Hand Crafted Earthen Cottage Retreat

Trumansburg, New York
$211 avg/night
Minimum Stay 1 Nights
Bed 1

Bed

Bath 1

Bath

Home Cottage

Property Type

Sleep 3

Max Sleeps

Night 1 nights

Min Stay

Featuring straw bale walls with clay plaster, wood flooring and tile, the cottage is a calming retreat immersed on a 20-acre forest farm. Watch the birds from the porch, write your next novel, sit by a campfire or walk the nature trail right outside your backdoor.

Set back from a quiet country road, you'll find a peaceful and private experience close to all the Finger Lakes offers - beautiful state parks, hiking, wineries, breweries, and many good restaurants. We are only 12 miles from Ithaca, 10 miles from Watkins Glen and 8 miles from Trumansburg!

The space:
Vintage decor and hand-plastered walls combine with brand-new furnishings and an open floor plan to provide a uniquely relaxing atmosphere. (The cottage was built in 2022. Please note, that the final exterior layer of plaster on the outside of the cottage is being completed this summer. This will not impact your stay whatsoever).

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.

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 couch can be used as a twin 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 no AC in the cottage, 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.*

**A DOG may be allowed with permission, an extra cleaning fee and deposit.*

***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. *

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 warmer months, the sheep occasionally graze near the cottage as they rotate through our 20 acres.

A short distance from the front of the cottage, there is a .8-mile NATURE TRAIL available all year round to cottage guests (seasonally, the trail can be very wet). The trail is used occasionally by guests of our other rental from May - October; Secluded Cozy Yurt Finger Lakes, Grill & Fire Pit, ourselves and neighbors.

Farm tours are available by request for $40-$80/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.
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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.
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Groups who rent both the cottage and the yurt can receive a 10% discount.
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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).
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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.
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Please - If you need anything during your stay, something isn't working properly or there is an issue, please let us know! We want your stay to be most enjoyable and comfortable.

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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • PETS

    No Pets Allowed
  • DINING

    Dining Table
  • SAFETY

    Carbon Monoxide Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Carbon Monoxide Detector On The Property) Fire Extinguisher Smoke Detector Not Reported (host Has Not Indicated Whether There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    1 Bedroom Bed Sheets Provided
  • GENERAL

    Annual Offsets Purchased For At Least 10% Of Carbon Footprint At Least 80% Organic Food Bulk Dispenser For Toiletries Locally Sourced Food Is Prioritized Unit Size: 450 Sq Ft (42 Sq M) Uses Some LED Lighting
  • KITCHEN

    Blender Coffee Grinder Coffee/tea Maker Electric Kettle Oven Refrigerator Spices Stovetop Toaster
  • PARKING

    Onsite Parking
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi, With Speed Of 250+ Mbps (good For 3–5 People Or Up To 10 Devices)
  • OUTDOORS

    Barbecue Grill Firepit Garden Patio
  • BATHROOMS

    1 Bathroom Eco-friendly Toiletries Shampoo Shower Soap Toilet Paper Towels Provided
  • LANGS SPOKEN

    English
  • THINGS TO DO

    Farming Classes Hiking Nearby Hiking/biking Trails Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Games
  • LIVING SPACES

    Fireplace Wood Stove
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Air Conditioning Heating
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    In A Rural Location
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Change Of Towels (on Request) Housekeeping (on Request)
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    Hardwood Flooring In Public Areas If You Have Requests For Specific Accessibility Needs, Please Contact The Property Using The Information On The Reservation Confirmation Received After Booking. Smoke-free Property

CheckIn Check-in : 04:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 11:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 3

Map Map

School District Availability

Review Review

  • Caleb

    Submitted Dec 8, 2025

    Stayed Dec 6, 2025

    Woodstove worked wonderfully. Outside was 12 degrees and inside was mid to high 70s! Loved it!

  • Luz

    Submitted Jan 3, 2025

    Stayed Dec 28, 2024

    This property was an experience I would like to continuously relive. The cottage is calming and quiet, bringing an unique mind-numbing experience to a New York city resident like myself. The cottage is easily accessible to get into from the road, and it has a mountain of activities inside. The owners paid excellent detail to providing a unique experience.

