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Lakeside Retreat on Cove Bay - Perfect for Families!

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Welcome to our Lakeside Retreat on beautiful Cove Bay!
Our 5 bedroom, 5 bath, 2,500+ square foot home is perfect for families!
Breathtaking lake views -  Clear water and blue skies as far as you can see.
Sunset view on Cove Bay - Some of the most beautiful sunsets on Mille Lacs Lake
25' Bennington Luxury Tri-Toon for our guests to rent (extra fees apply).

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 16232.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Parking available

Explore the area

Map
Onamia, MN
  • Mille Lacs Lake
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Grand Casino Mille Lacs
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Brainerd, MN (BRD-Brainerd Lakes Regional)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 16)

Bedroom 1 (10x13)

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2 (13x14)

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3 (12x13)

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4 (14x29) / Kids Room

+1
1 Queen Bed, 1 Double Futon and 3 Single Bunk Beds

Bedroom 5 (12x16) / Sun Room

1 Queen Bed

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 4 / Kids Room

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 5

Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

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

About this property

Lakeside Retreat on Cove Bay - Perfect for Families!

Our stunning Lakeside Retreat on Cove Bay (Mille Lacs Lake, MN) has everything you need for an unforgettable stay! From breathtaking lake views to a spacious home, a fantastic yard for outdoor fun, and a pristine swimming beach just 75 feet from the house, this retreat is designed for private relaxation and adventure. With activities for all ages, cozy seasonal decor, and plenty of space to unwind, your group—kids and adults alike—will have an absolute blast. We can’t wait to welcome you!

SPACIOUS HOME WITH ROOM FOR EVERYONE: Our 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom, 2,500+ sq. ft. home sits on a private 2-acre lot with 150 feet of gently sloping beachfront, making it the perfect spot for families—especially those with young children. Just 90 minutes from the Twin Cities, this highly sought-after Cove Bay location offers level elevation right up to the lake, making access easy and enjoyable for all.

- Bedrooms: Four rooms feature comfortable queen-size beds, including one on the main level—ideal for grandparents. The fifth bedroom is a dream for kids, with three bunk beds, a queen bed, a futon sleeper, a cozy window seat, and a 50" TV with DirectTV, Blu-ray/DVD player—the ultimate sleepover setup!

- Bathrooms: Each of the five bathrooms (2 full, 2 three-quarter, and 1 half-bath) is conveniently attached to a bedroom, ensuring complete privacy for all guests.

- Comfortably Sleeps 16: With plenty of beds and extra space, your group will have all the room they need to relax in privacy and recharge.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR A STRESS-FREE STAY: This two-level home comes fully equipped with all the essentials, including a fully stocked kitchen (with everything you need, e.g. dishes, glasses, silverware, pots & pans, coffee maker, small appliances, crock pots, roaster, etc), a spacious dining area (huge dining table with seating for twelve and eight additional folding chairs available), main-level living room overlooking the beautiful lake, separate entertainment room (featuring 60" TV, DirectTV, Blu-Ray/DVD player, Wii console, and high-speed WiFi), laundry facilities for mid-week refreshes, and an outdoor Weber propane grill with grilling utensils (propane provided).

ENHANCE YOUR STAY - RENT OUR LUXURY PONTOON: Want to explore the lake in style? We also offer a 25’ Bennington Luxury Tri-Toon (seats 13) for rental from June through August (available on a first-come, first-served basis and separate rental fees apply). Let us know if you’re interested!

MILLE LACS LAKE - A WORLD-CLASS FISHING DESTINATION: Known as the "Walleye Capital of the World", Mille Lacs Lake is a paradise for anglers, with walleye, northern pike, jumbo perch, muskie, smallmouth bass, crappies, and sunfish. Ranked as the #1 bass lake in America by Bassmaster (2017), this lake produces trophy smallmouth bass. The lake has also set numerous records for world-record muskies over 60 lbs! Bring your boat—there’s a public launch and bait shop nearby, and our private dock is yours to use. Prefer a guided trip? Book a private fishing charter for an unforgettable experience!

ENDLESS FUN FOR ALL AGES: Aside from fishing, our 150’ sandy shoreline is perfect for swimming—shallow, clear, and great for young kids! Enjoy the private dock and lakeside fire pit for peaceful sunsets, or take advantage of our huge 2-acre yard, ideal for outdoor games and family fun.

- Basketball hoop in driveway and garage FULL of toys
- Outdoor playground for the kids with sandbox
- Paddleboat & six kayaks for lake adventures, and life jackets in the garage
- Tons of indoor & outdoor games, toys, and activities
- Nearby attractions – Hiking, golf, state parks, casino, ATV trails, and more!

