Consider a stay at Hilltop Haven 1BR Lakefront Home – Private Island, Hot Tub, Kayaks & Pool Table and take advantage of a firepit, a garden and an arcade/games room. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
1 bedroom2 bathrooms232 sq m
Popular amenities
Dryer
Hot tub
Fireplace
Washer
Parking available
Kitchen
The current price is NZ$1,505
NZ$1,505
includes taxes & fees
18 Dec - 19 Dec
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Hilltop Haven 1BR Lakefront Home – Private Island, Hot Tub, Kayaks & Pool Table
🍁 Autumn is GORGEOUS at Sylvan Lake – View Our Fall Photos!
—Availability Note—
The 1 & 3-bedroom layouts of Hilltop Haven are typically available October through May, while the full 5-bedroom layout is available year-round.
Occasionally, the smaller layouts open for short-notice summer stays—if your dates look unavailable, check our other listings or message us to confirm.
Whichever layout you book, you’ll have the property to yourself — the home is never shared with other guests.
⸻
🌅 The Setting
Reconnect • Recharge • Make Memories
Welcome to Hilltop Haven on Sylvan Lake—an upscale, romantic lakefront retreat with its own private island. This 1BR/2BA layout offers couples or solo travelers a peaceful escape that blends comfort and style. Perched just above the shoreline, it overlooks Sylvan’s calm waters and offers scenic lake views in every direction. Enjoy morning coffee on the deck, a soothing soak in the indoor hot tub, or a cozy evening by the fire pit beneath the trees. Paddle the lake or bike the nearby paved rail-trail by day, then unwind as the sun sets across the water—your perfect place to reconnect, recharge, and simply breathe.
⸻
🏠 The Home
Step into the vaulted great room, where a wall of windows frames the lake and the open chef’s kitchen with a live-edge dining table invites everyone to gather. A separate game room with a pool table and kitchenette provides rainy-day fun and evening entertainment, and the indoor cedar hot tub offers a soothing retreat after long days on the water.
Upstairs you’ll find 1 bedroom with an ensuite bathroom (see sleeping setup), plus a private office/sitting room for those needing a quiet corner to work or unwind. Another full bath is located on the main level.
⸻
🌊 Deck, Bridge & Island
Slide open the doors to a wraparound deck with lounge seating and a Weber grill. Steps lead to 100+ feet of lake frontage and a 72-foot footbridge connecting to your private island—a shady green space for lawn games, a stone fire pit beneath mature trees, and an 84-foot pier with benches for sunrise coffee and golden-hour sunsets.
⸻
⭐ Inside Highlights • Fully renovated in 2024 • 1BR/2BA • 3 beds available in this layout • Vaulted great room with wall of windows • Chef’s kitchen w/double oven & large island • Game room w/ pool table, kitchenette & TV • Indoor cedar hot tub (year-round) • Office/Sitting Room with lake views • 3 HDTVs (Roku/AirPlay) + computer monitor • Fast fiber-optic Wi-Fi • Central A/C; whole-house water softener & filter • 1-car garage bay for guest storage (no vehicle parking)
⸻
⭐ Outside Highlights • Private island with fire pit, 10 Adirondack chairs & picnic table • Wraparound deck with picnic table & lounge seating • 84' pier with benches; space for 2–3 boats • Pedal boat included • 2 adult bikes included (extras available for rent) • 1 SUP + 1 single kayak included (extras available for rent) • 1 large floating mat (12′ × 6′) included • On-site pontoon available for rent (May–Oct, weather-dependent) • Complimentary firewood (extra available for purchase) • Basketball hoop • Parking for 6–8 vehicles (inquire for more if needed)
⸻
🛌 Sleeping Setup (1BR/2BA)
• BR1 – King bed (ensuite) – sleeps 2 • Great Room – Queen sofa bed – sleeps 2 • Office/Sitting Room – Loveseat pull-out – sleeps 1
Beds: 3 • Sleeps: 5 • Max occupancy: 5 (+ infants under 2) Pack-and-play available.
✴️ Optional Add-On: Second Bedroom
Need extra space? During select dates, Bedroom 2 can be added for an extra fee. It overlooks the great room, has lake views, and includes its own private bath. Please inquire before booking to check availability and pricing.
⸻
🚲 Bikes
Included: 2 adult bikes + helmets. Optional: Bike Bundle (up to 8 total—adult/teen/kids) for an additional rental fee.
⸻
🛶 Watercraft
Included: 1 SUP + 1 single kayak (life vests). Optional: Watercraft Bundle (adds another SUP, a single kayak, and a double kayak) for an additional rental fee—seasonal May–Oct.
⸻
🛥️ Pontoon Rental (on-site)
Our pontoon ties up at the pier for easy handoff—perfect for family lake days or sunset cruises. Additional rental fee. Seasonal May–Oct. Operator must be 25+ with boating experience.
⸻
👥 Business Retreats (Full 5BR Layout Only)
Bring the team for meaningful time together on the water—where productivity meets relaxation.
• Work zones: Dining table (8–9), kitchen island (6), game-room table (4–6), plus private office for focused work. • Screens & hookups: Great room 65” TV (HDMI/AirPlay); TV room 65” TV (HDMI/AirPlay); office monitor (HDMI/USB-C). • Wi-Fi: Fast fiber-optic with strong coverage (speed proof available upon request). • Gear by request: Whiteboard/markers, flip chart, HDMI cables, power strip. • Unwind: Hot tub, island fire pit, cornhole/bocce, pedal boat; bikes and kayaks/SUPs available seasonally. • Vendors welcome: Facilitators, yoga/massage providers, private chefs—with prior approval and Certificate of Insurance.
We’re honored to host life’s most meaningful moments—from intimate island “I do’s” to joyful gatherings with family and friends.
• Island ceremonies: Exchange vows surrounded by water, trees, and sky—our private island is an unforgettable setting for small weddings and vow renewals. • Local venues: Continue the celebration nearby—Sylvan Cellars offers rustic-elegant barn charm & open fields; Gene Stratton-Porter’s Carriage House & Gardens provides a romantic lakeside backdrop; and 5C Farms Event Barn in Albion is another beautiful countryside option. • Showers & day events: Hilltop Haven is also available for bridal and baby showers (daytime use only). Bedrooms remain locked off for a focused event experience—please inquire for details. • Planning note: additional guidelines and event fees may apply.
⸻
🏡 Alternate Layouts of Hilltop Haven & Availability
Hilltop Haven offers three flexible configurations—each designed to suit different group sizes and styles of stay (see our other listings for details):
• 1BR/2BA – Sleeps 5 (this listing): Ideal for couples or small families. 2nd bedroom available (w/fee). • 3BR/3BA – Sleeps 12: Great for mid-size groups or wedding guests from Sylvan Cellars. • 5BR/4BA – Sleeps 18: Full-home layout for large gatherings and celebrations.
(TV Room closed in 1BR & 3BR layouts; open in 5BR full-home configuration.)
Dates typically open about six months in advance. From June through September, smaller layouts are generally unavailable unless released for short-notice openings. If your preferred dates are blocked, check our other listings or message us directly to confirm availability.
⸻
📍 The Local Area – Four Seasons of Lake Life
Hilltop Haven sits on Sylvan Lake’s Upper (middle) Basin, one of five connected basins with over sixteen miles of scenic shoreline—offering endless ways to enjoy the water, trails, and surrounding nature in every season.
• Sylvan Lake: A full-recreation lake that welcomes speedboats and all water sports. Ski, tube, fish, or paddle as you explore Sylvan’s islands and winding basins. Each season brings something special—spring wildlife and peaceful paddles (keep an eye out for bald eagles!); summer boating and golden-hour sunsets; autumn reflections among fiery trees; and cozy winter days with ice fishing or skating when conditions allow. A public boat ramp is nearby, and our pier welcomes your rental or personal boat (with approval). • Boy Scout Island: Just a short paddle from our island—100+ wooded acres featuring a one-mile loop trail, outdoor chapel, public dock, and picnic pavilion. • Gene Stratton-Porter Historic Site: A beloved local gem with a lakeside cabin, museum, gardens, and gift shop—beautiful year-round and accessible by bike or foot via the Fishing Line Trail. • Fishing Line Trail: A 12-mile paved rail-trail connecting Rome City and Kendallville—perfect for morning walks to get coffee, afternoon rides through the countryside, or evening strolls for ice cream. Excellent for cross-country skiing in winter, too! • Sylvan Cellars: Only 5-min away by car—offering a tasting room, great food, live music, and frequent events. Shuttle service available; check their concert calendar. • Sower’s Tea Room: Just a 5-min walk—a cozy spot for coffee, tea, pastries, and thoughtful gifts.
⸻
🌆 Nearby Attractions & Day Trips
Beyond Sylvan Lake, the surrounding region offers charming towns, scenic drives, and memorable experiences year-round:
• Fort Wayne (40 min): Indiana’s second-largest city with a revitalized riverfront, top-rated Children’s Zoo, Promenade Park, and great dining. • Pokagon State Park (35 min): Trails, lake swimming, and a thrilling toboggan run in winter. • Shipshewana (40 min): A picturesque Amish town famous for its flea market, bakeries, handmade goods, and concerts. • South Bend / University of Notre Dame (1 hr 15 min): Catch a football or basketball game. • Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum (30 min): A must-see for classic car enthusiasts. • Elkhart & the Heritage Trail (50 min): Explore artisan shops, museums, and scenic countryside routes.
⸻
🚘 Travel Times
Hilltop Haven is centrally located between major Midwest cities—making it easy to reach!
• Fort Wayne – 40 min • South Bend – 75 min • Indianapolis – 2 hrs • Toledo – 2.5 hrs • Detroit – 3 hrs • Chicago – 3 hrs • Grand Rapids – 3 hrs • Columbus – 3 hrs • Cleveland – 3.5 hrs • Dayton – 3.5 hrs
⸻
💫 So come enjoy Hilltop Haven...
Reconnect in the vaulted great room, unwind in the cedar hot tub, and share stories around the island fire pit as the stars come out. Paddle to Big Island, explore the Gene Stratton-Porter Historic Site, bike or hike the Fishing Line Trail—and of course, play all day on beautiful Sylvan Lake!
Property amenities
Ski
Cross-country skiing nearby
Pool/Spa
Hot tub
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Car recommended
Onsite parking options include a garage
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Ice maker
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
Bedroom
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Shower
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Entertainment
Books
Games
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Laundry
Washing machine
Work spaces
Computer monitor
Desk
Desk chair
Office
Printer
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Note from host: This is strictly a no-smoking house.
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
Near a hospital
Near the marina
On a lake
On the waterfront
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Bicycles
Billiards/pool table
Boat
Kayak
Basketball nearby
Birdwatching nearby
Casino nearby
Cycling nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Hunting nearby
Ice skating nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Sailing nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock
General
Bicycles
Garden
Unit size: 2,500 square feet
Similar properties
Hilltop Haven 3BR Lakefront Escape – Private Island, Hot Tub, Kayaks, Pool Table
Hilltop Haven 3BR Lakefront Escape – Private Island, Hot Tub, Kayaks, Pool Table
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
Renter must be 25+; present for entire stay; sign agreement; pass screening; & place security deposit hold ($500-1BR, $750-3BR, or $1,250-5BR listing)
NO SMOKING/VAPING on property; No pets; No Firearms/Illegal Activity; Quiet Hours 10pm outside/12am inside to 8am
Swim at risk; No diving/jumping off bridge/pier/into hot tub; Vendors w/approval; No use of fireplaces, no fireworks; Other House Rules Apply
Pets
Pets not allowed
Note from host: Service animals are allowed with pre-approval only
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
Events allowed
Events require written pre-approval: fees may appl
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
This is strictly a no-smoking house.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Parties and events are allowed on site
Note from host: Events require written pre-approval: fees may appl
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
Property is also known as
orp5b712d9x
About the area
Rome City, IN
What's nearby
Sylvan Lake - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site - 1 min drive - 0.4 km
Blue Gate Theater - 32 min drive - 45.9 km
Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum - 33 min drive - 43.6 km
Allen County War Memorial Coliseum - 44 min drive - 64.6 km
Getting around
Waterloo Station - 31 min drive
Goshen, IN (GSH-Goshen Municipal) - 34 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 12 min drive
Twin Six Restaurant - 7 min drive
Five Lakes Coffee - 11 min drive
The Breakfast House - 13 min drive
Wendy's - 12 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Hilltop Haven 1BR Lakefront Home – Private Island, Hot Tub, Kayaks & Pool Table pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Hilltop Haven 1BR Lakefront Home – Private Island, Hot Tub, Kayaks & Pool Table?
As of 17 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Hilltop Haven 1BR Lakefront Home – Private Island, Hot Tub, Kayaks & Pool Table on 18 Dec 2025 start from NZ$1,504.73, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Hilltop Haven 1BR Lakefront Home – Private Island, Hot Tub, Kayaks & Pool Table?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Hilltop Haven 1BR Lakefront Home – Private Island, Hot Tub, Kayaks & Pool Table?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Hilltop Haven 1BR Lakefront Home – Private Island, Hot Tub, Kayaks & Pool Table?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Hilltop Haven 1BR Lakefront Home – Private Island, Hot Tub, Kayaks & Pool Table located?
This family-friendly Rome City holiday home is located on the waterfront, just steps away from Sylvan Lake and Hathaway Island. Cook Island and Round Island are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Reviews
Hilltop Haven 1BR Lakefront Home – Private Island, Hot Tub, Kayaks & Pool Table Reviews
10
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.More informationOpens in a new window