Beechmount, secluded woodsy acre + waterfront. Lake gleams thru leaves.
Location: Ludington, Northwest, Michigan, USA (Zoom out 2 see rec areas. 8 mi fr Ludington.) View Map
Accommodations: Cottage, 2 Bedrooms + Loft, 1 Bath (Sleeps 8)
Keywords: Lake Cottage
Beechmount was built in 1915 as part of a resort with inns and "Maine Camp" style (primitive) woodland cottages. At the time it had a wood stove, outhouse, pump, and kerosene lamps. It has been remodeled and expanded over the years, but retains history and rustic character, with such features as beadboard, maple floors, double French doors to deck, fireplace.
It's furnished with numerous modest rustic antiques, wicker, braided and sisal rugs, iron bedsteds, mied in with a bit of 'early attic' in keeping with it's simple family lake cottage identity. See pix on VRBO. We have not turned it into a polished place. It will appeal to people comfortable in woodsy surrounds.
Our wooded acre, with 100' Beech trees, is secluded on a hill overlooking Hamlin. Our deck view is into woods, with lake glimmers through leaves or in between hemlocks. Other cottages are obscured from view.
Our waterfront is on a separate piece of property - a 'block' distance downhill from the cottage. A walk takes 5 min, or one can drive. This takes some explaining, please phone us. At our waterfront we have 3 docks, decking between them, a large screened room which is freestanding, unattached to any building. We call this the "Boat Porch", because it houses boat paddles/gear/water toys. The porch is spacious and also houses a long picnic table. It is freestanding like a gazebo, but is not at all dressy! Basic,concrete floor, plain. But airy with pleasing view of lawn and water. The 'boat porch' has a nice small deck with grill and glass topped table overlooking lawn and water. On lawn we have another picnic table, swing, and fire pit. The 3 docks are connected by decking, where we have chairs. Can send you pix. Rent a boat from neareby livery and leave it at the dock for last minute trips to the Dunes. Or use our canoe or one of our kayaks. Good fishing hole 75' off our docks. Some fishing poles in Boat Porch (their condition not guarenteed!).
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : Large new washer and small old dryer in basement. Not a finished laundry room, just rough basement.
- Dryer : Small plug in dryer in basement. Not finished laundry room but there's a table for folding.
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking : plenty.
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed : In upstairs finished bedroom. Note steep attic type fold out ladder/steps. BR & loft were built up from attic by roof uplift.
- Twin/Single Bed : Two extra long and wide single beds. They are actually w"three quarter" size beds. In open loft upstairs.Access via attic type fold out ladder-steps.
- Convertible Bed : double bed/futon sofa in LR
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : Cable TV, though screen is small old one.
- VCR
- CD Player
- Music Library : About 15- CDs mostly classical
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : full stove w/ full oven, disposal., microwave, refrig., no dishwasher.
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator : New
- Microwave : small basic
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill (2) : one on deck, one at waterfront
- Deck/Patio : on 2 sides of cottage
- View/Location
- Lakefront : Waterfront with deck areas, both screened and unscreened. We have 3 docks. Note: The waterfront is situated a block apart from the acre the house is on. Walk to it in 5 min or drive. At waterfront, there is a large freestanding (detatched) screened structure we call the 'boat porch," in which we store paddles, floats for swimiming, some fishing rods, AND in which there is ample room for a long picnic table. This 'boat porch' is airy, but plain -- with a concrete floor, not a decorated sitting porch. It has a nice small deck off its front, overlooking our lawn & docks and water, with a round table and grill. On lawn and dock decks below are another picnic tble, a fire pit, a lawn swing, other seating. Call for description of this arrangement, and I can send pix.
- Lake View : Our cottage is on top of a low hill on a wooded acre. We see glimmer of water thru leaves across the whole back of cottage. However, not a wide open lake view from the cottage, though we have such a view from waterfront docks, decks, and screened 'boat porch' at our waterfront down below. There are other cottages. Please call for description.
- Waterfront, not Lake/Oceanfront. Ask for details : Waterfront we own is on the water. Our cottage sits on an acre uphill from this, about a block apart. There are other cottages in between, which are barely visible due to trees. Call for more description of this configuration.
- Water View : See above -
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Other Amenities
- Canoe and a couple of kayaks provided. Some lifevests. Small sailfish type sailboat available for rent. Boat rental liveries nearby for motorboats, pontoons, fishing boats.
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly : Dogs love the woodsy property and swim off the docks. Hiking trails and beach where dogs permitted. We ask that you keep dogs off furniture, scoop poop on waterfront lawn, etc.
