Earthen Handcrafted FLX Cottage Retreat
Earthen home in Trumansburg, New York
- 3 guests
- 1 bedroom
- 1 bed
- 1 bath
Hosted by Liza
- Superhost
- 10 years hosting
Listing highlights
Top 10% of homes
This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.
Handcrafted earthen cottage
Straw bale walls, clay plaster, and wood floors built from locally sourced natural materials
Peaceful stays guests keep coming back to
Guests describe a peaceful, cozy retreat and many say they plan to return
Enjoy serenity at this beautifully crafted cottage built with all-natural materials. Featuring straw bale walls, clay plaster, wood floors and tile, the cottage is a calming retreat immersed on a 20-acre forest farm. Watch birds from the porch, write your next novel, or sit by a campfire.
Set back from a rural road, you'll find a peaceful and private experience less than 10-miles from the beautiful state parks, hiking, wineries, breweries, and many good restaurants of the Finger Lakes.
The space
Vintage decor and hand-plastered walls combine with brand new furnishings and an open floor plan to provide a uniquely relaxing atmosphere.
Walk to the cottage from the private driveway along a short 100' path. We provide a cart to make it easier for you to carry your luggage. There are two wide steps to climb which bring you to the large covered porch.
Outside, enjoy the porch with chairs, table, a double and a single hammock, new (in 2024) propane grill and fire pit with Adirondack chairs (wood is provided).
Upon entering the cottage, a small nook framed in repurposed local barn wood provides a bench and hooks to hang your coat and leave your shoes. To your left are stairs to the LOFT, complete with an all-natural mattress, bamboo pillows and cotton sheets. Two windows, an open-style railing, a view of the living room and high ceilings in the middle of the loft ensure a spacious and cozy feel. **Please note, the stairs to the loft are steeper than normal steps. We suggest using the railing. You can stand fully in the lofted ceiling; one side is low, and as such, the bed is situated on a low bed frame.
Windows surround the LIVING ROOM, a couch and chaise lounge, invite you to relax. The wood stove provides a cozy atmosphere and plenty of warmth for winter renters. Fiber optic WIFI with a wireless router keeps you connected for streaming to your favorite shows or working remotely.
**Extra Bed: The cottage is ideal for 2 people, but the couch can be used as a small bed for sleeping upon request for linens.
The full KITCHEN has a refrigerator, freezer, gas stove, gas oven, tea kettle, pots, pans, cookware, silverware, dishes, toaster oven, dish towels, oil, basic spices, organic coffee, french press and organic tea (Note: there is no microwave and only hand towels - NOT paper towels - are provided).
Off the living space is a full BATHROOM, complete with a large tiled shower, sink, vanity, toilet and shelves to store your toiletries. A bath towel, hand towel and washcloth are provided for each guest. All natural hand and body soaps are also provided.
HEAT/AC: HEAT is provided by a large space heater or the wood stove. Guests should plan to use the stove if temps are below 20 degrees. Wood for the wood stove is provided. There is a window AC in the cottage for heat spells, although the 12-inch thick straw-and-plaster walls are built to naturally keep the temperature comfortable in both summer and winter, and all the windows are operable.
*We DO NOT ALLOW PARTIES. A MAXIMUM of 3 people may stay at the cottage. People may not set up tents outside.*
***We CLEAN with only, non-toxic, all-natural cleaning supplies between each guest and sanitize door handles. We use Seventh Generation laundry detergent and dryer sheets. If "clean" means you want to smell bleach, chemicals, Tide, Bounty or other strong scents, this is not the right stay for you.
****WATER - The cottage has well water and a large water filtration system you may hear during your stay. Though it's not needed, we also provide a Britta filter. The water is about as safe as it gets for drinking and tastes as water should - like nothing - although it may taste different than chlorinated water you may drink in an urban environment. To minimize adding to the waste stream, we greatly appreciate you not bringing bottled water.
Guest access
The GROUNDS and Property: The cottage is on the grounds of our farm, Wellspring Forest Farm, a small family-run agroforestry farm producing mushrooms, pastured lamb and maple syrup. In warm months, the sheep occasionally graze near the cabin as they rotate through our 20-acres.
A short distance from the front of the cottage, there is a .6 mile TRAIL IN NATURE available to cottage guests. While we try to make the trail available all year-round, seasonally, it may be closed and too wet to pass. The trail is used occasionally by guests of our other seasonal rental; "Secluded Cozy Yurt Finger Lakes, Grill & Fire Pit," ourselves and neighbors.
