Sweetheart Cottage

A Turn-of-the-Century New England Cottage that Leads to the Water, Where a Sailboat Awaits

If you’re looking for a serene and inspired work-remote retreat, this lakefront vacation rental in Massachusetts offers a head-shakingly beautiful setting. The owners are a couple who have been yacht brokers for three decades, and their love of sailing and the outdoors comes through at this stone cottage on five acres.

Natural and reclaimed materials were used in the three-and-a-half-year renovation whenever possible and are especially noteworthy in the hand-hewn beams recovered from a barn, and in the cladding the skipjack pine kitchen. It's no wonder the home was featured in an editorial in a local home design magazine.

This vacation rental in Massachusetts has four bedrooms, two bathrooms and two half bathrooms. It can accommodate up to 10 guests, with a luxurious master bedroom that has a large deck overlooking the water, and a sleeping loft that is delightful for kids.

A large garage/recreational area lends itself to watching movies or sports games on the Roku together, or giving teenagers a place for independence. This room has a custom-built bar, additional washer and dryer, large screen TV, pool and ping pong table, and exercise equipment.

Head outdoors and settle into an Adirondack chair on the decks and patios, gather around the fire pit and roast marshmallows, or take a soak in the hot tub. There are also three kayaks on the property (one double and two singles) for exploring the lake just beyond, and a moored sailboat that experienced guests may take out.

The 400 square foot guest cottage nearby is also available for rent for additional guests.

Where history meets modern conveniences, this pristine piece of New England shines as both charming and grand.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

Fireplace, radiant heat in the bathrooms and first floor, baseboard propane steam upstairs, cotton or bamboo down comforters available, parking, outdoor stainless propane grill.

BOTH CLOSE AND AWAY FROM IT ALL

Settled in 1679 and part of Plymouth County, the backbone of Rochester was built on its whaling and shipbuilding businesses. Two rivers flow into it, the Mattapoisett and Sippican, while the small rural town is also replete with ponds.

Those who love the outdoors will settle in comfortably, with several ski and snowboarding resorts in the area as well as trails for cycling and waters for deep-sea fishing.

Near two of New England's best and most laid-back summer playgrounds, the town is an hour northwest of the Kennedy stronghold of Hyannis and the jumping-off point to Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard.

More immediately, the home is conveniently located near many local businesses, including a bank, fitness center, grocery store, and a hospital.

LOCATION

Rochester, Massachusetts. Nearest Airport: New Bedford Regional Airport (20-minute drive), or a one hour drive to Boston Logan international

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Spring through Fall