Located in the beautiful historic hamlet of Essex, NY, "The Edge" is a lovely four bedroom home perched over Lake Champlain. At the waters edge, this Adirondack retreat has a large deck overlooking the lake, and water views from almost every room. In fact, the primary bedroom and bath boasts expansive views of the lake and Green Mountains to the East. Scenic country side, winding roads, and wooded trails are nearby for the active guest, or just sit back on the deck or in the hammock and relax! At "The Edge", life is easy. It is decorated in an Adirondack motif with comfortable couches and chairs. A selection of 4 bikes are available for you to cruise into town, or for a longer adventure, ride through the local rolling hills. Lake access via a set of steel stairs so you can enjoy swimming or taking out our canoe, 3 kayaks, or 2 person kayak. Bring water shoes as the rocks can be slippery. Dock will be in soon. For those fun, fire-side evenings or unfortunate rainy days, you'll find an array of board games, books, and puzzles to enjoy. We are right on the lake and we have lots of trees around the property, in fact a large Arborvitae (cedar tree) grows through part of our expansive deck. There is a ceiling fan outside under the roof of the deck for a perpetual cool breeze, if need be. Light up the propane fire pit in the evening for a pleasant and relaxing end of the day. On many mornings and evenings, enjoy the distinctive sound of our resident loons that swim and dive just off shore. We rarely see mosquitoes and black flies. (I have not encountered any in the 4 years we have owned the lake house). There's a 3 burner Weber grill on the deck for your use. Please make sure you clean it after you use it. There is a double railed steel set of stairs leading to the lake. It is a long run of stairs ( we are located 30 feet above the lake level) It is available for your use. The stairs are south of the shed. We do not take responsibility for the use of the stairs. Caution needs to be used with children when accessing the lake. The staircase is long and steep. No fooling around or stepping off the side of the staircase. Liability rests with the user. There are 3 single kayaks and one double person kayak. You may use them at your own risk. Make sure the seats and paddles are brought back up to the shed and kayaks are secure. Please wear life jackets that are provided. This is a big and cold lake with ever changing weather and waves. BE RESPONSIBLE. We have second cottage next door to the lake house that John and I use on weekends only. The whole house and property is open for your enjoyment. Just a short 30 minute ferry ride away, we live in Charlotte, Vermont and are available for any questions or concerns you may have during your stay. We have a second cottage next to the lake available, if something comes up that requires our attention. Essex, NY is considered one the most preserved historical hamlets in the United States. It is just a 10- 15 min walk into the town. There are a great number of little shops. The Pink Pig Boutique is a beautiful shop with furniture, clothing, jewelry, and many decorative items, attached to a coffee, breakfast, sandwich shop. Enjoy a local microbrewery beer or wine at newly renovated The Barn Door Tavern which was originally the historic town fire station. A lovely original designed A&R clothing store (by NY fashion designer Jon Michael) with beautiful jewelry and other unique items. An art gallery, book store, and several other shops also in town. Stroll through the streets and take in all the beautiful historic homes found in this lovely hamlet. The kids and swimmers will enjoy a trip to Beggs Park. One of our favorite restaurants, the "Essex Inn" ” are in town and "Turtle Island Cafe" is a short 5 mile drive into the town of Willsboro. We also enjoy Indian Bay Marina in Willsboro. For a fancier meal experience try the Upper Deck at the Marina in Willsboro Bay or head to Westport and eat at the Westport Yacht Club. There's the Wilton tavern at the Golf Course in Westport for a casual lunch or dinner. If you are heading towards the mountains - stop by the Dogwood Cafe in Wadhams. Elizabeth has a nice restaurant at Deer head Inn. If you just want to experience great food to bring home , then head to the Hub on the Hill for local bread, milk, yogurt, ice cream, vegetables, prepared meals and so much more. Great hiking awaits close by and in the Adirondack Park, as well as enjoyable swimming and fishing in the Bouquet River. The CAT (Champlain area trails) have walks, hikes, biking, xc skiing for all ages and levels. On the opposite site of the road we are on, we have a new CAT trail which was the Essex quarry-- a lovely walk through to the quarry and several loops on the property. Take a ride across the lake to Vermont and visit the Shelburne Museum and/or the Shelburne Farms with acres and acres of walking trails right on the lake with stunning views, and visit the historic house and barns. Burlington is also a nice town on the lake with some fabulous restaurants and a 20 mile bike ride along the lake. While at the Edge you'll find plenty of brochures and booklets to help plan your days. For those looking to explore the surrounding area, the Edge is located an hour ride from Lake Placid and a half hour ferry ride to Charlotte, Vermont. From the ferry in Vermont-- you can enjoy Shelburne Farms and/or Museum just 15 minutes away. In 30 minutes could be in Burlington enjoying shopping, great restaurants and great activities that the small college town has to offer. Split Rock (about a 10 min drive south) has many trails to walk with views from several vantage points. While relaxing on the deck with a drink watching the water fowl, boats, and ever changing views of the Green Mountains, you will find yourself leaving your care and worries behind. We have some of the best views of the lake and the Green Mountain chain of all the camps in our area and our Lake House is decked out with appropriate Adirondack furniture and art work. We have air conditioning in two upstairs bedrooms, the master bedroom and one in the living room and a large ceiling fan in both master bedroom and living room. Portable fans are available throughout the the house. A 6 person limit for our house, unless we are notified in advance with an additional charge of $50 per person per night. EXTREMELY IMPORTANT: It is essential that nothing but our toilet paper goes into the toilet. We have a septic system and there could be costly repairs if flushable wipes, tissues or certain toilet papers go into the tank. Thank you! No smoking on the premises or in the house.