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“Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway

Photo gallery for “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway

Picture yourself, lakefront, on your dock on lovely 150 acre private lake.
Your entry to a great vacation
Welcome home
Interior detail
Chic dining area.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 41400 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Pet friendly

Explore the area

Map
Sheffield, MA
  • Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Housatonic River Walk
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Ski Butternut
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Great Barrington, MA (GBR-Walter J. Koladza)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Double Futon

Den with tv, pullout couch

1 Double Bed

Living room

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

“Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway

One of the very few waterfront homes available for rent. What other houses offer you 150 feet private lakefront where you can awake to birdsong? absolute best house in the best little town for the full Berkshire experience. If you want your own totally private oasis, and a whole house to yourself, leaving crowds and hassle behind, come up to this lovely, quiet, lakefront Berkshire house with a Zen-like feel, just a mile from the center of Sheffield. Just sit and listen to the silence.

Immaculately behaved, non-shedding, totally house trained small dogs welcome.
Ask about special rates for longer stays.

Perfect location for all Berkshire activities, including Tanglewood and Jacob’s Pillow, plus Shakespeare and Company, Norman Rockwell, The Mount, Berkshire Botanical Gardens.

Light-filled, year-round lakefront house (150 feet on private lake with own dock). with fireplace and fire pit, all decorated in mid-century retro style and immaculately clean. Think 'Walden,' think 'On Golden Pond.' Two bedrooms with A/C—one queen-sized bed, two twins, two full baths, living room with fireplace and A/C, dining area, kitchen with dishwasher and microwave, den with pull-out couch.
Water softener, plus screened in porch, full laundry room, two car garage, fire pit, comfortable outdoor seating for five plus two—and all on the most blissful private 150 acre lake with wonderful fishing--bass and pike--and just a mile off Route 7, Sheffield, handy to everything and spotlessly clean. Cleaned, bleached and treated with UVC wand sanitizer. Self checkin and checkout.
Lake is natural, pure and lovely to look at (but not good for swimming due to natural vegetation). Canoeing, fishing and kayaking are great. Your own dock and 150 feet on the lake. Kayaks and canoe. Ping pong table! Electric bikes available to rent. Dog walkers available!!

You can work from home here. WiFi, 5G, good cell reception, slightly rare in the Berkshires., Smart cable tv. Spectrum service. This is a slice of heaven! Everything you need for that perfect Berkshire getaway—we can give lots of tips for top-notch local restaurants and things to do. Local owners readily available to answer questions and make recommendations.
Great local hiking on closeby Appalachian trail, great biking (we have 4 good bikes), wildlife observation (meet our otter and nesting bald Eagle), riveting local history (Shays Rebellion, Mum Bett), local swimming recommendations.

Very convenient for Berkshire School and Hotchkiss parents.
Also convenient for nearby Litchfield County, Conn, including Music Mountain events, plus Lime Rock Park racing.
Further west, Hudson, NY, is fun to explore, along with houses like Olana, built by Frederic Church of the Hudson River School.
You will never run out of things to do here—or nothing at all—whatever you want.
Bliss!!!!

Property manager

Dr. Gillian Hettinger
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 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Owners have no liability.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
Totally house-trained, small, non-shedding and of
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please don’t bring barbecue onto screened porch. Please don’t rearrange furniture or pictures!!

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
Property Registration Number C0126212670

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Sheffield

Located in Sheffield, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Ashley House and Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Drury Preserve and Jug End State Reservatio. Harney and Sons Tea Tasting Room and Berkshire Botanical Garden are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Sheffield, MA

What's nearby

  • Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center - 13 min drive - 10.3 km
  • Housatonic River Walk - 13 min drive - 10.7 km
  • Catamount Ski Area - 16 min drive - 12.2 km
  • Ski Butternut - 19 min drive - 15.2 km
  • Lake Buel - 24 min drive - 19.5 km

Getting around

  • Hudson, NY (HCC-Columbia County) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Great Barrington Bagel Company - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Bogies Restaurant & Pub - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪SoCo Creamery - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Fuel Coffee Shop - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪GB eats - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is “Elterwater”-Swan lake. Your own lakefront oasis, a true Berkshire getaway located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Thom Reed UFO Monument Park and 1.9 mi (3 km) from Housatonic River. Magnolia Bluffs Casino and Drury Preserve are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 160 out of 168 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 168 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 168 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 168 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 168 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Lovely Lake Cabin

We had a fun family stay hete during Thanksgiving. The house had everything we needed for our non traditional Thanksgiving meal. Close to Great Barrington stores and on a beautiful Berkshire Lake.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave S.

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

Great weekend in the Berkshires

We had a fantastic time at the house. The backyard was awesome because of the huge lake access and it was beautiful with all the snow! The owner Gillian was great. She was Super helpful and knowledgeable of the area and accommodating with all our requests. We would def go back next time we ski or even over the summer if available.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

John C.

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

Wonderful ski weekend

We had a great stay in the house. It was, sadly, too cold to enjoy the nearby lake, but the house itself was wonderful. Having spacious bedrooms and an entire kitchen made our trip much easier, and the house is very convenient for the ski slope we visited.Thanks!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

debbie c.

