A wonderful secluded cottage surrounded by trees yet very close to Long Pond, the finest of the Belgrade Lakes, known for its pristine water for swimming, boating and fishing. The third largest of the Belgrade Lakes it is 12 miles long and covers 2,557 acres. We recently inherited the cottage from my parents, retired academics who picked this beautiful spot because it is quiet, ideal for reading, writing, and relaxing as well as the usual lake activities. We live in New Bedford, Massachusetts, but have had wonderful times at the cottage, enjoying the beauty of central Maine in every season. The bargain rental rate is because the cottage is not on the lake, just a 3 minute walk away. The property is part of a private association (Wildwood Estates) that maintains a sandy community swimming beach with a floating dock and swings for the children. A boat dock with kayak/canoe storage is a 3 minute walk from the cottage. The swimming beach.is a 8 minute walk along the well-maintained, private dirt road. One advantage of being near, but not on the lake, and surrounded by beautiful forest is that we are constantly visited by friendly wildlife: birds, chipmunks, the occasional deer, a wandering flock of wild turkeys, etc. And of course we can hear the wonderful sound of the loons in the evenings. Although rustic looking, this modern well insulated cottage is only 25 years old and can sleep up to 8. There are two upstairs bedrooms, one with a king size bed with posturepedic mattress, the other with 2 twin size beds. A fold out couch/futon is in the living room, and a futon with mattress is in the front enclosed porch room used in the summer months. We are 1 hour drive from the Portland, Maine Jetport, 3 hours from Boston, 5 hours from New York, and 5 hours from Quebec, Canada. We are also about 25 minutes from Waterville which has an independent cinema (Railroad Square Cinema) and the award winning Colby College Art Museum. All the amenities and local towns & activities are listed below. **FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN AN OFF-SEASON OR WINTER RENTAL: In late September-October is the famous fall foliage season. with its magnificent colors. The locals call it 'leaf Peeping. There are some wonderful hiking trails in the immediate area. In the WINTER there is great cross country skiing nearby with downhill skiing 27 miles away. One of the best down-hill skiing areas in the USA is Sugarloaf, 49 miles north which has 138 trails, the longest being 3.5 miles from summit to base. Then there is skating & ice fishing on Long Pond, a 3 minute walk from the cottage, where you can catch Northern pike, wide-mouth bass, salmon, & trout. It is a very special area. The cottage is fully winterized with baseboard heat and a wood stove. Long term rates are negotiable. PETS: If you wish to bring a pet please email the details (species, age, size, and disposition). The yard is not fenced & is visited by deer, turkeys, etc. Here is a comment from a 2 season renter: "I have rented the Rose cottage for the past two summers and it has been delightful. It's peaceful and quiet; the only sounds you hear are tweets from the birds. The kitchen is very well equipped, from lobster pot to rolling pin. Cottage is very well furnished, with comfortable beds and internet connection. And there is a great variety of things to do in the area." --Sally from Florida