It's A Great Dam View! LAKEFRONT Family-Friendly 4BR/3B Cottage at Lake Hartwell
House in Lake Hartwell, GA
12 guests · 3 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
About this house rental
We've lovingly restored our 1968 lakefront cottage and welcome you to experience the tranquility of our lake house in a quiet fishing cove. What sets our vacation rental apart are the long range views of the dam across deep water, which is why our listing is coined "Great Dam View." Because our cottage sits on a large grassy lot with very few houses in our cove, it makes for a wonderfully relaxing getaway where you truly feel as if you're away from it all.
Here are our bedding and bathroom arrangements:
Main house:
Master - Queen bed with en suite bathroom with stand up shower and large tub
Guest Room 1 - Full bed
Guest Room 2 - Two twin beds
Guest bathroom with stand up shower
*Optional Space* Garage Bunkhouse with 4 twin beds, 1 full sized futon, and 1 full bathroom
If you do not utilize this space and leave it untouched, you will receive a $150 refund after your stay.
Here are our property amenities:
-Two story dock with two boat slips for your boats
-2 Single Person Kayaks
-2 Stand Up Paddle Boards
-Firepit (firewood unfortunately isn't provided)
-Gas grill, charcoal grill and electric smoker
-Full kitchen with all cookware essentials
-Games & toys such as corn hole, horseshoes, lake floats, fishing poles, etc
-Smart TV's with Disney+, ESPN, Netflix, Amazon Prime TV & Hulu
-Basic toiletries such as shampoo & soap
-5 minutes to downtown Hartwell with shopping and dining, a new grocery store and Walmart
-Less than a mile from a public boat ramp to put your boat in the water
-Pet friendly with $100 pet fee
-Sleeps 12 if you opt to rent the bunkhouse along with the main house
We have guests from all over the North and Southeast looking for a restful spot on the water for their families, or for a peaceful night's sleep during work travels. We've received hundreds of five star reviews because we work very hard to listen to our guests and consider their feedback to enhance the travels of future guests. With that in mind, here are a few comments we feel you should know about prior to booking:
-The Cottage is located in a county without leash laws. We have a few neighborhood dogs who roam without a leash. Two of them are teeny chihuahuas, but a couple others are medium to large sized dogs. If you're afraid of dogs or you plan to bring a dog that wouldn't enjoy our neighborhood pets, you may feel better booking a different property.
-Our driveway is pretty long and easy to access, but it does have a tight turn with overhanging trees that make bringing an RV pretty difficult.
-We have a few neighbors, and while they are spaced out very privately, we want to avoid any loud parties or chaos that would impact their daily lives at their private residences. If you're having a college reunion or a wild shindig, this isn't the right place to rent.
With unbelievable lake views in almost every room of the home, the cottage features a romantic master bedroom with a wood burning fireplace, a large lakeside porch to snuggle in a hammock with a book, and a relaxing two story dock dock ready for fishing or laying in the sun. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the adirondack chairs on the front porch and see the sun rising over the Hartwell dam across the lake. Roast marshmallows around our stone fire pit with vintage lighting and comfortable chairs as you enjoy the lake view.
Rent a boat from Portman Marina and tour around Lake Hartwell or take a long cruise and catch the cheers of a football game at Clemson University with its lakeside stadium (about 45 minutes away). We also love cruising to dinner at a lovely local restaurant called the Galley in Anderson, SC (about 20 minutes away by boat). If you own a boat, easily drop it in the water at the public ramp only one street away and use our covered boat slip at our private dock with power at the dock. Fishing is plentiful at Hartwell and our guests frequently comment on their success in our large, quiet cove. We recently had a family visit who told us their son was so proud of his first catch ever - a five pound catfish!
The Cottage is full of memories from guests playing on the lake, building fires, and running outdoors with the big grassy yard and plenty of yard games. Enjoy the horseshoe pit, ladderball, cornhole, giant Jenga, and our kayaks and stand up paddleboards.
After a day on the water, relax in the open concept living room and kitchen with a wall full of windows showcasing expansive lake views. Cozy up in our comfy couches in the living room with cable tv, a replica Atari video game, or a family board game. With a dining table and a humble kitchen you won't have to leave, but downtown Hartwell is a 5 minute drive away and offers wonderful restaurants with a nostalgic "Main Street" feel. Here you'll find a mix of antique shops, great local cooking, and seasonal events in the downtown square. A large grocery store, Ingles, is less than 5 minutes away. Some of our guests stop by this Ingles on the way in, and enjoy staying at the cottage the entire trip without having to venture out and break up the relaxation time.
