Escape to this lakeside cottage, where you can work from the kitchen table with a serene lake view or spend your lunch break fishing and kayaking. With high cathedral ceilings featuring extensive woodwork, two cozy bedrooms, and a spacious loft with a double mattress for extra guests.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 674 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available
Add dates for prices
About this property
Little Dipper Retreat Lakefront Cottage, Sunsets & Kayaks!
Experience living lakefront.. Yes, there is internet, you can work from the kitchen table with a lake view! Go fishing or kayaking on your lunch break! Take conference calls sitting on the dock or laying on a lawn chair.
Updated year round lakeside cottage. Step out of the 14' sliding doors facing the lake into your own private paradise right on the water. A pier with moorings can accommodate your ski or fishing boat, or use our pedal boat. A small sandy beach allows for easy walk-in, right to the water. You'll find the inside charming as well with high cathedral ceilings featuring extensive woodwork. A ladder leads to a spacious loft (please keep in mind that it is not suitable for small children). There is a full mattress in the loft that can accommodate two if you have more than four guests.
A fully and renovated kitchen features granite counter tops and full sized stainless steel appliances. This kitchen is equipped with everything you will need to feel at home.
The year-round cottage has two cozy bedrooms, one with a queen bed, one with a full bed, both with rolling storage drawers underneath. Both bedrooms have plenty of windows, with one having a beautiful view of the lake. It also has a loft with a double mattress. The cottage has one full bathroom with standing shower and linen closet.
Pedal boat, 3 kayaks and gas grill at the property for your use. There is a small shed with life vests/toys/chairs for you to use. Relax on the lounge chairs in the shady grassy area reading a book or watching the little ones play on the beach or in the water. The night sky is full of stars and unique and everchanging sunsets. Smart TV in main area with Netflix. Variety of books, games and a popcorn machine for those rainy days and family game nights.
This property is best for a relaxing adult getaway, family reunion, girls or guys getaway, or a fun family vacation. Fishing trip, Brimfield Fair shopping, Pets are considered. Each pet guest must be approved by the owner prior to booking. Pet fee is $199.00 per stay.
Things to know: Kitchen table is set for six, although there are two extra chairs to make room for 8.
Living Room has comfortable seating for six. With large sofa and 3 large cushioned chairs.
There is a gas grill, propane and tools for cooking in the shaded patio area.
Owners: Keith and Lynn Elmy
Provided: Coffee maker and filters Starter coffee and tea Flour and sugar Baking soda and Baking powder Variety of common spices 2 Pillows/bed, bedding Assorted sized Life vests Beach toys Gas Grill Booster feeding infant chair Pack and Play Linens, blankets and bath towels are included, we supply a bath mat, hand and dish towels.
ATTRACTIONS: Welcome to Old Sturbridge Village – a “must-see” New England attraction which depicts life in an early 19th-century rural Village, featuring costumed historians, antique buildings, water-powered mills, a working farm, see animals, pastures, a blacksmith, shoe cobbler, and so much more! Be sure to check out their seasonal events!
Brimfield Flea Markets - America's famous Brimfield Flea Markets. Considered the oldest outdoor antiques events running for over 50 years, they are held three times each year, in May, July and September for a six day period.
Breweries/Wineries/Cideries: Treehouse Brewery in Charlton family run brewery offering hand crafts acclaimed hoppy ales, flavorful stouts, and intricate low alcohol offerings. It maintains an exquisitely landscaped campus and gorgeous taproom for guests to enjoy year-round.
Oakholm located in the beautiful countryside of Brookfield, MA. Taproom in a rustic converted hay barn or enjoy a large outdoor beer garden complete with fire pits, picnic tables, live music, food trucks, Christmas tree farm and other animals!
Altruist Brewing Company, Located in an old mill building right in Sturbridge/Fiskdale, this pretty cool industrial space, retained the original character of the building and is anything but commercial. It serves as the perfect atmosphere for enjoying an amazing craft brew.
Brimfield Winery has a great outdoor venue. Has a huge covered pavilion that can be rented. Good wine and delicious wine slushies.
Southwick Animal Zoo: Spanning over 200 acres, Southwick’s Zoo is New England’s largest zoological experience. Southwick’s is home to over 850 animals in naturalistic habitats including lions, tigers, giraffes, chimpanzees, white rhinos, two-toed sloths, and more. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of attractions including the Skyfari Sky Ride, Woodland Express Train, Soaring Eagle Zip Line, 35-acre Deer Forest, petting zoo, walk-through aviary, presentations and keeper talks, the Rainforest Adventure Maze, the EARTH Discovery Center, and so much more! It’s more than just a zoo, it’s an adventure! Don’t forget to enjoy lunch or dinner at Galliford’s Restaurant & Tavern, the full-service restaurant located at the zoo. 50minutes away
Farmers Markets/Farms: Sturbridge Farmers Market, June-October, Sundays from 9am-1pm on the Town Common Brimfield Farmers Market: End of April to October, Every Saturday 9 am - 2 pm Woodstock Orchards: Fall at the Orchard means apples, pumpkins, mums and gourds. Lots of farm fresh squashes. Cider, jellies, dressings, cheeses, fresh peanut butter, honey. And best of all, freshly made cider donuts!!! Also, in spring they have the BEST asparagus!!! The taste of fresh asparagus is much different than from the supermarket, definitely worth the trip here! Breezeland Orchards: One of the best orchards around and family owned. The nicest people work here, they have great homemade apple cider doughnuts that are the best! They have just about every kind of apple species available, and also homemade pies and other great foods from other local establishments. Their cider is the best! They sell pumpkins and have hayrides on weekends.
