Summary:
Some places just feel like home. Grammy's Lake House on Lake Pocotopaug is one of them — a 100-year-old lakefront home with a private dock, wraparound porch, and rocking chairs waiting for you. Coffee's on. The lake is right there. Come slow down.
3 bedrooms, private dock, kayaks, game shed, grill, and a porch where the sunrise stops you cold. Perfect for families, reunions, and weekend escapes in Connecticut's most scenic lake town.
The Space:
Grammy's Lake House sleeps 7 across 3 spacious bedrooms, each with a queen bed and lake views that make it hard to leave in the morning. Extra sleeping options — a pullout sofa, air mattresses, and a cot — mean everyone stays comfortable no matter the crew.
But the real magic happens outside.
Morning starts on your favorite front porch. Coffee in hand, rocking chair beneath you, Lake Pocotopaug stretched out in front of you catching the early light. No agenda. No rush. Just the water, the birds, and the kind of quiet that reminds you why you left home in the first place. Grammy took her coffee here every single morning — and once you do it once, you'll understand why.
When everyone's ready to move, the private dock is calling. Launch the kayaks, jump in for a swim, or just sit with your feet over the edge and watch the lake do its thing.
Come evening, the massive back deck becomes the heart of the house. Fire up the propane grill, pull up to the 8-foot picnic table, and eat outside under the open sky the way summer meals were meant to be eaten. Adirondack chairs circle the fire pit for when dinner turns into stories, stories turn into s'mores, and nobody wants the night to end.
The game shed keeps the fun going all day — cornhole, bocce, frisbees, and more waiting for whoever wants to play. Nearly an acre of open yard gives the kids room to roam and the adults room to breathe.
Inside, the fully stocked kitchen is ready for everything from lazy waffle breakfasts to full holiday dinners. The large dining room table fits the whole group. The living room has board games, streaming on every TV, and enough cozy seating that rainy days feel like a gift.
3 bedrooms. A dock. A fire pit. A game shed. A porch that'll ruin all other porches for you. Grammy built something special here — and she'd love knowing you're enjoying every inch of it.
Guest Access:
Grammy's Lake House is yours to enjoy fully — inside and out. Here's everything included in your stay:
Inside the home, guests have full access to all three floors — every bedroom, bathroom, the living room, sitting areas, dining room, and fully stocked kitchen. The washer and dryer are available for your use, and laundry detergent is provided.
On the porch and deck, the wraparound front porch with rocking chairs and the massive back deck with the 8-foot picnic table, Adirondack chairs, grill, and fire pit are all yours from the moment you arrive to the moment you check out.
In the yard, nearly an acre of open space is available for games, lounging, and letting the kids run. The game shed — stocked with cornhole, bocce, frisbees, and more — is open for guests to use anytime.
On the water, guests have access to the private dock and the canoe and kayaks for paddling on Lake Pocotopaug. We just ask one simple, non-negotiable rule: anyone on the water or using the dock must wear a life jacket at all times. Life jackets are provided on property. The lake is beautiful — and we want you to enjoy it safely, just the way Grammy always insisted.
Parking is plentiful with ample space in the driveway for multiple vehicles — no stress, no permits needed.
What's reserved for ownership use: the basement, attic, garage, and one storage shed are private and not accessible to guests.
When in doubt about anything during your stay — just message us. We're always close by and happy to help make your time at Grammy's everything it should be.
The Neighborhood:
NEIGHBORHOOD OVERVIEW — Grammy's Lake House
East Hampton, Connecticut is one of those places that still feels like small-town America — and that's exactly the point.
You're sitting on Lake Pocotopaug, a stunning 512-acre freshwater lake that's been the heart of this community for generations. The name comes from the Algonquian phrase for "lake with pierced rock," and on a clear morning when the mist is still sitting on the water, you'll understand why people have been coming here for over a century.
Right down the road: Sears Park
The town's crown jewel is just minutes away. Sears Park sits right on the lake and features a sandy beach, boat launch, pickleball courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, and pavilions — all brand new and beautifully kept. In summer it comes alive with families, live music, and the kind of easy, unhurried energy that makes you want to stay another week. For families with kids, the park also runs Sears Park Summer Camp (grades K–7) from June through August — supervised swimming with ARC-certified lifeguards, field trips, special guests, and full days of fun. Little ones have their own "Little Wonders" camp. It's right down the road and genuinely fantastic.
Hit the trails
The Air Line State Park Trail starts practically in town and stretches 50+ miles across eastern Connecticut. It's flat, scenic, and gorgeous in every season — walkers, joggers, cyclists, and families all share it peacefully. In fall, the foliage along the trail is the kind of thing people drive hours for. For more adventurous hikers, Hurd State Park (stunning Connecticut River views, mountain biking, picnicking), Salmon River State Forest (the legendary 6.9-mile Blue-Blazed trail plus the historic Comstock Covered Bridge), and Meshomasic State Forest are all within 15 minutes. AirLine Cycles in downtown East Hampton rents bikes and runs group trail rides if you want a guide.
On the water
The Happiest Paddler offers kayak and paddleboard rentals right on the lake for guests who want to explore beyond the dock. The lake is perfect for swimming, paddling, and lakeside lounging — just note that a CT fishing license is required if you plan to cast a line (bass, trout, and perch are well stocked).
Eating and drinking
Downtown East Hampton is 2 miles away and genuinely charming. Favorites include Angelico's Lake House Restaurant (waterfront dining, tiki bar, live music — a summer staple), the Lakeside Bar & Grill (chef-driven menu with bold flavors), Black Walnut Bakery (get there early before the pastries sell out), Rossini's for homemade Italian, and Po's Rice and Spice — voted best Thai food in Connecticut. For a longer evening out, Arrigoni Winery is 20 minutes away for live music and sunset tastings.
Day trips worth making
Brownstone Exploration & Discovery Park in nearby Portland is an adventure park in a retired quarry — cliff jumping, zip-lining, water obstacles — perfect for older kids and adults. The Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center ("The Kate") in Old Saybrook hosts live music, indie films, and theater about 35 minutes away. Goodspeed Opera House is a beloved Connecticut institution for Broadway-style shows. And in fall, Pumpkintown USA just outside town is a family tradition — pumpkin-headed characters, hayrides, and all the New England autumn magic you came for.
A note from Grammy
East Hampton isn't loud. It's not a tourist trap. There's no neon or noise. What there is — is a lake that goes quiet at dusk, a Main Street that still feels like 1955, trails that go on forever, and neighbors who wave. Grammy loved it here for a reason. We think you will too.
Getting Around:
You can park for free in the driveway, on-site. Best way to get around is by car or bike, while walking is also used by folks in the neighborhood.
Other Things to Note:
Grammy's Lake House is a 100-year-old historic home — her character, creaks, and charm are part of what makes her special. Guests who love authenticity, history, and a genuinely lived-in feeling tend to never want to leave.
The front porch is the heart of the house. Rocking chairs, panoramic lake views, and enough quiet to actually hear yourself think. Grammy's favorite spot — and it'll probably become yours too.
If your stay includes a Tuesday, please bring the trash and recycling bins to the street in the morning. Green bin for trash, blue for recycling — both by the garage.
For safety: three exterior security cameras are on property — rear driveway, side of house, and front door.
Note on bathrooms: the home has 2 full bathrooms with showers upstairs and 1 half-bath (toilet only) downstairs.
Interaction with Guests:
We're hands-off so you can fully unwind — but always just a message away. Expect resonably fast responses and everything arranged before you arrive so you can walk in and immediately feel at home. Grammy would have had it no other way.