Irwin Bay Cottages & Vacation Rentals is located on one of the finest spots on Chautauqua Lake located in the Southwestern corner of New York State, just one mile from the world-renowned Chautauqua Institution. We are in the heart of wine country and surrounded by so many ways to enjoy nature. Our property is comprised of 9 seasonal cottages and 2 year-round vacation homes.
If you haven't visited Irwin Bay Cottages & Vacation Rentals in a while, you're in for a real treat. Protected by the bay, we are located toward the north end of Chautauqua Lake. We strive to keep the authentic nature of simpler times around the lake while embracing enough technology to allow you to stay connected if you must!
If you haven't visited Irwin Bay Cottages & Vacation Rentals in a while, you're in for a real treat. Protected by the bay, we are located toward the north end of Chautauqua Lake. We strive to keep the authentic nature of simpler times around the lake while embracing enough technology to allow you to stay connected if you must!
Services
If the time period you're hoping for is already booked, please contact us to be placed on a waiting list. All of our cottages are fully furnished with the exception of linens and paper goods. Each cottage has a small kitchen with stove, fridge and dinette, and a living area. Some of our cottages have 2 double beds, others have a combination of double and single beds.
Chautauqua Lake, located in Chautauqua County, the westernmost county in New York, sits high at an elevation of over 1306 feet mean sea level (msl). It has been a popular resort area for Northerners since the end of the Civil War. The word "Chautauqua" probably came from the naming of the lake.
It is said that Chautauqua is an American Indian word meaning "a bag tied in the middle" (to describe the shape of the lake) or "two moccasins tied together."Chautauqua Lake is 1,308 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest navigable bodies of water in North America. It is approx. 20 miles long and has a surface area of 13,156 acres.
It is said that Chautauqua is an American Indian word meaning "a bag tied in the middle" (to describe the shape of the lake) or "two moccasins tied together."Chautauqua Lake is 1,308 feet above sea level, making it one of the highest navigable bodies of water in North America. It is approx. 20 miles long and has a surface area of 13,156 acres.
Long Point State Park is across the lake and it has a lovely picnic area, swimming area and playground. Follow the links at www.tourchautauqua.com. We are approximately 95 miles from Niagara Falls, and it is a great day trip. You can go on the tours that take you under or right up close to the falls, or simply take a picnic and hike around the falls area for a less expensive outing, while still getting great views of the falls.
Because we are local owners our guests have the opportunity to tell us in person about their stay and how much they enjoyed it. Often times I hear wonderful comments and I ask our guests to send me a note so that we can publish it on the website. As we all know once the vacation is over and real life begins sending us comments in writing that you've already told us in person takes a back seat and those notes never appear.
Below you will find our most frequently asked questions about our vacation rentals and rules. If you have a question that is not answered below, please contact us here. Our 7-bedroom home and our 3-bedroom home are available for rentals throughout the entire year. Our cottages are available for rentals from the last weekend in April until mid-October.
Reviews (17)
Andrew Luckman
Jan 17, 2022
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Cindi Thornton Rezykowski
Aug 30, 2021
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This is the best family friendly place. We enjoyed ourselves so much. Our cottage was spotless and cozy. Kitchen had everything you would need for a week stay.Evwryone was so friendly and welcoming, really made you want to stay even longer. The boat dock is fabulous and has electric. I give this place 100 stars.
Cynthia Rezykowski
Aug 17, 2021
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Russell Maize
Aug 04, 2021
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STUNNING and tranquil setting. In a matter of minutes, after stirring on the bench on the dock, I felt relaxed and peaceful. Grounds so we’ll maintained and a good variety of cottages or large 7 bedroom house,… to choose from. Highly recommend and look forward to my next trip back and spend even more time on that bench on the dock!!! 👍👍👍
Cindy Chachulski
Jul 15, 2021
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If you’re looking for beautiful clean cottages, look no further than Irwin Bay Cottages!! Julie Ward Holland has updated all the cottages, we now have microwaves, WiFi, cable tv. We have the most comfortable beds; I’m sleeping like a rock. The docks are spacious, she has a fish cleaning station and now there’s even a washer and dryer. All the comforts of home in a beautiful cottage on Chautauqua Lake. One of my favorite vacation spots! You won’t be disappointed.