  • Jennie H.

    Submitted Mar 26, 2026

    Stayed Mar 21, 2026

    The fireplace was wonderful, it did get cold enough to use it. The bed was comfy and the couch was perfect for napping or sleeping. The kitchen had nice pans and a few cooking necessities like oil and spices. We were fascinated by the hay bale construction of the cabin and how beautiful and warm the house was. We self toured our little section of woods and said hello to the sheep. Unfortunately the weather was quite cool so we did not spend much time out doors.

  • Christina S.

    Submitted Mar 22, 2026

    Stayed Mar 19, 2026

    Clean, bright, unique home on a beautiful property to explore.

  • Mark O.

    Submitted Feb 26, 2026

    Stayed Feb 13, 2026

    Awesome place! Awesome host!

  • David W.

    Submitted Feb 1, 2026

    Stayed Jan 30, 2026

    Such a wonderful peaceful place to spend a couple days away.

  • Eric J.

    Submitted Jan 6, 2026

    Stayed Jan 1, 2026

    Liza was great with updates about the stay. The cottage is very peaceful and well appointed. I will definitely be returning.

  • Joel V.

    Submitted Jan 1, 2026

    Stayed Dec 26, 2025

    The cabin was amazing. We appreciated how secluded it was. The woodstove kept us nice and toasty even at 12 degreees outside. The bed was very comfortable. Host was wonderful; answered our questions promptly.

  • Harland K.

    Submitted Nov 29, 2025

    Stayed Nov 14, 2025

    The property was so cute and the perfect level of cozy for our weekend.

  • Kathryn N.

    Submitted Nov 23, 2025

    Stayed Nov 21, 2025

    This is the perfect simple woodsy retreat. Clean, tidy, cozy and quiet. Easy drive to nearby towns and trails. Loved it! Only thing missing for me was a bright reading light. Will be back, for sure.

  • Marisa B.

    Submitted Nov 13, 2025

    Stayed Nov 6, 2025

    Where to begin? We loved the uniqueness of this building, and how it felt free of bugs and warm and cozy. The wood burning stove was not even needed, but we used it and enjoyed it anyways! I especially appreciated the products in the home that were either unscented or scented with essential oils. This was much appreciated! The only room for improvement might be a more comfortable bed, but even this wasn't terrible and would not inhibit us from returning in the future. We loved the small touches of the cart to help us bring in our suitcases (etc), and the trail and the hammocks. Lastly, we felt that this cottage was ideally situated between Watkins Glen and Ithica. We couldn't have been happier with our choice of booking this cottage, and it might be the reason why we return to the area again in the future.

  • Philip W.

    Submitted Oct 28, 2025

    Stayed Oct 26, 2025

    We enjoyed the unique, beautiful and peaceful stay at the cottage

  • Howie L.

    Submitted Oct 7, 2025

    Stayed Oct 3, 2025

    Lovely and clean cottage in a rural farm neighbourhood. Very peaceful and quiet. Comfortable for a couple to stay here. Great location within finger lakes region of New York State for wine and cider tastings and visits to state parks. Central to Ithaca and Watkins Glen, and reasonably close to Corning to see the glass museum, which is a must for everyone. Cottage is lovely and clean with modern appliances, bathroom, and kitchen, but at the same time has a rustic feel. Thank You Liza!

  • Daniel L.

    Submitted Oct 2, 2025

    Stayed Sep 19, 2025

    Amazing cabin. I loved everything about it. My wife and I felt instantly comfortable the minute we walked in and enjoyed our stay. The host, Liza, was amazing. She made sure we were set and provided us with everything we needed. We will definitely be back.

  • Gary W.

    Submitted Sep 30, 2025

    Stayed Sep 15, 2025

    Clean cabin, beautiful lot. Could have had more firewood and toilet paper

  • Julie L.

