Lake Salem Cottages can comfortably accommodate up to 24 guests across all four cottages. Each cottage has its own unique layout, each accommodating up to six guests. This makes our property perfect for family reunions, multi-generational gatherings, or friends' retreats where everyone can have their own space while enjoying communal lake activities.
You'll need to bring your own bed linens, bath towels, beach towels, and kitchen linens (including pot holders). All cottages have pillows and blankets provided. We recommend bringing trash bags, charcoal and starter fluid for the grills, sunscreen, sand toys for children, and a flashlight. Since the cottages use lake water for plumbing, there's fresh spring water available from taps outside each cottage for drinking and cooking. If you're planning to use the boats, remember that Vermont law requires life vests for everyone—we provide some, but you may want to bring properly sized ones for children.
Absolutely! The shallow shoreline extends about 50 feet into the lake, making it exceptionally safe for children to play. Many families love this feature as it allows young ones to wade and splash while remaining in very shallow water. The sandy beaches are perfect for building sandcastles, and the sleeping lofts in several cottages are always a hit with kids. Multiple generations of families have created cherished childhood memories here, and we frequently see the same families return year after year as their children grow.
On the property, you can enjoy swimming, fishing (the lake is stocked with bass, walleye, and salmon), boating with the provided aluminum boats, beach games, and relaxing on your private dock or screened porch. The Northeast Kingdom offers numerous attractions within a short drive, including championship golf courses, hiking trails, beautiful mountain areas like Jay Peak, Burke, and Owls Head (which become ski areas in winter), and additional lakes to explore. For day trips, Montreal is less than two hours away, and the nearby towns of Newport and Derby Line offer restaurants, grocery stores, and local attractions.
Rentals run from Saturday to Saturday throughout our season (June through September). We have a longstanding policy that current renters have first right of renewal for the following year, which we honor through January 1st. After that date, any open weeks become available to new guests. A $200 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your reservation, with full payment due by May 1st. We also require a $200 refundable damage deposit. Check-out is by 10am on Saturday, and check-in is after 4pm to allow our cleaning crew time to prepare the cottages.
We don't provide internet service or television in the cottages, as Lake Salem Cottages is designed as a place to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature and each other. Many guests find this "digital detox" to be one of the most valuable aspects of their stay. For those who need occasional connectivity, cell phone reception varies by carrier, and personal hotspots generally work well. The cottages do have radios, puzzles, and plenty of space for board games and card games that you might bring along.