- Kid Friendly : Great kid swimming at Hamlin Lake Sand Dunes...sandy gradual, shallow.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Horseshoes
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Rafting
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Hamlin Lake's Sand Dunes, for wild scenery AND safe swims in sandy shallows. National Forest and State Park trails and beaches. July 4th and Labor Day sunset cruises Lake MI ferry, the Badger. Fireworks on Hamlin and Lake M. Ludington and Big Point Sauble Lighthouses. Climb them! Golf. Charter fish Lake MI or excellent fishing in Hamlin. Dune buggy. Historic village, kids' sand castle museum, art/craft shops very good. Llama hikes. Elk ranches. Sail, canoe, kayak (cottage boats). Trampoline in the yard.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Jun-Aug ...... $740/week (Sat-Sat), Memorial Day thru Labor Day
May and Sep .. $640/week (Sat-Sat)
Oct .......... Yes, early Ock only. Inquire.
Spring and fall discounts sometimes.
Long weekends sometimes in non-peak season.
Tax + security deposit added to above
Pay Pal or by check
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Classic Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage - Indian Pete's Bayou
Year Purchased: 1995
Why the Owner Chose Ludington
The Hebblewhite family owned a cottage here for 4 generations. The history and fresh beauty of the area, and outstanding family recreation keep us coming back. Our grandkids now are a 5th generation. Although our family sold the original family cottage in the 90's, we ourselves bought this similar nearby cottage from friends shortly thereafter. Between our visits here each summer, we make the cottage available for renters to enjoy. This is definitely a family summer lake cottage, and will not have the feel of a 'for rental' property. It is simple, cabin like, not fancy, not polished. Please call with questions.
The area is great for outdoorsiness and kids: Look at our map (below) on satellite option and zoom out, to see the configuration of Hamlin and Lake MI in the Big Point Sauble (Sand Point) area. Western MI boasts many charming harbor resort towns. But none with the Point Sauble Ludington/Hamlin area's expanse of roadless Lake MI shoreline and uncommercial beach, lake, and forest recreation. Lined up in between Lake MI and Hamlin's Western shores are State Park, National Scenic Lakeshore, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, and Manistee National Forest. These areas were established to protect the scenic and recreational values all around here --- lucky Hamlin!
The Unique Benefits at this Cottage
Hamlin is a known fisherman's lake. Fishing maps are available at the cottage. Lake MI charters are available for day or half day. Fishing is excellent in nearby rivers (the Pere Marquett, Sauble, Manistee, Muskegon). Guides are available. The Sept. salmon runs are well known. The sailing on Hamlin is great (our sailfish is available for rent). We kayak or canoe the bayou, the open lake, the lovely inlets and islands at State Park, and several nearby rivers with national Wild and Scenic River designation. Our canoe and kayaks are provided, and there are other liveries on the lake and on rivers. In Victorian Ludington there's the Lighthouse to climb, the big SS Badger to see come into harbor. There are overnight Badger cruises to Manitowoc Wisc - where there's a submarine museum from WWII. There are Badger sunset cruises past scenic shore and 2 lighthouses on July 4th and Labor Day. Ludington and Hamlin Lake have big fireworks on the 4th. There are antique and art shops in Ludington and also in Manistee and Pentwater nearby. Ludington eateries range from family/traditional to casual trendy. There's a fresh fish fry place, berry picking, farmers markets, and further North vinyards are nearby. The gorgeously restored Victorian theater in Manistee presents musicals (James Earl Jones and others began there). There's the beachwalk to Big Sauble Light, and just beyond the Light are virtually empty beaches. Hamlin Lake's jewel is the towering Dunes - for exploring wild scenery or for kid friendly sandy shallow swimming. Canoe or motorboat- or bike or drive - to Barnhart's for dockside family friendly food/bar/pub. At the cottage, kids love the large trampoline, adults enjoy the swing with lake view in between tall spruces.
Our cottage sits on a hill above Indian Pete's Bayou. From deck and rooms we we see slices and glimmers of of Upper Hamlin Lake. We also have waterfront down the hill.
Within State Park is the beachwalk to this picturesque Civil War era lighthouse, which sits right on beach. Volunteer Lighthouse Keepers provide touts - climb to top! Just beyone is pristine generally
Trails to Lake MI thru forest. A 30 min drive from cottage. Three to choose from. Maps at cottage.
