Last Updated on 28 December 2025 by Vanessa
In the garden of a historic train station at the southeast corner of Cayuga Lake in Ithaca, New York, you’ll find an AirBnB property called Charming Lakeview Cottages.
It’s known for its picturesque buildings, homey atmosphere, and lush green surroundings.
Most importantly, Charming Lakeview Cottages also has a resident cat: Blue.
Let’s get to know Blue and take a walk around the AirBnB where he lives.
About the AirBnB Charming Lakeview Cottages in Ithaca, New York
Charming Lakeview Cottages sit in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, just outside Ithaca. The cottages overlook Cayuga Lake and offer simple, rustic accommodations for travelers who want quiet surroundings, open views, and easy access to nature.
I visited Charming Lakeview Cottages in 2016 when I was a member of the jury at the Ithaca Fantastik film festival.
For practical reasons (it was too far from the venue), I wasn’t sleeping at the AirBnB. But a friend was, so I sometimes met him at the property so we could have breakfast or dinner together.
There are several little cottages on the domain. However, the rooms, kitchen, and lounge area are all in the same building.
The property as a whole is absolutely charming.
The cottages themselves are cozy and homey – bric à brac – with all the amenities you need to feel at home. From the fully-equipped kitchens to the comfortable beds and linens, everything has been thoughtfully designed to ensure a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Each cottage has its own private deck or porch, perfect for enjoying your morning coffee or watching the sunset over the lake.
But the real draw of Charming Lakeview Cottages is the natural beauty that surrounds them.
The property is situated on a quiet, tree-lined street just a stone’s throw from the shores of Cayuga Lake, one of the 11 Finger Lakes in upstate New York. It’s the longest of the group and stretches deep between Ithaca and Seneca Falls.
People usually come here for the water views, wineries, waterfalls, and the quiet towns along the shore.
It’s located a little uphill, so you have a very pretty view over the surrounding area.
The lake itself is the perfect place to swim, fish, or just relax and soak up the sun.
And with miles of hiking and biking trails nearby, there’s no shortage of ways to explore the surrounding wilderness.
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A short history of Charming Lakeview Cottages
The property dates back to around 1830, when it was constructed to serve as a lighthouse guiding boats on Cayuga Lake.
As rail travel expanded in the area, the site took on a new role and became a switchback connected to the railroad.
It became a residential space in the 1930s.
From the early 1960s through the early 1990s, the buildings were abandoned and fell into ruin. Time, weather, and neglect took their toll, and the site slowly fell into disrepair.
British visual artist Paul Chambers later stepped in and began rescuing and recycling the property, preserving its character while giving it new life.
His friend Wylie Schwartz, a native of Ithaca, eventually bought the site and transformed it into the AirBnB you can stay in today.
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A cat named Blue
Of course, the first thing I noticed when I arrived at Charming Lakeview Cottages was their cat, Blue.
I followed him everywhere.
He’s very sociable. You can see that Charming Lakeview Cottages is his territory and that he feels very much at home there.
He loves nothing more than interacting with the guest.
Apparently, many guests look forward to spending time with the AirBnB’s resident cat during their stay. They love petting and playing with Blue, taking pictures with him, and simply enjoying his company.
For some visitors, the cat even is the highlight of their trip (as it was for me). He definitely provides a comforting and familiar presence in an unfamiliar place.
Blue never goes inside the cottages, though.
He lives in the green house next door and hangs out in the garden, especially when it’s warm out.
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Is Ithaca worth visiting?
I love Ithaca.
Most people know this city because of Cornell University, which is a member of the Ivy League (a group of eight prestigious universities in the northeastern United States that are known for their academic excellence and rich history).
I highly recommend this Cornell University Student-Led Campus Tour if you have the chance.
But there’s so much green going on in Ithaca as well. Lots of waterfalls, little rivers, nature.
I instantly had to think of Twin Peaks when I arrived.
Ithaca is very different from Europe. The inhabitants of New York think it’s small, but everything is so much larger here than it is in Europe – the houses, the streets, the blocks.
It is also very cozy. I was in Ithaca right after Halloween, and there were still some decorations left, pumpkins and such.
I already dream about being able to return to Ithaca and Charming Lakeview Cottages someday.
Find Charming Lakeview Cottages on AirBnB
Do you also want to stay at Charming Lakeview Cottages and spend some time with Blue?
You can find Wylie Schwartz and her property on AirBnB.
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Photos by Gilles Vranckx.
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