Hello! We are Steve and Laura Martin and kids. We have lived at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1995 and have loved living on the lake. Some of our favorite memories have been created boating with our kids, teaching them to water ski and wakeboard. Over the years, we’ve hosted many visitors, most of whom have had the delightful experience of being tossed off the tube by Laura! In 2012 we purchased Karis Cottage as our family home. After an addition and some extensive remodeling, we enjoyed raising our kids on the 20 acre lakefront property. Over the years, our family has had the opportunity to stay in some incredible vacation homes across the country.  We recognized what a special place Karis Cottage would be for families like ours, seeking to make memories at the Lake of the Ozarks. So in 2015, we began to offer our home as a vacation rental. We love sharing Karis Cottage  with our guests and helping them experience all that our beautiful lake has to offer. “Karis” is the Greek word for grace, and we hope that our guests experience just that in their time at Karis Cottage.

The Lake of the Ozarks

With over 1100 miles of shoreline (more than the California coast!) the Lake of the Ozarks is a gem located in Central Missouri.  While most lakes across the nation are owned and controlled by the US government, the Lake of the Ozarks is incredibly unique in its private ownership. Our lake was developed by an electric company to generate hydroelectric power. Because of Ameren Electric’s ownership, the Lake of the Ozarks offers homeowners the chance to own and build on lakefront property. Cabins and mansions line the lakefront shoreline with their private docks ready to launch everything from a 10 foot fishing boat to a 50 foot cabin cruiser. Lakefront restaurants and bars dot the shoreline, offering mouthwatering cuisine and live entertainment. Boats cruise the waters from dawn till dusk, some on a leisurely sight seeing cruise, some “coving out” in a the quiet waters,  and others  pulling tubers and skiers up and down the lake. There’s truly something for everyone at the Lake of the Ozarks! 

The lake area is also home to numerous first class golf course, top-notch shopping, a wonderful family-friendly waterpark, as well as some amazing indoor adventure parks and activities. Rain or shine, summer or winter, the lake area has something to offer visitors from around the world.