We all love Lake Anna; especially longtime residents who remember when quiet lake activities like paddleboarding,, pedal boats, fishing, and flat-water kayaking were the norm. Those peaceful moments still exist, but if you’re craving a guaranteed getaway with calm waters and unique charm, consider slipping over to Lake Glen Haven for a weekend.

Mike and Ashleigh acquired Lake Glen Haven in 2019 and immediately set out to create a destination unlike any other. Their original plan was to place a remodeled Airstream camper by the lake — especially after a tugboat they were eyeing in Connecticut disappeared from the market. But when that tugboat suddenly reappeared, their plans shifted. (You really must ask them to tell the whole story.) The short version: They disassembled, transported, reassembled, remodeled and redecorated the tugboat into a signature rental on the property. Other unique rentals include a log cabin and a beautifully renovated silo — stories for another day.

The tugboat sits at the far end of the property, so on the way in you’ll pass the boathouse, the 24/7 country store, and the tree house before crossing the dam. After parking, it’s a short walk through the woods to the tugboat, and a small cart is available to help move luggage. Lanterns line the walkway if you arrive after dark, and soft lighting accents the tugboat’s front yard.

If you’re the inquisitive type (like us), once you settle in you’ll want to explore. Walk the lake loop to discover mini beaches, kayak/SUP storage, piers and waterfalls. Make your way out to the island, where Adirondack chairs circle a fire pit for communal evening gatherings. Yes — your group can rent all four properties together, depending on availability.

We later hiked three of the five miles of trails: the Lake Loop, Fiona’s Fwy and Jake’s Jaunt, enjoying beautiful fall foliage along the way. Time didn’t allow for a pedal-boat ride, and with water temperatures in the low 60s, floating the lake seemed a bit ambitious for our modest SUP skills. But both options were available.

The tugboat itself is idiosyncratic and wonderfully charming. The doors are about three feet square, so — not being hobbit-sized — we stepped carefully entering and exiting. The reward inside was worth it: a captain’s bed, a marine bath, a stocked kitchen, and a cozy dining/living area. Above, a captain’s loft bedroom offers 360-degree lake views at dawn and sunset. And of course, no boat is complete without a rooftop terrace for daytime lounging.

Our evening centered around a campfire at the fire pit, complete with matching string swings — a touch of romance and whimsy. Meeting Ashleigh and Mike after our stay at the silo confirmed one thing: we have to go back.

Dave Richards

Dave Richards and his wife danni are long time Lake Anna residents (since 1996) with a penchant for travel.   They also LOVE to stay in unique places, which have included a hanging spherical tree house in Qualicum BC, the Marilyn Monroe suite in Edith Palmer’s place in Virginia City NV, and a quonset hut in Yosemite.  Closer to home, they have stayed in the Lighthouse in Smithfield, the Silo at Kelly’s Ford, and the Tepee at Eagle’s Landing In Lynchburg.   They are looking forward to visiting the unique accommodations nearby at Lake Anna!