefield, Fort Delaware, Barryville & scenic Route 97 that runs alongside the protected Delaware River. Many inns and restaurants are found in a string of villages such as Barryville, Milford, Narrowsburg, and Callicoon.

In addition to being on a lakefront there is easy access to other lakes, streams, for hiking, fishing, river rafting, zip-lining, tubing, canoeing, horseback riding, and in the colder weather, skating and ice fishing off private dock plus snowboarding and tobogganing on the gently sloping area on huge private lawn.

This roomy lakefront retreat is a custom contemporary, energy-conserving, 3 storey cedar post and beam which is bright and light-filled and is situated on almost two park-like acres, with its private dock/beachfront on the sandy-bottomed lake (great for swimming, boating, and or fishing.)

House has multiple indoor/outdoor seating areas, a sunroom, a fireplace with wood burning stove insert along with electrical baseboard heating, Cable TV, wifi, security system, smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, fire extinguisher, first aid kit plus fully equipped, up to date kitchen with stainless steel appliances, fridge has ice maker & water filter, whole house water filter, ceramic range top, wall oven, microwave, toaster, keurig coffee maker, drip coffee maker, and washer/dryer/ironing facilities in separate laundry area on the ground floor.

As we are energy-conserving (passive solar heat) the house is cooled with cross ventilation and great breezes from across the lake as well as huge ceiling fans (rather than air conditioning)

The kitchen has a breakfast bar that flows into the large dining area with a table that expands to seat ten, then flows into a living area with a cathedral ceiling, wood beams, skylights, wood-burning stove plus a spectacular lake view through the entire lakeside's glass wall.
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There is a separate den with seating and a sun room that has a nice table to enjoy breakfast while watching the butterflies flit past the windows while enjoying the cross breezes coming through the door to the (lakeside deck.)

The fully finished semi-basement has a comfortable seating area/large play areas and a 60' screen for playing videos, DVDs, or gaming systems.

There is a large outdoor table on the side porch with a market umbrella that seats eight, a lakeside table with a market umbrella that seats four (we sit here for breakfast while watching the hummingbirds at the feeder.) There is an additional bistro table that seats two plus two cozy, armchairs with a drinks table. Under a shade tree down by the dock, there is a large table that seats four - plus additional captains chairs and benches seating.

Bedroom 1 (queen bed) overlooks the lake.

Bedroom 2 (full bed) overlooks woods with a filtered view of the lake.

Bedroom 3 - Semi Basement Open Plan Sleeping with comfortable King Sized Bed/Living Area (full-sized sofa bed in semi-basement living area sleeps additional guests)

Bedroom 4 - Den (automatic queen-sized air bed in the den which is adjacent to the beautiful sunroom that overlooks the woods)

The top floor bathroom has a jacuzzi tub with a separate shower, cathedral ceiling, and skylights.

The ground-floor bathroom has a full shower.

Outdoor space - has multiple seating areas perfect for reading, eating, entertaining, meditating, or practicing yoga. The huge lawn is peaceful with ample room for games while others in your party may find a nice quiet space to just enjoy nature.

There is a private dock and beach on our sandy-bottomed, natural, spring-fed, motorboat lake which is ideal for fishing, swimming, and boating - one does need a short-term fishing license from NYS which is obtainable online,

There is a barbeque grill on the side porch and the fire pit is great for roasting marshmallows -

Depending upon the season you may enjoy outdoor dining; private dock and beach from which you can walk into the natural, spring-fed motorboat lake - take out the canoe or paddleboat, swim, fish from the dock (there is also lots of shallow water should children be in your party.)

We love the opportunity to relax, enjoy nature watching from hummingbirds to bald eagles, sit quietly and do absolutely nothing - we rarely leave the house when staying ourselves - there is no need - I always comment to my husband that it feels as if we have our own private resort.....

Sandy Beach Tavern (1 mile from the house) has a full bar, snack bar, pool table, game room, and private beach for swimming (closed in the winter.)

Eldred is the closest village (3 miles away) with a supermarket, library, shop, ice cream/sandwich shop and outdoor pizza restaurant.

Barryville right on the Delaware River is 6 miles away with restaurants, antique stores, and the opportunity to rent canoes or kayaks,

White Lake is 8 miles away and also boasts restaurants, boat rental, and antique stores.

Cochecton is worth checking out, in particular the amazing Hennings restaurant.

Bethel Woods home of the famed 1969 Woodstock festival is just 10 miles away.

