Cozy Lake Minnetonka Cottage by Minneapolis

Our parents built this darling 4-season cottage by hand in 1950. Lovingly preserved and recently refreshed, we now want to share our little red cottage on Lake Minnetonka with guests who want to enjoy a calm, relaxing suburban lake getaway. The cottage offers a lot, and yet because we're in a quiet neighborhood and live on the commons, the little red cottage is not a spot for parties, reunions, bigger groups, or people needing boat access. Our charming little cottage is located on Cooks Bay, one of the westernmost bays on beautiful Lake Minnetonka. There are 2 small bedrooms with double beds and 2 single beds in the loft. With the right configuration of guests the cottage could sleep six, though we're not the right spot for people who want to 'party' on the lake. Our ideal guests are looking for a quiet getaway in a neighborhood setting. Talk to the host for details. There is a fully-equipped kitchen, washer/dryer and bathroom with shower and tub. Just 35 minutes from Minneapolis, this spot is an easy commute to conferences and work in the Twin Cities. The sunsets are stunning and are not to be missed. Located in a suburban lakefront neighborhood, we are not in the Northwoods, but you will often hear loons and geese, see fish jumping and spot the occasional bald eagle in the cottonwood trees out front. In the winter, this spot is perfect for winter recreation. Bring your cross country skis, snowshoes or snowmobiles and venture out onto Lake Minnetonka. You'll find home made ice skating rinks around the area, too. It's all here. Guests have access to deck, gas BBQ, wireless Internet, Smart TV in the loft with cable and DVD player, many DVDs, gas fireplace, small washer/dryer. Wheelchair accessible ramp in backyard, canoe with life jackets and paddles, option for outdoor fires at lakefront and a few low-tech water toys. We're sorry, but we don't offer dock space for boats or use of our boats. Hosts live in Minneapolis (35 minutes away) and are reachable for any reason. We enjoy hearing from guests and always want our guests to have a wonderful time. Many people think of Lake Minnetonka as a wealthy area. In many ways, that's true and becoming truer. Still, to orient travelers, Mound is the birthplace of Tonka Toys. Long since relocated elsewhere, Tonka Toys and later Toro, shaped Mound into the more working class cousin to the nearby upscale lakefront towns of Wayzata and Excelsior. For our guests who enjoy fine dining and window shopping (Wayzata) or antiquing and public boat excursions (Excelsior) those areas are 15 minutes away by car or boat. This is neither the North Woods, nor is it the city. Mound has an unassuming quality, lots of waterfowl, fish, lake views and opportunities to design the time away that you're looking for. Our cottage is located in a residential suburban neighborhood on Phelps Island, Mound, MN. The island is accessible by bridges. A park with playground and free tennis courts is a block away. There are no businesses on the island except Al and Almas, which offers a restaurant and popular dinner cruises, and a car mechanic. The city of Mound is 5 minutes away by car. There you can access the beautiful Dakota Rail Bike Trail anywhere along county road 15 which to an avid bike rider is an easy ride. Located at the end of a dead end road, we're one block from Al and Alma's restaurant. Mound has several public swimming beaches, or just fill up a raft and float right out in front of the cottage. Parking is allowed on the dead end road nearest the cottage. Please limit the number of cars you have in order to minimize the impact on the neighbors who share the street. There is bus service to Mound to and from Minneapolis. No public transportation on Phelps Island. A car or bike is necessary. A well-behaved, clean and managed dog is welcome with an additional deposit. All pets must be attended and on leashes at all times. Pets may not be left alone at the cottage, so please plan accordingly. Our cottage abuts 'the commons' (city owned property) though we own the lakeshore. The commons is open space where people may stroll across the lakeshore to the north. We also share our beach with the occasional neighbor's grandchildren. They tend to give space to my guests unless you make it known that they are welcome. There is a wheelchair ramp leading to the cottage in back. Accessibility limitations: the access to the ramp is not paved and the bathroom doorway is too narrow for wheelchairs. For persons with the right situation it can work. You can fish off the dock with a DNR fishing license which you can purchase at a local bait store.