Naturalists' Retreat

Entire chalet in Ithaca, New York

  1. 6 guests
  2. 2 bedrooms
  3. 2 beds
  4. 1 bath
Hosted by Aurora
  1. Superhost
  2. 7 years hosting

Listing highlights

Top 5% of homes

This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.

Self check-in

Check yourself in with the lockbox.

Extra spacious

Guests love this home’s spaciousness for a comfortable stay.
Some info has been automatically translated.
Retreat to paradise at this cozy cottage in the heart of the Finger Lakes. Charming custom woodwork offers a unique, rustic aesthetic while modern amenities provide the comfort of home. Minutes from famous naturalist attractions in all directions. Enjoy the entire peaceful cottage and surrounding yard with outdoor seating, fire pit, and hot tub to yourself. Three acres of adjoining trails and creek shared with neighboring host family, who are fun-loving and approachable but respect your privacy.

The space
The loft bedroom (queen bed) is a favorite room with a treehouse feel and is open to the living room below. The stairs are a little steep and while the railings are secure, loft use is not recommended for young children or anyone with mobility concerns. Please use at your own risk.

A second comfortable and private bedroom (queen bed) has a work/study station, dresser, and 32" smart TV. This bedroom also has a washer/dryer.

The living room has comfortable seating and a 52” smart TV for your restful entertainment. Bring your own account logins for Netflix, etc. Don’t forget to log out when you leave!

Wake up to Belgian waffles (ingredients provided!) The kitchen is equipped with a small fridge, stove, oven, microwave, toaster oven, Instant Pot, Vitamix blender, bread machine, tea kettle, and coffee pot. Do your cooking in the kitchen, outside over the fire pit, or using the grill on the back porch. Utensils for cooking and eating are stocked.

We intend to have the hot tub prepared for each stay and hope our guests understand if unexpected complications arise. Please read instructions for use (posted at the cottage,) use responsibly, and enjoy!

The Naturalists’ Retreat is far enough out of town to offer peace and tranquility, but close enough to access local attractions and nightlife. Here are a few local highlights and popular destinations:
- 1/2 mi to Dandy gas station and Dollar General convenience store (buy/order basic foods)
- 8mi to the Ithaca Commons (experience local art, culture, food, and small business)
- 9mi to Cornell University Campus
- 9mi to Ithaca College Campus
- ~10 miles from the start of Seneca and Cayuga Lake Wine, Beer, and Spirits Trails (see web for more details)
- 15mi to Watkins Glen (sweet little town, home to a world-famous racetrack and gorge trail)
- 25mi to Greek Peak Mountain Resort (snow sports in the winter, ropes course in the summer, indoor water park year-round!)

Parks and nature
o 4mi to Robert H. Treman State Park (This one’s our favorite! Visit Lower Treman for a short walk and dip under a waterfall, or Upper Treman for a gorgeous hike with breathtaking views, and self-tour through the Old Grist Mill.)
o 7mi to Taughannock State Park (Enjoy a nice, flat, year-round hike ending at a waterfall which is famous for its height, then cool off with a swim in the lake.)
o 8mi to Buttermilk State Park (Stop by on your way into Ithaca to go for a hike or swim under a waterfall with many shallow spots for littles.)
o 10mi to Finger Lakes National Forest (Explore the wild area!)
o 9.3mi Cayuga Nature Center (Check out their wild animals and the amazing 6-story treehouse!)

Three sizes of snowshoes are provided for enjoying the property and surrounding areas during the white winter months!

We suggest that you bring your vehicle to best experience these local attractions, however, the cottage is on TCAT bus route 20 which goes directly to the Commons and Cornell, and is just one transfer to Ithaca College, TC3, and other attractions. See TCAT’s website for current schedules.

Cell phone reception can be limited at the Naturalists Retreat and we suggest that you prepare Wi-Fi calling before you arrive unless you look forward to being “unplugged.” Unfortunately, we are not currently ADA accessible (but aspire to be in the future!)

Do not hesitate to reach out to Aurora with any questions. We look forward to having you!

Guest access
Enjoy the entire peaceful cottage and surrounding yard with outdoor seating and fire pit to yourself. Three acres of adjoining trails and creek are shared with the neighboring host family, who are fun-loving and approachable but respect your privacy.

Other things to note
The cottage has a no-pet policy to protect the safety of guests with allergies and our homestead animals. Please do not let homestead pets inside the cottage, even if they ask!

Please respect our no-smoking policy inside the cottage. If you smoke outside, please safely dispose of any waste before you check out.

The driveway/parking space comfortably accommodates 2 vehicles and can squeeze in 3.

Where you’ll sleep

1 of 2 pages

What this place offers

Kitchen
Wifi
Dedicated workspace
Free driveway parking on premises – 2 spaces
Private hot tub - available all year, open 24 hours

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Rated 4.97 out of 5 from 490 reviews.

Guest favorite
This home is in the top 5% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 97% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 3% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for value

Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

Ithaca, New York, United States
This listing's location is verified.

Neighborhood highlights

The Naturalists’ Retreat is set off a country main road in the small town of Enfield, NY, and in close proximity to many natural areas. The closest towns with visitor attractions include Ithaca, Trumansburg, and Watkins Glen.

Meet your host

Superhost
500 reviews
4.97 out of 5 average rating
7 years of hosting
Speaks English
Lives in Ithaca, New York
We love to travel, try new things, and share these experiences with old friends and new. We spend a lot of time with nature and are always looking for fun and exciting ventures. We chose to keep our home in the Finger Lakes because it is an incredible place for nature enthusiasts, and there is always something to experience (whether it is swimming in a tremendous waterfall, disappearing into a tranquil forest, or dancing to live music alongside the locals.) We consider our home a sanctuary and aspire to be sustainable in our practices. We are grateful to know the wonders of the Finger Lakes and eager to share them with others. Whether you’re hosting or traveling with us, I look forward to sharing in another memorable experience!

Aurora is a Superhost

Superhosts are experienced, highly rated hosts who are committed to providing great stays for guests.

Co-hosts

  • Chris

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
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Things to know

Cancellation policy
House rules
Check-in after 4:00 PM
Checkout before 11:00 AM
6 guests maximum
Safety & property
Nearby lake, river, other body of water
Carbon monoxide alarm
Smoke alarm