Rebecca Barajas-Lok
Jun 16, 2021
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This cottage resort has one of the best accommodations with a beautiful sight of Chautauqua Lake and well kept facilities...I was very impressed by the hospitality that we received from the resort owner Julie… upon arrival of our one week stay!...I would definitely recommend and will return to this resort from my home state of California.☺👍
Ultimate Outdoors Of Wny
May 31, 2021
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We rented 2 cottages for our group of 10 fisherman from Irwin Bay Cottages May 15-22 2021. Whan a great experience we had, Julie's hospitality, the condition and cleanliness of the Cottages were impeccable. We had an absolutely awesome experience at Irwin Bay Cottages, the fishing was fantastic, and the best part is the outdoor covered fish cleaning station. We already rebooted for next year.
Michael Beitz
May 24, 2021
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The whole atmosphere of this place was warm and friendly. The house and cottages were clean warm and felt like home. The docks were in good shape with power easily accessible. The fish cleaning station excellent. Juile the owner was a great host and takes excellent care of the place. The fishing is great in a close proximity to the place. Plan on being a regular there from now on.
Chuck Rutschilling
May 12, 2021
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Kasey Brenen
Dec 13, 2020
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We stayed at cabin 3. The pictures on the web site do not do the cottages justice. We had an incredible cabin. Clean in every aspect and linens were a great deal. We loved the fire pit and when the wood ran low they provided more. Anything we wanted or needed was taken care of quickly. We loved our stay here and met some great guests from other cabins. It was much more than we expected. We will be returning in the very near future. Thanks to Julie, Steve and Morgan for making our vacation a great experience.
Dhbm L.
Sep 26, 2020
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Mary Antil
Jan 07, 2020
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We rented the big blue house for the first week in August. We loved our stay and thought the 7 bedroom home fit our family nicely. The big table in the family room provided our family with hours of fun for meals as well as card games. We used the dock for fishing, the volleyball court, basketball, fire ring, and the swings. Julie made us feel especially welcome and gave us many ideas of things to do in the area. I would highly recommend Irwin Bay Cottages for your family gathering!
Gaetano Riccardi
Sep 17, 2019
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Rented a cottage for a week in September. Awesome well kept cottages. Owner Julie was very hospitable and easily accessible if an issue occurred. Cottages are clean and well maintained. Great docks for your boat with electric. lake is also nice although fishing was a little slow the week I was there. Overall, had a great experience and will go back.
Guy R.
Guy R.
Brandi McConnell
Sep 09, 2019
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My best friend and I had the pleasure of staying last week at this beautiful cozy lil lakefront place for a few day of fishing . Cottage 4 was clean , cute and fully functional. Julie was a gem to work with and even took time to sit on the porch with us while we had coffee to get to know us! We will def. stay here again
Jennifer Luck Hunt
Aug 05, 2019
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We were lucky enough to stay for a week. Julie was a wonderful host, the cottage was sparkling, comfortable and absolutely perfect. All of the amenities were in perfect working order. If you are fortunate enough to book a week here you will not be disappointed. The grounds are beautiful and superbly maintained. Words can't describe how amazing our week was, we miss it so much! We can't wait to come back! Thank you Julie.
Ed Medina
Jul 27, 2019
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Janet Rumskey Richuisa
Jun 21, 2019
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My family of 11 adults and 2 kids rented the 7 bedroom/3 bath cottage/home for a week in mid June. It felt like home as it had everything we needed and more. It was very clean and well kept and in a good location. Julie was an excellent host and resource for the area and was always checking with us see if we needed anything. There was plenty of… room for all of us inside on rainy days and outside on the sunny days. Having docks and a boat launch on property was a big plus for us. I highly recommend this cottage/home for your family vacation. The property also has smaller cottages for smaller
