Ryder Pond Private Family Home

There's something undeniably magical about property starting from the private, wooded road to the charming antique house (1790) with its hidden staircases (3!) and beautiful original architectural details. The rooms are spread out enough that everyone had somewhere they could hang out, either together or on their own. My favorite bedroom is what appears to be a recent attic conversion with its own private large bathroom. Very charmingly done! The kitchen is small but has had some updating, very functional, but we found a max of two people in the kitchen at once was most comfortable. We enjoyed the outdoor shower after our many trips to the pond. Speaking of the pond... it's a huge wow. Very serene, hardly any people, crystal clear, warm like a bathtub in August. I think we spent most of the week just floating around out there and hanging out on the dock. Kids had a great time with the kayaks and paddle boards. They even tried doing a little fishing. We definitely made some incredible memories on Ryder pond. Overall, the house is great for at least 2 families to share. It could definitely use more air conditioning units, specifically in the dining/kitchen area. Most of the bedrooms have window units which kept the sleeping areas cool and comfortable. The smaller rooms were a little more challenging, but fans helped. What people need to know is this is a very old house and while it has had a lot of updating (dishwasher, washer and dryer among many other modern conveniences) it has steep staircases that might be challenging for older folks. The house is full of antiques and had has an entire small pantry room full of bowls, platters, pots and pans. I happen to love old houses and this one was a treasure. We definitely plan on returning to this magical place.

Our favorite house in Wellfleet, with the majority of our summers over thirty years involving a week in Wellfleet.

Wonderful house. Wonderful pond. Wonderful outdoor fireplace and dining.

This is a lovely antique farmhouse with all its charms in an idyllic wooded setting, just off route 6 but seems a world away. We loved the outdoor fireplace where we could gather for dinner and roasting s’mores. The short walk through the woods to the pond was lovely, and our kids liked nothing better than paddling around the pond and swimming to the raft. A peaceful escape!

This is an old New England house, with plenty of room, and lovely rambling plantings. Our activities focused on the pond, accessed by a classy new staircase, and the terrace/fireplace area. We know the area, and would definitely stay here again. There is good internet access.

We had a fabulous week at Katherine and Mike’s house in the National Seashore on the Wellfleet/Truro border. The house is a historic 1800s home with lots of nooks and crannies that was perfect for a set of 2 grandparents, 4 adults and one grand baby. Lots of outdoor space and a path to Ryder pond with a dock, canoe, paddle oars, kayak and rowboat. The house and kitchen are well equipped and the bedrooms are separated nicely from each other each with their own air conditioner. Katherine and Mike are great hosts and it was a perfect week.

my husband and I had a fantastic time on the cape...and loved this home, the property, and easy access to great hiking trails....including our walk across the street to Slough Pond.

If you are considering this property I highly recommend it. We stayed for a week with friends. It was 4 adults and 4 children ages 10-16. There was plenty of room. The check in was effortless. The kitchen was small but very well stocked with pots/pans etc. There are lots of sleeping accommodations. There are plenty of bathrooms, but only 2 showers (which was no problem as long as you keep it in mind). There is an awesome large table everyone can sit at for meals. There is a comfy den like room with large couches to relax on. There is a second living room that people can hang out in as well. The upstairs has a large room with 4 single beds and a bathroom. It’s perfect for kids with a large dollhouse and a TV for them. The outside is the best part. There is a gorgeous yard with nice picnic tables. Best of all is the amazing outdoor fireplace with comfy chairs and another picnic table. Perfect for late nights relaxing with friends and family. The grounds are well kept, but natural. There is very pretty lighting along the paths. Just through the woods is a path that leads to the lake. The lake is perfect for families with older children. The dock has chairs for relaxing while you watch the kids play. The lake bottom is sandy and not slimy. There are paddle boats, kayaks etc. Our kids loved playing in the lake. It does get deeper, but it is calm and clear and perfect for swimming. The location is ideal. Minutes away from so many different beaches on the ocean and bay side. Just down the road are awesome restaurants and a very nice town market. There is also a great drive in movie theater about 7 minutes away. The house is from about 1810? It had so much character and beautifully maintained antique details. Our kids loved all the different nooks. The owners were friendly and helpful. Quickly available by text should we have any questions. We found the place perfect for sharing with good friends. It strikes the perfect balance between relaxing and still close to activities to keep you busy. I really hope we can find our way back here very soon!

This house is a great place for families who enjoy privacy and frequent access to pond swimming without the hassle of crowds, driving, and parking. The outdoor shower is also fabulous. This was our third year renting this property for two weeks specifically because of the pristine and private pond. It's hard to beat. Renters should be aware, though, that the house is pretty spare on comfort amenities. We don't want to discourage future renters, but in our party, older family members and those used to greater comfort wished the house was furnished more with vacationers escaping the hassles of every day life in mind. (A railing leading down to the pond would be helpful for small kids and older people, as well.) But again, you can't beat this place if you value privacy and quiet pond swimming.

House is a 1790 farm house that lends it's charm to those who stay there. For those who love to swim, there is an amazing pond within a five minute walk from the house, which is equipped with a kayak, a dock and raft. For those who love fresh water swimming, this is your place to rent.