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

Idyllic Retreat

Beautiful setting, comfy house, great fishing in the pond and close to all.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joseph P K.

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

excellent

We thank Gillian for the wonderful stay! Hope to stay there again next year.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

ryan S.

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

Just what we needed

The house is everything you need if turning off the world is your goal
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

RICHARD P.

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

Great Stay

Without a doubt the best place we ever rented. We have stayed at many places through the years but this was the best. Can't say anything negative about our stay it was as good as it gets!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

ann e.

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

Great house on the lake for some R&R

Great location, beautiful scenery on the lake with privacy. Fishing was great!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Valeriy S.

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

Good fishing

Very nice place for quiet weekend! Excellent fishing!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Laurie W.

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

Very comfortable stay and convenient! Great layout and view. We loved canoeing on the pond

Great house and location!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sam F.

Lovely home

Great location to stay in Southern Berkshires.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

christopher m., Auburn

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

Great time!

House is very comfortable and had everything we needed would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Alan K.

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

Relaxing Oasis

We enjoyed our time by the lake in Sheffield. Our neighborhood was quiet, and the lack of traffic allowed for many walks on the road. We kayaked in the lake, and had a short drive into Great Barrington for meals and hikes. We are looking forward to returning next year. Thank you again, Gillian!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa C.

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

Lovely house

We had a wonderful time..we will definitely go back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Great place to visit!

We loved it! the house was perfect, neat and clean and great windows to look out on the lake. The property manager was super easy to work with and gave us some great recommendations. If i'm ever back in this area, this is where I will stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wendy T.

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

Serene waterfront location

Peaceful locale on a pond with eagles, ducks, turtles and frogs. Many places to relax, whether it be on the dock with morning coffee, on the screened porch reading a good book, or in a canoe floating on the water. Great hikes and things to see in town. Would definitely return. And the host is lovely and very communicative. Great trip!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dorine O.

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

Very nice property perfect for my needs

Clean 🧽 older property well maintained with a living and family room
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

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

Terrific location and quality

Absolutely amazing. If you want to experience the Berkshires in full serenity, this is your place!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Susan R.

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

Centrally located Water view w/screened in porch and biking

These are the things we loved about this property but there were so many more - comfy beds , lots of little spaces to hang , light filled rooms , and the nicest homeowner . We loved our stay and we will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Yigal J., Yonkers, NY, USA

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

Lovely Stay

Beautiful location by the lake. Though it was unusually hot and humid in the southern Berkshires, the house remained pleasantly cool and comfortable, the screened-in porch delightful. Our host was very helpful and welcoming.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Lovely Property

Fabulous cottage on the lake, enjoyed canoeing and enjoying the outdoors. Super close to both downtown Sheffield and Great Barrington. Dr Gillian was a fabulous host!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

John D., Orlando, Fl

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

Roomy home on the Pond

This home has plenty of space for relaxation as well as being well equipped.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

christopher m.

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

Great place! Quiet and very relaxing.

Loved every minute! Great location, close to everything. Very comfortable. Enjoyed watching the otter up and down the great pond.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2020

10/10 Excellent

Larry F.

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

Wonderful lake house

We had a fantastic time staying in the home. Very clean a well stocked. Very serene and private. Just a beautiful setting. We leave it k forward to returning.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Abigail R.

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

So Peaceful

We absolutely loved our stay here! It's a wonderful place in a serene environment. The property is well cared for and the check-in process and communication with Gillian were excellent. A perfect spot to unwind and slow down. We can't wait to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2022

About the host

Hosted by Dr. Gillian Hettinger

Host profile image
English professor and husband fell in love with this idyllic house, not least because of the lake, which is amazing. Perfect in all seasons, and something to do all year long. We love the wildlife and drifting gently in the canoe across the private lake--wonderful winter views across private lake, great fishing in the summertime. The land across the road and across the lake is all preserved so your views are spectacular. Great local restaurants and, of course, everything the Berkshires has to offer. You'll be delighted with this rare find and come back again and again. You'll come for the culture--the music, theater, dance--and you'll stay for tranquil hours reading a favorite book on the porch, or beginning to write your novel.

Why they chose this property

This year-round lovely property has everything you want for the perfect vacation getaway--romantic weekend, hiking the Appalachian Trail, skiing, girls'/guys' retreat. Feel the weight of the world fall off your shoulders when you enter and look out at the lake, just beyond the slope to water's edge. Cozy fireplace in living room. Fire pit out by the lake. Peaceful, yet not remote and on a sought-after, very private lake with views -- about a mile off Route 7 in Sheffield and just five miles south of Great Barrington. The house is immaculately clean-- there's also the charm of hearing the screen door slam on the porch which evokes memories of summers past.

What makes this property unique

200 feet directly on the 150-acre private lake with your own private dock, kayak and canoe and protected shoreline across the lake. Surrounded by Land Trust protected property. Enjoy the cozy fireplace in addition to individually controlled heat in every room. You will never want to leave. Water is pure, tested, and good to drink. All linens and paper products provided--just walk in, relax, and enjoy this magical house--don't you deserve it?

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests