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Walls of Windows at Our Private Modern Lakefront Home

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An early morning kayak ride through the mist...

An early morning kayak ride through the mist... Laze in bed gazing at the lake (or drink a cappuccino on your private deck). Relish the sunset from a boat, the dock, the decks, the bedroom or living room Boys fishing early on a brilliant morning. With our open plan, you can spread out and still be together... A guest sends her dog leaping off the dock...delicious. Kids & adults do it too! Gaze out the wall of windows from the living room to the deck & lake beyond Cook, dine,and  relax together in the sunny, open-plan cottage Enjoy privacy, comfort and a wall of windows leading to your deck & lake beyond Hundreds of kids' and adult CDs, DVDs, games, toys, cards, books, toys, cable TV Your second bedroom gives you four comfortable beds--two doubles and two twins! Follow our guests' lead: fish all four seasons for perch, bass, walleye & more! Relish a sunset thru floor-to-ceiling windows in the iving room & master bedroom Laze on the hammock & hang out while the others enjoy the beach, dock and lake! Soak up the sun, enjoy the lake, and sip a glass of complimentary up-north wine Eat in the dining room, play on the handmade games table or curl up with a book Our kitchen is well stocked for foodies and taking-it-easy guests Classic up-north beauty right around the corner A comfortable full-bath and a second half-bath across the hall The lake is peaceful morning, noon and night Find many dozens of ideas for fun in a file beneath the TV, or happily stay in Kayak or canoe just minutes into town or for days on the 75-mile chain of lakes!

Calendar

Last updated: 05/17/2013
Check availability
23 Available
21 Unavailable
22 Today
23 Selected dates
24 Special offer
  • Minimum stay:N/A
  • Internet:No
  • Pets allowed:Yes
  • Wheel chair accessible:No

Relax! Put your feet up, or wander outside: Look for morels, new buds and tendrils, and the greening of the hills and valleys up north. Situated walking distance from a peaceful village, and an easy drive to a handful of quintessential up-north 'cities,' get comfortable at your own private, well-stocked lakefront retreat. Raining? Curl up with a wealth of DVDs, CDs, books and games, and a kitchen equipped for a foodie.

Inside: floor-to-ceiling windows for gazing at a peaceful lake, playing games, watching movies, and laying around where no chores call your name. Outside: ice fishing, sledding, skiing, a spa moments away with great massages and facials; antique shops and galleries; shopping in charming up-north shops ...: we've got it all!

Luxuriate at our well-furnished and stocked sunny, cozy, remodeled home-away-from-home on tranquil Hanley Lake. Enjoy your own private 110-foot stretch of lakefront and the woods beyond through floor-to-ceiling windows.

Then stroll, boat (or drive) 3/4-mile to town for treats and eats. Laze around inside and out, playing games, watching movies, drinking cappuccino or reading a book. (We have hundreds of games, DVDs, CDs, and books.) Enjoy our new electric pancake griddle and a host of kitchen toys for foodies!

Enjoy a winter stay in our supremely well-insulated home-away-from-home is a delight. Sled right out the door down to the lake or take a short drive for nearby downhill and cross-country skiing and tubing, snowmobiling and ice fishing. Or book for spring and summer (we're almost full).

'Like' us and find more photos and comments on facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hanley-Lake-Hideaway/210596372323738

Tucked into a glacial valley and nestled in the hills of northwest Michigan , we're located on a 75-mile chain of beautiful lakes. Halfway between the Equator and the North Pole on the 45th Parallel:

• Wander a mile into the friendly village of Central Lake for great food and drink, a playground and a little shopping.

• Get a great massage or facial at a lakefront spa just two miles from home.

• Minutes away, visit Bellaire's restaurants, cafes, a spectacular brewpub, Shanty Creek's championship golf courses and ski slopes; enjoy indoor putt-putt, or take in a movie.

•Dine at a renowned gourmet restaurant a few miles north of us.

• Enjoy the nearby quintessential up-north cities of Charlevoix, Petoskey, Traverse City, and Gaylord, and the sweet towns of Elk Rapids, and Alden.

• Play at Michigan’s largest indoor water park.

Or relish the peace at home! Drink a cappuccino or share a bottle of complimentary up-north wine, wander, ski, fish...Enjoy our amply stocked kitchen and an overflowing collection of books, movies, CDs, toys and games for young and old.

Initiate our new electric pancake griddle; roast marshmallows on an indoor s'mores maker or use the chocolate fondue kit, or go outside for our fire pit by the lake. Get cozy in freshly laundered robes and lounging-around socks (for kids AND adults). When it's chilly out, sleep with flannel sheets and soft, warm blankets.

Enjoy your own:
--master bedroom with sliding glass doors leading to a private deck overlooking the lake;
--second bedroom with two sets of double-single bunk beds;
--light-filled open-plan design, with a breakfast bar (ideal for sharing company, whether cooking, reading, or playing);
--fully equipped and well stocked kitchen, from an espresso machine, French Press, crock pot and bread machine to condiments, (brand new) spices, and basics to get you started before you run to the store down the block;
--single and double kayaks, a canoe, and floats (for swimming AND sledding right down the back lawn onto the lake);
--and many, many more ideas of where and how to play, found in our 28-page welcome letter and an overflowing file box.

Each season has its joys. In spring, summer and fall, bike, drive or meander along winding country roads. Fish for bass, pike, perch, walleye and more. Rent a pontoon or motor boat right down the road or bring your own. At night, roast marshmallows on a campfire by the lake. Delight in a winter stay in our supremely well-insulated home-away-from-home. Enjoy nearby downhill and cross-country skiing and tubing, snowmobiling and ice fishing.

In 30-45 minutes, you can be eating, shopping, and playing in Charlevoix, Petoskey,Traverse City or Gaylord, or closer by in the sweet towns of Alden and Elk Rapids. Wineries, art galleries, Michigan's largest indoor water park, good food and more await you. Depending on the season, go hot air ballooning, tearing down a zip-line, fruit picking or hitting yard sales. Visit charming shops and restaurants.

In the spring and summer, relish your own peaceful, quiet lake right outside your door. Doze in the hammock or on the tree swing, play in the sand, fish, swim, or appreciate it from indoors. Drive just ten minutes to Lake Michigan and Torch Lake--stroll along the sandy beach, swim and sunbathe. Pick Morel mushrooms, listen to the birds and enjoy the lush flowers and trees.

We have a file box literally stuffed with articles, brochures, maps, and still more resources. Don't miss the guest reviews below for their cool ideas. Just below the 'dates available' section below, you'll find a link for additional photos on our facebook page too.

Here’s a quick summary. Remodeled in 2007, the light-filled single-level open-plan design includes a:
• Master Bedroom: New queen and an antique headboard; sliding glass doors leading to a private deck and the lake beyond; ceiling fan; TV and DVD player, and a comfy chair. Linens included.
• Second Bedroom: Two sets of bunk beds each with a double and single bed (featherbeds for the doubles); Xbox/DVD player & games, toys and children's books.
• Living Room: Three sets of sliding glass doors stretch across the lakefront wall. They lead to a deck w/a gas grill, picnic table, and a glorious view of the lake a few dozen steps away; two full couch/sofabeds and an overstuffed chair; ceiling fan; TV, DVD, stereo, movie, music, book, toy and game collections.
• Dining Room: Sliding glass doors; queen couch/futon; dining table(s); ceiling fan and a library.
• Kitchen: Open to the living and dining rooms with a lake view and a breakfast bar with seating. Fully equipped and well stocked
• One and a half bathrooms: ceramic tile floor; shower/tub & double sinks in primary bath, second small bath. We supply towels.
• Garage: for storing bikes, fishing rods, snowmobiles, and extra stuff we provide your pets and children (plus a few adult and child-sized bikes you can use at your own risk).

Come on up to what our son lovingly named 'Our Hanley Lake Hideaway' and a repeat guest calls 'Our Little Slice of Heaven!'



Keywords: Family-friendly cottage; pet-friendly retreat, secluded lakefront all-season cottage, sunny guest home, country house with walls of windows, Hanley Lake Hideaway; up north cabin

Property Type

  • 1 story
  • House
  • 1200 sq. ft.