NO HIDDEN FEES - EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS INCLUDED: We want your stay to be stress-free, so our rates cover everything you need—just bring your food, clothes, and toiletries!

- High-speed WiFi, DirectTV and Smart TVs
- Free use of kayaks, paddleboat, water toys and dock
- Fully stocked kitchen with complimentary essentials
- Laundry facilities & detergent provided
- Propane for the grill included
- Garage filled with toys, yard games, and various water toys (Aqua Lily Pad, life jackets, swim shoes of various sizes, swim goggles, snorkel sets, boogie boards, swim noodles, inner tubes, inflatable loungers, pails, shovels, water guns, etc.)
- No extra parking or dock fees!

A detailed welcome guide will be sent one month before check-in, packed with helpful info, local attractions, and fun activities to make the most of your stay. Come experience relaxation, adventure, and lifelong memories at our beautiful Lakeside Retreat on Cove Bay. We can’t wait to host you!

P.S. – DON'T JUST THINK SUMMER! While summer is a popular time to visit, Mille Lacs Lake is a year-round paradise! Each season brings its own unique charm and exciting activities, ensuring fun-filled days no matter when you visit.

FALL - A SCENIC OUTDOOR ADVENTURE AWAITS: Embrace the crisp autumn air and breathtaking fall colors reflecting off the lake. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, fall offers something for everyone. Popular activities include ATV riding (explore over 300 miles of premier ATV trails, the largest connected ATV trail system in the state), biking and hiking (the Mille Lacs Soo Line Trail is the newest "rails to trails" projects in the state of Minnesota and is perfect for biking, hiking, and rollerblading amidst the golden foliage), and fishing / hunting / shooting / archery (during the fall, trophy fish are fattening up for winter, and Mille Lacs is also home to whitetail deer, grouse, and various waterfowl species. The Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Area offers 39,000+ acres of public hunting land for outdoor enthusiasts!)

WINTER - A SNOWY WONDERLAND: Winter on Mille Lacs is simply magical, bringing out the kid in all of us! Whether you love peaceful winter landscapes or high-energy activities, there’s no shortage of fun. Popular activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing (miles of scenic trails at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park, plus a sledding hill and hot cocoa in the warming house), kiteboarding and ice skating (don’t miss the lake’s big kiteboarding event—the annual Mille Lacs Crossing—held in late February or early March), snowmobiling (bring your sleds or rent one to explore the hundreds of miles of groomed MN snowmobile trails, winding through scenic forests and across the frozen lake), and ice fishing (experience Minnesota's famous "hardwater" fishing... with plowed roads for easy lake access and rental fish houses equipped with all the comforts of home, you can fish, play cards, and soak in the winter charm).

No matter the season, Mille Lacs Lake is the perfect escape for adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories!

Property manager

Jason Wimmer
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Bedroom #4 is great for children!
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Guest must clean up behind dogs - $150 fee per dog
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
During the summer (June, July, and Aug) there are two rental options available: 1) 5 nights (Sunday thru Friday) or 2) 7 nights (Friday thru Friday)
Peak season cancellation policy (05/01 - 09/30 ONLY) - If more than 60 days, all amounts are refunded except a $500 cancellation fee.
Our house rules ask that you treat our home and neighbors like your own... e.g. remove shoes, clean dishes, put stuff away, notify us of damage, etc.

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
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

Onamia

Located in Onamia, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Travellers eager for a bit of culture can stop by Mille Lacs Indian Museum, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Onamia Lake Wildlife Management Area and Mille Lacs Kathio State Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Onamia, MN

What's nearby

  • Mille Lacs Lake - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Mille Lacs Kathio State Park - 8 min drive - 5.4 km
  • Grand Casino Mille Lacs - 14 min drive - 15.2 km
  • Mille Lacs Indian Museum - 14 min drive - 15.0 km
  • Father Hennepin State Park - 17 min drive - 14.4 km

Getting around

  • St. Paul, MN (STP-St. Paul Downtown) - 106 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Casey's General Store - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Taco John's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪BayView Bar and Grill - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Happy's Drive-In - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lakeside Retreat on Cove Bay - Perfect for Families! pet-friendly?

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

What time is check-in at Lakeside Retreat on Cove Bay - Perfect for Families!?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lakeside Retreat on Cove Bay - Perfect for Families!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lakeside Retreat on Cove Bay - Perfect for Families! located?

Nestled on the beach, this Onamia holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Mille Lacs Lake and South Harbor Town Hall. Onamia Lake Wildlife Management Area and Lake Onamia are also within 3 miles (5 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. 124 out of 127 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 127 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 127 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 127 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 127 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jackie C.

