THE BOATHOUSE
Cottage Guide.
We are delighted that you have chosen to stay with us. We hope that you find your time on the property relaxing, rejuvenating, and inspiring.
Vanderkamp is a place to escape your typical routines, to merge with the pace of the forest, and to reconnect with what is most important. With that in mind we encourage you and your fellow travelers to slow down and look for opportunities to appreciate the beauty of the place and the natural processes around you. From delighting in the sun rise over the trees, to discovering a fossilized stone in the forest, this is your chance to revel in the world around you.
explore the guide ↴
Welcome
to The Boathouse
Upon Your Arrival:
Your Code. The entry code you were sent for the front door is only good during your scheduled stay and will expire at 11am the day of check out. Entering your code automatically notifies us that you have checked in.
Wifi Password at VK: vanderkamp
Locking the Door. Enter your code and press the check mark button on the lock while the door is closed tight.
Parking. Please do not park on the grass. If you cannot fit your cars, then please use the large lot by Kempwick
Heat/ AC. The heat/AC may be turned down when you arrive, you may adjust as needed. There are 3 systems that are controlled independently. If you are cold, check to make sure the fan on the wall unit is on high and if needed turn on the baseboard heat.
Guest Guide. If you are looking for places to eat in the area or more information about the property, you can explore our online Guest Guide
Property and Trail Map. Click the link and then save the image to your device for offline access to the map.
The Lodge:
The Boathouse has been fully renovated, but it still has the imperfections of a 100+ year old building. We think that’s part of the charm and hope you do as well.
Extras. We endeavor to supply many of the small conveniences you may need while away from home. There are extra blankets, pillows, shampoo, soap, and TP available should you need them.
Indoor Fires. You are welcome to use the indoor and outdoor fireplaces at the front of the lodge. Indoor fireplace: Please check that the damper is open before a fire is started. There is a chain to the left of the fire box. You need to ensure the chain goes to the UP position to be open. Down is closed. Please CLOSE the damper when not in use. Not sure how to start the fire?
Open damper. You need to ensure the chain goes to the UP position to be open.
Light the paper on top of the wood to create a draft.
Light fire starter under the wood.
Add more kindling as needed to get a robust fire going.
Add more logs as needed.
When the fire is done. Close the damper. Chain in the down position.
We have provided some wood for burning. Cutting wood from the forest is strictly prohibited (and will result in a smoky fire). You are liable for any damages caused by indoor or outdoor fires. Make sure fires are completely extinguished when unattended.
Outdoor Fireplace: Please keep fires small and contained within existing fireplace only. DO NOT modify or create your own fire pit. No fires in any other locations are permitted. Make sure fires are completely extinguished when unattended.
Smoking. Take a deep breath of clean woodland air. All Vanderkamp lodgings are non-smoking. This applies to both traditional smoking methods and all electronic delivery systems.
The Property:
Our primary mission is to preserve the natural habitat so that we may all enjoy and learn from this place for generations to come.
Lake Access. While at Vanderkamp you have your own private lake front and dock. There is a canoe at your lodge, but it you would like to take out a paddle board, or borrow a pole to fish you are welcome to access the lake on the South East section labeled on the map as The Beach. There are more canoes, paddle boards, fat tire bikes, fishing equipment, etc located in the Gear Shack at The Beach.
Vanderkamp Lake: No motors. Catch and release. Swim at your own risk. If you borrow it, put it back in the same place and condition.
Vanderkamp Forest: No motors. Leave no trace. Please respect the wildlife and the delicate ecosystem. Do not cut anything down, destroy, or hunt anything living on the property. Always stay within the property and on the trails.
Stay Safe: Vanderkamp is yours to explore, just be careful. Refer to the trail map. Hike, bike, snowshoe, cross country ski, sled ride or ice skate at your own risk. Some trails are not marked well or at all. We do our best to maintain trails through the property, but you should expect terrain to be unlevel and some trees to be down across trails. There are some great apps to help you navigate the woods- such as onX Hunt (has a 7 day free trial), google earth, etc. Please note that ticks are more prominent everywhere in the northeast right now. If you stay on the trails you will have a very low chance of picking up an unwanted friend, but we suggest you check yourself frequently when spending time outside.
Quiet Hours: Sing, play, passionately debate philosophical questions all day long, but from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. the whole property goes into hush mode for what we like to call- Quaint Uninterrupted Internal Exploring and Thinking Time or… QUIET time for short.
More Info:
White Pine Spa. Grab a robe and cozy up in a lounge chair with a cup of custom pine tea while you wait for the steam sauna to heat up. Your lodge code will give you access to our newest amenity, designed to help you slow down, relax and experience the forest from a different perspective. Learn more HERE and book your time in the sauna/cold plunge HERE. The sauna, tea, and fitness room are included in your stay. Enjoy!
