THE KEUKA COVE HOUSE
About Us
The story behind our purpose, mission, vision, and core values — and the people behind the Keuka Cove House.
Purpose and Story
How a personal connection to Keuka Lake became a host-led retreat built for gathering, comfort, and meaningful time together.
The Keuka Cove House began with a simple idea: create a warm, private, memorable lakefront stay where families, friends, alumni groups, wedding guests, and Finger Lakes travelers could gather comfortably while still having room to spread out.
Part of that purpose comes from the owner’s own connection to Keuka Lake. After spending summers gathering with family by the water, the goal was to create a place where guests could experience that same sense of peace, connection, and lasting memories.
More than just a place to sleep, the home is meant to feel personal and intentional. The guest communication, local recommendations, welcome guide, and ongoing improvements are all designed to make each stay easier, clearer, and more memorable.
Mission & Vision
These two statements guide the guest experience and the way the home continues to be cared for and improved.
Mission
To create a peaceful, welcoming lakefront stay where families, friends, and guests can gather with ease.
Vision
To become a trusted Keuka Lake retreat guests return to for comfort, connection, and meaningful time together.
Core Values
The values below shape how the property is hosted, improved, and shared with guests.
Connection
Spaces designed for people to gather well, share meals, reconnect, and make time together feel easy.
Comfort
Simple details that make the stay feel smoother, from gathering spaces to thoughtful guest basics.
Privacy
The property is private to one group at a time and is never shared with unrelated guests.
Lake Time
Room to slow down, enjoy the water, sit on the porch, gather outside, and make the lake part of the stay.
Hospitality
Responsive hosting with a personal touch, clear communication, and continued care for the property.
Stewardship
Preserving the character of a historic lakefront home while improving the guest experience over time.
Meet Your Host
The Keuka Cove House is owner-led, personal, and built around the kind of stay Josh would want guests to have on Keuka Lake.
Owner & Host
Josh Brubaker
Josh Brubaker, owner of the Keuka Cove House, grew up in the small town of Andover, New York — just a short drive from Penn Yan. While his hometown shaped his work ethic, many of his most meaningful memories were created along the shores of Keuka Lake, where his family spent summers on the West Bluff.
Over the years, Keuka Lake remained a constant. What began as a childhood escape evolved into a long-held vision: to one day own a home on the lake and create a space where others could experience that same sense of peace, connection, and time together.
That vision became reality with the purchase of the historic Hart-Scott property. Today, the Keuka Cove House reflects a balance of preserved character, modern comfort, and thoughtful hosting.
Meet Jeb
Every great lake house has a little personality. At the Keuka Cove House, some of that personality comes from Jeb “Jebbers” Brubaker.
Bark Officer
Jeb “Jebbers” Brubaker
Jeb joined the Keuka Cove House family in a way no one could have planned. In August 2024, his mother, Rosie, was rescued while traveling through Pennsylvania — and to everyone’s surprise, she was pregnant.
When her puppies arrived, Jeb quickly stood out, earned his name, and became a permanent part of the family. Following in his mother’s footsteps — who proudly serves as Security Bark Officer at a nearby property — Jeb was naturally recruited into operations.
When off duty, he can usually be found chasing sticks, napping in sunny spots, or charming guests in exchange for belly rubs. He is not part of day-to-day guest operations, but he remains an important part of the extended Keuka Cove House story.
Learn More
Now that you know the story, mission, vision, and values behind the Keuka Cove House, explore the property, read what past guests are saying, or check availability and book now.