Accommodation Type

      • Vacation Rental

      Meals

          • Guests Provide Their Own Meals

          Onsite Services

              • Housekeeper Optional

              Suitability

              • Children Welcome:

                Two bunkbeds, Pack 'n Go playpen; indoor and outdoor (beach, water and sledding) toys, high chair & booster seat, youth-sized kayak; children's life jackets, floating noodles, kickboards, and blow-up rafts (for water or snow!), XBox and games; art supplies, books, DVDs and music. Toddlers and young children will enjoy the little beach; water shoes recommended for the lake. We've also filled a crate with additional toys for your use. Freshly laundered kid-sized robes and warm, cozy socks available!...morecollapse

              • Limited Accessibility:

                Ranch house, all on one floor. A step onto the porch, and then another to enter the house. Both the decks require stepping over the sliding glass door floor frame. There are a handful of steps down from the decks to the lawn and a short walk to the water's edge; hammock, and swing, or you can walk around from the front, where your car is parked....morecollapse

              • Pets Considered:

                Well-behaved dogs allowed; they love the lake! Small dog bed, water and food bowls, and a portable dog crate/'tent' available....morecollapse

              • Non Smoking Only:

                No exceptions....morecollapse

              Bedrooms

              • 2 Bedrooms, Sleeps 8, Beds for 8
              • Bedroom 1
              • Bedroom 2
              • Convertible bed(s)
              • Details:

                Queen size Beds (2) on antique bed in master bedroom. Also queen futon (with a queen featherbed to put on it) in the dining room., Double Beds (2) Two doubles are the lower bunks on the second bedroom's bunkbeds plus two sofabeds in the living room (with two double featherbeds for added comfort where needed)., Twin or Single Beds (2) Two twin beds on top of the bunkbeds in the second bedroom (with featherbeds on top of the mattresses)., Child Beds (1) Pack 'n Go playpen for baby or toddler. Bunk beds too., Baby Cribs (1) Pack n' play portable crib/playpen available., Sleep Sofa or Futons (3) One queen and two full sofa beds--the queen in the dining room and the doubles in the living room. Four featherbeds to place on top., Bunk Beds (2) Doubles below on both bunkbeds in the second bedroom; twins above. One double can be converted into a couch instead....morecollapse

              Bathrooms

              • 1.0 Bathrooms, 1 Half Bathrooms
              • Bathroom 1

              Kitchen & Dining

              • Kitchen:

                Fully equipped (the usual, plus a small convection/toaster oven; toys for foodies (waffle griddle; electric pancake griddle; KitchenAid mixer; crock pot; juicer; breadmaker, snow cone maker, etc.) and well-stocked with coffee; tea; cocoa; staples, brand new spices, condiments and lots of other basics to get you started....morecollapse

              • Cooking Utensils:

                Everything you'd expect plus some extras to make cooking here easy (from a garlic press to new knives). Plastic-ware also available for eating on the deck, by the water, or going on a picnic....morecollapse

              • Dining Area Seats:

                8...morecollapse

              • Child's Highchair
              • Dining
              • Dishes & Utensils
              • Refrigerator
              • Freezer
              • Stove
              • Oven
              • Microwave
              • Pantry Items
              • Coffee Maker
              • Toaster

              Amenities

              • Garage:

                Available to store bikes, supplies, extra pet and kids' supplies, toys, etc. A few bikes for guests too....morecollapse

              • Linens Provided:

                (Linens recently updated. Down comforters & cozy blankets for winter.)...morecollapse

              • Clothes Dryer:

                In the home. (Outdoor clothesline too.)...morecollapse

              • Parking Off Street:

                A few steps from the front door....morecollapse

              • Washing Machine:

                In the home....morecollapse

              • Babysitter
              • Hair Dryer
              • Towels Provided
              • Parking
              • Heating
              • Iron & Board
              • Living Room seats 8
              • Parking For RV/Boat/Trailer

              Other Amenities

                  • Details:

                    Dock, small sandy beach, shaded hammock inches from the water; 2 fire pits and a porch swing hanging from a tree by the water's edge; two double kayaks; single adult kayak and single child-sized kayak; canoe; pedal boat; life jackets and water toys; outdoor/beach chairs; several bicycles; new gas BBQ grill (May 2012). Spa (massages, facials, waxing, hair styling and more) three minutes down the road serves you on its outdoor deck overlooking the lake when weather allows and treats our guests well. Pontoons, motor boats, jet skis, sun fish and ice shanty can also be rented down the road. Ceiling fans in the master bedroom, living room, and dining room. Freshly-laundered robes and cozy socks available for adults and kids....morecollapse

