One of the grandest homes on Lake Champlain, this 5-7 bedroom (more when you add in the upstairs playroom with trundle beds, and the downstairs lounge with TV, wet bar, and pull-out sofa) faces precisely west, so that on the equinox the sun sets directly across the lake, over the Adirondacks. And in mid-summer, it sets far to the north, allowing for swimming (in the lake or the pool) late into the evening, or a bonfire of driftwood (provided) on the stone seawall. In the center of the lawn is a burr oak tree, estimated to be 400-500 years old, with a tree swing and providing gentle shade on summer days.

Upstairs there are four bedrooms--including a master with a private deck overlooking lake--as well as a playroom with double trundle bed. On the main floor there is a kitchen with table that seats 6, screened-in porch, dining room (with table for 12), living room with cathedral ceilings and panoramic views of the lake, as well as a second master bedroom. Downstairs is a lounge with wet bar, television, and sectional that folds out into a queen-size bed, for late-night moving watching or changing out of your bathing suits. On the lower deck is a hot tub, and on the upper deck a picnic table and gas grill.

Equipped with everything you might, including:
* in-ground swimming pool (open in the summer months)
* hot tub (seasonal, when pool is not open)
* kayaks (one single, one tandem), with personal flotation devices of all sizes
* tree swing
* hammock
* basketball hoop
* two concrete docks (a rarity on Lake Champlain)
* a mooring buoy
* gas grill

The house is in Charlotte, on the Lake Champlain Scenic Byway, one of the most beautiful bicycle routes in America. One town to the north is Shelburne, with its museum world-famous for Americana art, as well as Shelburne Farms with festivals and hiking trails. Only ten miles away is Burlington, a wonderful college town with restaurants, shops, cultural events, and minor league baseball team (the fearsome "Vermont Lake Monsters"). In the fall, the foliage draws visitors from around the world. And in the winter, the skiing is world-class, with Stowe, Sugarbush, Smugglers Notch, Bolton Valley, and the Middlebury Snow Bowl within an hour's drive.

This is not an investment property; it was our family home for many years, and now (after moved away) we return for a few weeks each summer. What that means is that it is extremely well-equipped, with high grade pots and pans, fine cutlery, a wide range of staples ranging from spices to sauces to flour and sugar (which guests are welcome to use), and a home lovingly cared for and maintained.

Unlike some other rentals, renting our home is not an anonymous transaction. Upon arrival you'll be met by our property manager, who'll walk you through the house, point out nearby amenities, and answer any questions you might have. He is available to you 24/7 for any needs that arise, and will also personally check you out at the end of your stay.

Important: We try very hard to be good neighbors, respecting others in our family neighborhood. Therefore, we rent exclusively to families (including multi-generational gatherings, for which the house is ideal), particularly those seeking a beautiful and spacious home for a week of watching sunsets over the lake, swimming in the pool or lake, barbecuing, picnics, roasting smores, kayaking, etc. Those (esp, groups of friends) seeking a "party atmosphere" are not appropriate for this property.

Vermont meals and rooms tax ID MRT-10099068