10 Things to Look for When Renting a Lake House
After so many months of self-isolation, many people are hoping to salvage some sort of normalcy and go on a summer vacation with their family. Many people are not crazy about the idea of going to a hotel and being surrounded by other people. So what could be the solution? A lake house! Are people renting lake houses? Absolutely! We own a rental property on a lake and we were worried that everyone would cancel their reservations for this summer. Not only has no one canceled, but we even have 6 families on a wait list. It’s a great alternative to a hotel because you have your own space and don’t have to worry about being in contact with people other than your family. If you are looking to rent a lake house, there are some things you need to consider. I wrote this article a few summers ago and have updated it with specific tips about COVID-19.
LOCATION
Location can make or break a trip. There are lots of things to consider. Is the house on a quiet bay or on a channel where boats will constantly be going by? Is it lakefront, lake view, or away from the water but with lake access? It’s also good to know a little about the lake itself. Is the house located near a sandbar that’s know for it’s crowds? You may want to ask how close the neighbors are.
AMENITIES
When renting, you’ll find some houses with tons of amenities and some that give you the bare minimum. Do they have kayaks or canoes there that you can use? Do they have beach chairs or floats? Many houses now offer bikes, beach chairs, and sand toys you can use. Ask what supplies you’ll need to bring, like sheets. This summer we are no longer providing blankets, comforters, or pillows like we have in the past.
SWIMMING AREA
When you think of the lake you picture swimming, but not all waterfronts are what you’d envision. Many are mucky with lots of weeds and rocks. (I’m kind of fanatic about sand. It has to be pretty pristine for my feet to touch it without being grossed out.) You may want to look for a sandy beach where you can plop a beach chair and get your toes in the water for the afternoon. Make sure the house has a private beach. I know I would not feel comfortable sharing it with other families.
OUTDOOR SPACE
We spend most of our time outdoors when we’re at the lake so it’s good to have a nice outdoor area. Are there spots to relax like a hammock or Adirondack chairs where you can lose yourself in a good book? Is there a fire pit where you can roast s’mores at the end of the day? If you are traveling with young kids or elderly parents, is there easy access to the water?
AREA ATTRACTIONS
Although you may never actually leave the house, it’s always nice to have options in the area. Are there tourist attractions nearby? Are there places to go hiking? Are there grocery stores nearby in case you forgot something? (Trust me…at the lake I’m 17 miles from the nearest grocery store. It’s a pain in the butt!) Many attractions may not be open this summer and many restaurants will only do take out. Make sure you call ahead or check their website before you go.
CAN YOU RENT BIG TOYS
The lake is especially fun if you have toys. I don’t mean a shovel and pail…I’m talking big toys! Is there somewhere on the lake where you can rent a boat or jet ski? It’s a great time to test things like paddle boards before you invest big money into them.
DOCK
If you do have a boat during your vacation, make sure you have somewhere to put it. Does the house have a dock or mooring you can use? Is there a slip at the marina you can rent?
SPACE
No one like to be on top of each other while traveling. I seem to stress that a lot. (I swear I love my kids…but I love them even more when we have our own space!) Does the house give everyone space to spread out?
KITCHEN
Although it’s great to eat out while on vacation, I love to cook while at the lake. We grill almost every night and pair it with vegetables from the local farmer’s market. Everything tastes better when it’s eaten outside. Just last night we were on our porch and a young bald eagle watched us from a tree during our dinner. Does it get any better than that? Make sure the house has a grill and all the things you’ll need to make meals.
PETS
I know my sweet little guys loves nothing more than being with us at the lake and I wish all rentals allowed pets. (I get why they don’t…my guy is a wet sandy mess by the end of the day.) Check their policies because many more lake house rentals are lenient with pets.
Extra tips during COVID-19:
Lots of people are working from home right now, so make sure the house has good Wi-Fi and phone service.
Check the cancellation policy before you book. You never know what the future holds. Do they give a full refund if you don’t feel comfortable traveling?
CLEANLINESS is a critical element in a rental. Ask what products they use for cleaning. What extra measures are being taken? (Are they paying close attention to high traffic areas like door knobs and faucet handles?)
Do your food shopping ahead of time at your local grocery store so you are not overwhelming smaller towns.
Ask if they have a self check-in and check-out method to avoid contact. Many places have keypads or lock boxes.
Check with government guidelines of the state and stay in compliance. Be prepared for the unknown. If there is a second wave, the state might not allow short term rentals again.
Be smart about where in the world you’re renting. Are there any travel advisories in that location. Is it really worth the risk or is there somewhere safer you can go?
NO MATTER WHAT YOU CHOOSE, HAVE AN AMAZING SUMMER FULL OF ADVENTURES!
What do you look for when renting a lake house?
What are your favorite lakes to vacation on?