                  Entertainment

                  • Music Library:

                    Large collection of CDs for children and adults--pop, folk, jazz, rock, classical, alternative, holiday music and more....morecollapse

                  • Video Library:

                    Many DVDs for children and adults. (More available at the Corner Store a 1/2 mile down the road.)...morecollapse

                  • Books:

                    Overflowing bookshelves with books for kids and adults....morecollapse

                  • Satellite / Cable:

                    (2) Cable in the living room and master bedroom....morecollapse

                  Outdoor Features

                  • Lawn / Garden:

                    Sprawling lawn down to lake with lawn chairs and table, hammock, fire pits and beach by the water's edge. In the winter, great for sledding (sleds available)!...morecollapse

                  • Deck / Patio:

                    (2) Deck out the sliding doors of the master bedroom; another deck out the sliding doors in the living room w/ picnic table and deck chairs....morecollapse

                  • Kayak / Canoe:

                    two double kayaks; two single (one adult sized and one child-sized), one canoe...morecollapse

                  • Bicycles:

                    a few in the garage...morecollapse

                  • Wood Deck
                  • Outdoor Grill Gas
                  • Porch / Veranda

                  Theme

                  • Family
                  • Away From It All

                  Location & View

                      • Lakefront:

                        Private, sunny and secluded stretch of 110 feet; 30-second walk down a grassy slope to the dock, small sandy beach, and water. The fresh, clear water in Hanley Lake flows 75 miles through a chain of 14 lakes. All-sports lake without the usual traffic of one!...morecollapse

                      Activities

                      • Autumn Foliage
                      • Groceries
                      • Laundromat
                      • ATM/Bank
                      • Snowboarding
                      • Snowmobiling
                      • Cross Country Skiing
                      • Swimming
                      • Tennis
                      • Hunting
                      • Equestrian Events
                      • Skiing
                      • Golf
                      • Water Skiing
                      • Mountain Biking
                      • Sailing
                      • Cycling
                      • Fishing
                      • Basketball Court
                      • Hot Air Ballooning
                      • Kayaking
                      • Sound/Bay Fishing
                      • Water Tubing
                      • Pier Fishing
                      • Rafting
                      • Hiking
                      • Hunting Small Game
                      • Ice Skating
                      • Medical Services
                      • Massage Therapist
                      • Boating
                      • Wildlife Viewing
                      • Churches
                      • Cinemas
                      • Forests
                      • Library
                      • Marina
                      • Museums
                      • Playground
                      • Theme Parks
                      • Water Parks
                      • Coin Laundry
                      • Restaurants
                      • Winery Tours
                      • Health/Beauty Spa
                      • Jet Skiing
                      • Antiquing
                      • Walking
                      • Horseback Riding
                      • Horseshoes
                      • Scenic Drives
                      • Sight Seeing
                      • Sledding
                      • Paddle Boating
                      • Gambling Casinos
                      • Beachcombing
                      • Bird Watching
                      • Miniature Golf
                      • Shelling
                      • Shopping
                      • Eco Tourism
                      • Freshwater Fishing

                      Other Activities

                          • Details:

                            Rent an pontoons, sunfish and motor boat minutes away, right on the lake. You can canoe, kayak or motor along for hours or days along our 75-mile chain of lakes; you're minutes from Torch Lake, Grand Traverse Bay's sandy beaches, championship golf courses, downhill ski slopes and groomed cross-country trails and a great spa/salon; short drives to the tourist attractions of Petoskey (36 miles); Charlevoix (19 miles); Traverse City (39 miles); and Gaylord (36 miles); downhill and cross-country skiing, zip-lining and mountain biking at nearby Shanty Creek and Boyne Mountain (with Michigan's largest indoor water park). Nearby Bellaire (10 minutes) has a movie theatre, bowling alley, indoor miniature golf, and nice restaurants and pubs. Gourmet restaurants and family diners minutes away....morecollapse

                           

                          Reviews

                          Write a review
                          • This hideaway has everything you could ever need; a true home away from home!

                            This hideaway has everything you could ever need; a true home away from home!

