Notes from the host
The Lodge
If a treetop lakeside getaway could cocoon you in its embrace so snuggly that you never wanted to return to the real world, then The Lodge at Star Lake would be a top contender! This sprawling four bedroom, 2 ½ bath, kid- and dog-friendly hilltop villa will appeal to those seeking a camp cabin/hunting lodge/woodsy retreat vibe for large family/close friends’ gatherings.
Are you seeking simple style, clean lines, and minimalistic décor? Then book elsewhere! If Adirondack backwoods charm and mid-century country chic had a baby, this would be it. Renovated bathrooms and kitchen add modern conveniences and luxury touches, while vintage treasures, collectibles, statement pieces, and flea-market finds evoke a frontier atmosphere.
21st century amenities include indoor plumbing, electric lights, large capacity washer and dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, 2 types of coffeemakers, and multiple ceiling and floor fans throughout (no AC available). Enjoy your morning coffee (or tea) from the back deck overlooking our quiet cove on Star Lake.
Venture down the staircase for a floating dock experience as the wooden raft is gently rocked by waves lapping the shore. Maybe you’ll catch a glimpse of Mama and her ducklings. Be the captain of your own ship by renting the motorized wooden raft and taking your crew on an exploration of greater Star Lake – including the fabled Sand Bar. (Extra fee for raft and must have boaters’ safety course or boating license. Liability waiver required.) Kayaks, a canoe, paddles, and life preserves are provided for no additional charge.
Back inside, the Lodge Room features a vaulted beamed ceiling with log cabin walls, an epic rock fireplace (guests are asked to look but not light), a live edge bar top with beverage fridge, and a wraparound sofa begging to be sunk into. If you suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out), you will be torn between watching the flat screen smart TV, bolting out the front or back French doors leading to their respective decks, or twisting around to see what everyone is laughing about at the impossibly shiny (i.e. safe from spills) knotty pine farmhouse dining table.
Throughout the day any number of indoor or outdoor spaces will claim your attention. Catch stunning sunsets on the back deck as the water mirrors trees and sky. The spacious front deck abounds with comfortable conversational seating and cushioned dining plus a chef’s gas grill. Watch the children running and laughing on the lawn or challenge someone to a rousing game of corn hole. The adjacent sunken covered front porch offers a respite on hot summer afternoons. It’s also the perfect place to wait out a storm while raindrops pebble the metal roof. With fieldstone walls and lush foliage, it harkens to a secret garden. After dark, light up the firepit and break out the marshmallows.
Need some quiet time away from the boisterous joy? The Library offers a refuge nestled between the Sunroom and the Kitchen. Grab a book or flip through the smart TV channels with an ear cocked for murmurs from the crowd indicating it is time to rejoin the fun. Need even more solitude to work? Slip into the Sunroom beyond the Library and ease the door shut. Try to concentrate while drinking in the endless lake views through the wall of windows as you reluctantly pull up to the vintage desk whose top is exactly level with the windowsill…. With a daybed and sleeper sofa, the Sunroom is also perfect as extra sleeping quarters. Exhausted after a full day? Charm and comfort extend to the sleeping spaces.
The cozy downstairs main bedroom features a spa-like ensuite bathroom and picture window for one last glimpse of the lake before you sink into the king size bed. Three upstairs bedrooms (two twin beds, double bed, queen bed), each with their own unique rustic décor, share a bathroom with a double sink and tub/shower combination. With bathroom space always in demand, the downstairs Powder Room is more than just an afterthought. Even this most lowly of spaces (with the tiniest sink you ever will see) is elevated by landscape watercolors festooning nearly every inch of wall space.
We cherish the memories of times here with family and friends, and eagerly look forward to our next retreat. We know you will too. Book today at our Adirondack rustic hideaway.
GOOD to KNOW
You really are getting away from it all in the tiny Hamlet of Star Lake – so pack in your food (and a bag of ice or two) before you come! Store your provisions in the Laundry Room/Pantry, which also boasts another refrigerator. There's even an extra freezer in case you want to ditch the cooking duties and just take it easy by nuking a frozen dinner.
Forgot something? You can grab a few groceries at Dollar General or Circle K Convenience Store/Gas Station. Dining out options are limited: One restaurant, one sub shop, one ice cream parlor. Happily, Circle K makes a wicked hot pizza. The town also boasts a hospital, a hardware store and a few nearby gift shop/antique/thrift-type stores.
No public motorized boat launch (ask the owners about their cottages on Little Wolf Lake 40 minutes away in the town of Tupper Lake).
Bed linens and bath towels are provided. Bring your own beach towels (please don’t use the provided house towels at the lake please).
The house is stocked with starter amounts with toilet paper, garbage bags, paper towels, handwashing liquid, dishwasher tablets, clothes washing machine detergent, liquid hand soap, etc. There is one hair dryer (upstairs bathroom). Complimentary firewood is stacked near the firepit and matches are provided.
Board games and playing cards are available. Small lending library (take-a-book/leave-a-book encouraged if you get too engrossed in a story and need to carry it home).
Up to two (2) pet dogs welcome. 50 pounds or less; $100 per dog/per week fee.
Any overnight guests above the maximum of 10 will incur an additional $100 charge per person/per day.
Parking pad fits four or five vehicles comfortably.
90 feet of private lakeshore frontage; dock and floating raft with table, chairs, and umbrella. Guests are invited to lounge on the motorized raft affixed to the dock even if you do not rent to ride/drive (which is an additional charge and requires verified boaters’ safety course or boating license and signed liability waiver). Water shoes are highly recommended.
3 adult kayaks, 1 youth kayak, 1 canoe plus paddles and ample adult and children’s life vests are provided.
Enhance your comfort and fun by bringing your own beach towels, fishing gear, floating/water toys, bug repellant, and sun protection.
WIFI is included. No landline. Verizon is the only cell service that works in the area, so T-Mobile, AT&T;, etc. mobile phones will only work when connected to WIFI.
Smart TVs in the Lodge Room, Library, Kitchen, and Main Bedroom.
Guests with mobility challenges may enter at the front via a ramp with one small step at the end. First floor sleeping options include Main Bedroom with ensuite and Sunroom with daybed and sleeper sofa. The back deck offers expansive lake views, but the long, steep walk to and from the lake may prove challenging.
This is a NO smoking property, inside and out. $500 fine for violations.
Late check-out is not possible. Inquire about booking an additional night if you need extended time.
Property is professionally cleaned and sanitized to the highest standards and does not profit the owners. 100% of cleaning fee goes to the cleaning professional.
Hosted by Meredith and Luke McCahan