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

Friendship birthday

We had all adults but the place is absolutely perfect for families and children!Adorable house and location! We all talked about how fun it would be in the summer!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michelle

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

Relaxing getaway

We had such a fun time at this property! The kids loved using the kyaks and paddle boat on the lake and we loved the beautiful view of course as well 😍 we’d love to come back some day soon 😊
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

October A.

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

Family Memories Made!

My family and I spent 4 days celebrating our daughter’s 27th birthday and being together while at the comfy home. We wore matching pajamas, cooked together, watched movies together, took our dogs for a walk and relaxed together. The home is on a private lot, had a large yard and was very peaceful. The Host was kind and thorough, gave great details and was very informative of what was around us in the area to enjoy. The home was decorated very nicely and we had one of the best experiences we’ve ever had renting a vacation home.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Molly S.

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

Wonderful stay!

My family and I had such a wonderful stay here! House was perfectly stocked and so much room for us to spread out, when wanted. The dining room table was perfect for games and the chalkboards were so fun to use for keeping score. The outside was incredible. Wonderful dock looking over an incredible lake view. Loved every minute. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Matt S.

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

Family Thanksgiving

Great home and location. The house was fully furnished and had nearly everything you need for a great time away.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Luke S., La Crosse WI

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

Mille Lacs

Awesome stay. Property was great and it was very easy to work with the owners!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

David V.

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

A lot of activities!

There was a lot of activities to do while there. We spend out time at the lake, playing board games, and sometime being lazy and just watch tv all together!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Roy G.

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

wonderful property

This is a great place for large families. We were able to enjoy the toys for the kids and bean bag toss. We are booking it for a summer getaway. Thanks Jason for being so accommodating.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Danielle H.

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

Awesome vacation - highly recommend!

We came with 4 adults and 5 teens and pre-teens. The property is beautiful, clean and has everything you need for a relaxing, fun time. From kayaks to bikes to a stocked kitchen of supplies, we had an absolute blast. Highly recommend!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jack P.

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

Fishing trip

We enjoyed the home and it was very spacious. Very clean and home feeling. We spent most days fishing but the time we had in the home we all enjoyed it.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Larry M.

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

Our family vacation on Mille Lacs lake.

Our family of 16 stayed on this property last week (June) and thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The kitchen was well supplied with enough kitchen ware to accommodate our family. The property was clean and supplied lots of games, life jackets, lily pad and kayaks. We had plenty of refrigerator space for food and drinks. The lawn had shade and open space for our grandchildren to play bags and ladder golf. Our family really enjoyed our time..
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Friend's group getaway

There were a group of 10 of us that stayed at this house for a get together. We house was very well stocked, we were very comfortable, and we had great communication with the owner. We are considering coming back in the summer to enjoy again and use all of the swimming and boating equipment. Thanks :)
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patrick E.

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

Two day fishing trip

Five guys stayed for a couple days of fishing. Unfortunately we did not have the time or weather to utilize any of the outdoor amenities. But the location was perfect for us and we enjoyed sitting next to the fireplace to warm up after a cold, rainy day on the lake.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca W.

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

Winter paradise!

We filled the house with 16 people but it didn’t feel crowded. Lots of games around the large dining room table, ice fishing, and riding the snowmobile on the lake. Jason was fast to answer any questions we had before and during our stay. Lovely time had by all!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Emilee B.

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

A week to relax and do some Ice fishing

This home is everything as described and more. We had two familys in our party, 4 adults 7 kids and there was more then enough room to be comfortable. The kids loved the bunk room! Communication was excellent. Although the winter didnt cooperate the best for ice fishing we were able to go just down the road to Castle resorts and get on some ice and catch fish. Besides fishing we spent alot of time hanging at the house just relaxing and enjoyomg the quite and beauty of the property.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gary and Wendy B.

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

Best Xmas cabin.

We went to Cove Bay for a family Christmas. The place was amazing. Very clean, enough space/bedroom and bathroom for all of us. They had everything you could possible need. . The cabin was beautifully decorated for Xmas. They had more decorations then I did at home. Lol. The owner was very responsive and made sure we were plowed out when we got a big snow fall. I would definitely recommend it.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ann G.

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

family cabin trip

Everything was perfect. We had no complaints. The house was clean and very spacious. He had every accommodation that anyone could ever ask for. Everything was provided from every size life jacket to water shoes. They had fun lawn games. The kids loved the swing set and we all loved the kayaks and paddle boat. The house was big enough for our family of 11. Jason was fast to respond to my many questions. We could not have asked for a better place to stay. We would highly recommend this home to any one looking for a perfect getaway.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Laura W.

