How to Know if Lake House Rentals Are Right For You

Top features and benefits of a lake vacation.

How to Know if Lake House Rentals Are Right For You

Activities, amenities, location, and more make all the difference when planning a vacation.

Whether you're planning a summer vacation, a quick nearby getaway, or an offsite work retreat, it can be tough to decide where to stay. Hotels can get expensive, especially when you factor in other costs like travel, parking, and dining out multiple times per day.

Considering lake vacation rentals can be a terrific way to save money without sacrificing experience. But are lake vacations right for you?

Read on for seven ways to know if a lake vacation rental is perfect for your next vacation.

No. 1: You daydream about gorgeous waterside cottages.

If you've ever picked up a copy of Architectural Digest or watched a cute couple choose one on HGTV, you know that dark, rustic cabins are out, and today's lake houses come in different shapes and sizes, and styles.

If you love the idea of an entire house filled with bright, cheery furniture, stylish themes, unique bedrooms and living spaces, all with the best lake views, then a lake house might be just the thing to make your vacation extraordinary.

No. 2: You want breathtaking lakefront views.

Covered deck at waterside cottage at Twin Creeks Resort

Can you see yourself lounging on a covered deck with a glass of sweet tea (or wine!) while the sun sets over a stunning lake? Or maybe you're living your best life creating culinary masterpieces while you gaze out at the lake from your waterfront kitchen.

Or maybe your idea of perfect is a cup of coffee on your private dock while you dangle your feet in the water and to birds and lake come to life.

The best lake vacations promise views fit for any nature lover, and the vacation home you choose should deliver the best seat in the house.

No. 3: You want enough room for the whole family.

When booking for a larger family, multiple rooms at a hotel or resort can be expensive, and you can't always guarantee connecting rooms without upgrading to suites. Plus, individual rooms mean you miss out on the shared common spaces that provide optimal bonding and entertainment opportunities.

That's often why many families decide instead to select vacation rentals. Whether you need two bedrooms for a small family or something with enough to accommodate a bigger group, renting a lake house is a safe bet.

That said, too much togetherness may cause friction, so be sure to choose the right size property for your needs. It's a good idea to consider lake house rentals with multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces equipped with multiple televisions, games, or free Wi-Fi so that there's something for everyone if they need some alone time.

No. 4: You want a little peace and quiet - even in the summer months.

Traveling when school is out is the busiest time of year. In the summer, many popular US destinations, like the theme parks and beaches, are so crowded with people that it can be difficult to enjoy yourselves.

A lake vacation can give you access to fun in the sun without having to fight over beach chairs, shuttles, or parking. Everything you need to feel at home is right at your rental, and you often have access to tucked-away hiking trails, vast state parks, local attractions, and even undiscovered historic towns.

Rent a private boat and take a sunset cruise, spend the day cruising, swimming, and fishing, or simply relax, taking in the beautiful scenery with the people you love.

No. 5: You prefer vacation homes with all the comforts of home.

Twin Creeks waterside cottage kitchen

Just because you're on vacation and want to separate from hectic life doesn't mean you (necessarily) want to disconnect from all the comforts of home.

It's perfectly reasonable to want fully-equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi, barbecue grills, pristine countertops, and quality linens and sheets. You deserve those things, especially when you're on vacation!

Make a list of your must-haves so you know what's most important to you when searching for vacation rentals.

No. 6: You need plenty of recreational activities for everyone.

Vacations are for memory-making! With shorter attention spans than ever, make sure any location you're considering offers a good balance of relaxation with indoor and outdoor activities for your whole party.

If you have a boat or jet ski, confirm what type of dock access you might have and choose a lake house that offers either a private dock or a boat ramp that's nearby and easy to access.

When searching for lakefront vacation rentals, look for access to rentable watersports like boats, kayaks, and paddleboards and activities for kids like nearby playgrounds or attractions, such as a floating trampoline water park.

Many lakeside resorts offer full and partial day boat rentals, shade coverings, Bluetooth speakers, and options to rent wakeboards, tubes, lilypads, and other water toys.

No. 7: You want to get out and let your hair down.

HunterGirl performing at Drafts and Watercrafts
HunterGirl performs at Drafts and Watercrafts at Twin Creeks

While you might love that fully-equipped kitchen, you may still want to get out and let someone else take care of things. Be sure to check out the local area you're considering to see what's nearby for dining and entertainment.

Waterfront dining can be a terrific way to spend an evening or an afternoon, and some restaurants during the summer months will offer family-friendly nightly and weekly entertainment like trivia and open mic nights, karaoke contests, live bands, outdoor concerts, and more. Boredom is a tragedy at the lake!

Is a lakefront vacation for you?

If you said yes to three or more of these statements, a Tennessee lakefront vacation at Tims Ford Lake might be the answer for you! Twin Creeks Village is a lifestyle lakefront community in Middle Tennessee just an hour from Nashville International Airport.

You'll love the newest addition to Twin Creeks Resort: The waterfront cottages. Each brand new, pristine cottage offers direct lake access, multiple porches and patios, and magnificent views of one of Tennessee's most beautiful lakes year-round. Choose a lake cabin with a private dock and spend hours with your family in and out of the water.

Book your stay today and begin planning your next trip.