A quiet 1845 farmhouse beside Westcott Beach State Park, set on a peaceful acre-plus property just a five-minute walk from the beach on Lake Ontario.
Guests often come from New York City for a week or two of quiet writing, reading, or remote work — a simple reset surrounded by open sky and the lake.
The house lends itself naturally to a slower rhythm. The antique dining table often becomes a writing desk or laptop workspace during longer stays, and the dining room works comfortably as a remote-work office.
Mornings often begin slowly — coffee in the backyard, breakfast on the porch, or a walk up the hill to the lake overlook across the road.
Evenings often end outside watching the sky darken as fireflies appear across the lawn and the stars emerge overhead.
The house tends to appeal to writers, creatives, remote workers, or anyone simply looking for a quieter place to settle in for a week or longer.
Best suited for one person, a couple, two couples, or up to four guests total.
The House
Guests have private use of the home, with the exception of one private rear room reserved for owner storage. The room is briefly accessed a couple times each week to care for two quiet doves.
The home includes: • a large comfortable living room • a spacious dining room that works beautifully as a writing or work space • a full kitchen with a vintage Garland restaurant stove • two guest bedrooms, each with a full-size bed • two full bathrooms • a beloved outdoor shower tucked beside the back deck
The sleeping spaces include:
• a primary upstairs bedroom in the front of the house with a small ensuite bath and tiny hobbit-like shower
• a cozy downstairs bedroom with its own full bath nearby
Although the house technically contains additional bedrooms, only these two guest rooms are offered so the house remains comfortable and uncrowded.
The layout offers several quiet areas to settle into throughout the day — ideal for writing projects, remote work, reading, or simply enjoying the stillness of the house.
Outside, the lawn and surrounding trees provide space for morning yoga, stretching, or reading in the shade.
The outdoor shower is one of the simple pleasures of the house — especially after walking back from the beach while the sun is still warm. Afterward, relax on one of the cushioned chaises on the back deck just steps away.
Reliable Wi-Fi makes remote work easy if needed.
The Old Home also includes books, board games, and a Klipsch Bluetooth speaker for music-filled evenings.
The home is a lakeside farmhouse built in 1845, long before air conditioning. The dirt floor and stone foundation beneath the house helps keep the rooms naturally cool on most summer days, and fans are provided.
The Setting
The house sits beside Westcott Beach State Park, about a five-minute walk up the road from the property. The sandy beach offers wide lake views, clear Great Lakes water, and some of the most beautiful sunsets on Lake Ontario.
A favorite local ritual is “walking the hill.” Just across Route 3 from the house, a winding paved road leads up into another section of the park with wooded hiking trails and a small campground. The reward at the top is a breathtaking panoramic view of Lake Ontario. On clear days you can see the small islands scattered across the water and even Canada on the horizon.
Take this walk at sunset instead for a late-day stretch and the biggest sunset view of all. Then return home for an outdoor shower before dinner on the porch.
While the lake itself isn’t visible from the house, the backyard faces west and opens to an expansive lawn framed by tall pines. At night the sky above feels like a planetarium. Without the lights of the city, the constellations appear with remarkable clarity, and on moonless nights the darkness is deep enough that the stars seem to take over.
Some nights the sky is the show. Other evenings are perfect for a small fire in the backyard firepit instead— a warm circle of light, marshmallows to toast, and the quiet of the trees all around.
Later at night, you may hear barred owls calling from the pines.
And on warm summer evenings, fireflies gather across the lawn — a quiet, magical way to end the day.
Good to Know
• One-week minimum stay
• Best suited for guests seeking a peaceful, slower-paced stay rather than a social or party-oriented atmosphere
• Weekly lawn maintenance takes place on Tuesdays
• No smoking or vaping inside the house
• Because the home is an old wood farmhouse, candles are only permitted on the porch
• Washer/dryer available
• Beach and bath towels provided
• Dr. Bronner’s soaps included
• A car is strongly recommended for the area
Nearby
The historic village of Sackets Harbor is about a seven-minute drive away, with coffee shops, restaurants, the waterfront, and the historic War of 1812 battlefield.
Clayton and the Thousand Islands make easy day trips, and Gananoque, Ontario is about an hour away.
Or simply return home… and take another nap.
Getting Here
About a 5 hour drive from New York City.
Guests who prefer to fly or take the train can arrive via Syracuse, which is an hour away and has rental car options available.
I’m a textile artist, entrepreneur, and nonprofit founder who recently relocated from Brooklyn/NYC to take care of and continue looking after this old home, which has been in our family since the 1800s. I’m an animal lover, live music enthusiast, gardener, and someone who deeply values nature, community, and meaningful connection. I enjoy bringing people together, creating welcoming spaces, and bridging divides through creativity and conversation.
I care for this old home thoughtfully and appreciate guests who do the same. I value a clean, organized, comfortable space and try to honor the slower rhythm of an older home where things are cared for gently and with intention. I’m also learning to work more in balance with nature — rethinking traditional lawn spaces, experimenting with ground covers like thyme, avoiding pesticides, and figuring out what grows best over time. Disposable dishware is available for added convenience, as there is no dishwasher.
Rent
$1,650/week
2 weeks — $3,000
3 weeks — $3,900
4 weeks — $4,800
Longer stays may be possible depending on availability.
A rental agreement, security deposit, and references will be requested prior to booking.
We’re happy to arrange a brief video chat for interested renters.
Additional photos available upon request.