Hiking Trails: Quinebaug Woods, Holland MA Leadmine Mountain Trail, Sturbridge, MA Wells State Park, Sturbridge MA Bigelow State Park, Sturbridge MA Opacum Woods, Sturbridge MA Tantiusques, Sturbridge MA Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary, Wales MA Peaked Mountain, Monson MA Westville Recreation Area, Sturbridge MA Thompson Family Forever Wild Preserve, Southbridge, MA Nipmuck State Forest, Stafford Springs CT
Massage Therapy: Rebecca Sey 508-344-4536
Escape the Pike, Sturbridge, MA Awesome rainy day activity!! Although going in gave the impression of a small dainty family home. It's so much more, perhaps a dream come true when the magic happens from room to room. Shoutout to the game master as well for being so nice and the small hints as well who had us, the escape room isn't what you expect and the interaction is almost surreal with the witty jokes. 5/5 would come back, worth every dollar, and utmost satisfaction from start to finish!
Property monitored by noiseaware.
Property amenities
Beach
On the beach
Beach loungers
Ski
Cross-country skiing nearby
Snowboarding nearby
Internet
Available in the cottage: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car recommended
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Entertainment
Books
Games
TV
Outdoor areas
Garden
Gas grill
Outdoor furniture
Patio
Laundry
Laundromat nearby
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
2 pets total
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
Area rugs in public areas
Hardwood flooring in public areas
No lift
Well-lit path to entrance
Smoke-free property
Note from host: Smoking or vaping is not allowed in the house.
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a health/beauty spa
Near a hospital
Near a zoo
On a lake
On the waterfront
Things to do
Boat
Golf
Kayak
Snow sports gear
Tennis
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Casino nearby
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
There is a tight tank on the property, so please be respectful of water usage. Please respect our neighbors and keep the noise down after 10pm.
No smoking or vaping on the property. Please pooper scoop if you have a dog.
You and your party have read over the kayak waiver listed in the rental agreement and have agreed to the document. Please sign and return at booking,
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Pet requests may be approved. (Fee charged)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Portable high chair & Pack N' Play available
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking or vaping is not allowed in the house.
Important information
You need to know
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Property Registration Number C0281701350
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Holland, this cottage is in a rural area and on the beach. Old Sturbridge Village and Patten District One Room Schoolhouse are cultural highlights, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Sturbridge Plaza and Yankee Flea Market. Consider Hyland Orchard for a night out or Walcott Street Playground if you're travelling with kids. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking. Visit our Holland travel guide
Is Little Dipper Retreat Lakefront Cottage, Sunsets & Kayaks! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much is parking at Little Dipper Retreat Lakefront Cottage, Sunsets & Kayaks! ?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Little Dipper Retreat Lakefront Cottage, Sunsets & Kayaks! ?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Little Dipper Retreat Lakefront Cottage, Sunsets & Kayaks! ?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Little Dipper Retreat Lakefront Cottage, Sunsets & Kayaks! located?
Nestled on the beach, this Holland cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Leadmine Wildlife Management Area and Norcross Wildlife Sanctuary. Holland Town Hall and Holland Public Library are also within 2 miles (3 km).
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Little Dipper Retreat Lakefront Cottage, Sunsets & Kayaks! Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
The pictures on the listing don’t capture how beautiful this little lake house is! We had a fun time fishing with my daughter and hanging out on the beach. Close to Sturbridge for groceries and take out food!
The house is lovely, and the beach, dock, and lake are absolutely perfect. My family enjoyed a relaxing week of swimming, fishing, boating, and cooking meals together. Lynn was always available and very attentive! Thanks for a wonderful stay!
My husband and I stayed in this cozy cottage for ten days. It was so relaxing sitting on our private beach reading, sipping evening wine and a little fishing from the dock. The house was adequately furnished and there’s a large tv in the living room if you wanted to watch tv. Overall a very enjoyable vacation.
The pictures don't do this location justice.
It was the most beautiful location
i would love to spend more time here.The hosts were awesome leaving us drinks in the fridge even. Thank you so much. I will come back.