Public transit is not available - this area needs a car although one may bus to Monticello (good for bigger stores such as Walmart of Shoprite) or take a train to Port Jervis and then take a cab ride.

If you intend to throw a party during your stay (guests in excess of 20% of your reserved guest list would constitute a party) you would need pre-authorization. There would be an additional fee (to be negotiated) as this larger group involves extra liability, wear, and tear, as well as higher cleaning fees and usage of basic house items such as paper goods and utilities.

Guests may check-in after 4:00 p.m. on the day of arrival and must check out by 11 a.m. on the day of departure.

If there is no back-to-back reservation it may be possible to request an earlier check-in or later check out. Please be aware that an additional fee may be required depending upon season and or weekend.

Should a guest need to cancel last minute due to extenuating circumstances such as personal or health emergencies and/or natural disasters, they should contact the host to discuss options.

Please note:
For security purposes only, this property has a doorbell camera on the front door and on the basement door. There are also two driveway cameras; one for the side of the house and one for the back of the house. There are no indoor cameras whatsover.

Additionally, as much as we love animals, due to many with allergies, (including the hosts), we are unable to accomodate visiting pets either indoors or outdoors.




Property manager

Caroline McGrath
Premier Host

Languages

English, Italian, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Requires prior authorization and extra fee.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
If there are more people visiting than booked there will be an additional fee levied. This applies to large dinner, birthday and holiday parties.

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 (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: Requires prior authorization and extra fee.
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 first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Highland Lake

Located in Highland Lake, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Grizzly and Upper Polar Bear are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Superior State Park and Mohican Lake. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Highland Lake, NY

What's nearby

  • Mohican Lake - 14 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Kadampa Meditation Center New York and World Peace Temple - 18 min drive - 11.9 km
  • Forestburgh Playhouse - 25 min drive - 15.6 km
  • Bethel Woods Center For The Arts - 31 min drive - 26.3 km
  • Bethel Woods - 31 min drive - 27.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪River’s Edge - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Eldred Preserve Resort - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Sand Beach - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The Homestead Restaurant + Lounge - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪The Carriage House - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Amazing All-Season Private Lakefront Retreat! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Amazing All-Season Private Lakefront Retreat!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Amazing All-Season Private Lakefront Retreat!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Amazing All-Season Private Lakefront Retreat! located?

Nestled on the beach, this Highland Lake holiday home is within 9 mi (15 km) of Mohican Lake, Mongaup River and Upper Delaware River. Kadampa Meditation Center New York and World Peace Temple and Brook House Gallery Incorporated are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

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. 47 out of 52 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 52 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 52 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 52 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

shaniza

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
I had the pleasure of staying at this beautiful lakeside cabin in the Catskills, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by a home that was meticulously prepared and perfectly tidy. The cabin had an ample supply of fresh linens, towels, and toiletries, which made our stay comfortable and worry-free. The beds were incredibly comfortable, ensuring restful nights after days filled with outdoor activities. One of the highlights was the abundance of games available. Finding the cabin was easy, thanks to the clear and detailed instructions provided. The host was exceptional—responsive, resourceful, and genuinely invested in making our stay as enjoyable as possible. She went out of her way to recommend some fantastic hiking trails, local restaurants, and nearby grocery stores, all of which greatly enhanced our experience. Overall, this lakeside cabin is the perfect spot for anyone looking to relax, immerse themselves in nature, and enjoy a cozy retreat. I highly recommend it for a peaceful and rejuvenating getaway!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Luke M.

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

Great Lake House

The house is amazing. Perfect location on the lake. Caroline was very helpful and communication was great. The house itself is very clean and well taken care of. Definitely one of the most well taken care of Vrbo's I've stayed in. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ruth R.

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

Relaxing getaway

We had a wonderful time staying at this beautiful property. The house is immaculate, comfortable and provided for all of our needs. It has so many comfortable seating areas to enjoy. The beds were comfortable. We were fortunate that the weather was beautiful and spent a good deal of time sitting in the sun at the dock, enjoying a million dollar view. Caroline was lovely and quick to respond to any questions or small issues. We would highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Edward S.

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

Weekend Getaway

Had a wonderful time. The house was fantastic and the lake was enjoyable. Would definitely come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laura G.

