REVIEWS*
Date of Stay: July 2022
Posted On: 8/6/22 by Bob B.
“My wife and I found this cottage charming and comfortable. Registration and follow up directions were easy. The owners were quick to answer any questions and provide all necessary information. We grew up in this area and still have family there so it was a pleasant and relaxing stay in familiar surroundings. The cottage is equipped with everything we needed and anything not provided (such as bed linen) was clearly addressed by the owners. I cannot express enough how accommodating they were. The decorum takes one back a few years as well and adds to the peaceful feeling of getting away from the noise and clutter of modern life (while still providing ready access to WiFi and local TV). It is important to note that there is no landline telephone and cell service did not exist for us so WiFi calling was the only means of communication from the cottage (which is how I knew we chose the right spot). Wanakena is also a quaint and inviting hamlet with easy access to the water and fabulous outdoors of the Adirondack Park. I must also mention that the small general store is very nice and has a handy supply of essentials as well as some fresh local produce. We found this well worth the cost and would gladly recommend a stay. ”
Owner's Response
“Thank you for the glowing review and we are so happy you enjoyed your stay.”
Date of Stay: June 2022
Posted On: 7/18/22 by Jennilyn L.
“What a lovely place to stay! We hiked, we kayaked, we met the locals, we really enjoyed our stay. The cottage was well appointed, comfortable, cozy and so nice to come "home" to after a day in the Adirondacks. The record player and record collection was much appreciated by this 62 year old!”
Owner's Response
“So glad you enjoyed your stay! You were wonderful guests!”
Date of Stay: September 2021
Posted On: 9/26/21 by Theresa e.
“Wanakena is a small town removed from bustling or touristy areas but close to LOTS of hiking trails. The town is right on the Oswegatchie River which flows into Cranberry Lake. The house was charming with everything necessary to take full advantage of the outdoors, bikes, kayaks on wheels to walk the block down to the river and even walking sticks. On the couple of mornings of rain we listened to their records on their record player and did a jig saw puzzle. The beds were comfortable and so was all the furniture. The kitchen was stocked for cooking and baking. We brought supplies with us, some from home and perishables from a grocery store in Tupper Lake. Ottos market place in town had veggies and fruit which helped us decide what to make for meals. It was a wonderful vacation and we didnt even have great weather (we had to use the wood pellet stove which made the house warm and toasty). The owners were responsive and shared tips and suggestions on the area. It was nice texting and getting to know them. We love the the Adirondacks and Wanakena did not disappoint!!!”
Owner's Response
“So glad you enjoyed your stay. It sounds like you made the most of your visit when the weather didn't cooperate!”
Date of Stay: July 2021
Posted On: 8/11/21 by Maggie M.
“This was our third wonderful holiday at Red Oak Cottage and obviously we couldnt be happier with this lovely home! All the comforts, in addition to old-world charm. Our hosts are gracious and encourage contacting them if ever a problem but totally respect ones privacy. The kayak carts work great to roll down the street to the hamlet beach. Wanakena is one-of-a-kind with its cluster of houses, not just those strewn along the river. Friendly walkers and bicyclists often pass by the lovely wrap-around screened porch. Events at the green bring out enthusiastic townspeople.Wanakena is a very quiet and private enclave to relax and enjoy. And Red Oak is the perfect rental to enjoy it from!Cant wait for our next trip!”
Owner's Response
“Thank you for the glowing review! I'm so happy you continue to come back and are part of the community. :)”
Date of Stay: August 2020
Posted On: 8/30/20 by Andrey G.
“My family and I enjoyed our stay in Wanakena at Lynn's house, and we were absolutely pleased with our experience starting with our host's communication and clear instructions for every aspect of our stay and use of the house. The surrounding area is beautiful and secluded, very quiet and peaceful. The provided bicycles and kayaks were absolutely instrumental in our exploration of the area, both on land and on water. Oswegatchie river that flows through the village offered decent fishing and waterfowl observation, and I would highly recommend the 2-mile trail to Inlet and a paddle down to Cranberry Lake. We will definitely be back next year. Thank you, Lynn!”
