Welcome to “Firefly,” a beautiful year-round cottage in the southern Adirondacks with water views from every room.

Built in the 1920’s at the junction of East and West Caroga Lakes, and completely renovated in 2004, this architectural gem features a great room, two sun porches, a spacious deck and large yard. It sleeps 8 in three charming bedrooms and a sleeping loft.

Renovated from the ground up, with all new utility systems, “Firefly’s” vintage character has been enhanced with modern features from a gourmet eat-in kitchen to lighting on dimmer switches. Its fine woodwork includes hand-oiled mahogany floors and wide window-sills built like the arms of Adirondack chairs to hold a drink or book. Oversized sliding glass doors and contemporary window walls combine with multi-paned windows, French doors and a sunshine yellow cathedral ceiling to flood the rooms with glowing light.

The GREAT ROOM alone has 17 windows with views of both lakes and the tracery of leaves and an ever-changing sky. The dramatic cathedral ceiling has four fans and a bank of traditional schoolhouse lights. An 8x8 glass door leads to the south-facing DECK, furnished with all-weather wicker. The private, fenced yard has a croquet lawn, picnic table, gas grill and outdoor fireplace with Adirondack chairs for storytelling and star gazing. Broad flagstone walkways edge the level lawns; plantings include colorful window boxes, lilac hedges, a rose-covered arbor and borders of peonies and hostas. A driveway provides parking for a maximum of 3 cars.

The great room’s sitting area has a comfortable L-shaped sofa upholstered in plush microsuede, cushioned wicker chairs, gas fireplace, unique pink leather desk, and entertainment center with basic cable TV, DVD, VCR, CD. Wireless high speed internet is provided for your laptop computer. Vintage bridge lamps provide reading light.

The great room’s spacious, well-stocked kitchen has an island with breakfast bar. It is fully equipped with gas stove, refrigerator with ice-maker, dishwasher, and double sink with drainboard. A country cupboard serves as pantry, supplementing ample cabinet storage. There’s a breakfast and beverage center with stainless steel counter, bar sink, coffee grinder, coffee maker, microwave, toaster, blender, food processor and recycling bins.

The dining area’s oak table seats 12, with attractive china and glassware.

The bedrooms are airy and bright, with ceiling fans, sheer curtains and blinds for maximum control of light, air, privacy and water views. Each room has vintage-style floral wallpaper, reading lights, antique beds, dressers and bedside tables, charming accessories, feather pillows, down comforters, fleece blankets, and vintage coverlets. You provide sheets, pillowcases and towels, or use ours for an additional fee.

The south-facing master bedroom, with queen brass bed and painted cottage dresser, has a beamed ceiling and beadboard walls. Glass sliders lead to a tile-floored sun-porch with sleeper-sofa, gas fireplace, and 11 windows, creating a master suite with lake views. Custom draperies on the sliders provide privacy and the potential for using the sun porch as a separate bedroom.

The “Finns & Flo” twin bedroom, with two cream-colored antique iron beds, has amusing dog-themed accessories in honor of the owners’ favorite pets.

The “Anna Schmidt” queen bedroom, named for the seamstress who stitched an 1882 sampler hanging in this east-facing bedroom, has a blue painted iron bed tucked in an alcove with bedside shelves, a quaint painted dresser and rocker.

An oak library ladder leads to the adults-only sleeping loft with queen bed overlooking the great room. It has sunrise lake views from the dormered window seat.

The Asian-themed bathroom has a pedestal sink, mirrored window, crackle-glazed vintage dresser, and shower/tub with hand-held shower massage.

The game room, with two walls of windows, is furnished with painted wicker and classic mid-century rattan. Board games and a second television make this an ideal designated “kids’ room.” In winter, it provides storage for snow-sports gear.

It’s a short walk across the road, down an unpaved country lane and a well-marked path to the dock with aluminum rowboat. (Kayaks and a canoe may be rented for an additional fee.) Shallow water with a sandy bottom makes this a great place for children to play and swim –– Adirondack chairs are provided for watchful parents. A panaromic view of West Caroga Lake, surrounding hills, and the vintage carousel and Ferris wheel of historic Sherman’s Park is picturesque.

Additionally, “Firefly” has beach rights at a private association swimming beach on East Caroga Lake, a 3 minute drive.

Outdoor activities span the seasons with swimming, boating, fishing, water skiing, golf, hiking, mountain biking, ice fishing, snow shoeing, snowmobiling, downhill and cross-country skiing all available locally.

Essential services are within walking distance. From Caroga Lake it’s 15 minutes to Gloversville, 30 minutes to the NY State Thruway, an hour or so to Saratoga, Cooperstown, Lake George and Albany, and four hours to NYC, Boston, Niagara Falls and Montreal.

RENTAL RATES

July and August: $1,700 per week (Saturday to Saturday)

September-June $1,300 per week or $275 per night with 2 night minimum.

Inquire about special fall foliage or ski season package rates.

Additional fee for kayak and canoe rentals.