                            • Guest Lori
                            • Date of stay 06/11/12
                            • Review Submitted 04/11/13
                            Where do I begin?! Our stay at Hanley Lake was amazing!! We were looking for relaxing and that is exactly what we got. Even when the weather got down to 50 degrees on Tuesday, we still enjoyed listening to your extensive library of cd's, enjoying a nice glass of wine (or a few) and exploring our creative side with the canvas and paint we brought with us. We even ventured out to nearby towns to enjoy differentrestaurants. However, I think our dog Bailey enjoyed herself even more than we did. Thank you for being one of the few who let dogs enjoy the peacefulness too. She is usually uneasy in a new environment, but the moment we arrived I could tell she was at ease and felt comfortable. She did mind her manners though and did not jump on any of the couches : ) She thoroughly enjoyed herself at the man-made beach area and jumped endlessly off the dock. She even enjoyed driving the pontoon we rented from the local marina ; ) Who, by the way, were extremely friendly! We even had a few feathered friends come right up to the deck where we got to feed them some bread. The little swans were too cute! Your hideaway literally had everything and then some we could have ever needed. You really have thought of it all and that made it such an easy, hassle free stay. Thank you very much for the delicious desert upon our arrival. My mother-in-law has a tendency to leave handwritten notes and little treats whenever we visit their cottage in Indiana, so we felt very at home : ) My husband and I took away some great cds in mind that we need to purchase now that we had the time to enjoy them there. I could go on and on, but I'm sure you have heard it all before from past guests. Thank you again for your hospitality and opening up your home. We really enjoyed our stay and look forward to coming back with more family next year!

                            Recommended for: Age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                          • New Years Trip

                            New Years Trip

                            • Guest adam
                            • Date of stay 12/30/12
                            • Review Submitted 01/14/13
                            Had a great time again up north at the Hanley Lake cabin. Spent the day snowboarding at Shanty Creek (cheapest lift ticket in the US!) and bombing the sledding hill on the drive up to Shanty Creek (look for the steep hill off to the right before you turn left on the drive up to Shanty Creek- it's at least a 300 yard downhill ride). Topped off the days at Short Brewery in Bellaire. Can't beat it.

                            Recommended for: Families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners, adventure seekers.

                            Owner response: You always find great winter adventures--see you next year (if not sooner!)

                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                          • Perfect family vacation home

                            Perfect family vacation home

                            • Guest Wendy K.
                            • Date of stay 08/12/12
                            • Review Submitted 08/28/12
                            The house was impeccably clean, adorable, and functional. It accommodated our family comfortably, both as a staging area for outings in the area, as well as hunkering down on a rainy day. The master bedroom had a beautiful view of the lake, and the childrens' bunkbeds were comfy. The kids loved playing with the train sets, and even challenged us to chess! The bedding and towels were plentiful, and I loved having laundry facilities right there - no more sending mom to the laundramat when we run short! The lake was wonderful for our small children to fish and swim in. When we pulled out of the driveway, we were already talking about when we could return. Great people to work with!

                            Owner response: You got to initiate the handmade game table--a special treat from the winter Ann Arbor art fair. Keep coming until your kids can beat you at chess!

                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

                          • Northern Michigan Paradise

                            Northern Michigan Paradise

                            • Guest Mike P
                            • Date of stay 07/22/12
                            • Review Submitted 08/07/12
                            We've stayed at this lovely place on Hanley Lake a number of times. The owners have thought of everything you might want during a vacation from a french press coffee machine and bean grinder to a video library for that rainy night. The Lake is beautiful and somewhat quiet. This year we even used the kayaks more. The kids caught fish and turtles. It's just great summer fun. Also, this location is close to Bellaire, Charlevoix and Petosky so we always have something to do or a place to go to nearby.

                            Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

                            Owner response: Looking forward to having you stay for another ski vacation, and hopefully one day you will sneak in for the explosion of fall and spring colors. In the meantime, glad we continue to satisfy your ever-growing triplets.