I t's a 30 min drive to lovely shorline, Manistee National Forest Campground beach. Beautiful forested bluff trails overlook Lake MI, virtually unpeopled beachwalks off trail, and more popular ones at
Beautiful trails to canoe. There are wood plank easy hiking trails too. The scenery among islands and quiet inlets is very beautiful. Canoe livery nearby at the Park.
Built during Depression by CCC. ice cream, pizza, small shop. State Park has windsurf rentals, other water play items.
Within State Park. View the Hamlin L. dam. Tube float the shallow Big Sauble. Trails, picnic grounds, bike trails.
Numerous trails through foresst and across dunes to highpoints or to Lighthouse.
Fishing and pontoon boat rentals, bait, fish maps, and fun dockside pub for families or for hanging out.
The SS Badger docks every evening and it is fun to visit the lighthouse and harbor around this time. Call Badger for time info.
Pier walk to Lighthouse. Tour, climb. Badger leaves every morning and comes in to harbor every early evening.
Artsy harbor town, many shops for art, jewlery, antiques. Pretty. A 30 min drive.
Sights: the Manistee R drawbridge, the theater. Art and antique shopping. Pretty town.
In this general area are the Big Manistee, the Little Manistee, and the Pine Rivers, all scenic. Liveries and raft or canoe rentals are available. Info/brochures at cottage.
Many many flavors plus meals, on Ludington Ave, not far from beach.
Owner's Map of Ludington
Paul Davidson and Mary Hebblewhite Davidson, of Sandy Springs GA. Our cottage, Beechmount, was part of a 1910's resort,and retains a Maine Camp Cottage (woodsy rustic) flavor. This area of Western MI is unique. The Great Pt. Sauble area, unlike any or the other charming other harbor areas we know of in W. MI, is basically made up of Ludington State Park, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, and Manistee Nat'l Forest lined up along the Lake MI shore, between Hamlin and Lake MI. Thus, there are miles of roadless undeveloped beaches, many uncrowded, and miles of forest and dunes, along both Hamlin and Lake M, preserving scenery and recreation. Wild and Scenic Rivers are also nearby for good fishing and gentle float trips. We're outdoorsy. We love the Southern Appalachians near where we live, but we drive to MI each summer. It's a good kid and family place - plenty of water, sand, and woods, lighthouses, big and little boats, interesting history, charming town.
Property Photos
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- Beechmount, secluded woodsy acre + waterfront. Lake gleams thru leaves. - Hamlin Lake, Michigan Vacation Cottage with a Lake View
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- Spacious LR:w/ fireplace, wicker, futon, French doors to deck. - Hamlin Lake, Michigan Vacation Cottage with a Lake View
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- Large LR, view to separate DR seats 4-6 round oak table w/leaf. - Hamlin Lake, Michigan Vacation Cottage with a Lake View
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- Lake glimpse thr trees fr/deck,windows. With extra table seats crowd.
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- Private waterfront, 3 docks, firepit,large screened 'Boat Porch",picnic tables.
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- Tall scenic Dunes & forest lie betw Hamlin & Lake MI, 15 min boatride fr/dock.
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- 'Hamlin canoe/walk trails, State Prk 30 min by boat or car. Our canoe.
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- Ludington Light. Climb it! A 20 min drive fr/cottage. Ice cream nearby.
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- Unspoiled Lake M beaches 15 to 30 min fr cottage. Our favorite is above.
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- State Park, 20 min drive. Beach walk to Pt. Sauble Light & Nat'l Scenic Shore
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- Our canoe's better in sunset calm! Rent our sailsfish for breezy Hamlin days.
Traveler Reviews (8)
Loved it. A classic cozy retreat.
Guest: John W.
(Middlebury, Indiana)
Date of Stay: 09/02/11
Review Submitted: 09/09/11
We spent Labor Day weekend here. It could have been a little warmer, but we did get out into the Lake Michigan breakers one day. We were here with our 3 adult sons and a fiance, and had plenty of room. I especially liked the old design of the house with plenty of big windows that could swing out for for ventilation, but generally let you appreciate the huge old trees. At night it is really dark and really quiet. Not for someone looking for modern luxury, but it was very clean, with lots of the touches of a cozy old cottage. Great internet connection, and cable on a small TV. The coffee maker though just didn't get with the program. We used the kayaks and canoe, but it was a little too chilly to use the boat porch much. It would be nice if the electricity were turned on down there. We'd go back.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway, families with young children.
Cozy, clean, very charming cottage amongst huge beautiful trees!
