Classmates Cottage on the Cove is a hidden summer retreat nestled at the base of Carpenter’s Falls on beautiful Skaneateles Lake. The cottage sits on a peaceful cove with a rare view straight down the lake, making it one of the few places where you can enjoy both sunrise and sunset. My close friend Jackie Jones and I purchased the property together with the intention of enjoying it as often as we could, while also renting it out for others to experience.

We named it Classmates Cottage because our parents graduated from Skaneateles High School together—and so did we. Since Jackie and I both played sports growing up, we gave the little outbuilding on the property a fun name: The Lady Lake Lounge. The path leading to it is affectionately called The Laker Way.

There’s a unique charm to the place. It can’t be reached by car directly (and GPS sends people the wrong way!), so visitors must pass Carpenter’s Falls, drive through an S-curve until they reach Bear Swamp Creek, then park, walk across a footbridge, and follow a trail down toward the lake.

The main structure was built in 1900 and originally served as an icehouse. The shallow cove made it perfect for harvesting and storing ice in the winter—then transporting it across the frozen lake.

Cottages like this are becoming rare on the lake. While we’ve considered building something more modern, our roots in Skaneateles run deep, and we’re committed to preserving this piece of history.

Today, families often rent the cottage for reunions and special getaways. We’ve been collecting Skaneateles High School memorabilia and vintage yearbooks, which guests love flipping through—reconnecting with the past and sharing memories. The nostalgia keeps people coming back.

If you’re interested in renting it for a summer week or just want to learn more, you can find it on Airbnb or reach out to Jacqueline Jones at Lake Life Realty.