Our family of 5 and our dog had a wonderful vacation at the Little Dipper Cottage. The cottage was even nicer than the pictures online. We loved our stay and everything was set up perfectly. The slider door looking out to the lake was perfect for watching our kids on the kayaks and paddleboat when we needed to go inside. We used the boats every day. Close by is some really nice hiking trails. Very nice neighbors and such a beautiful lake. Everything was put together thoughtfully and we enjoyed it all!
Great spot! The beach area is wonderful for kids. The hosts are very responsive and attentive. They left bubbles out for the kids and drinks in the fridge for us! Very clean. Stocked with everything you need to be comfortable for cooking, games and functionality. We forgot our stepping stool at home and they had one in the closet! We had a great stay, would recommend! :)
The location is just perfect! The view is beautiful at any time of day. The cottage has everything we needed, although I probably could have used a little more obvious storage. I stored a bag in the loft and then forgot it. Lynn was wonderful about letting me know and helping me reclaim it. We cooked every day, and mostly sat around their beautiful property reading and enjoying the beauty.
We had another relaxing week at this peaceful, beautiful cottage and property! There is nothing quite like being directly on the water - just a few steps out the door and the fishing or boating can begin! We also enjoyed some quiet time around the fire pit, chatting and making smores. Our family joined us one day for a lunchtime cookout and the children had an absolute blast in the water. Thank you again for helping us to make beautiful memories! We truly cherish these weeks at this special place.
This is the third time we have stayed at this lovely cottage. The lakeside location is just beautiful, with ever changing sunsets and light breezes. The cottage itself is scrupulously clean and stocked with helpful kitchen tools for cooking, serving, and entertaining. We were very excited that this year (2024), linens are provided as well! The hosts respond in a timely manner to any requests or concerns and are very hospitable and pleasant. These are just some of the many reasons we have returned to this amazing property for three consecutive years. The biggest bonus for us is that our small dog is welcome, so our entire family can enjoy vacation together!
Little Dipper Retreat was pure bliss! I went for just a few days with my dog to unwind after the school year ended, and the cottage exceeded all expectations. The interior of the property was spotless, well-appointed, and appliances were all up to date, including excellent wifi and air conditioning. The dock, patio and yard were private and well-maintained, and the kayaks and paddleboat were in excellent condition. The water is shallow, calm and very clear for a lake, so I felt comfortable floating in the noodles provided as well as taking my dog for daily swims. The neighborhood was quiet, yet not desolate, so I didn't feel unsafe, and there were a few businesses nearby to grab snacks and sundries. The owners, who live full-time nearby, were responsive when I had questions, and as an added bonus, there were extra blankets, towels, and even complimentary beer in the fridge. I absolutely plan on going back and staying with my family later this summer! Thanks Lynn and Keith for a lovely getaway!
Dorothy K.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified
4/10 Poor
Monica B.
24 Jul 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication
Disliked: Location
Problems with property
The beach was lovely. The step leading into the bathroom was not easily seen and everyone tripped on. i tripped and fell and broke my hip and lost my entire vacation. The family stayed but there were bees nests in the bushes and the baby got stung. The ladder leading to the loft has two rungs that are loose I think these issues need to be addressed. The family members that stayed enjoyed their vacation but it was bittersweet without me there.
what wonderful time away we had at the little dipper cottage. we picked it because we wanted a totally different nature experience than what we live in. (8300 feet in the Rocky Mountains)
The lake, the cottage, the toys to take out on the lake, and the welcoming feeling of the whole place was outstanding. The water….. just outside the window and the birds in and around it…..we LOVED it.
The size of the cottage was perfect for us and our two dogs. We had everything we needed. Thank you!
Each day we picked a new trail nearby. The hiking was great. We were there in early season so the lake was fairly quiet and we liked that. So nice to be in a kayak on the water. Such a treat for us.
Thank you Lynn and Keith for sharing with us. Your love of the place and the people sharing it with you. comes through!
jill (and wayne)
We had a wonderful time. The cottage was super clean and exactly as advertised. The view of the lake from the front slider was beautiful. The water was very clean and we went swimming and kayaking every day. The sandy beach made it very easy to get into the water. Our Golden Retriever, Sunny, loved swimming and chasing the minnows by the shore. We enjoyed the local restaurants and.the seafood at the Maine Attraction was great.. We wished we could have stayed longer and plan to come back again next summer.
Bill K.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Joanna S.
18 Aug 2018
Very nice cottage, relaxing
As a past VRBO rental property owner, I would like to express my appreciation for the attention to detail and the guest's comfort. This was truly a wonderful stay. A perfect vacation!!!!
We stayed a week and had a great time with our 2 and 4 year old. The little beach was perfect and they were out there constantly playing. It was a great trip and we will be back again.
The perfect get away and only 15 minutes from our home.
The inside was so homey and beautifully done. The outside is well maintained with a lovely "dining grotto" . There's also a very nice yard right on the water. Use of paddleboat and kayaks made it a very fun and relaxing time.