    Submitted Sep 14, 2025

    Stayed Sep 13, 2025

    Beautiful cozy cottage in a charming area! Close to some of the best winery’s on the east coast!

  • Lauri M.

    Submitted Sep 13, 2025

    Stayed Sep 6, 2025

    Everything about this cottage is peaceful and relaxing. Set off the road, down the rock path you find this little piece of heaven! Everyday was filled with birdsong and the wind blowing through the trees. Cottage was clean and comfortable. Plenty of fire wood for outdoor fires. Steve and Liz are wonderful hosts, always ready to answer a question or take care of any issues that may arise. Just a short drive to Ithaca. Will definitely stay there again!

  • Elizabeth E.

    Submitted Aug 13, 2025

    Stayed Aug 9, 2025

    We loved this private little cottage! We lounged in the hammocks and enjoyed the large front porch. It's conveniently located in the Finger Lakes, especially for Watkins Glen and Ithaca. We would definitely stay here again!

  • Elizabeth S.

    Submitted Aug 4, 2025

    Stayed Aug 1, 2025

    Fantastic! Loved it! Very peaceful! Just what we needed

  • Maureen B.

    Submitted Aug 3, 2025

    Stayed Jul 27, 2025

    The booking and check in was very easy. The house was set in an idyllic setting. The house was clean. We did not cook here but it seemed well stocked. It was a cute, relaxing place.

  • Gary D.

    Submitted Jul 28, 2025

    Stayed Jul 19, 2025

    This is a very quiet cottage in the woods, but not far off the beaten path. It is very clean and well cared for. We were only there to sleep after Grassroots, so we didn't get to explore the grounds. We would stay again.

  • Amanda F.

    Submitted Jul 28, 2025

    Stayed Jul 20, 2025

    Beautiful, serene setting. Peaceful & calm surroundings.

  • Kirsten P.

    Submitted Jul 19, 2025

    Stayed Jul 12, 2025

    We loved the cottage! It was peaceful and had everything we needed.

  • Lucia G.

    Submitted Jul 10, 2025

    Stayed Jul 7, 2025

    Perfect Getaway in a Peaceful CottageOur stay at this lovely cottage was absolutely perfect. If you're looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this is the ideal spot. Nestled in a peaceful, secluded setting, the cottage is the perfect size for two people, offering both comfort and privacy.It was spotlessly clean and had everything we needed to make it feel like a true home away from home. The natural surroundings were exactly as we expected, wooded, tranquil, and inviting. We even took a few walks along the path and were lucky enough to see the sheep a couple of times.The location is fantastic, sitting conveniently between Ithaca and Watkins Glen giving us the best of both worlds with easy access to charming towns, hiking trails, and beautiful views.Check-in was smooth and simple. Liza was prompt with her communication, and we appreciated not needing anything during our stay, so we didn’t have to bother them.If you're seeking a peaceful retreat with nature at your doorstep, this cottage is the perfect escape.This was our first time using a VRBO so I hope we have a similar experience.

  • Steve F.

    Submitted Jul 8, 2025

    Stayed Jun 29, 2025

    Perfect spot to explore the finger lakes region- easy access to the lakes, Ithaca, Trumansburg and Watkins Glen. The house was a perfect fit for us-stayed cool even on the hot days. Very peaceful and quiet. The sheep were fun to watch and just added to the restful atmosphere. The hammocks on the porch were the perfect place to relax. Would highly recommend visiting the Cornell arboretum and hiking the waterfall trails at the nearby state parks. We would definitely stay again!

  • Kyle S.

    Submitted Jul 7, 2025

    Stayed Jul 5, 2025

    My wife and I were looking for a quiet weekend in a remote area and this fit the bill. Also, being just 15 minutes from Ithaca was a perk.

  • Chase G.

    Submitted Jun 30, 2025

    Stayed Jun 26, 2025

    Celebrated our 1-year anniversary trip in the Finger Lakes area and stayed at this lovely secluded cabin.

  • Claudia L.