We also have a garage bunkhouse that is only available to guests renting the cottage. If you're interested in renting the bunk house for an additional $300 per stay (this fee covers the air conditioning and another housekeeper), we'll give you a separate code for the door. It features four twin sized beds, one full sized futon, and an en suite bathroom with stand up shower. The view from the expansive lakeside window is amazing!! Please keep in mind that this room is above the garage, and the steps are quite steep. The steps would not be suitable for toddlers or those with any difficulty walking. Just let us know if you'd like to rent the bunkhouse and we'll send you an additional payment request for the $300 fee.
We poured our heart and soul into the renovations, and while we still have Pinterest boards full of inspirational photos for future projects, we love the way it turned out. Coming to the lake cottage allows us the chance to escape from our crazy schedules and to take a moment to just relax. Surrounded by vintage furnishings and rustic beauty, we find it easy to lose track of time and soak in the family memories together.
This home is very special to us, and we are so excited to share it with you!
Here are our bedding and bathroom arrangements:
Main house:
Master - Queen bed with en suite bathroom with stand up shower and large tub
Guest Room 1 - Full bed
Guest Room 2 - Two twin beds
Guest bathroom with stand up shower
*Optional Space* Garage Bunkhouse with 4 twin beds, 1 full sized futon, and 1 full bathroom
If you do not utilize this space and leave it untouched, you will receive a $150 refund after your stay.
Here are our property amenities:
-Two story dock with two boat slips for your boats
-2 Single Person Kayaks
-2 Stand Up Paddle Boards
-Firepit (firewood unfortunately isn't provided)
-Gas grill, charcoal grill and electric smoker
-Full kitchen with all cookware essentials
-Games & toys such as corn hole, horseshoes, lake floats, fishing poles, etc
-Smart TV's with Disney+, ESPN, Netflix, Amazon Prime TV & Hulu
-Basic toiletries such as shampoo & soap
-5 minutes to downtown Hartwell with shopping and dining, a new grocery store and Walmart
-Less than a mile from a public boat ramp to put your boat in the water
-Pet friendly with $100 pet fee
-Sleeps 12 if you opt to rent the bunkhouse along with the main house
We have guests from all over the North and Southeast looking for a restful spot on the water for their families, or for a peaceful night's sleep during work travels. We've received hundreds of five star reviews because we work very hard to listen to our guests and consider their feedback to enhance the travels of future guests. With that in mind, here are a few comments we feel you should know about prior to booking:
-The Cottage is located in a county without leash laws. We have a few neighborhood dogs who roam without a leash. Two of them are teeny chihuahuas, but a couple others are medium to large sized dogs. If you're afraid of dogs or you plan to bring a dog that wouldn't enjoy our neighborhood pets, you may feel better booking a different property.
-Our driveway is pretty long and easy to access, but it does have a tight turn with overhanging trees that make bringing an RV pretty difficult.
-We have a few neighbors, and while they are spaced out very privately, we want to avoid any loud parties or chaos that would impact their daily lives at their private residences. If you're having a college reunion or a wild shindig, this isn't the right place to rent.
With unbelievable lake views in almost every room of the home, the cottage features a romantic master bedroom with a wood burning fireplace, a large lakeside porch to snuggle in a hammock with a book, and a relaxing two story dock dock ready for fishing or laying in the sun. Enjoy a cup of coffee in the adirondack chairs on the front porch and see the sun rising over the Hartwell dam across the lake. Roast marshmallows around our stone fire pit with vintage lighting and comfortable chairs as you enjoy the lake view.
Rent a boat from Portman Marina and tour around Lake Hartwell or take a long cruise and catch the cheers of a football game at Clemson University with its lakeside stadium (about 45 minutes away). We also love cruising to dinner at a lovely local restaurant called the Galley in Anderson, SC (about 20 minutes away by boat). If you own a boat, easily drop it in the water at the public ramp only one street away and use our covered boat slip at our private dock with power at the dock. Fishing is plentiful at Hartwell and our guests frequently comment on their success in our large, quiet cove. We recently had a family visit who told us their son was so proud of his first catch ever - a five pound catfish!
The Cottage is full of memories from guests playing on the lake, building fires, and running outdoors with the big grassy yard and plenty of yard games. Enjoy the horseshoe pit, ladderball, cornhole, giant Jenga, and our kayaks and stand up paddleboards.
After a day on the water, relax in the open concept living room and kitchen with a wall full of windows showcasing expansive lake views. Cozy up in our comfy couches in the living room with cable tv, a replica Atari video game, or a family board game. With a dining table and a humble kitchen you won't have to leave, but downtown Hartwell is a 5 minute drive away and offers wonderful restaurants with a nostalgic "Main Street" feel. Here you'll find a mix of antique shops, great local cooking, and seasonal events in the downtown square. A large grocery store, Ingles, is less than 5 minutes away. Some of our guests stop by this Ingles on the way in, and enjoy staying at the cottage the entire trip without having to venture out and break up the relaxation time.
We also have a garage bunkhouse that is only available to guests renting the cottage. If you're interested in renting the bunk house for an additional $300 per stay (this fee covers the air conditioning and another housekeeper), we'll give you a separate code for the door. It features four twin sized beds, one full sized futon, and an en suite bathroom with stand up shower. The view from the expansive lakeside window is amazing!! Please keep in mind that this room is above the garage, and the steps are quite steep. The steps would not be suitable for toddlers or those with any difficulty walking. Just let us know if you'd like to rent the bunkhouse and we'll send you an additional payment request for the $300 fee.
We poured our heart and soul into the renovations, and while we still have Pinterest boards full of inspirational photos for future projects, we love the way it turned out. Coming to the lake cottage allows us the chance to escape from our crazy schedules and to take a moment to just relax. Surrounded by vintage furnishings and rustic beauty, we find it easy to lose track of time and soak in the family memories together.
This home is very special to us, and we are so excited to share it with you!
Amenities
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Lake Hartwell, GA
$$$$
Ratings and reviews
5.0 / 5.0
This was our 3rd summer to stay at this beautiful property. We love it so much! It’s always clean, comfortable and fun! Jordan and Ryan are great. Highly recommend!! The view and this home are perfect for our family and close friends. We look forward to coming each summer!
5.0 / 5.0
Great family trip just needed to be longer! Everyone and the dogs had a great time. The dock and lake are outstanding! We do very much appreciate the accommodation for our 4 leg family members.That made the trip complete.
5.0 / 5.0
We truly enjoyed our time here. The weather for late April was beautiful, and we got plenty of sun and lake time. My kids really enjoyed the paddle boards and kayaks off the dock. There was a beautiful botanical garden walk just a few minutes into town, and we also enjoyed the paved walk to see the dam and the gorgeous sunset views along that walk. We enjoyed the sunrise views from the home, found the kitchen well equipped for cooking our own meals, and plenty of towels and linens for our stay. A great place for a week with family!
5.0 / 5.0
Loved the location, back porch and dock. My daughter and her friends had a great time!
5.0 / 5.0
Our only wish was for warmer weather so we could have enjoyed the amazing porch.
The space was just perfect. Looking out at the water as we visited was so relaxing!
5.0 / 5.0
We typically go camping but decided to rent a house instead. Lots of fun with fishing, campfires, games and watching football on Saturday. We also grilled steaks and smoked bologna on the grills provided. Overall it was a fun weekend to get together and catch up.
5.0 / 5.0
The home is amazing with a wonderful view!! We had a wonderful relaxing time. The weather was a little cool so we did have to spend some time inside but still had the beautiful view so it was like you were outside. We caught some beautiful catfish off the dock and was able to spend time and enjoying the dock. The house is stocked very well with dishes, glasses and pans and of course coffee pots. Jordan and Ryan were great host and answered any questions we had. Thank you again for a wonderful stay
5.0 / 5.0
The place was very nice, clean and the view was beautiful. It was a pretty private area which was nice. They are dog friendly which is amazing. Very comfy and welcoming home. We loved the dock and had a lot of fun with the stand up paddle boards and kayaks! I would definitely come back and I definitely would recommend!
5.0 / 5.0
We had a great time on our girls weekend trip. Everyone commented how the property and house made them feel at home. We enjoyed the dock, the firepit, and cooking together. It was just the relaxing trip we needed.
5.0 / 5.0
We had a great time. Weather was fabulous this year!
5.0 / 5.0
Second time renting this property. Had a great time
5.0 / 5.0
We spend a week or more every year on Lake Hartwell. This year we decided to find a place that would accommodate our Dog and this was a perfect fit. From the covered dock to house our boat each night to the close proximity to town, shopping for almost anything you need, to a fantastic view, we had 8 very relaxing days. We like the lake so much, we bought a piece of property on the lake while we were visiting (pre-planned). We will be reserving this location again!
5.0 / 5.0
Our children/grandchildren fished, swam, paddle boarded and kayaked to their hearts content. Convenient to shopping and there was lots of “porch time” in hammock and chairs. Thanks for a memorable family vacation
5.0 / 5.0
Although the weather wasn't ideal - we had a great time at this family friendly cottage. So relaxing!!! The porch is the very best part and the view!!! Would like to go back someday!!
5.0 / 5.0
Wonderful 93rd birthday celebration for dad. Very relaxing week. Nice restaurants in Anderson and Hartwell.
5.0 / 5.0
This is great place to stay, with a stunning view of the lake. Our stay was only for two nights. I would definitely stay here again.
5.0 / 5.0
Always love renting this property. Owners are great. One of the best locations as far as getting food & groceries during our stay.
5.0 / 5.0
Great view of the lake. Enjoyed all their outdoor spaces- dock both levels, fire pit, and large back porch with cozy seating.
5.0 / 5.0
House was wonderful I had a great time .
5.0 / 5.0
This was our 2nd stay at The Cottage, and we love what Jordan and Ryan have added, especially the double story deck. You cannot beat these views on Lake Hartwell, the close proximity to town and grocery, and the large gentle sloping grassy back yard to the water. This is the lot you look for in a lakefront property! We’ll be back!
4.0 / 5.0
We rented the house and the cottage bunkhouse add on. It was perfect for three sets of grandparents and our immediate family to love on a 2-year-old for their birthday. Everyone loved the dock for swimming and the available kayaks and SUPs were also a treat. Everything you could think of was available and the house itself is so very charming. Perfect location for all ages and our dog probably would have loved to move in. Very pet friendly for a whole-family stay.
5.0 / 5.0
Great place to relax and enjoy the water. Proximity to marina, boat ramp is excellent. Good fishing in the cove. Huge lot and awesome dock. Comfy accommodations, really enjoyed the back porch and hammock. Great place for kids/family. Host is very responsive!
5.0 / 5.0
We enjoyed our stay at "A Great Damn View"! The house was VERY clean, the view was absolutely beautiful and we loved having the large porch to relax and enjoy the view. The owners were very responsive and accommodating. We would definitely recommend and look forward to staying there again in the future.
5.0 / 5.0
Short but oh so sweet
This property not only met but exceeded our needs snd expectations. Beautiful views. Set up for great fun and relaxing. Only regret was that it was available for two nights. Will definitely rent again.
Peggi Poore
South Carolina
5.0 / 5.0
So much more than the view!
This home was amazing! The property owners have equipped the home with so many activities and extras! We always had more than enough to do at any time. This home is close enough to town to make it easy, but private enough to feel relaxed. Everything was beautifully updated and ready for guests the minute we arrived. By the way, this may have the best view on the entire lake!
5.0 / 5.0
Enjoy every minute!
This is our second year staying at this amazing property. We had two family with 5 kids and 4 adults and 2 dogs. The kids love the bunkroom and it makes for a quiet main cottage. The views from the cottage and bunkhouse are the best. Having morning coffee on the front porch as well as a rainy afternoon nap was the best.
The dock is top-notch. We rented a boat that was easily docked. We enjoyed playing right off the dock. The cove is quiet with only a few boats going by. Kayaks and paddle boards were a nice option for all of us. We will be back next year for sure!
5.0 / 5.0
Beautiful lake property
The view is just as beautiful as the listing. This is a great property. Has a bunch of amenities along with water toys all included. Thanks for the vacation spot.
5.0 / 5.0
Great weekend getaway!
Charming lakefront cottage, incredible views from every room! Abundance of activities available, paddle boards, kayaks, corn hole, board games…there’s something for everyone. We enjoyed sitting on the boat dock and porch and just relaxing. Easy check-in and good communication from host. Would definitely visit this property again!
5.0 / 5.0
Second time around
We loved staying here as much the second time as we did the first time. The view is just breathtaking!
5.0 / 5.0
Fantastic Getaway!
We were looking for a relaxing place on Lake Hartwell while visiting our daughter at Clemson. This house was a true gem and exceeded our expectations! The property is gorgeous, nestled back in a neighborhood including some full time residents which we loved. Very friendly dogs welcomed us upon arrival. Everything was just as described, the new dock is a blast, the games, fire pit area, and the porch could not be beat. We truly felt at home as if staying with family or friends. The trek to Clemson at 45 minutes wasn’t bad. We rented a pontoon boat one day, and caught some
beautiful sunrises and sunsets as an added bonus.. We checked out Tocoa Falls one afternoon and the town of Hartwell. Thank you so much for your hospitality! We would stay here again in a minute.
