Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake
About this cabin rental
Situated in Spafford, this charming cabin for $398 per night is a fantastic choice for your next break. A family setting. Enjoy morning coffee and evening barbecues on deck overlooking the lake! Historic railcar built in 1936 by Budd and located on Skaneateles in 1976 has been completely refurbished-including charming oak and cherry interior cut and planked in the property. Property features large 20' X 40' dock on 198' of private lakefront. Pebbled beach at lakefront allows for easy wading into the lake. Many upgrades completed in 2018. Enjoy time in the most unique rental property that Skaneateles has to offer! Keywords: Railcar, Skaneateles, rental, lake, fishing, boating, family, cabin, house
Amenities
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen / Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Laundry
Balcony / Patio
TV
Garden
Map of Spafford, NY
Reviews
4.5/5.0
Excellent(64 Reviews)
5.0
We had a wonderful time Fishing, Boating, swimming
Grandkids had a ball and cant wait until next year.
Thank you Ian 😊
5.0
My friend and I were looking to get away for a few days with our kids and dogs. This was a perfect little getaway! We enjoyed sitting on the deck but most all the amazing dock looking out onto Skaneateles Lake.
5.0
We had a wonderful time at the railcar. It is surprisingly spacious! It so cool to see all the old features that have been kept intact in the railcar. Everything was very clean and it was amazing that all the supplies we needed were there (sheets, towels, dishes, etc.). It was a hot and humid day but the A/C kept the inside comfortable. Just note, the railcar is across the quiet road from the water/dock, so not on the water itself. We hope to stay again next summer!
4.0
We (6 adults) came and stayed during the week for a relaxing 3 days. The property owner was excellent to work with. We watch eagles in a nest just south of the cabin in a large pine. We kayaked around the southern end of the lake. Used the camp as a base for several outings. Had a BBQ and campfire. The novelty of staying in the train car was also a unique experience.
5.0
Great experience
5.0
how fun!!! we had a great week @ the lake and can add rail car stay to our bucket list! Beds were comfy and the kitchen is more updated than the pics show. It is close quarters - but you are in a railcar - so you know that,,,but plenty of other spaces to be. we enjoyed morning coffee of the end porch , but my favorite space was the dock, lots of room for water fun. the lake was warm (for skinny)
5.0
how fun!!! we had a great week @ the lake and can add rail car stay to our bucket list! Beds were comfy and the kitchen is more updated than the pics show. It is close quarters - but you are in a railcar - so you know that,,,but plenty of other spaces to be. we enjoyed morning coffee of the end porch , but my favorite space was the dock, lots of room for water fun. the lake was warm (for skinny)
5.0
A unique adventure!
A wonderful part of the lake, crystal clear lake water, friendly neighbors and interesting areas nearby to explore. The owner,(Ian) was quick to respond to any question we might have. A wonder stay!
3.0
Beautiful, quiet location on the lake. But the railcar was poorly maintained and way too expensive.
3.0
Great location, unique rental (not great), way too expensive
Beautiful, quiet location on the lake. But the railcar was poorly maintained and way too expensive.
5.0
An enjoyable stay
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.
4.0
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.
4.0
Charming but needed work
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.
4.0
1st week of Aug stay
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
Choo Choo on the lake.
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.
5.0
Unique, great location. Very responsive host. Loved it.
5.0
A unique cabin by a beautiful lake
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.
5.0
stayed 3 nights mid week. Easy to get settled. 20 minutes to shopping/restaurants. Dock was great
Unique, great location. Very responsive host. Loved it.
5.0
Neat little place
Quick response from management
4.0
Its was a beautiful stay
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.
4.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
Unique stay!
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.
4.0
Fun Experience
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.
5.0
Unique accommodations. Enjoyed the location. Had a very relaxing stay. Everyone enjoyed our stay.
5.0
Beautiful view and tranquil location
Unique accommodations. Enjoyed the location. Had a very relaxing stay. Everyone enjoyed our stay.
3.0
Unique experience
Enjoyed view of the lake, outdoor barbecuing, and dining, and finishing off the night by sitting around the firepit.
5.0
railcar
This place is great!
5.0
No murder on THIS Orient Express!
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!
4.0
Unique and cozy
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!
5.0
Railcar
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.
5.0
Wonderful
Fantastic experience
4.0
Great spot on the lake
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.
5.0
The train
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.
5.0
Choo choo train
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 !!!!
5.0
Unique getaway with beautiful views
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!
5.0
The Railcar on Skaneateles Lake
This was a unique and interesting place to stay. Also, the lake is very beautiful.The owner was very solicitous and helpful.
5.0
Amazing place!
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.
4.0
Third Stay at the Rail Car
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.
FAQs
How much does this cabin cost compared to others in Spafford?
The average price for a rental in Spafford is $445 per night. This rental is $47 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this cabin?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this cabin?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this cabin. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake pet friendly?
Yes! This cabin is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Surprisingly spacious Historic Railcar on Beautiful Skaneateles Lake?
We found 9 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen / kitchenette, internet / wifi, and parking.
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