    Submitted Jun 23, 2025

    Stayed Jun 16, 2025

    This is the perfect location between Watkins Glen, Trumansburg, Ithaca and Corning. The house was very comfortable. I mentioned to the owner that the shower floor is quite slippery. It was a bit tricky to find.

  • Cory A.

    Submitted Jun 23, 2025

    Stayed Jun 9, 2025

    Thanks to Liz for making our last-minute reservation happen! This is such a unique property. I've never spent a night in a straw-bale constructed home before, but after this experience I think I'd like to do it more often. The home is charming, quiet, and peaceful, and maintains a very even temperature inside. Spent a few days here with my wife for a quick getaway, and we found the location halfway between Watkins Glen and Ithaca to be about perfect. So many things to do, if you want to leave the cottage. But it's so serene inside, maybe you won't! Great stay, highly recommend for a couple.

  • Timothy H.

    Submitted Jun 12, 2025

    Stayed May 31, 2025

    My wife and I had a great stay. The house was just what we needed. A place to relax and rewind!

  • john c.

    Submitted Jun 9, 2025

    Stayed Jun 5, 2025

    Being from the Adirondacks (Saranac Lake) this was just the type of place we were looking for. When I was a veterinary student at Cornell over 50 years ago I worked at White's Nursery in the summer. Brought back memories. Was a little difficult for my wife and I going from the loft to the bathroom during the night. Probably not good for older people who aren't as athletic as us.

  • Wm M.

    Submitted Jun 1, 2025

    Stayed May 12, 2025

    Secluded but convenient to Ithaca, the vibe is fantastic. Great porch, firepit, hammocks, hand craft interior woodworking - what a perfect place to relax and unwind.

  • Terbish U.

    Submitted May 25, 2025

    Stayed May 23, 2025

    The property is located in a secluded and peaceful area. Everything was well thought to make our stay comfortable. Thank you so much!

  • Barbara C.

    Submitted May 21, 2025

    Stayed May 16, 2025

    Cool cottage in the woods, very private and serene. Enjoyed the porch and fire pit. Would love to stay again sometime.

  • Dan W.

    Submitted May 21, 2025

    Stayed Apr 26, 2025

    Gorgeous area, cozy surroundings -

  • amy d.

    Submitted May 19, 2025

    Stayed May 17, 2025

    Fun property- clean and beautifully remote

  • Susan Z.

    Submitted May 6, 2025

    Stayed Apr 23, 2025

    We found the house to be a teaching tool on how to live sustainably. It's more than just an unusually built house. It however is a tiny house. The upstairs loft bedroom basically has only a bed. That's it. No room for anything else. Stair steps are not full width so were difficult to maneuver in the dark. But we had a great time experiencing a well built and cute home concept.

  • Alyssa D.

    Submitted May 4, 2025

    Stayed May 2, 2025

    We had a great time. Everything was perfect and clean. Would absolutely come back again!

  • Thalassa S.

    Submitted May 2, 2025

    Stayed Apr 4, 2025

    If you love nature, quiet and are fit enough to climb stairs to a loft to sleep, this is a wonderful place to settle in while exploring Ithaca and surrounds. I came to the region specifically to take carpentry classes at Hammerstone (which were fantastic) and we wanted a quiet homebase to rest, relax and really get a feel for the area. The cabin is well built, pretty amazing, and heats up beautifully (it was April, still chilly - had one snowfall!). Wifi was perfect, showers hot, bed comfy. We loved it! The owners were in touch during to make sure all was well (which it was - and I’ll go back in a heartbeat for another Hammerstone class, wine and cider tasting, and stay in the hay bale nest. And the

  • Michelle M.

    Submitted Apr 21, 2025

    Stayed Apr 18, 2025

    The cottage was so clean and cozy! We wish we'd had more time (w/less rain) to walk the property and enjoy a fire outside. We were a little surprised there was no microwave or TV, but that's because we didn't read the full description...LOL.The FLX area is beautiful! We'll surely return with family or friends.

  • Matthew S.

    Submitted Apr 13, 2025

    Stayed Apr 12, 2025

    The property is amazing with everything youd want to unwind and disconnect. Looking forward to being able to stay again.

