This stunning lakeside estate is located just 1½ hours north of NYC in the Berkshire foothills. Minimum rental is 3 days except during the peak season (generally Memorial Day week to Labor Day week), when rentals are 7 day minimum and run Friday to Friday. The Lake House offers a 4-season vacation destination for the family that’s looking for something truly unique, including use of the estate-owned, private 35-acre lake. The property offers a spacious, comfortable area for family gatherings or holidays, a group of friends looking for an escape from urban living, or small to medium-sized weddings and other events. (Contact the owner for event pricing and details on additional guest space in the 2 bedroom carriage house apartment across the lake.) Perched on a peninsula along the shores of Lake Weil, The Lake House is a 4-bedroom contemporary home offering spectacular lake views from nearly every window. The house and property are family-friendly, senior-friendly, and wheelchair accessible: The lawn slopes gradually down to the private beach (no stairs), the first floor bedroom has a connecting door to the adjacent full bathroom, and there is a ramp to the front door. Whatever the time of year, whether your group is an extended family with parents, grandparents, kids, and grand kids, just your immediate family, or some friends looking to spend time together, The Lake House will feel like you’ve come home. SPRING: Take advantage of fabulous views of the lake as it’s visited by numerous species of migrating ducks. Use the binoculars and spotting scope to see them courting, and later, showing off their offspring. Eagles, herons, swans, hawks, muskrats, otters, fox, and deer may also visit to round out your wildlife viewing. Watch the mists as they swirl and dance just above the water. Fishing is available as a year-round sport, as Lake Weil is home to White Rock Fishing Preserve, stocked with trout, as well as hosting natural populations of bass, catfish, perch, and pan fish. Picnic on the lawn after you’ve played a rousing game of badminton and the kids have tired themselves out on the trampoline. In the evening, sip some wine and take time to appreciate the gorgeous sunset, with its colors reflected in the serene waters. SUMMER: The long, lazy days just beg you to enjoy a swim in the warm water, or bask in the sun as you lounge on the groomed, sandy beach. Looking for something more adventurous? Head out to explore the lake on one of the kayaks or canoes provided. See how close you can get to one of the resident turtles before it disappears, like a flash, back under water. Want some old-fashioned, family fun? The game room above the barn is a great place for friendly rivalries to develop as you play pool, ping pong, or foosball. For outside fun, try your hand at horseshoes, make up a Frisbee golf course, or see who can catch the biggest fish. Then sit around a fire on the beach, make s’mores, and tell ghost stories until it’s time for bed. FALL: The change of season paints the surrounding hills a stunning blend of vibrant gold, orange, and red. The lake water is still warm from the summer sun, so be sure to bring your swimsuit. Take a hike along part of the Appalachian Trail, which runs along the ridge of Schaghticoke Mountain seen across the lake. Head across Bulls Bridge, an authentic covered bridge, into nearby Kent, CT to browse the shops and treat yourself to some hot chocolate or cappuccino. Indulge yourself by sampling wines at one of the region's award-winning wineries. Watch for migrating ducks splashing around, eagles and osprey seeking their next meal, and graceful swans gliding regally along the tranquil water. WINTER: A calm blanket of ice typically covers most of the lake. If there’s snow, bundle up and build a friendly snowman or flop down on the ground to make a snow angel. Feeling more energetic? Skiing is available at Thunder Ridge, just 20 minutes away. If you’re feeling too warm and cozy inside to leave, just relax by the fire inside and enjoy the view. The area is bursting with wildlife, so don’t be surprised to see deer, turkeys, foxes, maybe even a bobcat or bear. Any open water will likely attract ducks and geese, and bald eagles frequently make use of it to hunt and fish. After dark, play backgammon, cards, or one of the many board games provided. Make some popcorn, kick back, and watch a movie together on the huge flat-screen TV. Relaxation comes easily at The Lake House. After all, you’re home. NOTE: Peak season reservations run Friday to Friday with a 7-day minimum stay. Peak season runs from Memorial Day week through Labor Day week.