Beautiful, quiet location on the lake. But the railcar was poorly maintained and way too expensive.

Beautiful, quiet location on the lake. But the railcar was poorly maintained and way too expensive.

This was a delightful change of pace. We felt we marked something off on our bucket list. A very cozy "train ride." When you first enter the rail car, it really looks like a rail car. Many of the original features of the rail car have been preserved. And the dock was just beautiful. Ian was very personable and caring. In summary, kids of any age would enjoy this.

Let's start out with the pros. The idea and concept is totally cool. While staying there we felt safe and the charm of the place was also cool. The property manager had great communication. The property was well stocked with things a family would need to cook and sleep and enjoy the deck and fire pit. The dock was also pleasant. The cons. it wasn't the cleanest of places I have stayed at. The drapes were dusty, the tub was stained and had a worm in it. The 2nd bathroom had dead bugs in the toilet bowl. There were ants everywhere. And although Ian and Cindy provided traps they were in the kitchen, in the living room and bedrooms, on the sheets. If a person is curvy or big and tall, I don't recommend this place at all. Keeping in mind it is a rail car yes, the hallway, bathrooms and doorways in general qere hard to maneuver past. I am curvy. The driveway is also something I would say to avoid unless you have a jeep. We used the parking spot but it was tough on my car and we ventually I gave up. The driveway has many rocks, dips and holes. Though the dock was pleasant, again, curvy People beware. There are very steep stairs leading down to it and very narrow. I barely could fit and im not that much overweight The kids however had a blast but I had to go through a lot to watch them. And the heat. It was so hot in the car we had to go out to our car for relief to turn the air con on. We left the first night for 3 hours for it to cool down and be barnacle to go inside. It is a rail car. That said. We kept it low but for some reason it kept going up again and would be unbarable again. It was beyond frustrating in 85 degree weather and muggy all 3 days. And just in general. Everything is 25 minutes away. We did a lot of traveling. Including a midnight run for needed supplies and I would strongly suggest avoiding that. The road is narrow, dark, curvy and long. 15 minutes sometimes before you would see a hint of civilization. That said. The Lakeview Pub was a great place to eat and in the heart of Skaneateles ( village of) right on the water. We navigated there and Applebee's, Perkins, antique shops and little shops near the pub. ( very expensive). K don't know if I'd do it again. We had great weather and my kids dealt with the cons pretty well. But I was less than satisfied to say the least. I'm sorry. This just wasn't my cup of tea.

Let's start out with the pros. The idea and concept is totally cool. While staying there we felt safe and the charm of the place was also cool. The property manager had great communication. The property was well stocked with things a family would need to cook and sleep and enjoy the deck and fire pit. The dock was also pleasant. The cons. it wasn't the cleanest of places I have stayed at. The drapes were dusty, the tub was stained and had a worm in it. The 2nd bathroom had dead bugs in the toilet bowl. There were ants everywhere. And although Ian and Cindy provided traps they were in the kitchen, in the living room and bedrooms, on the sheets. If a person is curvy or big and tall, I don't recommend this place at all. Keeping in mind it is a rail car yes, the hallway, bathrooms and doorways in general qere hard to maneuver past. I am curvy. The driveway is also something I would say to avoid unless you have a jeep. We used the parking spot but it was tough on my car and we ventually I gave up. The driveway has many rocks, dips and holes. Though the dock was pleasant, again, curvy People beware. There are very steep stairs leading down to it and very narrow. I barely could fit and im not that much overweight The kids however had a blast but I had to go through a lot to watch them. And the heat. It was so hot in the car we had to go out to our car for relief to turn the air con on. We left the first night for 3 hours for it to cool down and be barnacle to go inside. It is a rail car. That said. We kept it low but for some reason it kept going up again and would be unbarable again. It was beyond frustrating in 85 degree weather and muggy all 3 days. And just in general. Everything is 25 minutes away. We did a lot of traveling. Including a midnight run for needed supplies and I would strongly suggest avoiding that. The road is narrow, dark, curvy and long. 15 minutes sometimes before you would see a hint of civilization. That said. The Lakeview Pub was a great place to eat and in the heart of Skaneateles ( village of) right on the water. We navigated there and Applebee's, Perkins, antique shops and little shops near the pub. ( very expensive). K don't know if I'd do it again. We had great weather and my kids dealt with the cons pretty well. But I was less than satisfied to say the least. I'm sorry. This just wasn't my cup of tea.

The location and water access was great. The lake was excellent. There's a lot to do and everyone we met was friendly and pleasant. There were a few minor things that were not so good.... the internet connectivity was poor and there were a few too many ants indoors. Elderly or infirm people should be aware that there are a lot of stairs to climb. Overall though we enjoyed our stay a lot and we especially enjoyed the lake access and the general area.

Staying at this property was a lot of fun! We all loved the train. The dock was just across the road and easy to get to. The bonus was seeing the eagle swoop down to the water looking for fish.

Staying at this property was a lot of fun! We all loved the train. The dock was just across the road and easy to get to. The bonus was seeing the eagle swoop down to the water looking for fish.

Unique, great location. Very responsive host. Loved it.

The railroad car was funky and interesting for the kids. The dock across the way was gorgeous – we just sat there for hours enjoying the view. Ian was a pleasure to communicate with - he got back to us immediately about any question. It was fun to have kayaks at the ready and basically it was a wonderful jumping off point for adventures. I’d highly recommend and would come back.

Unique, great location. Very responsive host. Loved it.

Quick response from management

We loved our stay at this unique place. We were greeted by Mr. Ian. He showed us around the place. That was helpful as some places has antique light switches. The place itself is beautiful, very well kept. Mr. DeSouza left thoughtful list of places to visit around Skaneateles lake. The coach itself has everything including a washer dryer. It was comfortable and clean We will definitely visit again.

We loved our stay at this unique place. We were greeted by Mr. Ian. He showed us around the place. That was helpful as some places has antique light switches. The place itself is beautiful, very well kept. Mr. DeSouza left thoughtful list of places to visit around Skaneateles lake. The coach itself has everything including a washer dryer. It was comfortable and cleanWe will definitely visit again.

The railcar was exactly what we hoped it would be. Unique, spacious, clean, great location and fun. Highly recommend! We’re looking forward to coming back in the summer! Ian is flexible & so easy to work with.

The railcar was exactly what we hoped it would be. Unique, spacious, clean, great location and fun. Highly recommend! We’re looking forward to coming back in the summer! Ian is flexible & so easy to work with.

We enjoyed our stay. Not many can say they stayed in a railcar. The keypad didn’t work well. The railcar itself had updated features. We didn’t know beforehand to bring our own water. Overall we enjoyed our time. The lake is beautiful. We saw a bald eagle while kayaking in the lake. The fire pit outside was cozy and our dogs loved being outside with us. We easily went to wineries and to the town of Skeneatles which is adorable. Would definitely recommend if you’re looking for something different in the region.

Unique accommodations. Enjoyed the location. Had a very relaxing stay. Everyone enjoyed our stay.

Unique accommodations. Enjoyed the location. Had a very relaxing stay. Everyone enjoyed our stay.

Enjoyed view of the lake, outdoor barbecuing, and dining, and finishing off the night by sitting around the firepit.

This place is great!

The rail car was everything we hoped for. Quaint and comfy! The deck was great and the inside was roomy. Kitchen well equipped. Deck down by the water was great! We enjoyed going out in the two available kayaks! An overall very pleasant getaway!

We enjoyed the stay very much. The train car was surprisingly large and comfortable. We hang out on the private dock and back deck. Very relaxing place. Thank you very much!

The experience was lovely. My 7 year old loved the railcar, was fascinated! Would definitely stay again. Requested to book on short notice and host was able to accommodate and get the railcar prepared.

Fantastic experience

Had a great time on the lake. The train was fun and comfortable to stay in for a few days. Was a little tight at times for 4 people for our 17 day stay. The dock and chairs at the dock need repair and feel a bit weary. Ian and his local caretaker were very responsive to requests and were readily available. New Kitchen appliances and washer dryer were very nice to have.

Ian was a great and responsive host. Besides a slight hiccup in the check-in process, everything else went smoothly, and my group enjoyed the amazing views sitting at the table on the deck and fishing on the dock.

We absolutely loved it and the property manager Ian was incredible and helpful what a beautiful time we had in a truly unique home away from home !!! We definitely will be back !!!!

Ian was an excellent host. Very knowledgeable about the train. My kids loved the train experience, exploring the area, the dock, kayaks and the fire pit!

This was a unique and interesting place to stay. Also, the lake is very beautiful.The owner was very solicitous and helpful.

The railcar was a fantastic experience. So unique and couldn't ask for a better location. Campfires on the waterside deck and magnificent sunrises were my favorite part. Ian was always accessible for any questions we had and was very kind. He even stopped to meet us! Highly recommend.

The place was great. It was clean and my kids loved it. Everything was well maintained and easy to use. We will be back next season.