Frequently Asked Questions
What's the maximum group size that can stay in the cabin?
The cabin has beds for 8 people. If you have a larger group, please contact us.
How many bedrooms and bathrooms in Paul's Cabin?
Four bedrooms, three bathrooms.
Is the cabin air-conditioned?
Yes, one of the few rentals on Skaneateles with central air. You'll find yourself outdoors a lot, however, as you'll be attracted to the gentle lake breezes on our property.
Is the cabin heated?
Yes, there is a furnace and a fireplace with a heatilator (works like a wood stove). We provide firewood.
Are linens provided?
Hotel quality fresh linens are dressed on our luxury grade hotel mattresses. So is soap, shampoo and bubble bath salts .... courtesy beach towels and blow dryer. The cabin is completely ready to enjoy when you arrive.
How private is it? I don't want noise and commotion.
You've come to the right place. The cabin is a mile off a country road, thru an oak forest to a quiet spot surrounded by preserved land with hills, gorges and streams that you can explore for miles. A perfect place for public figures to "get away".
Is Skaneateles a clean lake?
Skaneateles is rumored to be the 2nd purest lake in the world. It is the water supply for Central New York. Its' limestone floor and spring fed water make it so clean. Some locals drink the water right from the lake -- nonetheless, all of our great tasting water is purified.
Are boats allowed?
Absolutely. You'll need to launch your boat initially at the public boat launch or rent a boat from the Sailboat Shop, Skaneateles Marina or Sevey's Marina. Better yet, you can call the guest services at Skaneateles Suites (they manage our property) and they can make arrangements for you for Curt's Pontoon -- the best deal on the lake. You can moor your boat off our docks during your stay. (mooring provided) You can't, however, tie your boat to our dock as it will damage both your boat and our dock.
What about sunshine?
If you're the type who loves those hot, humid summer vacations with miserable children, then this isn't your type of vacation. Our property is positioned perfectly on the lake to enjoy the gentle lake breezes while the hills and trees filter the direct sunlight. Often times it can be 90 degrees in town, but with the shade and breeze it feels like 70 at the cabin.
But we want to tan.
OK, we do have a dedicated "open space" for those who have to have the sun (we don't). Check out the picture of our sun deck. .....pretty nice huh?
What will the kids do?
Our kids love to go to the cabin ..... to play outside in the woods and the lake. We love to see our kids with their "summer camp look" from campfires, swimming and playing in the woods. Our kids save the home theater, internet, books and games for rainy days and night time only. It's fun to see our kids play outside -- like we used to.
Is Skaneateles a popular vacation spot?
President and Hillary Clinton, movie stars and professional athletes have vacationed or live on Skaneateles. This exclusive lake has several grand estates on its' shores. It has a great village with quaint shops, boutiques and excellent restaurants. There are beaches, marinas, boat rentals, summer concerts, great ice cream and more.
I feel awkward staying in someone's "house".
We built, decorated and furnished the home with guests in mind. If you can visualize a lodge on a deserted island, then you're pretty close. We really feel that this is a unique experience.
I'm a neat freak.
So am I. If the cabin doesn't "sparkle" when you arrive, then we're disappointed. We researched many service companies and found an upscale hotel in town (Skaneateles Suites) who shares our demanding expectations. You won't find any finger prints on the windows or dust bunnies under the beds. The floors and surfaces shine and the beds are made with fresh hotel linens on new luxury grade hotel mattresses. We pay a premium for this service, but feel that it's worth it.
Any trees and wildlife?
You obviously haven't looked at the pictures on the web site. Our spot reminds us of Alaska. It is absolutely beautiful. The land is rugged, but that adds to the beauty. We're known as the "crazy people" who actually built a log home on an impossible building site. The oak forests surrounding the property are the home to deer, wild turkey, rabbits and raccoons.
Any lions and tigers and bears?
Oh my ... no.
How early should we make summer reservations?
It's hard to find rentals on the 15 mile lake. Usually, summer rentals are booked solid by early spring and we're receiving reservations a year in advance. (the response to our property has been overwhelming) There are not enough rental properties to meet demand ... especially upscale rentals.
Your rates seem expensive.
Paul's Cabin isn't for everyone. When you compare this home with what the "camps" and "cottages" in Skaneateles charge, then you'll agree that it's probably a bargain. We have targeted a very discerning clientele with unique tastes and interests.
Who is a typical guest?
You name it. We've had folks from California, Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, Oregon, Florida, and all the North Eastern States. We've even had guests find us from Canada and England as well as the local guests within a few hours drive. Guests from all occupations including a State Senator, a Federal Judge, College Professors, Lawyers, Doctors, CEOs, a Professional Musician...... Last year, we were completely sold out from Memorial Day to Thanksgiving.
What about fall availability?
Skaneateles Lake is a deep glacier lake and usually holds its warmth for some great fall swimming. If you love the change of seasons, then you will appreciate the mature fall colors, the wood fireplace, the wine country and nature's quiet voice.
Spring time?
