Willow - Private Island Retreat on Lake Champlain



Locally Owned & Operated

Northern Vermont
Casago Franchise Owner
What our guests are saying...
Willow - Private Island Retreat on Lake Champlain is praised as a peaceful, beautiful, and memorable getaway with a rustic charm that encourages relaxation and time outdoors. Guests found the cabin comfortable and enjoyed the serene island setting, spacious lawn, trails, and beach areas that made it easy to unwind with family and pets. The location offers a secluded feel while still allowing convenient access to the mainland, adding to its appeal as a relaxing retreat. The property is especially admired for its exceptional lakefront setting, gorgeous views, and stunning sunrises, with the screened porch standing out as a favorite spot to take in the scenery in any weather. Guests also appreciated the many ways to enjoy the water and shoreline, including time spent swimming, paddling, and relaxing by the dock and beach with the available lake gear.
Overview
Willow - Private Island Retreat on Lake Champlain
Stay on a private island in Lake Champlain!
Accessible only by boat, Garden Island is a 30-acre private island offering a rare and peaceful Vermont escape. The Willow cabin is a charming second-floor retreat overlooking Converse Bay, combining rustic warmth with elevated views of the lake, beach, and ferry landing.
Guests enjoy full access to the island's sandy beach, open meadow, and wooded walking trails. Spend your days kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding or take the kids on a paddleboat ride. All non-motorized lake equipment and boats are included in your stay. In between adventures, swim from the dock or relax in the hammock with your next favorite book. With no cars on the island, the setting is calm, natural, and intentionally unplugged.
Willow occupies the second floor of the original boathouse and is accessible by exterior stairs. This three-bedroom, one-bath accommodation features a large living room that opens directly onto a screened-in porch overlooking the lake, the perfect place to watch the sunrise with your morning coffee.
Explore The Area
Garden Island is perfectly situated in Charlotte, Vermont. While many guests come for the secluded setting, there is plenty to explore nearby. Visit Shelburne Farms, tour Shelburne Museum, or hike in Mt. Philo State Park. Enjoy wood-fired pizza at Folinos and local craft beer at Fiddlehead Brewing Company. Just 25 minutes away, Burlington offers shopping on Church Street, waterfront dining, and the University of Vermont campus. On your way back, stop at Shelburne Market Place or the Old Brick Store for groceries and coffee. There is so much more to discover in this beautiful area.
Things to Know
Check-in time: 4:00 p.m.Check-out time: 10:00 a.m.Wifi/Internet: Complimentary Wi-Fi is available in your cabin and throughout the grounds.Transportation to the Island
Guests are transported by a complimentary ferry service between 8:30 AM and 7 PM. After-hours ferry service is available for a $10 / trip gratuity (paid directly to the ferry operator). An island staff member is on site 24/7. Upon arrival, staff can assist with luggage and guide you to your cabin.Parking: Free parking is located on the mainland in the dirt lot near the green barn that says 'Garden Island.'Good Neighbor Policy
No smoking is permitted anywhere on the premises. All guests shall abide by the good neighbor policy and shall not engage in illegal activity. Quiet hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
You must be 21 years or older to rent this property.Amenities
Sleeping Arrangements
Bedroom 1
sleeps 2
Bedroom 2
sleeps 2
Bedroom 3
sleeps 2
Rating
Quaint cabin with amazing sunrise views. We loved this island and made use of the canoes, paddle boards and kayaks.
We can't say enough good things about Garden Island and staying in Willow cabin (boathouse). It's all about being next to Lake Champlain. The peace, the beauty, the many ways to play or rest. Relaxing on the screened in porch is awesome in all weather and was our favorite feature. It has a million dollar view that far surpasses most rental homes and definitely is the best on the island. The sandy beach, the dock, the kayaks, the sprawling lawn, the Adirondack chairs offer abundant ways to kick back or play. The hosts and Carl the caretaker couldn't have made us feel more welcome and were always happy to help, whether taking us on the ferry, lugging our cargo or sharing local lore. We highly recommend this rental!
Access to and from beyond the waters of Lake Champlain.
Great cabin with room for 6 and a dog! Loved having all of the lake toys, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards etc available right outside our door.
This location is absolutely a gem. The cottage is rustic, yet comfortable. The surroundings are serene and gorgeous. The caretaker, who also runs the "ferry" (it's a pontoon boat) is friendly and very helpful with anything that arises. We stayed here to attend an event on the mainland, and Carl congenially ferried us back and forth several times a day.
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Arrive at a completely cleaned and inspected home.
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