Owner's Response
“So glad you and your family enjoyed your stay! You and your family were wonderful, easy going guests.”
Date of Stay: July 2020
Posted On: 8/5/20 by Peggy C.
“The owner's were very responsive with any questions that we had. The kitchen was fully stocked with dishes, pots/pans, silverware etc. The beds were extremely comfortable. I enjoyed sleeping on the porch with an air mattress that was provided. The wrap around porch enabled us all to sit comfortable and enjoy the mountain air. Wi-fi worked great, cell phone service was sporadic but that's to be expected. I grew up in the town and this house had many memories for me. Looking forward to renting again in the future.”
Owner's Response
“Thanks for the nice review Peggy, the cell service is sporadic. Look forward to having you back!”
Date of Stay: July 2020
Posted On: 7/27/20 by Thomas C.
“This is an excellent cottage to rent in Wanakena for a small family. The property description provided by he owners is accurate in all respects.. The best aspect of the cottage is its large wrap around screened-in porch which is great for reading both day and night as well as to play games. The cottage is in walking distance to the village beach on Cranberry lake, has kayaks that can be easily transported to the lake on provided hand carriers, and is a short walk to tennis and basketball courts. Wanakena is close to several excellent hiking trails. We have stayed in the cottage twice over the last three years always in the Summer so we have never used its pellet stove. The owners are great to deal with.”
Owner's Response
“Thank you Tom to both you and your wife. You always leave the cottage so clean and are a pleasure to deal with!
The village beach is actually on the Oswegatchie River, which feeds into Cranberry Lake.”
Date of Stay: July 2020
Posted On: 7/20/20 by Matthew B.
“We had a great stay. The home is comfortable and fit our family well as we explored Wanakena and the surronding area. The owner was helpful and attentive. ”
Date of Stay: August 2018
Posted On: 9/9/18 by Margaret M.
“My husband Mike and I spent our second glorious summer holiday in Red Oak Cottage, and the experience was as comfortable and enjoyable as it was the first time! The cottage atmosphere is warm and inviting, with every amenity available. Wanakena is a unique little hamlet in the Adirondacks, and we've been to many regions within the park: people out walking or biking, paddling down the river, and always a friendly wave as they go by. Very welcoming to visitors. We love Wanakena! The hosts Lynnie and Terry couldn't be more friendly and accommodating when we've spoken to them on the phone. Looking forward to returning in 2019.”
Owner's Response
“Thank you for the lovely review Maggie and Mike. We look forward to your next stay!”
Date of Stay: September 2017
Posted On: 9/7/17 by Jessica M.
“We stayed in this true Adirondack home at the end of summer. The accommodations, including comfy beds, were inviting and the decor charming. We had everything we needed to prepare meals in the kitchen and enjoyed the convenience of having a dishwasher. The living room had plenty of seating to sit next to the cozy stove at night and watch movies on the modern TV. The fully enclosed screen porch was perfect for lazy afternoons playing games and entertaining. The walk down to the water, and hiking trails, are close. Wanakena is less than an hour away from tourist (and family) favorite, the Wild Center, in Tupper Lake! This home is a perfect place to get away from city life when you need to recharge!”
Date of Stay: August 2017
Posted On: 8/21/17 by Sheila L.
“Fantastic camp, house really, in a perfect location within the town of Wanakena. Close to the beach, our family's camp on 5th street and the town green. The house has every amenity you might need including a Traeger grill, gas grill, 2 kayaks, many bikes and fully equipped kitchen. We loved the record player and the book collection as well as the games. The bed was super comfortable!!! The screened in front porch was to die for! Lynn was extremely accommodating, a pleasure to work with AND was able to deliver on all our requests. We will be back again.”
Date of Stay: August 2016
Posted On: 9/6/16 by Dianne F.
