In New York’s Finger Lakes, a Charming Family Compound Asks $4.5 Million

Central New York is underrated. Created from glaciers 10,000 years ago, the region’s Finger Lakes, so called because they’re long and thin, offer beautiful scenery rife with waterfalls, gorges, and abundant wildlife. The region is also known for its wine. Skaneateles, a small town at the top of Skaneateles Lake, is one of the most quaint, quiet and laid-back villages ever, but it’s also quite affluent. (The name comes from the Iroquois term for “long lake.”)

An added bonus is that Skaneateles Lake — the name comes from the Iroquois term for “long lake” — is one of the cleanest bodies of water in the United States, and a compound on the lake’s scenic shore, perfect for extended families, has just come on the market asking $4.495 million. Represented by Sunshine Equinozzi at Howard Hanna, the houses span a total of 3,900 square feet, with six bedrooms and six bathrooms. Recreational amenities include a private tennis court and a dock and boathouse on the lake.

With three bedrooms and three baths, the larger residence features a bluestone porch and matching patio, an outdoor shower and a hot tub. Modern and clean-lined but warm wood-paneled interiors include a welcoming, fully-up-to-date kitchen with two dishwashers, a reading nook, and a butler’s pantry. The nearby family room offers a huge brick fireplace. There’s also a guest bath and laundry on the main level, as well as the master suite with private deck. Two additional bedrooms and a full bath are located on the second level, and all the bedrooms have inviting built-ins, including cushioned window seats and cozy nooks for beds.

The smaller, single-level house is older and more rustic and bursts with vintage charm. There are three bedrooms, including two suites facing the water, and three bathrooms. The great room is in the rustic Adirondack style, with wood-clad walls and a vaulted ceiling with exposed rafters.

Both houses are offered completely furnished, so we say: make a deal that includes the boat and canoes and move right in.