Knotty and Nice

Rating 4.9 (17 Guest Reviews)
Bedroom 4 bedrooms
Bathroom 1 full baths
Bathroom 1 half baths
Guests 9 guests
Pets Allowed Pets Allowed

  • Lake: Seneca Lake
  • Location: Across Road
  • Square Feet: 1600

Location Location

Description Description

Welcome to Knotty and Nice—a Finger Lakes classic that lives up to its name. Nestled on the peaceful east side of Seneca Lake, this charming 4-bedroom pet-friendly lakefront cottage with space for up to 9 guests offers the perfect blend of rustic character and cozy comfort. Ideally located north of Watkins Glen, it’s a wonderful retreat for families, couples, and friends alike—whether you’re planning a weekend at the racetrack, a scenic wine tour, or a relaxing lakeside getaway!

From the moment you arrive, Knotty and Nice greets you with warmth and charm. The open-concept living and dining area is cozy and inviting, with a decorative fireplace that adds just the right touch of nostalgia. Settle into the comfortable seating for an evening of conversation or enjoy a home-cooked meal at the dining table for four. The adjacent kitchen is compact but fully equipped, making it easy to prepare everything from quick breakfasts to lakeside dinners. And with views of Seneca Lake in the distance, every moment spent here feels connected to the peaceful beauty of the region.

With four comfortable bedrooms—two on the main level and two upstairs—there’s plenty of space at this Finger Lakes vacation rental for everyone to unwind. Each bedroom features a queen bed, and one upstairs room also includes a twin bed, perfect for a child or extra guest. Whether your view is of the garden or the lake, you’ll find each space thoughtfully appointed for rest and relaxation after a day of exploring.

Step outside to the lakeside deck, where mornings begin with sunshine and coffee, and evenings invite long, slow dinners under the stars. There’s plenty of room for outdoor dining and lounging, and just a short walk away, a grassy area leads you to the water’s edge. The gradual slope makes lake access easy for guests of all ages, and the permanent dock is perfect for fishing, sunbathing, or simply watching boats drift by. A boat lift is available for guests bringing their own vessel, making this vacation home an ideal base for boating adventures on Seneca Lake.

Located across the street from the lake on a quiet dead-end road, this cottage offers a peaceful atmosphere while still being close to all the best Finger Lakes region’s attractions. Enjoy a scenic morning walk or bike ride down the lane, or take a short drive to explore local wineries and breweries. Popular destinations like Wagner Vineyards, Boundary Breaks, and Bagley’s Poplar Ridge Vineyards are all nearby.

For a day of adventure, head 20 minutes south to Watkins Glen State Park, where you can hike through the famous gorge and waterfalls. The village of Watkins Glen also offers a variety of restaurants, shops, and lakeside experiences—including boat tours with Captain Bill’s Cruise. Guests who prefer a quieter day can stay closer to home, reading on the deck, taking a refreshing swim, or simply relaxing around the fire pit in the peaceful lakeside air. When it comes to outdoor activities, consider a day spent fishing in Cayuga Lake or Canandaigua Lake, kayaking around Seneca Lake, or boating on Keuka Lake.

This Finger Lakes vacation rental is designed for those who love both connection and calm—the kind of place where days are unhurried and evenings are spent gathered together by the water. With space for up to nine guests, pet-friendly accommodations for two dogs, and easy lake access, this charming lake home the perfect setting for making lasting Finger Lakes memories. Whether you’re here for a wine weekend, a family vacation, or simply to unwind in nature, you’ll find everything you need and more at Knotty and Nice. Book your stay today and discover why guests return year after year to this beloved Seneca Lake retreat!

Per New York state and county regulations, the occupancy for this property is strictly limited. The maximum occupancy stated on this listing is the number of guests allowed on the premises at any given time, including infants and children. This includes both day and overnight guests, no exceptions.

Note: 
1. Smoking is not allowed in any rental property. This includes vaping and e-cigarettes. 
2. Homes are not handicap accessible, unless stated in the description.
3. Air conditioning is not available unless listed as an amenity. If available, air conditioning is considered a seasonal amenity and is only available May 15 - October 15.
4. Where pets are allowed it is indicated. Otherwise, pets are not allowed. Homes are not guaranteed allergen-free, even those that do not allow pets.
5. Docking capabilities may vary based on current water levels. Docking is not guaranteed if water levels are low and/or high due to seasonal weather and climate changes.
6. Outdoor amenities, including furniture, watercraft and firepit are not available between October 15 - May 15.


Property Details Property Details
  • Boat Lift: Not Available
  • Nearest Launch: Smith Park
  • Vehicle Parking: 6 Spaces
  • Dock: 2' x 60' (Permanent)
  • Pet Restriction: 2 Dogs Allowed
  • Slope of Lot: Gradual
  • Steps to Beach: 6
  • Stairs to Property: 2
  • Sewer: Septic
  • Water Source: Well

Bed and Bath Bed and Bath
  • Bedroom 1 - Queen - Entry Level
  • Bedroom 2 - Queen - Entry Level
  • Bedroom 3 - Queen - Second Floor
  • Bedroom 4 - Queen,Twin Single - Second Floor
  • Bathroom 1 - Toilet,Shower - Entry Level
  • Bathroom 2 - Toilet - Second Floor

