The Magic by the Lake
Vacation like a Vanderbilt at this 18-bedroom exclusive-use property in the Adirondacks
Lake Kora, set on its own private lake in the Adirondacks (photo credit: Lake Kora)
As summer comes to a close, we know that the oranges, reds, and yellows will be here before we can say “pumpkin spice.” Experience a fall getaway like America's aristocracy at Lake Kora, an 18-bedroom property you can rent exclusively for a large group or family (24-guest capacity). Nestled in the Adirondacks State Park in upstate New York, this wilderness retreat is set on 1,000 private acres of land, including its own 500-acre lake. The guest experience is designed to pay homage to the estate’s 125-year history, and the log cabin structures are very faithful to the original design.
The estate can be enjoyed by guests from July to October each year, the peak months to enjoy all the outdoor adventures on offer. October is drawing near, but there is still some availability for some last-minute getaways should you wish, or you can always start to plan for summer 2021, and what better way than this?
The rooms are spread between chic country cottages and boathouses, and we can already imagine the race to see who will get The Tree House, where the master-bed headboard is carved from a complete tree. The Adirondack-inspired guest rooms, situated lakeside, are quiet and comfortable, with many original furnishings, decorative items, and stone fireplaces handcrafted more than a century ago. Majestic stone hearths are laid with firewood, creating a cozy, rustic feel. Spacious wood-walled bathrooms have vintage soaking tubs, soft fluffy robes, and bed linens along with various indoor and outdoor seating and dining areas. Perhaps a couple in the group will vie for the Gardener’s Cottage, a freestanding stone residence with dramatic two-story windows. No matter the make-up of your group, there will be accommodations to make everyone’s hearts soar.
There is no shortage of activity options onsite at Lake Kora. Outdoor options include lake swimming, hiking/walking trails (from a half mile to a 2.8-mile loop), picnicking, boating on the lake (canoes, kayaks, sailing, and electric boats), fly-fishing, and mountain bikes. For indoor options, head to The Playhouse, a sprawling building that houses two heritage bowling lanes (built over a century ago!) with a squash court with a viewer balcony, ping pong tables, and a large-screen TV in the Media Room should you wish to enjoy a movie night. Billiards, roulette, card and board games, puzzles, or just sitting fireside are popular pastimes in this majestic setting. To indulge yourself, head to the Ice & Meat House, which has been transformed into a spa, holding a sauna and hot tub. You’ll find the massage rooms back in The Playhouse.
Your dining experience will reflect the lush local area, as all meals are made-to-order and sourced locally. Most groups choose to enjoy meals together at the 20-foot dining table. You can also enjoy lakeside barbecues for some summer fun, picnic lunches on a mountaintop or on the boat deck, cocktails in the pub, or casual dining in The Playhouse. The experience is totally up to you and what your group prefers. You can enjoy everything from family style to buffet to formal four-course dinners, and there is never a dress code unless your group chooses to set one!
Through the decades, many memories have been made at Lake Kora, and now your family can become part of this long and storied history and experience the magic by the lake.