Farm tours are available by request for $60-$90/group and last about 60 minutes. Meet the sheep, see the mushrooms, taste the sap (depending on the season.)
Other things to note
About straw bale construction: Straw bale buildings are earth-friendly and provide excellent insulation and the ability to moderate temperature, staying cooler in summer and toasty warm in winter. As in this cottage, straw bales are usually covered in multiple layers of earthen clay plaster, with each layer (from the inside out) getting smoother and more refined. Almost all the construction materials (straw, clay, sand, wood) in this cottage have been sourced locally, from within 80 miles. No plywood or pressure-treated wood was used in the construction. Strawbale buildings are known to create a very healthy environment because the clay literally purifies the ambient indoor air and humidity. The plastered walls, with their natural textures and velvet-like appearance, make for a calming and soft living space.
____
Please visit our other listing "Secluded Cozy Yurt Finger Lakes, Grill & Fire Pit" to see the positive reviews we have had over the five years we've been rental hosts. You can expect the same level of cleanliness, comfort and enjoyment as our yurt guests.
———
Groups who rent both the cottage and the yurt can receive a 10% discount.
———
We ask guests to remove shoes inside the cottage to help keep it cleaner for everybody. Guests might want to travel with slippers to ensure your comfort, especially in cooler months.
We also ask guests to strip beds and put used linens in a laundry bag. This helps reduce germ exposure to the cleaner and enables us to keep our cleaning fees lower (compared to the many $100+ fees that are common).
——
The cottage is available to rent by all people regardless of race, color, class, gender identity, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, physical ability or marital status. We support BLACK LIVES MATTER.
——
Set back from a rural road, you'll find a peaceful and private experience less than 10-miles from the beautiful state parks, hiking, wineries, breweries, and many good restaurants of the Finger Lakes.
The space
Vintage decor and hand-plastered walls combine with brand new furnishings and an open floor plan to provide a uniquely relaxing atmosphere.
Walk to the cottage from the private driveway along a short 100' path. We provide a cart to make it easier for you to carry your luggage. There are two wide steps to climb which bring you to the large covered porch.
Outside, enjoy the porch with chairs, table, a double and a single hammock, new (in 2024) propane grill and fire pit with Adirondack chairs (wood is provided).
Upon entering the cottage, a small nook framed in repurposed local barn wood provides a bench and hooks to hang your coat and leave your shoes. To your left are stairs to the LOFT, complete with an all-natural mattress, bamboo pillows and cotton sheets. Two windows, an open-style railing, a view of the living room and high ceilings in the middle of the loft ensure a spacious and cozy feel. **Please note, the stairs to the loft are steeper than normal steps. We suggest using the railing. You can stand fully in the lofted ceiling; one side is low, and as such, the bed is situated on a low bed frame.
Windows surround the LIVING ROOM, a couch and chaise lounge, invite you to relax. The wood stove provides a cozy atmosphere and plenty of warmth for winter renters. Fiber optic WIFI with a wireless router keeps you connected for streaming to your favorite shows or working remotely.
**Extra Bed: The cottage is ideal for 2 people, but the couch can be used as a small bed for sleeping upon request for linens.
The full KITCHEN has a refrigerator, freezer, gas stove, gas oven, tea kettle, pots, pans, cookware, silverware, dishes, toaster oven, dish towels, oil, basic spices, organic coffee, french press and organic tea (Note: there is no microwave and only hand towels - NOT paper towels - are provided).
Off the living space is a full BATHROOM, complete with a large tiled shower, sink, vanity, toilet and shelves to store your toiletries. A bath towel, hand towel and washcloth are provided for each guest. All natural hand and body soaps are also provided.
HEAT/AC: HEAT is provided by a large space heater or the wood stove. Guests should plan to use the stove if temps are below 20 degrees. Wood for the wood stove is provided. There is a window AC in the cottage for heat spells, although the 12-inch thick straw-and-plaster walls are built to naturally keep the temperature comfortable in both summer and winter, and all the windows are operable.
*We DO NOT ALLOW PARTIES. A MAXIMUM of 3 people may stay at the cottage. People may not set up tents outside.*
***We CLEAN with only, non-toxic, all-natural cleaning supplies between each guest and sanitize door handles. We use Seventh Generation laundry detergent and dryer sheets. If "clean" means you want to smell bleach, chemicals, Tide, Bounty or other strong scents, this is not the right stay for you.