Amenities 38 Amenities
  • Accessibility Wheelchair Inaccessible
  • Cable/satellite TV
  • Central heating
  • Coffee Maker
  • Enhanced Cleaning Practices
  • Fireplace ( Decorative Only)
  • Grill ( Propane)
  • Heating ( Split Unit in Kitchen and 2 Downstairs Bedrooms)
  • Internet Access
  • Internet ( Wireless)
  • Microwave
  • Minimum Age Limit ( 25)
  • Oven
  • Parking space Accessible
  • Patio Or Balcony
  • Refrigerator
  • Shared Lakefront ( 72' (Natural/Shared))
  • Stove
  • Toaster
  • TV
  • Wifi
  • Deck Patio Uncovered
  • Fire Pit
  • Linens provided
  • Satellite or Cable
  • Smoking Not Allowed
  • Television
  • Towels provided
  • Wall A/C Unit ( Split Unit in Kitchen and 2 Downstairs Bedrooms)
  • Washer/Dryer

Reviews Rating 4.9 (17) Reviews
Rating 5
The view and the boating!
Frank P - Stay Date: 8/8/2025
Rating 5
The gorgeous Seneca lake!
Shannon C - Stay Date: 7/13/2025
Rating 5
Great place
Another great week at Knotty. We also have a great time here, large yard lake, great Host, comfortable. Can not wait for next year. Thank you John
Gwendolyn H from Corning NY - Stay Date: 7/1/2024
Rating 5
Great location near Watkins Glen. Home right on the lake was awesome!
Jeff J - Stay Date: 6/19/2024
Rating 5
Very quiet neighborhood!
The property was in a great location - level with the lake, no stairs, and great fire pit.
Lori K - Stay Date: 9/29/2023
Rating 5
Thank you flpp!
Great location, comfortable home!!
Sandra C - Stay Date: 10/13/2023
Rating 5
Great place and location
This was the first time at Seneca lake! We absolutely enjoyed the view, and the home
Sandra C - Stay Date: 10/13/2023
Thank you for the 5 star rating. We are pleased that you enjoyed your stay and we hope to see you again soon.
Finger Lakes Premier Properties staff
Posted: 1/29/2024
Rating 5
Rustic with a fantastic view

We were very happy with the property. It is older but clean. No water cooler as pictured and no dishwasher, although we were given dishwasher tabs???? Other than that, fire pit was great, access to water no stairs - beautiful.

Lori K from Buffalo, New York - Stay Date: 9/29/2023
Rating 5
Seneca sunsets

A great family getaway, with something for everyone - water fun, winery visits, museum stops, just hanging on the amazing deck, firepit storytelling and sunsets. Clean rooms, comfy seating, and a kitchen with everything necessary to make group meals. Thanks for a great time!

Cheryl E from Collingswood, New Jersey - Stay Date: 8/20/2023
Rating 5
Great Lake House

Perfect location for a lot of great wineries and breweries! Perfect place to come back to at the end of the day, sit on the large deck and enjoy the sunset over the lake. We will be back!!!

Shawn H from Bangor, Pennsylvania - Stay Date: 8/17/2023
Rating 5

Knotty and Nice is a lovely home on Seneca Lake.  We enjoyed the deck and lake views, and were very comfortable during our stay.

Susan M from Loudonville, New York - Stay Date: 6/16/2023
Rating 5
Vintage getaway

This was a perfectly pristine 70s vintage cottage with all the modern amenities. The view is perfect and worth a stay.

Duffy B from Carlisle, Pennsylvania - Stay Date: 6/21/2023
Rating 4
Weekend at Knotty and Nice

Four adults were very comfortable at Knotty and Nice, where we particularly enjoyed the deck and lake views. VRBO was extremely helpful to me when the property's management company caused confusion (confusing forms; contradictory info from different employees) during the reservation process.

Susan M from Loudonville, New York - Stay Date: 6/16/2023
Rating 5

The location was perfect! So close to wineries and Watkins Glen! We had amazing sun sets every night, and thoroughly enjoyed the huge dock on the water as well as the huge deck on the house. The area was so quiet and peaceful and the neighbors could not have been nicer!  It was a fabulous stay for my husband, elderly father, children, grandchildren and myself.   There were activities to do indoors and out, and cable TV's for rainy days.   Could not have been better!!

Mary-Lynn B from Pittsford, New York - Stay Date: 6/11/2022
Rating 5
Great for kids

We enjoyed our stay in the cabin! A bit of yard for the kids to run, a safe road, well-sized bedrooms, and well-stocked kitchen.

Meghan W from Boston, Massachusetts - Stay Date: 6/9/2023
Rating 5
Fingerlakes Girls Getaway

This is our 3rd year coming to the Fingerlakes for our annual girls trip and it did not disappoint! This was the closest we have been to our favorite winery and everything was only a couple minute drive to other establishments. The groundsmen was there to say hello and greet us and was super hospitable! The view was gorgeous and it was so nice to sit out on the deck. The only issue we had was the ants. Normally I am not bothered by bugs knowing we are in a lake setting and in a house with tons of wood floors, beams and walls, but the ants were pretty bad. I woke up to a few dead in my bed. And others had issues in their rooms also but just with bugs. Besides that it was a wonderful stay and clean and would come again!

Nicole G from Columbia Station, Ohio - Stay Date: 6/1/2023
Rating 5
Perfect name for the perfect get away home.
What a wonderful place to stay! Plenty of room for all of us. 4 Adults, 5 Kids(ages 3 to 16), and 2 dogs. This house on the lake is perfect! 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a wonderful front deck for relaxing and watching the water. Very nice kitchen that opened up to the living room if you need to hang out inside for any reason. Perfectly furnished with everything we needed and more. Large flat yard and just a few steps to the beach. We all enjoyed beach area on the lake and the walk up the creek to the waterfalls, even the dogs had fun. Highly recommend Knotty & Nice! We plan to go back next year.
David C from Barton, NY - Stay Date: 8/21/2021
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