                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

                          • Long Weekend of Golf for the men and Nature Hikes for the ladies (including the dog)

                            Long Weekend of Golf for the men and Nature Hikes for the ladies (including the dog)

                            • Guest Dave & Karen4
                            • Date of stay 05/18/12
                            • Review Submitted 05/23/12
                            What a lovely place you have to share with others. Thank you. Weather cooperated perfectly, too. Had a tremendous thunder and hail storm on Sunday night just after dark. But stopped by morning for a decent drive home. My parents were very impressed with the accommodations. They had never stayed at a privately owned vacation rental before. I knew we were in for a treat by the efficiency you showed during the entire reservation process. You made it very simple and straightforward. Thank you for that, too. I liked the new beach sand!! Sunk my feet into it a couple of times. I cannot thank you enough for the great experience your lake house was a part of. Thank you, again. PS Kayaks were wonderful. Took my mom for a tandem kayak trip, the first for her. She loved it! PPS Our dog loved the water, too. She never quite understood that the lapping waves were not going to "get" her.

                            Recommended for: Age 55+, pet owners.

                            Owner response: I love when we have a combination of generations, genders, and species, with their multiple needs, all met by our Hanley Lake Hideaway! Come on back.

                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

                          • 22nd Anniversary - Weekend Getaway

                            22nd Anniversary - Weekend Getaway

                            • Guest Dan & Brenda
                            • Date of stay 02/17/12
                            • Review Submitted 02/21/12
                            My wife and I had been looking for a pet-friendly place to stay in northern Michigan where we could relax and otherwise escape our normal routine. At the same time, we wanted to give our Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Dexter Bentley, a chance to engage in some serious outdoor exploration. After a couple days at your cottage - with a side trip or two squeezed in - all of us came away extremely satisfied and wishing it didn't have to end so quickly. The cottage is more than pleasant, well-appointed and comfortable...like home, but with an up-north flair. It snowed a couple inches after we arrived, and with only a minivan to drive, we knew we shouldn't get too adventurous on the area's winding, hilly roads; but we managed to drive to Barnes County Park, located on Grand Traverse Bay at the end of Hwy 88. We had the park/campground virtually to ourselves, and we (Dexter, especially) thoroughly enjoyed the desolate beach and the hiking/skiing trails. My wife and I are life-long residents of Michigan, but this was our first foray into the Chain of Lakes region. We now know what we've been missing, and can't wait to return. Thank you, Laurie, for a memorable few days. Hope to visit your idyllic Central Lake setting again soon!

                            Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

                            Owner response: Barnes Park was a delicious discovery for us too--gorgeous sandy beaches in warm weather and perfect groomed trails in the winter. Come back and see it in another season!

                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

                          • Great location and lovely view

                            Great location and lovely view

                            • Guest Marilyn and Paul
                            • Date of stay 12/24/11
                            • Review Submitted 01/04/12
                            Just a note to say "thank you" once again for providing such a nice place for us to enjoy on our trip up to Central Lake. The view is beautiful, and, as you said, everything we could have needed was right there. We took your Welcome Letter with us and found new places to enjoy. It holds a wealth of information. Kathy bailed us out, as you may have heard, by providing us with Bill's phone number to pull us back up the driveway after we got stuck. That was, I believe, the second paragraph of your letter. Ooops!

                            Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

                            Owner response: What fun that you found new adventures nearby. Come back soon--now you'll know where to park!

                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                          • Great Place

                            Great Place

                            • Guest Fulch1104
                            • Date of stay 11/04/11
                            • Review Submitted 11/30/11
                            We had a great time up at your place. We were a multi generational group. The place was perfect for everyone - grandparents, middle aged, teenager, tween and toddler!!! The place had all the comforts of home without the headaches of home! We arrived the first weekend of November and were pleasantly surprised to see the foliage still brilliant. We made a trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes with a lunch over stop in Traverse City. The tween’s quote of the weekend was “Even the outdoors is event fun here!” We would all go back in a heartbeat anytime of the year!!!

                            Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, adventure seekers.

                            Owner response: Judging from the photos you sent, even the dog had fun! Come back for skiing and tubing, or Morel hunting in the spring!

                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                          • Great Place

                            Great Place

                            • Guest Jer
                            • Date of stay 10/14/11
                            • Review Submitted 10/18/11
                            Your place is terrific and we enjoyed it very much. Unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate as well as we had hoped, but we had a wonderful relaxing time at your cottage. Thanks and I'll definitely recommend it to friends!

