WOW views for Christmas? Dock! Grill! Firepit! Hot-tub! Pets ok!

Less than 1 1/2 hrs from Atlanta or an hour from UGA in Athens, you'll find much to do here at Lakeside Family Retreat all year round. (Click "View More".) From the back porch of this airy a-frame, enjoy the quiet sunrise over the lake with your morning coffee. Catch the WOW views from much of the house and watch occasional passing boats from our jasmine-covered gazebo's 'back porch' swing. There's a sand box with stairs into the water and the glider on our private dock is a favorite roost for sunbathers and evening sunset watchers. Paddle our Old Town canoe to a nearby cove. If its warm, swim, float, fish, boat or picnic. In cooler weather, our fireplace, fire-pit and hot tub add to the 'cabin in the woods' feel. The gas grill and full kitchen are always available; restaurants are nearby, or meals can be delivered, if you just don't feel like cooking.

We're always improving. Check out our new patio; we've re-carpeted the loft, put in a bar and upgraded the primary bath; other renovations in the works. Come see what's changed!

Jet skis, pontoons and other boats can be rented from various places and we're a short walk from the Sun Life Marina (formerly Waterfront on Lake Oconee) with its public boat ramp. Some boat rental agencies will drop off there for a fee. Good shopping and antiquing can be found in neighboring Madison, Eatonton and Greensboro. A multiplex movie theater is about 15 minutes away near a Publix grocery store. And you'll be within 10-15 minutes of restaurants like the Mellow Mushroom, Silver Moon or El Agave. The Ritz Carlton complex is about 20 minutes away if you feel like a cocktail on their veranda. Several golf courses, tennis centers, hiking and biking trails and other sports activities are within that same 10-20 minute range, though what is open and available for public use may vary with the season. Within 40 minutes are places catering to shooting and hunting enthusiasts, off-road vehicles, horseback riding, archery and other outdoor adventures. There is an Uncle Remus Museum nearby in Eatonton and 'Andulusia,' the home of Flannery O'Conner, is in Milledgeville.

Parking, vehicles and boats: Our carport, driveway and parking area will accommodate a maximum total of six vehicles, including boat trailers. RV's are prohibited by local ordinance. Up to two boats can be moored at our private dock. Please don't drive across our grass; public boat ramp is at Sun Life Marina, where you turn onto our dirt road.

Pets: The owner approves pets individually; guests are asked for details on breed, age and weight. Our limit is usually two. Local Putnam County Ordinances require dogs to be leashed or otherwise contained at all times.

Baby on board? We have a "Pack N Play On the Go" for guest use. Let us know you need it. Also rent cribs, car seats, strollers, toys and more from BabyQuip! As seen on Shark Tank, BabyQuip offers clean, sanitized, and safe baby gear in over 650 cities! Visit https://www.babyquip.com/a/5yk9tl to make a reservation. They will provide freshly cleaned and insured baby equipment delivered to the lake house and pick it up when you depart. Check prices with the Athens store to decide if they are affordable for you. The link above provides a 10% discount to our guests.

Please note: Our electric boat lift is not in service. But there are cleats to tie up on the dock and the water there is always 5'-6' deep. Power is still on at the dock.

The nightly rate VRBO shows at the top of the inquiry box is the rental rate paid to the owner. But be sure to click "Price details' to get the complete picture including taxes, cleaning and fees paid to VRBO.

OUR APPROACH
At Lakeside Family Retreat, it is not our goal to provide pristine, designer-decorated rooms. We're aiming for a livable, family atmosphere, sort of a 'funky, cozy' vibe, where you can relax and enjoy the spectacular view and the many joys the lake has to offer. The Retreat is perfect for a multi-generational family vacation or holiday celebration; a small birthday or retirement acknowledgement; bible study group, "just-the-girl’s" getaway; fishing retreat or golf buddies get-together, etc. The hot tub, fireplace and fire-pit also make it popular for a romantic weekend to celebrate an anniversary or other 'couples' milestone. Guests of all descriptions and their well-behaved pets are most welcome! (Service animals are exempt from the pet fee; just let us know if one is coming. Note also that, unfortunately, local county ordinances require dogs to be leashed or otherwise contained at all times.) We would love to host you!

*****SPECIALS
Last minute specials are possible; check dates in the near future. The automated system will not take a reservation for the same day so use the 'contact host' button if today is when you want to come.

Our Putnam County Short-Term Vacation Rental License is Number STR-039364