  • Eric Z.

    Submitted Apr 3, 2025

    Stayed Mar 28, 2025

    We recently stayed in this charming earthen home, and it was a truly peaceful experience. The rustic interior, with its clay walls and wooden accents, felt warm and inviting. The fireplace was perfect for cozy evenings, providing both heat and ambiance. The surrounding trail was a highlight, offering serene walks through nature. Whether for a morning hike or evening stroll, it was a perfect way to unwind. Overall, it was a relaxing and rejuvenating retreat, ideal for those seeking comfort and a connection with nature. If excursions are more your style, Ithaca and Watkins Glenn are minutes away and offer parks, shopping, and entertainment.

  • Ronald K.

    Submitted Mar 25, 2025

    Stayed Mar 21, 2025

    Had a great time and the cabin was great for a nice weekend getaway. Very comfortable and cozy.

  • Mike B.

    Submitted Mar 6, 2025

    Stayed Feb 21, 2025

    Awesome cabin in the finger lakes. We stayed a night in the winter and once we got the fireplace going it was toasty. Perfect spot to unwind. Would stay again!

  • Josh K.

    Submitted Jan 31, 2025

    Stayed Jan 13, 2025

    This was exactly what I was looking for. I can't speak highly enough of the cabin and the owners. They were tremendous. 10/10 would recommend.

  • Emmi C.

    Submitted Jan 26, 2025

    Stayed Jan 18, 2025

    We had a wonderful stay at the cottage retreat, the location was a little tricky to find, although mostly in fault to us arriving after sundown. A wonderfully cozy and beautifully designed place, and we're sure even more of a treat once the weather warms up!

  • Skip C.

    Submitted Jan 4, 2025

    Stayed Jan 3, 2025

    Nice home, secluded and quiet.

  • Teri A.

    Submitted Dec 16, 2024

    Stayed Dec 13, 2024

    Great spot to relax and unwind. There is no TV or microwave but the wood stove was an amazing bonus; so relaxing to have a live fire in December. All other ammenities were available (pots/pans/silverware, etc.) We took a laptop and the Internet was SOLID as we streamed movies from the kitchen table. No interruptions whatsoever. The couch and bed were so comfy. We met our host; she was so friendly. Would do this again. Highly recommend.

  • Catherine M.

    Submitted Nov 18, 2024

    Stayed Nov 15, 2024

    Perfect place to go and reset. Just relaxing with a perfect vuew

  • Madison H.

    Submitted Oct 30, 2024

    Stayed Oct 24, 2024

    We really enjoyed our stay at this property! It was in the perfect location and had all the amenities we needed. The host was responsiveness and provided fire wood which we really appreciated! We would 100% recommend staying here.

  • Gary C.

    Submitted Oct 23, 2024

    Stayed Oct 20, 2024

    Lovely country cabin twenty minutes away from Watkins Glenn. Wineries galore

  • kim g.

    Submitted Oct 10, 2024

    Stayed Sep 30, 2024

    The cottage was wonderful. Clean, cozy and close to everything. We enjoyed coming back from a full day of adventure and sitting on the porch surrounded by woods and a beautiful meadow full of wildlife and birds. Elizabeth was wonderful. We were interested in purchasing some of their mushrooms and she went out of her way to supply them for us. (They are delicious by the way) This is the place if you want to enjoy all the area has to offer in a beautiful and peaceful environment..

  • Caitlyn H.

    Submitted Sep 28, 2024

    Stayed Sep 18, 2024

    We had a nice stay at this cabin. Everything was very clean and tidy. The only complaint I have is the lock for the door. The owner did not want anyone locking the door from the inside, as it has a keypad. Just made us feel a little uncomfortable. Other than that we had a wonderful stay

  • Marci S.

    Submitted Aug 27, 2024

    Stayed Aug 18, 2024

    It is a beautiful place to relax and reboot. It is clean and comfortable!! Definitely will return!

Your dates are Available!

Total

Includes taxes and fees
$291+
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