Guest: JJ
(Southfield, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11
Review Submitted: 08/10/11
Had a wonderful week with friends at Beechmount! The photos on the VRBO site depict it perfectly.Directions to the cottage were accurate. Upon arrival a quick tour of the place showed that it was very clean, and charming. Enjoyed the whole place, especially the large deck with picnic table, hammock, and even the trampoline. Nice swing to sit on and view Hammond lake through the trees. Short walk to the boat house through the woods. Had fun with the kayaks! I liked that the place had a feeling of privacy with all the beautiful trees surrounding it. Mary provided great recommendations of restaurants, dog beaches, etc...and we did it all. Don't miss the restaurant on Hammond Lake. Great food! Mahi mahi sandwich was the best! Quick drive into Ludington to enjoy the great shops and restaurants, and the beautiful state park/beach. I would love to do it all again!
Owner response:Jeri, thanks for entering your comments with VRBO! We've had happy feedback all summer, and it seems like the tweaking I did on our description and also sending more photos to interested VRBO inquirers have brought us people who really like this kind of lake-woods cottage, which is what we enjoy. It's fun to work with VRBO - makes us feel like we're here by proxy all summe ( instead of right now for 3 weeks only). Mary & Paul
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, families with young children.
Great Week!
Guest: Marsha
(Marshall, MI)
Date of Stay: 09/25/10
Review Submitted: 10/03/10
My husband and I just returned from a week at "Beechmount" and what a great week it was. The cottage is adorable and very comfortable. The decor is charming and we had everything we needed. The surroundings are beautiful, the leaves were just beginning to turn. Very short walk down to the lake. Very quiet area and very relaxing. The decks off the cottage were a great place to spend the afternoon with a good book! We are looking forward to a return trip!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, families with young children.
Our family had a memorable and fun vacation - Sept 2010.
Guest: Tim and Barb
(Holland, MI 49423)
Date of Stay: 09/11/10
Review Submitted: 09/26/10
Our family of 8 enjoyed staying at this quaint cottage for a week. It is very accurately described on the VRBO website. The additional pictures provided by Mary Hebblewhite were also very much appreciated. Any questions we had were promptly answered via email. Our kids ages are 13, 11, 8, 5, 3, and 1 year. They had a blast sleeping in the loft and thought it was so cool. Even our younger children had no problem climbing up and down the loft and we were able to keep the door closed to keep the 1 year old away from the loft ladder. They enjoyed playing many of the games that were available at the cottage, UNO, checkers, Scrabble Junior, and more. They relaxed in the hammock on the deck. We took kayak and canoe rides every day. We saw several deer every single day. They liked walking down the woodsy path to the 'boat house'. We were able to use a few of the available kites and fly them at Stearns Park. The cottage was clean, fresh, and ready for us upon our arrival. We did end up moving a few of the lovely antiques up and out of harm's way, so our children would not damage anything. The kitchen was well stocked with dishes, pans, and silverware. The bathroom was very nice and seemed newly redone. The washer in the basement was brand new, the dryer somewhat older, but a clothes line out in the yard helped to get all the clothes dry, (a family with 6 kids makes a lot of laundry). Other activities that we enjoyed were watching the Badger come in at Waterfront Park, playing in the beautiful playground at Waterfront Park, fishing at Ludington State Park, walking out to North Breakwater lighthouse, and visiting Historic White Pine Village. We ate at House of Flavors ( four times!), Pizza Hut, and Old Hamlin. We stopped at Walmart a few times to get supplies and the little Hamlin Grocery Store was very close as well. Overall, our family had a fabulous time on our Ludington vacation. Thank you!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, families with teenagers, families with young children.
Very Quaint Family Gettaway Place
Guest: Marc
(Cincinnati, OH)
Date of Stay: 09/03/10
Review Submitted: 09/16/10
The cottage is exactly as portrayed by the owner and Mary bends over backwards to make sure you know exactly what you are getting. The VRBO site and photos are completely accurate. This cottage is best for a single small to medium size family gettaway and is meant more to be a launching point for doing all of the great things that the Hamlin and Ludington areas have to offer, than for a place to sit around all day in luxury. It is a clean cottage with good sleeping areas and enough kitchen and outdoor BBQ equipment to allow you to have good breakfast, come back for lunch before doing another activity and then end the day with a steak (Sanders Meats in Custer is a great place to get fresh and aged steaks and other meat) on the grill. In between, you will want to use the great waterfront on the lake that is just around the corner with parking for your vehicle and boat trailer. The dock is great if you have a boat or rent a boat from a local vendor and the waterfront screen porch leaves you room to store your water toys and not have to worry about them blowing away. The local beaches are all great for swimming, kite flying, sand castle building and other beach activities. We had a great Labor Day Weekend at the cottage and would highly recommend it for use in the way explained above.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, pet owners, families with teenagers, families with young children.
Everything we expected and more
Guest: Andrew
(Chicago)
Date of Stay: 08/29/09
Review Submitted: 08/08/10
Our stay over Labor Day Weekend 2009 was great! The cabin has a wonderful rustic charm, exactly what you'd expect in a three-season Northern Michigan property. The owner's description carefully lays out the details of the location of the cottage and the separate waterfront parcel and screened in porch at the bottom of the hill. In fact, the property exceeded our expectations and is well worth the rental rate. We found the interior both comfortable and clean with plenty of cozy spaces. The deck was in excellent condition and the trampoline was a bonus. Hamlin Lake is a great location and this cottage provides great access to it, Ludington and the nearby Manistee National Forest and Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area. Lastly, Mary was wonderful to work worth and very accommodating.
Owner response:Thak you! Come again! Mary
Recommended for:Pet owners.
Great trip!
Guest: Joanie
(Shorewood, Il)
Date of Stay: 07/10/10
Review Submitted: 08/04/10
We had a great time at the cottage. The cottage was very clean and looks exactly as it does on the website. It is very secluded and yet close enough to the lake for boating. The fishing was great as were the trips to the sand dunes. The owners were very prompt with any questions regarding the cottage. Ludington is a wonderful town with much to do and see. I would recommend the property to others.
Owner response:Thanks and hope you will retrurn another summer or off season. Mary
Recommended for:Pet owners, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children.
Rustic beyond Comfort, Convenience
Guest: tapper817
(Flint, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 07/17/10
Review Submitted: 08/02/10
Cottage is generally neglected, dark and filled with clutter. Furniture needs replacement. No comfortable place to curl up/read a book. Screens fell out of the doors when we opened them. Deck is in poor condition, spidery and cobwebby, debris from the trees. Deck furniture fell apart when moved away from rotted boards. Locating the waterfront was difficult; quality and distance from the cottage was disappointing – we did not use it.
Owner response:We solicit feedback. This came to us & VRBO. Only 1 other disappointed renter in 2 y rs, in 09, wanted softer seating, less rusticity. So, bringing sofa in fal!. All others = pleased; 2 return renters. Deck: very solid, stain allowed to wear off for color change in fall, 3 scarred but not risky bords to be replaced then, but doing them now because unnecessary safety concerns will arise fr/ this review. "Neglected?" No. House paint retouched in May, has blistered areas, full scrape/repaint in fall. K painted 08, floors in K & bath new 08 & 10, upstairs BR & loft beadboard new 08. etc."Cobwebby:" Woods! Svc sweeps eaves weekly, now adding insecticide. "Dark?": We came after these renters. Found a lamp moved, probably before these renters - explains 'dark?" But, no. Ample windows. See VRBO pix. LR 1 French door set = 8 1/2 wide + another = 4 1/2 wide, + 1 window 3 1/2 x 6 + 2 reg size windows. DR: 2 windows = 3 1/2 x 4 and 5 x 4. 'MBR : 2 wide windows 3 1/2 x 5. Upstairs 4 windows in BR 3 in loft. Kitchen 2 small windows. DR pine panel IS deep color. Upstairs BR & loft birch beadboard = new, light. LR, MBR, K = off white. Deck chairs "fell apart??' - 1 new Adirondak skirt plank was off, we fixed. "Furniture needs replacement": Why? Solid. Some early attic tables + very many modest antiques, authentic to 1915 lake/woods cottage. See pix VRBO. Comfort? I stretch on futon sofa or wicker sofa, many pillows, feet on coffee table. Re: Screen doors w/ panels falling out: A detachable panel of 1 "boat porch" screen door WAS coming off. Replaced brackets. Waterfront "hard to find never used": A block away. Path NOT landscaped but marked and neighbors' visitors found immediately w/o prompt last wk. See VRBO discrip of separate waterfront. 'Boat porch" NOT pure sitting porch, houses paddles, lifevests, floats, as well as long new picnic table. But pleasant roomy, airy, w/ nice small deck w/ table, chairs,. grill. Our 3 docks connected by decking w/ chairs, lawn has swing, firepit, 2nd picnic table. We cook out, s'mores. This review = concerning, due to the dislike.We want renters who want this ambiance. But we learn fr/ critique. Made certain changes because we enjoy renting to VRBO 'community." In that spirit gave part refund plus discount already given due to wi-fi failure, Charter's fault, not ours, but not renters' either, and too complicated to fix in time 4 renter's need. Email Qs!
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #244830
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