It's glorious watching nature come alive in the spring. If you like to fish, the lake trout hit like crazy in April and May.
Exactly where is Skaneateles?
Skaneateles is one of New York's Finger Lakes, about 20 miles from Syracuse.
How do I get to Paul's Cabin?
That's the tricky part. We recommend four wheel drive in the summer, but it is virtually necessary in the Spring and Fall. We drive our two wheel drive car down there, but we know the roads. We make no promises.
What if I get lost in the middle of nowhere?
For this reason, we provide a personal escort appointment for check-in. The escort will lead you to the cabin (assuring you that "the drive" is safe), disarm the security systems and give you a hands-on tour of the cabin and its' workings. We also provide a detailed Cabin Instruction Manual so that you can enjoy all of the amenities that we provide.
I've seen your great pictures, but I'm concerned about safety for my little kids with the lake bluff.
So were we. Consequently we have finished construction on a boardwalk that spans the entire 200 feet of the lakefront property. It was designed to make our property safe to enjoy for our little ones and for your little ones. We still insist to our guests that they monitor their children since nothing is completely safe, particularly natural settings. We have really gone to great lengths to keep our property natural and safe.
Is the lake accessible for Grandma?
I told my builder that if, "by the grace of God, I am alive when I am 90 years old...... I want to walk down to the lake". The boardwalk was built with this in mind. There are long, level walking spans, with gradual steps mixed in throughout. We consider the boardwalk the coup de grace of our beautiful retreat. It adds safety and a level feel to the property that is built into the side of a forested mountain.
May we bring pets to the cabin?
Sorry, no.
But my dog is perfect. He's small and house trained and never causes any problems.
That's what they all say. Get a dog sitter.... absence will make the heart grow fonder.
Is smoking allowed in the cabin?
Again, no.
Will you know the difference?
Yes we will. My brother owns the cabin next door and we have a special smoking detector in the home as part of the security system which will alert us that you've been smoking. When you see the cabin, you'll know why we're so fussy. Any de-fumigation necessary will be deducted from your deposit. Non smokers will appreciate the original log smell of our "fresh" cabin.
I don't want to relax so much that I get fat.
I can appreciate that. As a fitness enthusiast, I have a fitness gym in the basement with cardio and weight equipment. I think that you'll get plenty of exercise hiking around the property.
Is the kitchen stocked?
Just bring food. Stove, refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher, toaster, cooking utensils, dishes and coffee maker are all included. So are the little things, like salt/pepper, spices, condiments, dishwasher and laundry detergent, paper products, napkins, dish and paper dish towels, star bucks coffee and a few other surprises. We just ask that our guests work together, to restock items when they run out so that everyone can share in the convenience.
Starbucks?
A cup of fresh ground star bucks coffee at 6:00 AM, while rocking quietly on the front porch is worth the price of admission itself.
Washer/Dryer?
Yes/Yes
Any modern communications?
A home theater in the basement includes projection system, surround sound, DVD and VCR. We even provide the popcorn. Also, Wi-Fi internet service ... you can bring your laptop and "know-how". Telephone with local service. You'll need a calling card for long distance as most cell phones don't work "down there" (we see that as a positive).
Barbeque Grill?
Yes and a campfire pit. We provide charcoal, lighter fluid, matches and firewood. We decided against the gas grill to force you to start a fire and do a little "camping".
We want to fish.
Great. You can even eat the fish from the pristine waters of Skaneateles. Most rainbow trout are 2-3lb class, but some 25-30 lb lake trout have been taken. (Skaneateles is so deep, that we have some of the biggest lakers in the U.S.) We can recommend a charter service, or you can fish right off the dock.
What about bugs?
None of those black flies that invade the Adirondacks. The man who sold us the property three years ago told us at the time that there were no bugs (which, of course, we didn't believe). After spending time there, we can say that it is indeed practically "bug-less".
How about swimming?
The limestone floor of Skaneateles means no mud or gunk -- nice clean swimming.
What, no pool?
Our pool is 15 miles long, a mile wide, two hundred feet deep and fifty feet from the cabin with no chlorine or salt water. Life's rough.
How do you pronounce Skaneateles?
Skan--ee--atlas.
How come I've never heard of Skaneateles?
Sometimes the finest things in life are purposely kept secret. Also, since it is such a desirable location, there really aren't a lot of quality rental spots. It hasn't become a tourist trap. Skaneateles is a beautiful, upscale town -- especially in the summertime.
We don't want to do anything! We're coming there to relax!
That's exactly the point. It's a great place to forget the hustle and bustle of daily life. After you pick up a few groceries, the cabin has everything you need to slow down as you rejuvenate your soul. You will leave feeling relaxed and refreshed..... guaranteed.
Your cabin sounds beautiful.
Thanks, we're glad you like it. But what's the question?
Sorry, I guess I meant, where do we sign up? How do we get started?
Easy ... . just drop an E-mail (click) and we will walk you through the process. We're really good about returning emails promptly.
Paul's Cabin on Skaneateles Lake, NY
updated October 03, 2008
