We have been renting a cottage out in the woods on South Bass for years every summer, and unfortunately, someone rented it out for the whole season in 2022.
We bring our dog on vacation, and there just wasn't anything that worked for us on South Bass, so we decided to try a different island. We looked at Pelee (in Canada), Middle Bass and Kelleys. The Cedar Cottage seemed to scratch our itch, so we decided to go on a new adventure. Kelleys Island it is!
First off, the cottage is surrounded by houses, but you'd never know it. It's very secluded, and in a quiet section of the island. It's very private, and we enjoy that. There is a nice yard that was big enough to play fetch with my dog in, and the hammock is a nice touch. The firepit is great, and we used it every night but one. Note: You do need to buy/bring your own firewood. The campground at the State Park sells it, but we bought ours from a place a couple houses east of the KI Winery. There is plenty of outdoor seating, and the night sky is beautiful out away from the lights of the cities! There is also a nice deck and a table to have dinner at with an umbrella. All nice touches.
The inside of the cottage is where it really shines. It's not a big place, but feels bigger than it is. The first thing that struck us was how clean it was. We have stayed in lots of "cottages/cabins in the woods", and they have all kinda smelled like it (it's not even that bad of a thing, but it is a thing). Not the Cedar Cottage. It was clean, and it smelled clean. It's also amazingly well stocked with amenities. Just off the top of my head, the wifi is fast, there are plenty of plugs, the TV is nice, there is surround sound, there are DVD's and board games, the furniture is clean and comfortable, the kitchen is amazingly well stocked (I know that the description said there was a coffee grinder, but I didn't believe it, and brought my travel grinder. No need!), there is plenty of seating, the kitchen is big enough to cook real meals in, and, and....
Okay, there's a lot to list here. Let me slow down. The house is filled with gadgets and creature comforts. White noise machines. Door draft stops. Motion activated night lights. The beds were clean and comfortable. The attention to detail is amazing.
I can't say enough good things. The Cedar Cottage is a great place to stay, and I HIGHLY recommend staying there!