This month, Shermans Travel LLC, a ranking and review agency in New York City representing the best knowledge in the travel industry, named the Finger Lakes the top lakeside retreat in the world.
Among the Finger Lakes, Keuka is considered uniquely picturesque and on Keuka, Corning Landing is one of the true beauty spots.
The fact that vacation rental cottages have been available there since the days of the lake steamers can be attributed to the perennial desire to share in that beauty. Jan and Wayne Wagner are only the third proprietors of Corning Landing since that time, and in their 30 years of ownership, have maintained the tradition of hospitality that has earned them the long list of repeat guests who have become like friends over the years.
Just five and a half miles north of Hammondsport on the east side, Corning Landing gets its name from the steamboats that stopped there to offload the numerous vacationers from that city, my own grandparents among them in the 1910s.
Now, just as then, the forest and vine covered hills surrounding the lake, the mist-filled gorges and gullies carving their sides, Two-Mile Point jutting into view, the beautiful sunsets and the shimmering water of the lake itself are irresistible attractions to those whose lives are normally spent in office cubicles and suburban cul-de-sacs.
A relief from that pre-cast and undistinguishable daily routine is precisely what Corning Landing is designed to be.
In 2004 the Wagners made the decision to significantly upgrade the accommodation of Corning Landing by replacing the four small, simple cottages with two conjoined Lincoln-Log houses, which can be rented separately or together.
Built by Bernie Jensen of Penn Yan, the two supremely comfortable, well decorated and impeccably clean houses offer wide and spectacular views from the spacious rooms, decks and porches that focus upon the lake.
With modern kitchens and baths, family accommodation and the entertainment of guests are stress-free. Rates are variable by season, and there is no maximum or minimum length of stay, but it is strongly recommended to reserve desired dates early with contact agent Glen Hastings.
The main building is striking with its prow-fronted great room, cathedral ceilings and wall of windows to bring the view of Keuka right into the house.
Having four bedrooms, two baths, spacious living and dining areas, with a deck worthy of an ocean liner, even the largest families with the most rambunctious children will find plenty of room.
The more modest, but equally well-built North Cabin offers three bedrooms, one bath, and a large, lower-level family room with a wet bar.
