Our Top 5 Cozy Vacation Rentals for Small Families

Visiting Prince Edward County (PEC) with family? Staying in a cozy cottage or lake house can make your trip even more memorable!

Here's five charming vacation rentals that are ideal for families of 4–5. These rentals span different corners of the County, offering a mix of lakefront relaxation, countryside charm, and convenient village locations.

1. Lilac Lakehouse

📍Cressy, PEC

The expansive waterfront deck at Lilac Lakehouse, a luxury cottage in Cressy. Lilac Lakehouse is an elegant lakefront retreat on the shores of Lake Ontario where “lakefront luxury meets laid-back living”.

This expansive 4-bedroom home blends calm luxury with cozy charm, think soaring ceilings and a chef’s kitchen, balanced with warm decor and comfy lounges. Families can spread out across multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, from a panoramic loft to a 1,000 sq ft waterfront deck and two acres of gardens. You’ll enjoy sunrise and sunset views over the water and fun perks like a games room and a lakeside pergola with a BBQ and pizza oven for memorable family dinners.

Top Amenities:

• Lake Ontario waterfront with a huge private dock and wraparound views.

• Gourmet kitchen (island, quartz counters) and open living area with a fireplace.

• Expansive deck & garden space (2 acres) plus a pergola with BBQ and pizza oven for outdoor dining.

• Four spacious bedrooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom (plenty of room for up to 5+ guests).

2. The VIV (Viv Cottage)

📍Wellington, PEC

The VIV is a year-round bungalow cottage tucked on a quiet lane by Lake Ontario in Wellington. This tranquil hideaway “feels like a hotel suite” with its stylish interior and panoramic lake view from the front deck. It’s ideal for a couple and two children – a cozy main bedroom for mom and dad plus a second bedroom with twin beds for the kids.

The vibe is equal parts beachy and convenient: you’re steps from Wellington’s restaurants, cafes, and the Drake Devonshire, yet the cottage community is peaceful and family-friendly. The Viv comes equipped with all the comforts of home, including a fully stocked kitchen, Wi-Fi and a Smart TV, and even a county beach pass so you can spend a day at Sandbanks.

Top Amenities:

• Waterfront views of Lake Ontario from a private deck in the heart of Wellington.

• 2 bedrooms (1 queen + 2 twins), perfect for a family of four (licensed for up to 4 guests).

• Full kitchen + BBQ grill for cooking, with an outdoor dining area and garden on site.

• Free Wi-Fi, Smart TV, and a Sandbanks beach pass provided for guest use.

3. Kuijpers Family Cottage

📍Cherry Valley (Athol), PEC

For a classic county farmhouse-style stay near the Sandbanks, Kuijpers Cottage is an excellent choice. This is a clean & cozy, family-friendly home set on a 1.5-acre property just minutes from Sandbanks Provincial Park, Picton, and Bloomfield.

The interior is warm and welcoming: on the main floor you’ll find a full kitchen, an inviting family room, and two queen bedrooms, while downstairs there’s a kids’ haven with two double beds, a futon, and a play area stocked with toys.

Outside, parents can relax on the large deck overlooking the yard while the kids enjoy the fenced play area, complete with a swing set, sandbox, and playhouse. In the evenings, gather around the fire pit under the stars. This cottage provides everything a small family needs, including laundry facilities and even season passes to Sandbanks beach (no need to buy your own!).

Top Amenities:

• Three-bedroom cottage (two queen rooms plus a downstairs bunkroom) that comfortably accommodates 4–5+ guests.

• Large deck & BBQ overlooking a big yard – perfect for outdoor meals and relaxation.

• Fenced-in play yard with a swing set, sandbox, and playhouse to keep little ones entertained.

• Fire pit and 1.5 acres of private outdoor space for family campfires and games.

• Two Sandbanks park passes included for beach days (a huge bonus for families).

4. Union House

📍Picton, PEC

If you prefer to stay close to town conveniences, Union House offers a cozy private home on the edge of Picton with its own backyard oasis. This fully private 3-bedroom cottage has a surprisingly spacious yard featuring a heated outdoor pool and a large deck for lounging and dining.

The interior is thoughtfully appointed with comfortable beds, a full kitchen, and high-speed internet – truly a “well-appointed cottage” in the heart of PEC. Union House is centrally located: just a quick drive (or bike ride) to Picton’s Main Street shops and cafes, yet tucked away enough that you have peace and privacy. It’s available year-round for short stays, making it great for a long weekend family getaway.

Top Amenities:

• Heated swimming pool in a private fenced yard, with a spacious deck for outdoor dining.

• 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, sleeps up to 5 guests comfortably (ideal for a family of five).

• Fully equipped kitchen and a BBQ grill for family meals at home.

• High-speed Wi-Fi, Smart TV, air conditioning, and on-site parking for convenience.

5. Peaceful Peninsula Cottage

📍Milford/South Shore, PEC

For nature-loving families, Peaceful Peninsula is a dream retreat. Tucked at the end of a laneway on a private peninsula (water on three sides!), this four-season cottage lives up to its name. The setting is incredibly tranquil and secluded, with 270° water views of Smith’s Bay and natural surroundings all around.

Despite being newly renovated with modern touches, the cottage retains a small, cozy feel, an oasis of comfort with plush linens and even a spa-like hot tub and cedar barrel sauna overlooking the water. Families can spend days paddling the bay and fishing off the private dock. There’s a boat launch too, so you can even bring your own small boat. In the evenings, enjoy the two fire pits on site or head inside to the games room, plenty to keep kids and adults entertained. Best of all, Peaceful Peninsula is pet-friendly with a huge grassy area for dogs to roam (no extra fees for pets), so you can bring your whole family. It’s a one-of-a-kind hideaway that offers both adventure and relaxation for a small family.

Top Amenities:

• Waterfront location on a private peninsula, with a dock, swim-friendly shoreline, and boat launch for guests.

• Outdoor hot tub & cedar sauna with lake views, your own little spa experience at the cottage.

• Water sports gear provided, free use of kayaks, canoes, paddleboards for family fun on the water.

• Games room + fire pits, indoor rec room (ping pong, darts, games, etc.) and two outdoor fire pit areas for s’mores nights.

• Pet-friendly retreat, dogs welcome (off-leash areas, no pet fees) so no family member gets left behind.

Each of these vacation rentals captures the cozy, relaxed vibe of PEC while providing the space and amenities that families need. From lakeside decks and play yards to pools and paddleboards, you can choose the style that suits your family best. Here’s to making family memories in Prince Edward County at one of these delightful home-away-from-home rentals!

Happy house hunting! 🏡