Summary:
One secluded pond retreat reserved for your registered group. A king-bed geodesic dome and two detached companion bungalows create three separate sleeping spaces for up to six guests. Enjoy a wood-burning hot tub at the end of the dock, a heated outdoor shower, private hiking trails to a small hidden waterfall, watercraft, a fire pit, running water, off-grid solar power, and Starlink Wi-Fi.
The Space:
One private pond retreat. One registered guest group at a time.
Pondshire combines a king-bed geodesic dome with two detached companion bungalows, giving up to six guests three separate sleeping spaces. The dome remains the centerpiece, while the detached sleeping areas allow couples, families, and quiet small groups to stay together without sharing one room.
Created by experienced hosts whose distinctive vacation rentals have been featured by ABC and BuzzFeed.
RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
- King-bed geodesic dome with panoramic pond views
- Two detached companion bungalows for separate sleeping privacy
- Wood-burning hot tub at the end of the dock
- Heated outdoor shower with hot water and a pond view
- Private hiking trails leading to a small hidden waterfall
- Pellet stove, vanity sink, and convenience toilet for urination (#1) only inside the dome
- Separate outhouse for bowel movements (#2)
- Operational wood stoves in both companion bungalows
- Two kayaks, two paddleboats and a rowboat; paddles for the kayaks and rowboat, and six life jackets
- Six life jackets are supplied: one XL, one L and four universal around-neck jackets. Bring correctly sized children's life jackets if needed.
- Fishing poles, basic tackle, and binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Fire pit, grill, docks, hammocks, lounge chairs, and outdoor seating
- Running water, off-grid solar power, and Starlink Wi-Fi
- Quality bed linens and bath towels
- No unrelated guest group sharing the retreat
THE DOME
The geodesic dome overlooks your private pond. It includes a king bed with quality linens, broad pond and woodland views, a pellet stove for cooler nights, mood lighting, fans, a mini fridge, a vanity sink with running water, a convenience toilet for urination (#1) only, and a private deck with outdoor seating.
THE MAIN COMPANION BUNGALOW
The main companion bungalow provides a separate sleeping space for up to two guests. It has a double bed on an elevated sleeping level reached by fold-out stairs, an operational wood stove, fan, warm lighting, and a desk and chairs beside a pond-facing window.
This bungalow also contains the retreat's kitchen, with a running-water sink, gas stove and oven, compact refrigerator, drinking-water cooler, pots, pans, utensils, cups, wine glasses, coffee mugs and a stovetop espresso maker. There is no microwave or toaster. Firewood is available for the outdoor wood-or-charcoal grill; bring charcoal if you prefer it.
THE SECOND COMPANION BUNGALOW
The second detached companion bungalow provides another separate sleeping space for up to two guests. It includes a double bed, an operational wood stove, warm lighting, and its own running-water sink.
The separate sleeping spaces make Pondshire especially useful for couples traveling together, families, and quiet groups who want to share the retreat without sharing one room.
AROUND THE POND
The wood-burning hot tub sits at the end of the dock overlooking the water. Because it is heated by wood rather than electricity, allow time for it to warm before use.
The heated outdoor shower provides hot water with views of the pond and surrounding trees.
Guests can use the two kayaks, two paddleboats and rowboat, relax on the docks, gather around the fire pit, grill outdoors, read in the hammocks, or settle into the lounge chairs beside the water.
Clear nights can bring excellent stargazing. Wildlife sightings may include loons, ducks, beavers, otters, deer, and other woodland visitors, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.
PRIVATE TRAILS AND HIDDEN WATERFALL
Private hiking trails wind through the Pondshire property and lead to a small, tucked-away waterfall. The trails offer another way to explore the retreat without leaving the property, whether for a quiet morning walk, wildlife watching, or time in the woods between the pond and hot tub.
The waterfall is a small natural feature, and the trail and surrounding rocks can be wet, uneven, or slippery.
CONNECTED SECLUSION
Pondshire uses off-grid solar power and running water. Starlink Wi-Fi is available, while cell service is limited or unavailable for most carriers.
Guests can remain connected when necessary, then step outside and disconnect whenever they choose.
THE NATURAL POND
The pond water is clear, with a natural soft or mucky bottom in some areas. It is best enjoyed as a peaceful nature pond for paddling, dock time, wildlife watching, and relaxing beside the water rather than as a sandy swimming lake.
Guest Access:
Your reservation includes exclusive guest use of the geodesic dome, both companion bungalows, pond, docks, wood-burning hot tub, heated outdoor shower, included watercraft, private hiking trails leading to the small hidden waterfall, fire pit, grill, hammocks, lounge chairs, and outdoor seating.
Paddles for the kayaks and rowboat are supplied. Six life jackets are supplied: one XL, one L and four universal around-neck jackets. Bring correctly sized children's life jackets if needed. Fishing poles, basic tackle, and binoculars are also available.
No unrelated guest group stays at Pondshire during your reservation. Only registered guests are permitted.
The Neighborhood:
Pondshire is set in a quiet, wooded part of Upstate New York, surrounded by pond views, forest, wildlife, and private trails. Come for a secluded stay surrounded by water and woodland.
The exact address and complete arrival instructions are provided after booking.
Getting Around:
Plan to arrive by personal vehicle. Maintained dirt roads lead to Pondshire, and an ordinary passenger vehicle is generally suitable during the operating season under normal conditions. Severe weather can affect road and trail conditions.
Once you arrive, the dome, companion bungalows, pond, docks, hot tub, outdoor shower, and hiking trails are all within the retreat. Exact route and parking instructions are provided after booking.
Other Things to Note:
Please review these details before booking:
- Bathroom setup: The dome has a convenience toilet for urination (#1) only and a vanity sink. A separate outhouse is provided for bowel movements (#2). Bathing is in a separate heated outdoor shower with hot water and a pond view. Pondshire does not have a conventional indoor full bathroom.
- The double bed in the main companion bungalow is on an elevated sleeping level reached by fold-out stairs. This sleeping space may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility.
- The hot tub is wood-burning rather than electric. It requires heating time and does not warm instantly.
- The private hiking trails and small waterfall are natural outdoor areas. Expect uneven ground, roots, mud, wet rocks, and slippery surfaces. Wear suitable footwear and closely supervise children.
- Pondshire uses off-grid solar power and running water. Cell service is limited or unavailable for most carriers. Starlink Wi-Fi is the primary connection.
- The pond water is clear, but the natural bottom is soft or mucky in some places. It is better suited to paddling, dock time, and nature watching than to a sandy-beach swimming experience.
- Maintained dirt roads lead to the retreat. An ordinary passenger vehicle is generally suitable during the operating season under normal conditions, but severe weather can affect access.
- Pondshire is seasonal and closed from November 1 to April 1 each year. There is a two-night minimum.
- Children require close adult supervision around the pond, docks, watercraft, hot tub, outdoor shower, fire, stoves, trails, and waterfall.
- No parties or unregistered visitors. Smoking is not allowed inside any guest structure.
- The exact address and complete arrival instructions are provided after booking.
Interaction with Guests:
Enjoy your privacy, with help available by message whenever you need it.