Games. As we grow we keep adding games that you can borrow during your stay. There may be some at your lodge already, if not there are more at Kempwick Commons. (coming later in 2024)
There are also games and toys that you can borrow at the Toy Library of the North Shore just down the street. Grab a coffee and explore this fantastic resource just down the street.
VK General Store. You can access Kempwick with your same lodge code during your stay. If you forgot your bug spray, want to try some local cuisine, or love the custom blend VK coffee in your lodge and want to take some home, then visit our small store in the lobby of Kempwick Commons. Purchases are self-serve and on the honor system using the kiosk on site. Reach out if you are having trouble.
Contact Information
Police or Fire Department: 911 (hopefully you know this one already)
Vanderkamp maintenance number: (315) 974-3042
Vanderkamp contact: info@vanderkampny.com
How to use the French Press
Part 1.
About the beans.
The 850 is a custom roast from Recess Coffee in Syracuse Ny carefully crafted to help you wake up smooth and tap into the tenor of the forest.
Roast level: Medium
Region: Guatemala, Colombia
Notes: Almond, Dark Chocolate, Stone fruit.
Acidity: 7
Body: 7
Sweetness: 8
Elevation: 3500-5000 Feet above sea level
Variety: Various
Processing Method: Washed
Part 2.
Some quick tips for a better cup
A French Press is an easy way to deliver an exceptional cup of coffee tuned exactly to your preference. Here are some quick tips for getting it right!
MEASURMENTS:
Water is 240 grams per 1 cup.
Course Ground Coffee is about 5 grams per tablespoon
If you want a bold cup: you will use a 12:1 ratio between water and coffee. So for every 1 cup of water you will use 4 tablespoons of ground coffee.
If you want a balanced cup: you will use a 16:1 ratio between water and coffee. So for every 1 cup of water you will use 3 tablespoons of ground coffee.
Part 3.
Instructions
Step 1
Boil your water in the Kettle
Not in the French Press. Then let it cool slightly. It should be about 205 deg (not boiling)
Step 2
Grind beans
They should be course. Only grind the amount you need. Then place them in the French Press.
Step 3
Bloom the coffee
Gently pour twice the amount of water than you have coffee onto your grounds. For example, if you have 5 TB of coffee, you’ll want to start with 10 TB of water. (you can be approximate- You’re not a barista) Give the grounds a gentle stir. Allow the coffee to bloom for 30 seconds.
Step 4
Pour the remaining water and place the lid gently on top of the grounds.
Don’t plunge just yet. Let the coffee steep for four minutes. Probably best to set a timer for this part.
Step 5
Press the filter down slowly to the bottom.
When you’ve finished pressing, serve the coffee immediately. Don’t let it sit, as this will cause it to continue brewing.
Enjoy!
We know that seems like a lot, but the whole process should take less than 10 minutes and is completely worth it!
Take it Home
If you want to take this experience home we sell our coffee and mugs in the VK Store.
Your Check Out Process
Let’s make it easy!
Check out is 10am.
1. Wash dishes.
2. Turn off all lights and lock all doors.
3. … That’s it! We will take care of the rest.
Notes: You may request a late check out, but we can not always accommodate. While we are not responsible for lost items, if we find anything while cleaning, we will keep it safe for you.
Thinking about a return visit?
Book with us directly Right Here and save! You can also sign up for our Newsletter to receive periodic updates and special “email list only discounts”.
About Your Lodge
What is included.
Please let us know if something is missing.
Kitchen: Pots, pans, dishes, flatware, mugs, drinking and wine glasses, utensils, baking sheets, baking pans, French press coffee maker, 4 burner electric stove/oven, small refrigerator and freezer, microwave, toaster, kettle
Living room: Couch, 2 lounge chairs, fireplace, smart TV
Sunroom: Dining table for 4, 2 rocking chairs, hammock
Bathroom: Public goods products - shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap. Blow dryer. Shower with 2 shower heads and controls. A separate water closet. 2 robes and 2 pairs of slippers
Bedroom 1: King bed, dresser, clothing rack, chair, night stands and lamps, Lake view with walkout to deck
Bedroom 2: Queen bed, clothing rack, chair, Lake view with walkout to deck
Outdoor: private deck and dock, outdoor fireplace, 2 ADK chairs, propane grill
Amenities.
High Speed Wi-Fi
Bluetooth Speaker
Coffee
Private Entrance with Unique Code Access
Linens and towels provided
Public Goods products in all bathrooms (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap) and starter supply of paper products - 1 roll of toilet paper per bathroom and 1 roll of paper towels per lodge.
Parking for 2
Heat and AC
Indoor Fireplace
Outdoor Firepit
Firewood is included
Access to VK Lake beach area with canoes
Smart Fire TV in the Living Room
Dedicated Seating for 2 at VK Lake
Fire Extinguisher
First Aid Kit
Smoke and CO Alarm
Fans Available on Request
Lodge Floor Plan
A brief history
of vanderkamp
1889. Pictured: Frank Channing Soule, Grace Gere Soule, Annabel Brummelkamp, Neeltje Andrews Brummelkamp, William Buell Gere, Nellie Brummelkamp Schmuck, Jane Brewster Brummelkamp. Photo Courtesy of Laurence G Bousquet. Descendant of the Brummelkamps.
Big Beginnings
John and Nicholas Roosevelt were the first Europeans to purchase territory west of the Oswego River between the south shore of Lake Ontario and the Northeast shore of Oneida Lake. The State of New York granted the pair 500,000 acres of land but they failed to fulfill their contract and were forced to sell their holdings in 1792.
Scriba’s Patent
George Scriba, was a young New York City merchant, land surveyor, and former militiamen who served under George Washington. He acquired the Roosevelt Purchase in 1792 and was granted the patents to settle the land in 1794.
The Land Surveyor
Between 1792 and 1794, Benjamin Wright was contracted to survey Scriba’s Patent and he broke the area down into twenty-four similarly sized townships, excluding a large tract of swamp land just north of Oneida Lake. This became known as Scriba’s Location and included what is today’s Cleveland, Bernhard’s Bay, Constantia, and Lake Vanderkamp.
The First Settler
Francis Adrian Van der Kemp, was a radical Dutch preacher, and political leader who bought Lot No. 130 within Scriba’s Location in June of 1794 and settled his family just south of Lake Vanderkamp on an estate he christened Kempwick.
A Popular Destination
Frontier life was harsh and the nearby town of New Rotterdam was little more than a few timber buildings erected by George Scriba at his expense. The Kempwick estate, however, still drew many famous visitors. Clinton DeWitt and the French Duke La Rochefoucauld-Liancourt were among Kempwick’s most prestigious guests with John Adams and George Washinton expressing their wish to see their friends’ estate.
Leaving Kempwick
In 1797, Francis was forced to move his family to Oldenbarneveld because of his wife's poor health. Leaving Kempwick to the care of a tenant, the family would often return to visit up until 1819 — though it is unknown what happened to the estate after Francis’ death in 1829.
The Lost Years
The history and ownership of the land are sketchy between 1797 and 1901. Much of the land surrounding the Kempwick estate seems to have been given to many different individuals as payment for services in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.
A New Beginning
In 1907, Frank Channing Soule, a prominent Syracusan businessman, and naturalist purchased what remained of the Kempwick property and began developing the land into a private estate, farm, and nursery. Frank spent many years purchasing the surrounding properties until he had amassed 3000 acres of continuous land.
Vanderkamp is Born
Although Frank Soule originally named his estate Chestnut Farms because of the beautiful area of chestnut trees, his son Oscar wrote that the name was changed to Vanderkamp when they realized the chestnut trees were found to be doomed to blight.
Developing the Estate
The Soule Family spent many years improving the Vanderkamp estate. Grace worked diligently to build its beautifully trellised gardens while Frank and his workers constructed the main “bungalow” cottage in 1910 and built his famous nine-hole golf course in 1911. Between 1910 and 1930 Frank also built several new barns and houses, including Robert Soule’s cottage in 1920 and Oscar Soule’s cottage in 1924.
The Place to Be
Throughout the early 1900s, Vanderkamp was one of Syracuse and Cleveland’s hottest socialite destinations. Fourth of July was always a day to remember and the estate often hosted local guests as well as their business employees and their families on the porch and the lawn in front of Frank Soule Lodge to watch a glorious display of fireworks aimed out over the lake. Occasionally a gas balloon would be lighted over the woods, being set off by people down on Oneida Lake, at their displays.
The Growing Soule Family
By 1947 all the grandchildren were married and had produced fifteen great-grandchildren. Ben and Dorothy Milner and their three children lived in the gardener’s cottage, Hendrick and Connie Soule and their four children took over one side of the double house on the upper farm, and Gracie and Neal Moylan with their three children had the other side.
End of Soule Ownership
In 1965 Oscar and Robert, then seventy-five and seventy-three respectively were worried about the future of Vanderkamp. The buildings were beginning to need major repairs and only the property’s elderly overseer knew where the water and electrical systems were installed throughout the grounds. Oscar and Robert were approached by the Presbyterian Church to buy Vanderkamp as a retreat and a summer camp for children as well as older generations and the Soule’s sold their estate for a total of $180,000.