"Sunset" is a deeply romantic getaway and serene year-round destination for writers, artists, nature lovers and all who appreciate the beauty and gentle pleasures of a quiet Adirondack lake. Located on Pleasant Lake in the accessible southern Adirondacks, “Sunset” is named for its western views from every room and three levels of sunny, furnished decks. This lovingly detailed lakefront cottage has been completely remodeled and furnished for 2006. It accommodates six, with a queen master bedroom, queen sleeping loft and queen living room sleeper-sofa, and is particularly suitable for adults and older children.

“Sunset’s” stunning lake views, framed by magnificent pines, include two islands and the daily light show of the setting sun. Sunrise, reflected in the lake, is equally beautiful. An Adirondack swing is a romantic spot for sky-gazing. At lakeside, a ladder and diving board offer easy entry into deep, clear water. A rowboat is provided seasonally; kayaks are available for an additional fee. In winter, we provide snowshoes for trekking the frozen lake.

"Sunset’s” light, airy open-plan living space includes a living room and lakefront dining room with vaulted ceilings and a full-size eat-in kitchen. A lakefront master bedroom, sleeping loft, bathroom and entry hall complete the interior.

From the relaxed comfort of country antiques mixed with casual new classic furniture, to generous windows and the warm mood of vintage lighting set on dimmer switches, exceptional care went into every detail of “Sunset’s” design. Floral hooked rugs soften pine floors; ceiling fans enhance lake breezes. A Jotul gas fireplace keeps "Sunset" toasty through Adirondack winters, takes the chill off brisk spring and autumn mornings, adds a glow to any evening.

The living room’s plush sofa and rattan furniture plumped with sumptuous down cushions and cozy throws create flexible groupings for pleasant conversation and quiet entertainment. Vintage bridge lamps and sconces provide bright reading light, while a glass-topped coffee table is perfect for Scrabble or another of the classic board games we provide along with a selection of guidebooks, magazines, cd’s and videos. The tv/dvd can be viewed from almost anywhere in the cottage. Sheer drapes drawn between living and dining rooms create intimate spaces or privacy for guests using the sleeper sofa.

The lakefront dining room radiates light from two picture windows set in sunny yellow walls. Fireplace flames, mirrored arches and a shimmering Italian chandelier add to the lake’s sparkle. An antique table seats six; vintage pastel Lu-Ray dinnerware, floral Bavarian serving pieces, reproduction “French ivory” cutlery, and crystal wine & champagne glasses set a sophisticated and romantic table.

Two rocking chairs are ideal for bird watching. A deck spanning the front of the cottage is furnished for warm weather al fresco dining, with a patio heater extending the season.

The highlight of the fully-equipped eat-in kitchen, charmingly fitted with new and vintage elements, is its aqua 1950’s electric range with double ovens, which inspired "boomerang" formica surfaces. A double-basined, skirted farmhouse sink is deep enough for a lobster pot. Display shelving offers easy storage above enameled cupboards. A dishwasher makes wash-up a breeze. The refrigerator is equipped with icemaker; a cooler of local spring water supplements the drilled well. A stainless-steel gas grill is steps away outside the entrance.

The kitchen is well-equipped with sharp knives, stainless pots, cast-iron skillets, handy gadgets, microwave, 4-slice toaster, blender, rice cooker. A coffee-bar by the sink offers coffee grinder and maker, electric teakettle and mugs. Bakers will love the Kitchen-Aid mixer and full complement of baking pans. A breakfast counter has vintage metal stools, freshly powder-coated in ice-cream enamels.

An intimate ambience unusual in a kitchen is created with pendant task-lights on dimmers and soft strip-lighting behind the crown molding of the low, exposed-beam ceiling. Above a pine table with press-backed oak chairs, festive baubles animate a tole chandelier.

Antique porch posts support the LAKEVIEW SLEEPING LOFT, suitable for adults or older children. Reached by a sturdy library ladder, with a curtained privacy railing (please note the railing is not structurally supportive and must not be leaned against), the cozy loft has a queen bed set against a rustic log wall, antique bedside dressers and reading lights flanking a window with whimsical pediment. The peaked ceiling, textured and sponged in an abstract swirl of sky and clouds, features a stained-glass star lantern.

It is hard to say which is the focal point of the romantic lakefront master bedroom – the spectacular views or the Adirondack fantasy bed. White birch trees form a canopy of branches shimmering with tiny white lights above the queen-size bed. Windows spanning three walls flood the room with light. A view-reflecting mirror, French door and sky-blue ceiling add to the feeling of being almost outdoors in this serene, luxuriously comfortable bedroom. Rattan chairs share panoramic views with a window seat built from an antique chest. Vintage glass feathers and flowers on a mahogany dresser continue the glittering theme of the beautifully illuminated room. Bedside tables, halogen reading lights, lamps, ceiling fan, and plush woolly white rugs complete the furnishings. A walk-in cedar closet accommodates hanging clothes for both bedroom and loft.

Luxury linens at “Sunset” include down duvets, feather pillows and soft fleece blankets. You may provide sheets, pillowcases and towels, or rent ours for an additional fee.

The bathroom features a tub with “rain” showerhead, and a pedestal sink and toilet set below a mirrored wall with shelves and medicine cabinet. Amenities include a magnifying mirror and hair dryer. An on-demand water heater supplies plenty of hot water. During the warmer months, “Sunset” offers the treat of a hot outdoor shower.

The entrance hallway is an all-weather mudroom, with hooks, boot-trays and bench for removing and storing outdoor gear. Because “Sunset “ has a “no shoes” policy, guests are requested to wear slippers, socks or bare feet in the house.

“Sunset” is a quick walk from our ample parking area off a maintained dirt road. All-wheel or 4-wheel drive or chains may be required in winter.

"Sunset" is an ideal base camp for outdoor activities in every season. Swim, fish and boat from our deep, clear waterfront. Hike or mountain bike on nearby trails leading to lakes, fishing streams and mountaintops. Several golf courses, and spectactor sports including motocross, NASCAR and horseracing, are within easy distance. In winter, "Sunset" comes with three sets of traditional snowshoes and poles for trekking frozen Pleasant Lake. Downhill and cross-country skiing, ice-skating, ice-fishing and miles of Adirondack wilderness trails for hiking and snowmobiling are all within minutes.

With no commercial facilities and few year-round cottages, Pleasant Lake feels peacefully remote; yet necessities are available nearby. A local roadhouse serves delicious food three minutes away. Convenience stores, gas, restaurants, bars, espresso and the Sunday NY "Times" are within 5 miles; all the services of a city are within 20. In a region bountiful with natural beauty, historic sites, museums, antiquing, music venues and family fun, daytrip destinations include Saratoga Springs, Cooperstown, Lake George, and the Albany Capital Region.

“Sunset” is centrally located at the southern rim of the Adirondack Park, just a 4 hour drive from Boston, Montreal, Buffalo and New York, 80 minutes from Albany International Airport.

RENTAL RATES

July & August: $1700 per week, from 6 p.m. Friday to 11 a.m. the following Friday.

September-June: $1300 per week or $275 per night with 2 night minimum.

Inquire about special fall foliage, winter sport or spring season “getaway” rates.

Additional fee for kayak and canoe rentals.