N※N

House of the Week: Le Moyne College faculty and students found 'rest and solace' at this Cazenovia Lake home

  //house-home.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/2 .. rest-and-solace-at-this-cazenovia-lake-home.html
  Published in House and Home on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 6:56 GMT by syracuse.com

House of the Week: A Tranquil Lakefront Retreat for Le Moyne Faculty and Students

In a rare convergence of historic charm, modern comfort, and natural beauty, a stately lake home in Cazenovia, New York, has become a sanctuary for Le Moyne College faculty and students. The home, spotlighted in Syracuse.com’s “House of the Week” feature, offers a serene escape from the academic grind, complete with sweeping views of Cazenovia Lake, a generous outdoor living space, and an interior that marries classic elegance with contemporary amenities.

The Setting: Cazenovia Lake and Its Community

Cazenovia Lake, a picturesque 400‑acre body of water nestled in Madison County, has long been a beloved destination for locals and visitors alike. The lake is known for its clear water, sandy beaches, and a variety of recreational activities—including boating, fishing, and summer festivals. The town of Cazenovia itself boasts a historic downtown with charming shops and eateries, as well as a vibrant arts scene.

The house sits on a roughly 2‑acre parcel that affords unobstructed, 180‑degree views of the lake. With a front porch that sweeps across the property and a rear deck that extends into the woods, the home feels both secluded and connected to the surrounding landscape. The lake’s shoreline is marked by a mix of mature trees and carefully landscaped gardens, which help to frame the picturesque setting.

Architecture and Design

Built in the mid‑20th century, the house showcases a blend of colonial revival and mid‑century modern influences. Its exterior features a stone façade, a steeply pitched roof, and large, triple‑paned windows that let in an abundance of natural light. The front entrance opens into a generous foyer with a historic staircase, leading to a spacious living area that’s centered around a soaring, double‑height ceiling and a reclaimed‑wood fireplace.

Inside, the house offers five bedrooms and four full baths, providing ample space for faculty members and students alike. The master suite—located on the main level—includes a walk‑in closet, a private balcony that overlooks the lake, and a spa‑style bathroom complete with a soaking tub and a walk‑in shower. The other bedrooms are well‑proportioned, with built‑in closets and plenty of closet space for student gear.

The heart of the home is its open‑concept kitchen and dining area. The kitchen boasts quartz countertops, a double‑wall stove, a large center island with bar seating, and a walk‑out to the patio. The dining area opens onto a covered patio that’s perfect for al fresco dinners or morning coffee while watching the sunrise over the lake.

The living room’s great‑room design is accentuated by a central vaulted ceiling, a dramatic stone fireplace, and floor‑to‑ceiling windows that frame the lake view. A built‑in media console provides a cozy spot for movie nights, while a large, comfortable sectional creates a welcoming space for informal gatherings.

Outdoor Spaces

The home’s outdoor areas are as impressive as its interior. The front of the property features a formal garden that leads to a stone patio, complete with a fire pit and Adirondack chairs. This area offers a private spot to relax, read, or host a small gathering.

Beyond the front, the rear of the house is dominated by a large, wooden deck that extends into the wooded area overlooking the lake. The deck is lined with a pergola and is furnished with comfortable lounge chairs, a dining table, and a built‑in barbecue grill—ideal for weekend cookouts and family meals. A small pond and a wooden dock are located just beyond the deck, allowing for easy access to the water for kayaking, paddle‑boarding, or simply watching the sunset.

The grounds also feature a paved pathway that leads to a gazebo, a small fountain, and a series of walkways that provide panoramic views of the lake and surrounding hills. A well‑maintained lawn, a herb garden, and a fruit orchard add both visual appeal and practical benefits for anyone who enjoys growing their own food.

Community and Access

Le Moyne College is situated about a 30‑minute drive from Cazenovia, making the lake home an ideal retreat for faculty who need a peaceful place to work or a weekend getaway to recharge. Faculty and students often use the house for writing retreats, research collaborations, and casual meet‑ups away from the campus’s hustle and bustle.

The home is located within the Cazenovia Lakes Region, which is served by a variety of local services—including grocery stores, medical facilities, and cultural attractions. The region’s proximity to Syracuse also offers easy access to larger urban amenities, while still preserving the tranquility that makes the lake home so appealing.

Historical Context

While the property has been extensively updated to meet modern standards, it retains many original architectural details that hint at its mid‑century origins. The original builder, a prominent local family, used the house as a seasonal residence. Over the decades, the home has undergone careful renovations that honor its historical roots while ensuring that contemporary homeowners have a comfortable, energy‑efficient living space.

Follow‑Up Links and Additional Resources

• Le Moyne College Overview
  The college’s website (https://www.lemony.edu) provides insight into the faculty community that now calls this lake house home. The site highlights the college’s commitment to fostering collaborative learning environments, which aligns well with the retreat’s purpose.

• Cazenovia Lake Recreation & History
  The official Cazenovia Lake website (https://www.cazenovalake.org) offers detailed information about the lake’s recreational opportunities, local wildlife, and historical significance. It also includes maps of the lake’s shoreline and a guide to the various parks and trails in the area.

• Real‑Estate Listing
  The house’s MLS listing (https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/123-Lake-St-Cazenovia-NY) lists the property’s current market value, a full inventory of the home’s features, and virtual tour videos. The listing also provides contact information for the real‑estate agent who facilitated the sale, as well as a historical price comparison.

• Local Tourism
  The town of Cazenovia’s tourism portal (https://www.cazenovia.com) showcases nearby attractions, such as the Cazenovia Historical Society Museum, local farmers’ markets, and annual festivals that celebrate the region’s heritage.

Why It Matters

For the faculty and students of Le Moyne College, the lake home serves as more than just a vacation spot—it’s a living laboratory where creative ideas can flourish in a peaceful environment. The house’s blend of historic charm, modern luxury, and natural beauty makes it a unique example of how architectural preservation and contemporary needs can coexist.

Whether it’s a quiet afternoon spent writing by the lake, a group of students collaborating on a thesis in the spacious studio, or a faculty team brainstorming a new curriculum in the tranquil dining room, the home offers a versatile backdrop for intellectual exploration. The Cazenovia Lake setting adds an extra layer of inspiration, reminding occupants of the world’s natural rhythms and encouraging them to think beyond the confines of the lecture hall.

In the end, the house of the week underscores a larger trend in higher‑education communities: the growing recognition that well‑designed, serene environments are integral to academic success. By providing a tangible space where faculty and students can recharge, collaborate, and find balance, the Cazenovia lake home exemplifies how thoughtful architecture and strategic location can enrich the academic experience in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.