                            Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, people with disabilities, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

                            Owner response: Wish the gorgeous weather had stretched another couple of days for you but we're so glad you were able to enjoy our retreat indoors! You mentioned in your email that you plan to come back; we'll try to work some magic and get the sun to shine for you next time!

                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                          • Colorado Visitors

                            Colorado Visitors

                            • Guest Peter D.
                            • Date of stay 09/14/11
                            • Review Submitted 09/29/11
                            We spent a week in September at the lake house and loved it. Having traveled a lot we appreciated the homey feel, lots of good books and music, and a very adequate kitchen. We took advantage of the kayaks and also the lounging areas down by the lake. Also, the surrounding area is great fun whether gallery hopping or beach combing on Lake Michigan. A favorite thing was reading in bed looking out at the lake. Sometimes the swans were drifting by. I still hold that peaceful feeling now back at work.

                            Recommended for: Age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.

                            Owner response: Wonderful that you can still feel that peacefulness long after returning home. In an email you described the picture of the lake that you carry around still. Lovely.

                            Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                           
                           April 26-May 24: $139/nt. Memorial Day weekend: $149/night
                          Summer 2013: $1,195 a week, Sunday-Sunday or...
                          One Summer Week-night Special: Sunday, July 7th thru Friday July 12th: $825.
                          Fall: September through October: $139/night or 7 nts price of 6!
                          Fall thru Spring: 10% off multi-week rental. 
                          Reservations held with a $200 refundable security/damage deposit.
                          $95 cleaning fee ($75 fall through Spring). 6% MI tax. Pets: $10/day per dog.
                          

                          Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.


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                          Calendar

                          Last updated: 05/17/2013
                          Check availability
                          23 Available
                          21 Unavailable
                          22 Today
                          23 Selected dates
                          24 Special offer
                           

                          Location

                          • Nearest Beach: beach at 0.01 Miles
                           

                          Owner info

                          Year Purchased: 2005

                          About the owner: Your hosts are two self-employed parents and a sweet (yes, still sweet!) 13-year-old boy. We live full-time in Ann Arbor and visit up north whenever we can sneak in between guests. One of us adults is originally from Great Britain and the other is originally from New York (and the small person is a native Ann Arborite who speaks American English with a few Britishisms slipped in.) For many years now we've been permanent Michiganders, enjoying the joys of our glorious retreat on Hanley Lake.

                          Why the Owner Chose Central Lake:
                          We love the gentle beauty of this northwestern Michigan chain of lakes. We were ecstatic to find a tranquil lake we can see from almost every room in the cozy year-round house. (My gold standard for vacation heaven was a place where I could take a cup of coffee out onto the deck and see--and be in--the water within seconds.) We can draw or eat breakfast on the dock or in the dining room, play in the sand, take out a canoe or kayak, swim in warmer waters (instead of waiting until the end of August for the chill to subside in the big lakes), and fish. We can sled right out the back doors to the lake and cross-country ski nearby. We wander into a welcoming village to play and eat without being swarmed by overdressed tourists and overpriced food. We were delighted to find this peaceful little retreat, which offers the pleasures of an all-sports lake without the noise and chaos of one. The passing 'traffic' is generally kayaks, pontoons, and people fishing (including ice fishing in the winter). We were thrilled to discover we're just a few miles from the long sandy beaches and waves of Lake Michigan, which are great fun in every season. We're glad to do day trips to fudgey towns like Charlevoix and Petoskey, to wander Traverse City or even more nearby Bellaire. But we love coming home, whether it's raining, snowing, or blazing hot: to play outdoors, or hang out inside doing jigsaw puzzles, playing games, making soup or brownies, or drawing the changing colors of water, sky and trees. We love going out on the placid water (our son can steer his own kayak) and paddling past kingfishers and great blue heron, turtles nestling in the tall grasses, and weeping willows along the shore, or watching the water from our comfortable home. It always refreshes us to get away here.