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

Beautiful Lake Retreat with Lots of Extras

We booked a family vacation with our 2 adult children, their spouses and our 7 grandkids. This Wimmer's lake house was stocked with more toys than you can imagine: Kayaks, paddle boat, playground, water shoes, life jackets, sand toys, bicycles, board games, wii... and the list goes on. I knew the house came with some extras... but not enough to cover 7 grandkids from 1 - 11 years! That's really saying something. The host Jason was amazing and provided us with all the info we needed prior to arrival. Great communication all around. I highly recommend this listing! Lots of positive things... and only one negative (which was easy to navigate). If you're sensitive to scents like our family is... you may want to unplug the 8 scented 'plugins' on the ground floor. I removed them the first day and then I reinstalled them after the rest of the family checked out. The place was clean, communication was great, and the home exactly as advertised. We'd definitely book this place again. Thanks Wimmer Family!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Connie G.

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

family gathering

we had a wonderful time at jason's. The house was beautifully decorated for christmas. We were here last november for our thanksgiving. The house is nice and big which we need with our big bunch. The kitchen is well supplied for cooking. It is a beautiful view of the lake also.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nancy S.

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

Everytning was perfect

Perfect
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kevin M.

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

Awesome Place!

Beautiful house on a beautiful piece of property! Plenty of space for a large family gathering and plenty of activities/things to do on the property itself as well as nearby. Owners responded quickly to emails, house was very clean and had everything we needed for a great time. Highly recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great property, tons of amenities

This is a great property. We did an extended family getaway with 7 adults and 2 kids and there was plenty of space for everyone. The kids loved the sandbox, bikes and water toys that were provided. The adults loved the fully stocked kitchen, separate bedrooms with adjoining baths and how easy it was to keep an eye on the kids from pretty much anywhere in the house. The owners have thought of everything you'll need while you're here. Can't go wrong with this one!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sandra D.

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

Joy at the lake

I can't say enough about this beautiful property. It is a tucked away gem that has everything you could possibly need. We couldn't have enjoyed our stay more.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Teri H.

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

Amazing Experience

Absolutely beautiful home and top-notch hosts! Everything was so well thought out! The property and amenities were amazing we had such a great experience!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jessica F.

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

Family + Kid Paradise

By far our favorite lake house/cabin rental! The amount of toys, life jackets, games, outdoor activities, and overall accommodations was beyond our expectations. Communication with the owner was seamless! We wished our stay was longer. Truly enjoyed every minute!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Jason Wimmer

Host profile image
Hello! We are a family of five from the Minneapolis area, and we absolutely love the convenience of having our Lakeside Retreat less than 90 minutes from home. Since purchasing this lakehome in 2013, we've spent countless unforgettable days here, making lifelong memories with family and friends. We look forward to sharing our lakehome with you!

Why they chose this property

When we were searching for the perfect lake home, we had a vision—somewhere peaceful yet accessible, where we could escape the city, relax, and watch our kids grow up enjoying the great outdoors. We had a few must-haves on our list, and this property checked every box (see what makes our property unique below)! Over the years, we’ve made continuous upgrades based on feedback from family, friends, and guests, ensuring it remains the ultimate lakeside getaway.

This home has brought so much joy to our family, and now, we’re excited to share it with you and your loved ones!

What makes this property unique

After touring numerous properties, we knew this one was something special because it had everything we were looking for:

1) Close Proximity to Minneapolis – Just 90 minutes via Highway 169, it’s an easy and scenic drive to the southernmost bay of Mille Lacs Lake, making weekend getaways effortless.

2) Plenty of Space for Family & Friends – With 5 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, and over 2,500 square feet, this home comfortably sleeps 16 guests without feeling cramped.

3) A Fantastic Swimming Area – Our kids' favorite feature! The shallow, crystal-clear water and gently sloping beach (a mix of sand and gravel) make it an ideal spot for swimming and wading.

4) A Spacious & Private Yard – 2 acres of peaceful seclusion with level elevation, perfect for outdoor games, campfires, and simply unwinding.

5) World-Class Fishing – While fishing wasn’t the #1 priority on our wish list, we’re thrilled that this lake offers some of the best fishing in Minnesota! From walleye and smallmouth bass to muskie and jumbo perch, Mille Lacs has trophy potential—we’ve personally caught and released walleye up to 29 inches, smallmouth up to 21 inches, muskie up to 52 inches, and northern pike up to 39 inches!

If these features match what you’re looking for in a perfect vacation rental, we’d love to host you and your family at our Lakeside Retreat on Cove Bay. We can’t wait for you to experience the same joy and relaxation that this special place has brought to us!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests