A simple, low-tech, relaxing experience, surrounded by incredible beauty. Gather your multi-generational family for fun lake days, surrounded on all sides by mountain views. Larger families can rent the main house and multiple cabins, all close enough to each other yet offering some individual space. Many of the cabins are 1890's and you can just imagine the generations of families who made memories here. The screened in porches have big tables for endless games & puzzles after a full day of beach play, kayak/canoe and sailing adventures. Sunset is magnificent from the water! Life jackets, beach loungers and umbrellas are provided. Bring your own beach towels. There is a shared washer and dryer available for your use at the caregivers cabin. Bring some enclosed hiking shoes (& bug spray...you are in nature) and traverse the whole island. Find the historic Lookout Tower and keep an eye out for eagles and ospreys. Grill something yummy on the charcoal grills (charcoal is provided) and gather the whole family together for a waterside dinner on the lawn picnic tables. Bring the ingredients for making S'mores at the beach rock firepit. The on-site staff are super helpful & welcoming. It is a 3 minute ride back to your car with the always-available little ferry boat. Civilization with grocery stores etc. is only 25 miles away in Burlington. For off-island adventures explore the Shelburne museum (It's huge and your ticket gives you two days of access.) The littles will love the Shelburne Farm (free). Adults will enjoy the hike from the Farm out to the historic Inn and back. (4miles round trip through the forest, along the water and meadows.) Make it a morning or evening thing so you can partake in their farm-to-table breakfast or dinner. It's beautiful. (Reservations are necessary.) For families, big and small, looking to get back to simpler times and stunning surroundings, this is your spot.

location, views, history !

This cabin reminded me of the VT camps of my childhood. Simple, low-tech, and amazingly relaxing. Our family played endless games, read books every morning, and completed many puzzles on the screened-in porch. The shared beach with kayaks and sunfish, made for fun days in the water. If you are looking for a rustic and beautiful VT lake experience, this is it. No frills, just natural beauty.

The property itself, along with the staff were fantastic! The island has great trails, and our dog had a blast. Getting to and from the island is pretty smooth - ferry drivers were usually ready in a couple minutes time. Couple things to note - the check-in information we received was a little sparse relative to other stays via VRBO. If you're used to getting an access code, you won't for this property. And teh driving directions, while good once you've got your bearings, are not great for first getting there. Inside the cabin there was information with an address that worked for GPS - this would have been a huge help with initial navigation to the ferry area. Second, WIFI is around 10mbps - good for checking email, but if you have kids or want to stream something you might find this limiting. Beyond the want for a bit clearer communication from the company, things were great. The Cabin is as pictured or nicer, and the staff were super friendly. Would gladly go again for a longer stay.

A really special place. Comfortable and relaxing. Great beach and loved being in the water on the water mats. Thanks!

I loved the relaxed vibe of the island. The owners are great and the service was amazing! 24/7 service if needed! It was so convenient to get back and forth on the ferry. We would go back and highly recommend!

This place is absolutely wonderful. It’s rustic, nestled in the woods looking on the water. Don’t expect modernity, but if you want to get away from that and enjoy nature in a beautiful, pristine setting, this is amazing. The people who own/manage the resort are super nice as well, but in no way intrusive. Would definitely go back.

Garden Island is a retreat from the distractions of the world and a step back to a time what a summer vacation used to be. No TV, although awesome WIFI, no temptation to hop in the car and go shopping. The cabins are from a bygone age. The staff and Owners are extremely welcoming and helpful. Laid back does not begin to describe it. And your car is a five minute ferry ride away when you need to go to the grocery store. Hated to leave.