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

Perfect Long Weekend Getaway

Perfect place to spend the weekend with friends and our teenage boys. They enjoyed canoeing and fishing from the dock. The house made you feel at home the entire visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Highland Lake VRBO Review

Beautiful lakefront house on Highland Lake, NY. The lake front access is ideal for swimming, boating, and lounging. The lake does get noisy during the day as a result of the motorboats and jet skis passing by at top speed. The house is adequately supplied and is in "move-in condition"! Communication with Caroline is simple and she responds quickly to answer questions and provide assistance. The VRBO is a perfect home away from home. Thank you for the opportunity to use your home for a few days!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

LINA Z.

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

Lakefront house

Nice place to relax and spend time with family
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deborah P.

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

Fantastic Vacation

Enjoyed a wonderful week with the family at this great Highland Lake property. I stayed with my husband, two adult sons, and daughter-in-law. The home is wonderful, the location is beautiful and quiet, the waterfront yard was perfect. Everyone enjoyed themselves all week. We plan on returning.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joey K.

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

Amazing place and friendly host

My friends and I had an amazing stay here. It provided the perfect combination of natural beauty, comfort, and hospitality. Caroline was very accommodating and answered all the questions I had in detail. If you're looking for a tranquil and rejuvenating escape, this is the perfect place!
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kevin B.

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

Highland lake

Great spot on the lake, wonderful accommodations
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Henry M., Hortonville

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

Amazing rental

Everything was perfect, home was perfect for our group. The lake made it even better, would recommend it a great getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Mysti D.

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

Beautiful view

We had a nice time at the cabin. Daughter was sick starting the first night of our stay, so it was a rough week personally. Cabin had all fixings but we were not used to baseboard heat. Units downstairs were kind of loud, and wished the basement master had a lovely view. Caroline explained the layout of the rooms, but would have liked not to sleep in the basement. So, our learning curve... communication was efficient and easy. The view was gorgeous, we just couldn't get out to enjoy it. A stressful sleep deprived week - but not because anything was lacking as a result of inefficient host. Thank you.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Igor S.

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

Great place for a getaway! A gem of a property!

Great place for a getaway! We got unlucky with the Memorial weekend weather, but the property turned out to be much more impressive than its descriptions on VRBO. A great house with everything you need. The lake is very pristine and clean, some great fishing on a rainy weekend. Woodstock festival museum at Bethel Woods is certainly worth a visit. Caroline is a wonderful host!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mark F.

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

Nice house on the lake

My family had a very nice time at this house. The location right on highland lake is beautiful. The house was spacious and had everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Isabel S.

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

Breath Taking!

I planned a mini getaway for my mother’s birthday at Caroline’s Lake house and it was perfect! The house itself was clean, spacious and beautiful. Everything was exactly as the photos. We had beautiful weather so we took advantage of the canoe and paddle boat and used the fire pit to end our night. I cannot complain and would definitely recommend staying at this property. Caroline, again thank you so much for your hospitality!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jen B.

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

Exactly What We Needed!

My boyfriend and I had a great weekend at Caroline's lakefront home. The house was immaculately clean and exactly as pictured in the listing. The kitchen had everything we needed and more. Caroline's instructions and directions were through and precise. The property was beautiful and the outdoor fire pit was by far my favorite - it's HUGE!!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

kenneth e m.

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

Great House and Terrific View!

The house was extremely clean. Abundant supply of cleaners, paper towels, facial tissues, wash rags and bath towels. The house came with everything we needed or wanted. The view of the lake was very calming and relaxing. Exactly what we went for. The house offered other activities for us, but we just wanted to unwind. The owner was extremely helpful in every way. She wanted to make sure we had a great experience. She was enjoyable to work with. Overall an excellent value for our money.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Natalia S.

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

Wonderful week

We stayed in this house in early September. It was a wonderful week! Communication with Caroline and all the instructions were easy. The house is very tastefully decorated, very clean and comfortable for a family. Big kitchen has everything we needed. It is a large property right on the lake with it's own beach and very romantic doc. Big trees , lots of shade. Nice neighborhood, good weather, beautiful house, warm lake - we enjoyed it all! Truly nothing negative to say. I only wish that we'll come back again.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Elaine K.

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

Great getaway at a beautiful lake house!

A beautiful home with all the necessities for a comfortable stay. The property is breathtaking. The host is kind and very responsive. Overall, a wonderful family getaway!!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Carol V.

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

Ice Fishing family weekend

The house was lovely, inside & out. The kitchen was well equipped with dishes, silverware, coffee makers, kettle, pots, etc. The rooms were comfortable. We had 9 adults & 6 children and with 2 inflatable beds, there was sufficient room for all. We all enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Robert D.

