Lacawac Sanctuary Historic Great Camp - Lake Ariel, PA
Historic Lodging at Lacawac. We invite you to look at this historic Lodge and Great Camp as charming and a quaint departure from everyday conveniences—a step back in time that allows you to enjoy the infinite splendors and majestic scenery that is Lacawac Sanctuary.
Yes, it is true…our historic 1903 lodge has floors that creak, walls that are thin, and separate hot and cold knobs on the sinks…but you are staying in a Registered Historic Landmark.
Historic Watres Lodge
The Lodge is made of all southern yellow pine including exterior shakes and interior wall, floor and ceiling treatments. Local oak was used for the trim and exterior features such as railings and columns. It features 13 separate gables! A large, open sitting porch faces the lake. There are 8 bedrooms, a summer sleeping porch, 3 bathrooms, a large kitchen, pantry, walk in ice box, seasonal breezeway, dining room and parlor. Large screened wrap-around porches formerly adorned the exterior but were removed as a result of extensive termite damage.
Interior highlights include the Inglenook fireplace surrounded by an expansive double staircase in the parlor. A window wall and door lead outside to the large lake fronting porch. Hatch doors allow passing fire wood directly into storage boxes by the fireplace. The expansive dining room—which today can seat over 25 people for dinner—has its own fireplace and built-in oak china cabinets. The bisecting breezeway provides cool air in summer between the kitchen and the rest of the house. Off the kitchen is a large pantry with built in oak cabinets but missing are the original three stone wash sinks used by the servants, and the big coal stove.
The Lodge is ideal for family reunions, corporate retreats, weddings, family celebrations, or a summer weekend get-away with family and friends.
Ice House
This building is named for its original function—storing ice. Ice harvesting on Lacawac in winter was a regular venture by the hired help to serve the needs of the Lodge year-round. The walls are so thick and the building so well insulated that large blocks of ice could be stored here in a bed of saw dust for up to a year - requiring no electricity or energy. The blocks were ultimately carted across the yard and hoisted by a built in crane to a loft above the walk-in ice box that served the lodge’s kitchen. The building was so cold that local residents often used it to hang and store game for consumption later in the year.
The windows and second interior floor were added in the 1950’s when the structure was converted to a winter cottage for use by Arthur and Isabel Watres.
Lacawac’s rustic Ice House is equipped with a kitchen, living room, two bedrooms (sleeps 5), and bathroom. The Ice House is ideal for long-stay visitors and families.
Carriage House and Barn
The Carriage House is used as lecture hall, event and performance venue. It was built to house the horses and wagons needed to operate the estate and transport the residents here from the train station seven miles away in Lake Ariel. Today, the upstairs hay loft has been remodeled to serve as laboratories for ecological research conducted on the lake. The downstairs remains almost entirely intact and you can even still see the individual horse stalls and antique fittings.
Accessibility Notes
Due to the historical significance of the lodge and property, the bedrooms are not fully handicapped accessible.
Kitchen Supplies Available (if any)
Full kitchen in both Lodge and Ice House including stoves, refrigerators, pots/pan, dishes, utensils etc.
What is provided by Lacawac:
One pillow and blanket per bed
Wireless internet
Stove, refrigerator, microwave and toaster
Kitchenware including dishes, coffee pots, tea kettle, pots/pans, utensils, glasses and mugs
Locally or Family-Owned Business Notes
Lacawac is a nonprofit organization run by a board of trustees with the mission of research, education and preservation.
Number of Persons Property Will Accommodate
13-27 people (sleeping), 150 for events or parties
Pet Friendly Notes
Pets welcome with prior permission
Property Access
The Great Camp is accessible by gravel road through the heart of the Lacawac Sanctuary property. Vehicles are permitted to drive to the site.
What to Bring
Bedding, towels or toiletries are not provided unless special arrangements are made in advance.
Hours
Seasons Open
April 15- November 30
Pricing
Nightly Rate or Fee (if any)
$575 per night for lodge; $200 per night ice house
Attributes
Amenities
Warming Source
Propane or Natural Gas Heater