About Our Cottage

In 2018, our family started the revitalization of this property with the intent of creating a working farm/vineyard and a superior vacation home rental experience for visitors to the region.  At that time it consisted of 5 acres of woods with an unsafe "spooky" house somewhere in there.  Prior to the fall of The Taylor Wine Company, the land where this home resides and its surrounding area was one of their vineyard operations.  The vineyards were ultimately turned into parcels and sold off in the early-mid 90s.  This land in particular remained untouched since the original house was built in that same time period.  We purchased the land in 2017.

As a part-time local winemaker myself, my first priority was to completely clear the land and bring 4 of the 5 acres back to a working farm/vineyard.  Clearing the land and re-tiling it for proper drainage took almost 3 years with the help from others in the local farm community.  During that time we had the existing home removed and worked with an architect to design a new one that would fit on the foundation left behind.  Then COVID hit, setting our construction project back a few years while we had to wait for material and labor prices to settle.  To keep costs reasonable and still be able to build/furnish the home with high quality materials, I decided to wear a general contractor hat over the '23 Fall/Winter season.  Luckily, I was able to draw from a local network of friends, and friends of friends to complete.  The home was finished in early March 2024 and was ready for our first renters for the Eclipse on April 8th.  We are very excited how everything turned out and hope you have a chance to stay a night or two and enjoy what the home and region have to offer.

Now, more about the grapes :) Given our unique micro-climate - east facing hill, near the lake and high elevation, I selected 3 varieties that should thrive here.  Half of the site is split between two Cornell white hybrids Aromella & Aravelle (formerly NY81) and the other half is a German vinifera, Regent.  2024 should be our first crop producing year...look out for wines made by local winery Vineyard View in 2025 and updates in the blog section!