Lake Zoar Cabin
Guest rating: 4.7 / 5
Overview
Lake Zoar Cabin (also described as a magical lakeside cottage) is a year-round, lakefront home in Connecticut’s lake country, set just above the water with expansive views and a steady lake breeze. It’s designed for slowing down and spending time outside—whether that’s swimming, boating, fishing, or simply relaxing at the shoreline. The home is smoke-free, pet-friendly (with approval), and positioned for a quiet, unplugged stay in every season.
Layout & sleeping
The main floor includes an eat-in kitchen, a full bathroom with a tub/shower, and a queen bedroom with lake views and a smart TV. A narrow spiral staircase connects to the lower level, which has a cozy living area with a smart TV, a second queen bedroom, and a laundry room with a full-size washer and dryer. If the spiral stairs are difficult, the lower level can also be reached by going outside to the back entrance.
Kitchen & in-home amenities
The kitchen is set up for self-catering with an oven/stove, microwave, and a Keurig coffee machine, plus dining seating for four. Comfort features include air conditioning and heating, along with free Wi-Fi and cable TV. Free parking is provided at the top of the property, before the long stair descent to the cottage.
Outdoor space & lake access
Outdoor living is a major focus, with multiple seating areas spread across levels—an upper deck/dining area with a fire table and BBQ grill, a covered patio with Adirondack chairs, plus yard and dock-level fire pit areas. The dock offers water access (no diving; approximately 4 feet deep directly off the dock), and the home includes two kayaks, floats, and two kid and two adult life jackets. Guests can also dock a boat, and the host can provide guidance on where to launch if bringing one.
Nearby dining & airports
Nearby restaurant options include Mangia Mi East | Italian (about 2.1 km), Nouveau Monde (about 2.4 km), and Sugo Gastrobar (about 2.5 km), with additional choices like Barnwood Grill, The Ranch Pub, and Mediterranean spots such as Blue Fig Garden and Ellada Mediterranean Grill within a few kilometers. For air travel, Tweed New Haven Airport is the closest listed (about 36 km), followed by Westchester County Airport (about 55 km) and Bradley International Airport (about 74 km); NYC-area airports (LaGuardia, JFK, Newark) are also within driving distance.
Best for
This lakefront cottage suits couples, small groups, and families who want a scenic, activity-forward getaway with direct lake access, kayaks, and multiple outdoor hangout areas. It’s best for guests comfortable with lots of stairs, since reaching the home, yard, and dock requires significant step-down access. Travelers who value self-catering will appreciate the full kitchen setup plus grill, fire features, and in-unit laundry.
Travel tips
Plan to pack light: the route from parking to the house involves a roughly 66-step descent, plus about 50 more steps to the yard and 22+ to the dock. If you prefer to avoid the narrow spiral staircase inside, you can reach the lower level by stepping outside and using the back entrance. For meals out, several restaurants are within roughly 2–6 km, making it practical to alternate between cooking in and dining nearby.
What guests say
Reviews highlight the setting first: guests mention a calm, peaceful lakefront atmosphere with beautiful views and an easy rhythm for boating, swimming, and fishing. The cottage is often described as cozy and welcoming for relaxing stays, including family time by the water. A recurring challenge is access: the long staircase from parking to the home can be strenuous, especially when carrying luggage or for guests with back or mobility issues. Some feedback also points to occasional housekeeping/maintenance attention needed, such as grill cleanliness and leftover or expired items in the refrigerator.
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