“I must say, this cabin was such a surprise! The pictures do not do it justice. It is such a charming cabin decorated with amazing antiques that are from that area and pertaining to the history of that cabin. It is so interesting to learn the history and then to actually see it throughout the cabin is so unique. Photos, furniture and down to different items used to survive set to that time period. The beds were very comfortable and I just loved the bathroom with the unique claw tub. The front porch was much larger than I thought it was from the pictures and wonderful to sit out there and enjoy the cool temperatures. The bikes were so much fun to ride to the lake and see the area...cute benches to sit at down by the bridge listening to the water rush through the creek!. You can walk to the lake too but you can see the community on bikes and even an old cemetery with lots of history up the road. The Kayaks were great and fun too! Falling into the cold water was an experience coming from Florida but it was a great laugh and lots of fun! The cabin is fully equipped with everything you could need! The owners are the kindest people I've ever dealt with and I've rented many cabins over the years! I WILL be back and look forward to sitting by the fire pit chatting and on the porch drinking coffee! OH I saw a whole family of wild turkeys in the yard and their little babies and lots of bunny rabbits. No bears. :) Thank you so much for allowing my family to stay at your wonderful cabin. You truly put a lot of love and thought into everything and I felt so at home there...thank you! I highly recommend this cabin to anyone and please feel free to email me if you have any questions. I'd be happy to answer them! ”
Date of Stay: August 2015
Posted On: 8/12/15 by Mike F.
“We had a wonderful, memorable time at your cottage in Wanakena!
We enjoyed the sun room for morning coffee and the front porch for reading and saying hello to all the friendly passers by.
Your kayaks are a real treat and an easy walk to the river with your supplied wheel Ez carriers.
The kitchen was very well stocked with everything we needed and we did treat ourselves to two dinners at the memorable Pinecone Grill.
We were so impressed by the friendliness and relaxed nature of the residents we met.
The full-time residents and the summer residents were welcoming and easy to talk with.
We have every hope of a return visit in 2016!”
Date of Stay: July 2015
Posted On: 8/8/15 by Mary Ellen V.
“The "Red Oak Cottage in Wanakena is a gem!!! Our family truly enjoyed a mini-vacation in this beautiful house and location. The house has everything you need for a wonderful, relaxing time. The owners have thought about everything to make your stay perfect. While there we were able to hike, kayak, boat, fish, golf, swim, cook out and relax with the family over an evening meal. If you are there on a Saturday during the summer, check the schedule for the free concerts in the park. Also don't miss the Wild Center in Tupper Lake. Their new "Wild Walk" through the trees is incredible. Great fun for all ages. Our family looks forward to renting this house again.”
Date of Stay: July 2015
Posted On: 8/4/15 by Cecille B.
“This is a very charming cottage! Wanakena is set on the southwest corner off of Cranberry Lake, a small village where the people are very friendly and caring (especially to out of towners). We biked, hiked to Rainbow Falls (must see) and Cathedral Rock (must do), kayaked, went to the Adirondack Wild Center (about a half hour drive), watched the milky way at night (very clear), saw wild turkeys cross the street (!!!) and just relaxed. The owners have graciously provided pluses like kayaks with carriers, bikes and several board games for cool days. Mornings can be very cool and windy between 50 and 60 degrees so bring a light sweater. The river is right across the street from the general store. It leads up to the big lake, but the river itself was good enough for novice paddlers like us.
There is a general store a few houses down the street that just about has everything even souvenirs. A bigger grocery store is 5 miles away on Star Lake. About a ten minute walk on Ranger Road is the local restaurant (Pine Cone Grille) that has great specials especially Friday nights. Do come early - it fills up fast.
This was one of my most relaxing vacations as the house had modern amenities.
If you want a great get away from all the hustle and bustle, this is the place to rent. - a home away from home.”
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*Reviews and owner responses are the subjective opinions of the reviewers and owners. They are not the opinions of Adirondack "By Owner", LLC and are not endorsed by us. We do not investigate the accuracy of property listings, reviews, or owner responses. Please see our Important Notice & Disclaimer for more details.
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