Silverlaken

Nestled along the shores of Silver Lake in Western New York, the Silverlaken Estate offers a one-of-a-kind experience with 5 acres of unique accommodations and eco-friendly lake-focused activities. Whether you’re a group, family, or individual, you can enjoy a stay at Silverlaken on a daily, weekly, monthly, or even seasonal basis.

Escape to this serene waterfront retreat, just a short drive from Buffalo, Rochester, Niagara Falls, and the Finger Lakes Wine Region. If you appreciate sailboats, saunas, and starry nights, or if you enjoy sipping wine on wrap-around porches and rocking chairs, or if you love gathering around campfires, listening to the sound of crickets, and sleeping deeply, or if you cherish early mornings, disconnecting from the online world, and immersing yourself in nature, then Silverlaken is the perfect destination for you.

The history of Silverlaken Estate dates back to the mid/late 1800s when Perry was a bustling mill town and Silver Lake was a popular spot for church retreats and private camps. The Traber family, who owned a prominent mill in town, used the lodge building at Silverlaken as their summer retreat. The decorative mill stone that still graces the front lawn was placed by them over a hundred years ago. The majestic evergreen and sycamore trees that dot the property were planted during that era and continue to stand tall after more than 150 years. The utility room, now part of the estate, used to be a “sleeping porch” where half of the bedroom was indoors, and the other half was on the porch. During hot summer nights, the bed was even pushed out onto the deck for comfort!

With the advent of engines replacing hydropower during the First World War, the mills around Silver Lake began to close down, and the property changed hands several times, eventually falling into disrepair for many years. However, in 2016, the current owner of Silverlaken, Mike Bellamy, returned to his childhood lake home after a 20-year career in Asia, purchased the Traber estate, and embarked on an extensive restoration project. Over three years, permits were arranged, native trees were planted, buildings were restored, solar panels were installed, and infrastructure was upgraded to create the Silverlaken Estate as it stands today. In 2019, Derek & April Orf joined as managing partners in the business, along with other dedicated team members who take care of the estate, including Bruce the caretaker, Laurie the master gardener, and Dana & Caroline the housekeeping team.

As a hobby, Mike also collects Qing dynasty furniture and art, with some of the pieces adorning the Silverlaken Estate being over 200 years old. If you’re interested, feel free to ask your hosts for a tour of the collection during your visit. Come experience the beauty and history of Silverlaken Estate on the shores of Silver Lake.