                          The Unique Benefits at this House:
                          Thanks to our 2007 renovation, we love the fresh, open-plan kitchen with views outside almost everywhere. We went window-crazy, creating four sets of sliding doors in the connected living and dining rooms. We added a a new, private deck we can step out onto from the master bedroom with another set of sliding doors. Last spring we bought new curtains and linens, set up a big picnic table for the deck and added more lawn chairs. We're having a blast adding CDs, DVDs, games, kids' toys and books, and a host of comforts for our guests--and for us! We're in heaven in the summertime, but we also keep discovering treats during the other three seasons. In winter our son loves sledding down the back lawn onto the frozen lake; I like sketching the winter scenes from a deliciously warm, light-filled living room, we've discovered the wooded hill right across the street is ripe for hiking, snow-shoeing and cross-country skiing, and we finally went tubing, downhill and cross-country skiing at nearby Shanty Creek. Springtime brings Morel mushroom hunting and a lush landscape; fall leaves are stunning.


                          Contact us

                          • Primary: (734) 649-8357 (Michigan, USA)

                           

                          Photos

                          • An early morning kayak ride through the mist...

                            An early morning kayak ride through the mist...

                          • Relish the sunset from a boat, the dock, the decks, the bedroom or living room

                            Relish the sunset from a boat, the dock, the decks, the bedroom or living room

                          • With our open plan, you can spread out and still be together...

                            With our open plan, you can spread out and still be together...

                          • Gaze out the wall of windows from the living room to the deck & lake beyond

                            Gaze out the wall of windows from the living room to the deck & lake beyond

                          • Enjoy privacy, comfort and a wall of windows leading to your deck & lake beyond

                            Enjoy privacy, comfort and a wall of windows leading to your deck & lake beyond

                          • Your second bedroom gives you four comfortable beds--two doubles and two twins!

                            Your second bedroom gives you four comfortable beds--two doubles and two twins!

                          • Relish a sunset thru floor-to-ceiling windows in the iving room & master bedroom

                            Relish a sunset thru floor-to-ceiling windows in the iving room & master bedroom

                          • Soak up the sun, enjoy the lake, and sip a glass of complimentary up-north wine

                            Soak up the sun, enjoy the lake, and sip a glass of complimentary up-north wine

                          • Our kitchen is well stocked for foodies and taking-it-easy guests

                            Our kitchen is well stocked for foodies and taking-it-easy guests

                          • A comfortable full-bath and a second half-bath across the hall

                            A comfortable full-bath and a second half-bath across the hall

                          • Find many dozens of ideas for fun in a file beneath the TV, or happily stay in

                            Find many dozens of ideas for fun in a file beneath the TV, or happily stay in

                          • Kayak or canoe just minutes into town or for days on the 75-mile chain of lakes!

                            Kayak or canoe just minutes into town or for days on the 75-mile chain of lakes!

                          • Laze in bed gazing at the lake (or drink a cappuccino on your private deck).

                            Laze in bed gazing at the lake (or drink a cappuccino on your private deck).

                          • Boys fishing early on a brilliant morning.

                            Boys fishing early on a brilliant morning.

                          • A guest sends her dog leaping off the dock...delicious. Kids & adults do it too!

                            A guest sends her dog leaping off the dock...delicious. Kids & adults do it too!

                          • Cook, dine,and  relax together in the sunny, open-plan cottage

                            Cook, dine,and relax together in the sunny, open-plan cottage

                          • Hundreds of kids' and adult CDs, DVDs, games, toys, cards, books, toys, cable TV

                            Hundreds of kids' and adult CDs, DVDs, games, toys, cards, books, toys, cable TV

                          • Follow our guests' lead: fish all four seasons for perch, bass, walleye & more!

                            Follow our guests' lead: fish all four seasons for perch, bass, walleye & more!

                          • Laze on the hammock & hang out while the others enjoy the beach, dock and lake!

                            Laze on the hammock & hang out while the others enjoy the beach, dock and lake!

                          • Eat in the dining room, play on the handmade games table or curl up with a book

                            Eat in the dining room, play on the handmade games table or curl up with a book

                          • Classic up-north beauty right around the corner

                            Classic up-north beauty right around the corner

                          • The lake is peaceful morning, noon and night

                            The lake is peaceful morning, noon and night

                          Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #204414

                          There have been  visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in .
                          This listing was first published here in 2008.
                          Date last modified - Thursday, May 09, 2013

                          36

                          2 Bedroom / 1.5 Bathroom
                          Sleeps 8


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                          Owner

                          (734) 649-8357 (Michigan, USA)

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