5.0 / 5.0
Rainy and Cold, but Fun
Weather wasn’t good at all. Only able to sit out on dock one day. Rainy and cold. We had fun doing lots of indoor things. We enjoyed our stay as much as last time.
5.0 / 5.0
Relax and enjoy the quiet
We loved the porch and the quiet area. We were able to unwind and enjoy the view and listen to the birds. The hammocks and picnic table on the porch meant we could be outside most of the day. The dock was a great place to hang out too. We used the two kayaks to explore the nearby coves. The life jackets are in the garage along with floats to enjoy the water. We used the fire pit at night. A well stocked Ingles is 5 minutes away in case you forgot anything. The property was clean and well maintained and we will come back soon to this beautiful house.
5.0 / 5.0
All positives
This property and its hosts were excellent - would definitely return! We had a great time, and the home and location were perfect
5.0 / 5.0
As described. GOOD DAM VIEW!
I selected this house because of the description the owner provided via VRBO. The cottage is tucked away just passed a cow farm at the very end of a driveway. When the owner describes that they loving restored the cottage - it's just that. There is love and passion for the lake and cottage in every corner. It's tucked away but close to everything. Though we did visit in winter - there was plenty to do. Short drives, long drives. Tallaluh Gorge - hiking. Botanical garden right in town with a cute area for children to play. Historical places In and around the area as well. We also visited Clemson University to see Hanover house, Botanical gardens and the geology museum. I cannot imagine what it must be like here in the summer. And look forward to coming back. The owners are attentive and thoughtful. If you wanna get away from it all and relax - this is it. If you wanna get away from it all and have fun - this is the place. Oh, and it does have a good dam view.
5.0 / 5.0
Total relaxation…
This is a great place for your family vacation. The moment you walk in the door you feel welcomed and comfortable. The lake view is absolutely amazing. There is something for everyone to do while here. We definitely plan to visit again!
5.0 / 5.0
Heaven!
We did not want to leave! Beautiful sunrises! Didn't want to leave!
5.0 / 5.0
Very peaceful spot
My family and I went for a weekend getaway. The location was super easy to find using the GPS. The home was very clean, so peaceful and just a beautiful view of the water. We regret not being able to stay longer. My husband and I made a little brown furry friend. We assumed he or she lived in the neighborhood, but he was sooooo sweet and spent some time with us, Lol. He even went fishing with my husband. Overall, all was well and we would recommend this location to others.
5.0 / 5.0
Beautiful spot
Couldn’t ask for a prettier spot. The lake view is amazing & the glass windows make viewing sunrise & sunset over the lake easy. Also loved the master tub, fireplace & rocking chairs.
5.0 / 5.0
Lovely place
The family and I wanted to get away for the weekend and this spot was perfect. Would definitely recommend!!!We did notice some older water bottles under the bed in the master room and also there was some trash under the couch closet to the dining table. Outside of those things I loved everything about this cottage❤️❤️❤️.
5.0 / 5.0
Cottage on Lake Hartwell
Love this property! Not too many stairs in the entrance to the house so that was perfect for my Mom (and very hard to find!). It rained the whole time, so we didn't get to use the dock or firepit, but the beds were super comfy, Alexa controlled stereo to house and porch, and the view from back porch was just awesome. Very relaxing trip! Would definitely recommend!
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Lake Hartwell?
The average price for a rental in Lake Hartwell is $351 per night. This rental is $83 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at It's A Great Dam View! LAKEFRONT Family-Friendly 4BR/3B Cottage at Lake Hartwell. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is It's A Great Dam View! LAKEFRONT Family-Friendly 4BR/3B Cottage at Lake Hartwell pet friendly?
Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at It's A Great Dam View! LAKEFRONT Family-Friendly 4BR/3B Cottage at Lake Hartwell?
We found 12 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and fireplace.
Explore similar vacation rentals in Lake Hartwell
Explore all rentals in Lake HartwellLake Hartwell travel inspiration
Read our blogGuides
Top Things to Do in Gulf Shores, Alabama: Adventure and Fun Await
Local Culture
Exploring Miami’s Wynwood District: Street Art, Food, and More
Guides
Fun Things to Do in Ocean City, Maryland
Local Culture
A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Dining in Orlando, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Oahu and Honolulu
Guides
Top Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Miami: From Beaches to Culture
Guides
The Best Things to Do in Orlando: Attractions, Food, and Family Fun