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

Perfect Lake House

Having never been to the Highland Lake area before , my wife and I were pleasantly surprised. We usually travel farther North when we want to be near mountains and lakes . Who knew you could get the same experience a mere 2hrs from Manhattan ! As far as Caroline’s lake house , it couldn’t have been better . We were 3 couples and found the house roomier than the photos showed and neat as a pin . The outside had many charming seating areas , all of them with a beautiful view of the lake . Caroline was very thorough in preparing us for our stay. Its obvious she takes great pride in her property and wants her guests to appreciate it as well. We will definitely be back !
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B.

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

Great Lake house

This house exceeded my expectations. Plenty of room for sleeping. Caroline went above and beyond to make sure me and my guest were all set for the weekend. She made me feel comfortable in her home without even being there! I can’t thank her enough for how smooth it was. It was nice to know she was a phone call away if I needed her or couldn’t find something. The lake was beautiful and a good temperature for swimming! It’s a walk in lake with a small beach vibe. Great for people to swim or just hang out on the dock. Greatly recommended!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Justin L.

Great location, beautiful lake, wonderful host

This was my first experience renting. Caroline was one of the kindest, responsive and most accommodating person that I have had the pleasure of dealing with, in this kind of interaction. She was very attentive to our needs and I even pocket- dialed her by accident late at night on a Friday, and she was still so quick to respond and make sure everything was ok, without being bothered. The layout of the yard allows for various enjoyable experiences; from swimming, fishing, canoeing, paddle boating or lounging on the dock that goes out into the lake; to the fire pit located in its own area or the large wrap-around deck with various seating options.... it was a great layout to accommodate many needs, which made for a very enjoyable weekend. The location had a very private feel, from the house to the space leading down to the lake. It is a great location on the lake and nice for young kids as the water is shallow- making for its own little pool. The house was clean and had a lot of character. You can tell that there is a lot of care taken into account based on the details of the house. There were plenty of supplies, games, tv, etc... to satisfy various ages and needs. Highland Lake was nice and not busy- which is such an added bonus on a motor boat lake. The location was quick to the local grocery store and some restaurants. Between the owner, the house and the location... I highly recommend staying here. I would just note that there is no AC if that is a must, but there were plenty of fan options and windows throughout the space. It tends to be cool at night in that location throughout the year.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Rob K.

Great

We had a very nice stay. Quiet and peaceful lake. Caroline was a pleasure to work with and the house was lovely.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018

8/10 Good

Nelson A.

Wonderful location, beautiful house

Caroline is a wonderful hostess, responding to our emails promptly, and she went out of her way to make our stay comfortable, even putting room darkening curtains in our bedroom when we were concerned about early morning light. The house is sooo nice, with comfortable common areas, but plenty of nooks to be by yourself. It's generally very comfortable (lots of fans), but it does get hot upstairs when it is over 80 degrees outside. Nice big kitchen, well-equipped (unless you're a VERY fancy cook). The Jennair range that other reviews have mentioned is fine - it's an electric range, so if you're used to gas, there's a slight learning curve. The porch outside the sitting room is nice and roomy, and there's a dining platform to one side with a picnic table and umbrella, just perfect for supper. The grounds are lovely and well maintained - nice lawn with tall trees bordering the property. The dock has a picnic table with umbrella, and another umbrella by the steps into the water. It's a great place to hang out, and watch the glorious sunsets. The lake is great for swimming, fishing, and canoeing with a nice dock extension for fishing, and a little "beach" for launching the 3-person canoe. We would definitely recommend this place for small groups and families.

About the host

Hosted by Caroline McGrath

Host profile image
English born and educated - - travelled in Europe and the United States - now married to a U.S. Citizen and living in the U.S. Work in an administrative capacity in New York City.

Why they chose this property

My husband and I have always owned a weekend home and found ourselves looking to purchase anew - wanted lakefront - particularly on a sandy bottomed lake where one can walk straight off the property and into the water. Within two minutes of entering this house my husband and I looked at each other - and knew this was the one - such an idyllic setting.

What makes this property unique

The perfect setting - on two wooded acres - close to skiing, only steps to private beach and dock where one may enjoy swimming, boating and fishing. Sit on the deck - watch bald eagles fly overhead - humming birds at the of outdoor space for eating, socializing, you name it.....

Languages:

English, Italian, Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests