Step into 115 years of stories. Built in 1911 on a wooded bluff above Lake Carlos, the Carrington House welcomes you with original hardwood floors, soaring 11-foot ceilings, a commanding fireplace, and 200 feet of private shoreline on Minnesota's premier seven-lake chain. Sleeps 12 in spacious comfort.
Built in 1911 on a wooded bluff a half-mile north of the Carlos–Le Homme Dieu bridge, the Carrington House has been gathering people together for more than a century. Step through the door and the 1000-square-foot great room opens up around you: 11-foot ceilings, original heart pine and three-inch hardwood floors that have hosted weddings and waltzes alike, and a commanding fireplace that has warmed family Christmases, quiet rainy mornings, and more than a few late-night card games.
The house sits on 1.6 private acres with 200 feet of pristine Lake Carlos shoreline — the largest of a seven-lake chain spanning more than 2,500 acres of some of Minnesota's finest fishing, swimming, and boating water. Whether you're casting from the dock at sunrise, gliding out for an afternoon paddle, or watching the lake go gold from the porch with a glass of wine in hand, the water is right there. So is the quiet.
A little of the lore. The home appears in the non-fiction book And Then Came Summer, which traces the families who summered here before us. The Cabannes family - from New Orleans turned this house into the social heart of the lake during the Roaring Twenties. The Blackmores carried that tradition forward; the Webbs, Florida oil magnates, made it their delightful spot for decades. And here's our favorite footnote: both Franklin D. Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower are rumored to have stopped by the house as they considered it for their presidential retreats. They didn't get it. You can.
You'll have the whole historic home to yourselves — comfortably sleeping 12 guests across 6 spacious bedrooms, with the great room and fireplace as the natural gathering point. The kitchen is fully equipped for everything from a quick lake lunch to a holiday dinner for the whole family. WiFi, comfortable beds, and the kind of indoor comforts you actually want after a day on the water.
Outside, a private dock and 200 feet of Lake Carlos shoreline — swim, fish, launch a kayak, or just dangle your feet. 1.6 wooded acres for room to roam, lawn games, and quiet morning coffee
Outdoor living spaces for gathering, grilling, and watching the sun set across the lake
Lake Carlos chain — seven connected lakes, 2,500+ acres, legendary walleye and northern fishing.
Perfect for, multi-generational family vacations, anniversary getaways, fishing trips, milestone birthdays, small weddings, writing retreats, and anyone who wants their lake house to come with a little soul.
A note from your hosts
We've poured care into this place because it's more than a rental — it's a piece of living history we're proud to share. We'll be available if you need anything, and otherwise out of your way. Come for the lake. Stay for the stories. Leave with a few of your own.
"The place where history, hospitality, and heaven meet." Discover this 6-bedroom gem in Alexandria. This delightful cottage features four king beds, 2 twin bed, and a cozy sofa bed, perfect for groups or families. With 6 bathrooms, guests enjoy plenty of space and privacy. The cottage stays comfortable year-round, offering heating and air conditioning. Whether you’re relaxing indoors or getting ready for a day out, experience the magic of Alexandria at our superb cottage.
PATIO:
Amazing Lake Views
Patio Furniture
YARD/LAKE
Fire Pit
Private Dock
2 Paddle Boards
*NOTE Dock and paddle boards should be in the water by Memorial Day weekend. However, this is not guaranteed based on how late in the season the lake was frozen. This affects all homes on the lake. Message us if you are concerned with the timeline. The dock and paddle boards are not guaranteed after 1 Oct.
AIRPORT: Minneapolis St Paul Airport – 2 hr 15 min; Grand Forks Airport-2 hr 53 min
HOLIDAY NOTE: THERE ARE NO CHECKOUTS ALLOWED ON 4 JUL, 24-25 NOV or 24-26 DEC
PRIVATE PARKING: Plenty of Parking available on property. Note: Guests will NOT have access to the garage on property
ACCESS: The front door is equipped with an electronic keypad. Guests are required to sign the renter agreement and set up their security deposit to receive the door code. You will get a personalized door code 48 hours before check-in, no need to meet anyone for keys. Enjoy the entire place to yourself.
Please review these rules prior to booking.
AGE: All guests must be 25+ with the exception of children with their parents.
OCCUPANCY: 12 Person Maximum. If you bring more people than accounted for on your reservation, we will charge you $100 per person over said number per night. Exceeding the maximum permitted occupancy can result in many issues, including a fine by local authorities for not adhering to sprinklers/fire safety. We reserve the right to cancel reservation if this rule is not followed.
SMOKING: This is a NON-SMOKING/VAPING home. No smoking anywhere on the premises.
WEATHER: No refunds for weather/natural disasters/power outages/other things that are beyond our control. Please purchase travel insurance for coverage.
OUTDOOR GRILL: There is a charcoal grill out on the patio for use. You will need to supply your own charcoal. There is a metal ash bucket and an ash shovel to be used to clean up afterwards.
TRASH: Trash Bins are provided on property. Please bag up all trash and place in outside bin on departure.
MOSQUITOS and CRITTERS: We subscribe to monthly pest control, including for mosquitos. However, this lake home is still considered to be in the woods, and with that comes bugs and other critters.
PETS: Pets are NOT allowed. We love pets, however some of our family members and guests are very allergic to pet dander. Please be considerate and make alternate vacation arrangements for your furry family members. There are many pet-friendly homes in the area that would love to host your family.
CHECK IN/OUT: Check-in at 4:00 PM. Check-out at 10:00 AM. We do not offer early check-in nor late check-out. We do not allow check-ins nor check-outs on holidays.
OTHER SAFETY: Do not lean or hang on the railings.
CANCELLATIONS: All cancellations will incur a $175 service fee as that is charged to us by our credit card service.
We provide a starter pack consisting of dishwasher tablets, paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags. Basic toiletries including soap, shampoo, conditioner are provided in all bathrooms. Condiments, ground coffee, creamer, sugar, zip lock bags, and charcoal are NOT provided. Laundry detergent is also not provided.
Other things to note
*No parties
*Absolutely no smoking, vaping, candles, incense, or any other smoke/odor producing products are allowed.
*Absolutely no pets allowed due to allergy concerns. If you bring a pet of any kind you will be charged an additional $300 for cleaning and be asked to leave with no refund.
SECURITY DEPOSIT: There is a $500 security deposit that will be collected by credit card after booking your reservation. If, at the end of the rental period, the rental property is returned undamaged beyond normal wear and tear, the Security Deposit will be released in full within five (5) business days.
Hosts are available by message 8AM to 6PM.
