#24 Serenity A Lakefront Cottage Retreat

Escape to this newly updated lakefront cottage in Middletown, where peaceful water views, modern comforts, and easy access to local dining and outdoor recreation come together. Sleeping up to 4 guests, the cottage features one queen bedroom on the first floor and a queen bed in the loft.

Wake up to tranquil lake views from the spacious deck, settle into the rocking Adirondack chairs with your morning coffee, or unwind by the water after a day of exploring. Guests are welcome to bring a kayak or canoe to enjoy the setting.

Inside, the cottage blends cozy character with thoughtful upgrades. The well-equipped kitchen includes stainless-steel KitchenAid appliances, while the bar-height counter provides a convenient space for remote work, coffee, or a casual meal. The bathroom includes a heated fan and an anti-fog backlit mirror, and new ductless mini-splits provide efficient year-round comfort.

Relax in the living area with the 55-inch Smart TV and streaming apps, or retreat to either queen bed for a comfortable night’s sleep. The home, deck, and yard are yours to enjoy.

Downtown Middletown is approximately 10 minutes away and offers a diverse mix of restaurants, bars, cafés, shops, and cultural events around Wesleyan University. Enjoy a walk along the Connecticut River at Harbor Park, explore local trails, or visit nearby outdoor destinations such as Wadsworth Falls State Park. The cottage also provides convenient access to Hartford and New Haven for day trips.

Important Information

Maximum occupancy is 4 guests.

Sleeping arrangements include one queen bed on the first floor and one queen bed in the loft.

Please remain within the property boundaries; the neighboring property is private and posted against trespassing.

Exterior security cameras are installed for property safety. There are no cameras inside the home.

Please review all house rules before booking.

Uber and Lyft are available in the area. We look forward to hosting a peaceful and memorable lakeside stay.

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House Rules (Please Read Carefully Before Booking)

Parties & Events

Absolutely no unauthorized parties or events are permitted. Exterior cameras are actively monitored. Any violation will result in immediate eviction without refund.

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Animal Policy
• NO CATS
• Maximum of 1 medium/large dog or 2 small dogs
• Non-shedding, hypoallergenic breeds only
• Dogs must be house-trained
• If a dog remains in the home while guests leave the property, the dog must be crated at all times
• Dogs may not be left loose or unattended under any circumstances
• Animal fee: $35 per dog, per night, payable through the Resolution Center on the day of booking

If a dog is allowed on the bed, guests must provide their own protective sheet. The booking guest assumes full responsibility for any damage, additional cleaning, or safety of the animal(s) on the entire property.

Leash & Waste Cleanup Requirements:
All dogs must be kept on a leash at all times while outdoors. Guests must bring their own dog waste bags, as they are not provided. Guests are required to immediately clean up all animal waste. Failure to remove waste will result in a $25 cleanup fee per incident, with each separate occurrence (each pile) considered one incident. This policy is strictly enforced, and any remaining animal waste will not be tolerated.

Unapproved Animals & Excessive Cleaning:
Any unapproved or additional animals are subject to a $50 per day, per animal fee. If a guest brings an unapproved or non-hypoallergenic dog and the home is left with visible dog hair, the guest will be charged $115 per hour for deep cleaning until all dog hair is fully removed from the property.

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Illegal Activity

Any sign of illegal activity, including but not limited to underage drinking or unauthorized parties, will result in immediate cancellation, a minimum fine of $500, and no refund. Additional charges may apply depending on the severity of the violation, damages, or required remediation.

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Guests & Occupancy
• No extra guests are allowed inside the unit unless approved in advance
• Approved extra guest fee: $30 per person, per night, regardless of whether they stay overnight
• Unauthorized guests may result in eviction without refund

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Check-In / Check-Out
• Unapproved late checkouts: $100 per hour (up to 2 hours), then $500 per additional day, charged at the start of each following day
• Early check-in or late check-out: price varies. Please request over 24 hours in advance.
• Must be approved and paid for in advance
• All such fees are non-refundable

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Smoking

Smoking inside the unit will result in a minimum $500 cleaning fee.

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Noise & Neighbor Policy

Quiet hours are strictly enforced.
• First complaint after quiet hours: $250 fine
• Additional complaints: Immediate termination of stay without refund

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Parking

Please park only in the designated gravel parking area.

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Reservation Changes

All reservation changes are subject to approval. No reservation changes are allowed within 30 days of arrival, unless you are adding additional nights to the reservation.

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Grill & Fire Pit

Fuel is not provided for the gas grill but the tank will be provided. It’s likely a previous guest will have left the tank partially full for you. The gas station down the road should be able to refill for you with ease!

Wood is not provided for the fire pit. If used, both must be cleaned with water and covered before departure. Failure to do so will result in a $50 fee per incident.

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Outdoor Areas

Guests are responsible for cleaning up outdoor furniture and fire pit BY WATER after use.

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Identification

The host reserves the right to request proof of identity from all guests in the reservation at any time. Failure to comply will result in immediate termination of the reservation without refund.

Must be at least 25 to book.
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Last Minute Local Bookings are Not permitted. Please do not book.

Thermostat

Thermostats are locked within a 68–72°F range. Please plan accordingly.

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Maintenance & Issues
• Any issues must be reported within 3 hours of check-in, with photographic evidence
• Issues not reported within this timeframe are not eligible for partial or full refunds
• Direct communication regarding concerns is expected rather than leaving them in a review

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Lost Items

Mailing forgotten items costs $75 plus shipping.

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Acknowledgment

By booking this property, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to all house rules. Please do not skim—these rules exist to ensure a smooth, respectful stay for all guests and neighbors.

We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to hosting you.