When you join us at Mountain Lake Cottages, you know that the summer season has arrived when you see boats and kayaks in the water, folks fishing off the docks, birds singing and wild flowers blossoming.  From May though October you can enjoy viewing a sunset from your country porch and choose from the many outdoor activities we offer. 

About Mountain Lake Cottages

Our lakefront cottages are located on Lake Willoughby, “the Lucerne of America” in Vermont’s scenic Northeast Kingdom with 4.3 acres and 330 feet of lakefront.  

During the summer months, from mid-June through mid-September the focus is on lake activities including swimming, sailing, kayaking, water skiing, windsurfing, water skiing, diving and snorkeling.   You will be pleasantly surprised at how much lake you’ll have to yourself! 

In the fall (September-October) the views from Mountain Lake Cottages are spectacular.  This is a great time to hike the nearby mountain trails and enjoy the panorama of colors as the foliage turns from the summer greens to the autumn yellows, oranges and reds.  Wild berries can be found everywhere and nobody minds if you pick them.  Bicycle touring is a favorite pastime in the fall.  After watching the sunset, you can enjoy a cozy evening in front of your fireplace before turning in for the night.

Late August and early September is Fair Season in Northern Vermont.  The Caledonia County Fair (Lyndonville) and the Champlain Valley Exposition (Essex) shouldn't be missed!

Inside your cottage

Your cottage is one of ten we have on our 4.3 acres of lakefront property. Each log cottage sleeps 5, with 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and great room.  Each bedroom has a full-size bed, bureau, chairs and closet.  There is a daybed, sofa, dining table and chairs in the great room as well as a fireplace.  In addition to a fireplace, some cottages have wood stoves and some have conventional heating.  Cottage kitchens come with an upright refrigerator, range with oven and are fully equipped with cooking and dining essentials.  Our water comes from a 150-year-old mountain spring, so be sure to take some home with you when you leave. All country porches face the lake.  Best of all, our guests agree that we truly have “the cleanest, neatest cottages you’ll find anywhere!” 

Cottage Views

From the five upper level cottages you will have a panoramic view of Lake Willoughby with the Green Mountains just beyond.  Many of our guests prefer the breath-taking views from the upper level. Guests can walk down the stone steps on the grassy hill and through the wildflower garden to the lake level.  From the lower level you can enjoy being just steps from the lake and boating docks.

Join the many folks who return each year.  Relax on your country porch, enjoy the many views and take advantage of our many outdoor activities just steps from your porch:

-       Kayaking/Canoeing from our new kayak launch

-       Boating & swimming docks

-       Fishing for trout & salmon

-       Tennis & racquetball courts, ½ basketball court and outdoor table tennis

-       Picnic tables

-       Take-a-book, leave-a-book library

You will be pleasantly surprised at how much lake you’ll have to yourself.  This is because we are still undiscovered and off the proverbial beaten path.  We have several boats for you to use, free, and you are welcome to bring any other kind of watercraft you choose (except jet skis, which are not allowed on Lake Willoughby.)  Kayaks and canoes can be rented nearby and delivered to Mountain Lake Cottages.  We have plenty of docking and mooring facilities.  Bring your bicycles or rent them locally. 

You can grill on your country porch or on the lawn, and dine inside your cottage or outside on your picnic table.  Bring your own small charcoal or gas grill, or purchase a grill locally. 

Plan to take at least one of the many popular day trips:  Stowe (1 hour), Burlington (2 hours), Montreal (2.5 hours) or Quebec City (3.5 hours).  In addition, you can take a trip to Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory, Cold Hollow Cider Mill, Cabot Farms or ask for a map of antique shops in the area.  Don’t be surprised if you see a few deer or moose along the way! 

There are several restaurants nearby when you prefer to dine out rather than do your own cooking.  Your kitchen is fully equipped for cooking when you decide to cook in your cottage. 

About Lake Willoughby

Lake Willoughby was formed 10,000 years ago by a glacier which stopped here and melted, but not before opening deep underground springs which still feed the lake today.  Trout, salmon, rainbows, brown trout and native speckled trout are abundant.  On this 1,700-acre, spring-fed glacier lake, the Vermont record lake trout (36 lb. 2 0z.) was caught in 2003.  

Nearby you will find miles of biking and hiking trails, golf courses, restaurants, country stores, antique shops and gift/craft shops.  On the Willoughby River in Orleans you can sit on the rocks along the waterfalls during the spawning run in early spring and watch the rainbow trout jump the natural rock ladder. 

Golf courses in the Northeast Kingdom are among the best in Vermont.  There are four 18-hole courses within a few minutes’ drive of Mountain Lake Cottages.  You can travel down the back roads and numerous hiking trails to explore the countryside and terrain, which has remained almost unchanged since the glaciers receded.  From your country porch you can watch the sunset with the Green Mountains beyond and marvel at the beauty of the scene before you. 

Seasonal Rates:

Below are our rates & seasonal specials for 2010:
Summer Full Week (Sat to Sat Only) $1,295
Summer Short-Week Special (Aug 28th - Sept 2nd) $795
Labor Day Weekend - 4-Night Special (Sept 2nd - 6th) $495.

Spring and Fall Rental Rates:
Fall Foliage 2-Night Stay (midweek $295 or
Weekend $395)
Long Weekend (3 nights, 4 days) $495
Full Week $995.

9% Vermont Rooms Tax will be added to your bill.

Note: Whenever possible (except during summer season), we offer flexible check-in and check-out. This means “come early, stay late.”