****WATER - The cottage has well water and a large water filtration system you may hear during your stay. Though it's not needed, we also provide a Britta filter. The water is about as safe as it gets for drinking and tastes as water should - like nothing - although it may taste different than chlorinated water you may drink in an urban environment. To minimize adding to the waste stream, we greatly appreciate you not bringing bottled water.
Guest access
The GROUNDS and Property: The cottage is on the grounds of our farm, Wellspring Forest Farm, a small family-run agroforestry farm producing mushrooms, pastured lamb and maple syrup. In warm months, the sheep occasionally graze near the cabin as they rotate through our 20-acres.
A short distance from the front of the cottage, there is a .6 mile TRAIL IN NATURE available to cottage guests. While we try to make the trail available all year-round, seasonally, it may be closed and too wet to pass. The trail is used occasionally by guests of our other seasonal rental; "Secluded Cozy Yurt Finger Lakes, Grill & Fire Pit," ourselves and neighbors.
Farm tours are available by request for $60-$90/group and last about 60 minutes. Meet the sheep, see the mushrooms, taste the sap (depending on the season.)
Other things to note
About straw bale construction: Straw bale buildings are earth-friendly and provide excellent insulation and the ability to moderate temperature, staying cooler in summer and toasty warm in winter. As in this cottage, straw bales are usually covered in multiple layers of earthen clay plaster, with each layer (from the inside out) getting smoother and more refined. Almost all the construction materials (straw, clay, sand, wood) in this cottage have been sourced locally, from within 80 miles. No plywood or pressure-treated wood was used in the construction. Strawbale buildings are known to create a very healthy environment because the clay literally purifies the ambient indoor air and humidity. The plastered walls, with their natural textures and velvet-like appearance, make for a calming and soft living space.
____
Please visit our other listing "Secluded Cozy Yurt Finger Lakes, Grill & Fire Pit" to see the positive reviews we have had over the five years we've been rental hosts. You can expect the same level of cleanliness, comfort and enjoyment as our yurt guests.
———
Groups who rent both the cottage and the yurt can receive a 10% discount.
———
We ask guests to remove shoes inside the cottage to help keep it cleaner for everybody. Guests might want to travel with slippers to ensure your comfort, especially in cooler months.
We also ask guests to strip beds and put used linens in a laundry bag. This helps reduce germ exposure to the cleaner and enables us to keep our cleaning fees lower (compared to the many $100+ fees that are common).
——
The cottage is available to rent by all people regardless of race, color, class, gender identity, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, physical ability or marital status. We support BLACK LIVES MATTER.
——
Where you’ll sleep
What this place offers
Garden view
Valley view
Kitchen
Wifi
Dedicated workspace
Accessibility features
This info was provided by the Host and reviewed by Airbnb.
Select check-in date
Add your travel dates for exact pricing
Rated 4.96 out of 5 from 98 reviews.
Guest favorite
This home is in the top 10% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability
Overall rating
- 5 stars, 99% of reviews
- 4 stars, 0% of reviews
- 3 stars, 0% of reviews
- 2 stars, 0% of reviews
- 1 stars, 1% of reviews
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for cleanliness
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for check-in
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location
Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for value
Guests mention
Where you’ll be
Trumansburg
This listing's location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.
From the host
We are located just 12 miles from Ithaca, 12 miles from Watkins Glen, and 8 miles Trumansburg, NY, a perfect jumping off point for the wine, beer or cheese trails, waterfall hikes, visiting the lakes, restaurant outings, graduation weekend events, the Ithaca Farmers Market and more!
We've left a helpful guide to the region for you to peruse including restaurant info, hikes and swimming spots.
We've left a helpful guide to the region for you to peruse including restaurant info, hikes and swimming spots.
Meet your host
My work: consultant, farmer
Lives in Mecklenburg, New York
Liza and Steve are part-time farmers and consultants. We love our land and this region of abundance and beauty and fun. We spend time enjoying the lakes and woods in the area. We lived in the yurt for 4 years and are excited to have remodeled it to be as comfortable and cozy for visitors as possible. Along with our farm animals, we have one friendly dog on the property named Reishi.
Liza is a Superhost
Host details
Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.