Location: Spider Lake, Northwest, Michigan, USA (10 Miles Southeast of Traverse City) View Map
Accommodations: Cabin, 4 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 8-10)
Keywords: Cabin, cottage, lake, lakefront, beach, traverse city, sleeping bear dunes, fishing, swimming, boating
If you are looking for the ideal spot near Traverse City, I have it here off a private blacktop road on personable and friendly Spider Lake. I have two sets ( a set of two and a set of three) of the cleanest cabins/cottages on the nicest sandy hard bottom frontage with spectacular views within fifteen minutes from town. I can accommodate one person or up to twenty six. Rates are comparable to other rentals and I will see to it personally that your needs are met. I stake my reputation on what I do and what I do is rent boats and cabins to people looking for a get-away, active or passive.
Here you can relax, read, sleep, swim, fish, boat or find many other great, wonderful and beautiful things to do. I recommend calling the phone number below for some personal attention to see first hand if one of Shawn's Places will meet your needs. My goal is to share my good fortune with others at a reasonable cost so I can continue to do what I like doing, maintain what I have and improve and grow so I have more to offer repeat and new customers.
Thank you,
Shawn Smith
Proprietor
We have other units available, please contact us for more information-231-357-1211
Email for more pictures.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Off Street Parking : Additional parking available and safe.
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer : Boats and Trailers.
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed (4) : Two Twins and Two Singles
- Convertible Bed : Double Sofa Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (2) : Both Cabins also have wireless internet through 2011.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen (2) : One Each Cabin
- Cooking Utensils Provided : all
- Refrigerator (2) : One Each Cabin
- Microwave (2) : One Each Cabin
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio (2) : One Each Cabin
- View/Location
- Beachfront : Excellent swimming-very safe. Email shawnsplace@chartermi.net for more pictures.
- Lakefront : Safe and swimmer friendly 40' from the cabin. Fish off the dock.
- Ski-In : Cross-Country Skiing
- Ski-Out : Cross-Country Skiing
- Communications
- Cell Phone : Reception is good but phone is not provided.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : On site through 2011-both cabins
- Other Amenities
- Email shawnscabins@gmail.com for more pictures. Call for bed arrangements. Full kitchen w/microwave, stove, cooking utensils, pots and pans, decks, fire pit, new dock-w/patio and bench, some boats included, motors-additional, peddle boat, kayaks, canoe, newer pontoon boats (additional cost) with swim ladders so you can find that remote swim spot, DNR boat launch nearby, sandy hard bottom swimming area, southern exposure for sunning, shade trees, good fishing, all-sports lake w/quiet time from 7:30pm-11am, parking and lots more.
- Suitability
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations) : Call for limitations.
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations)
- Kid Friendly
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Shelling
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Hair salons, Spas, Night clubs, Dancing, Art galleries, Festivals, Sleeping, Reading, Eating, more Sleeping. Email shawnscabins@gmail.com for more pictures.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
2012 Weekly Rates: $1040-$2080/peak summer weeks. Reductions to $350 off peak.
$500 deposit, balance due at check-in plus 6% sales tax. Bring linens & towels.
Check-in time: 3pm, out 10am,
Credit Cards accepted through PayPal.
Boats: No charge for an aluminum boat or shared boats-peddle, kayaks, canoe.
Outboard Motors: $225/week or $75/day.
Pontoon Rates: 2004 & 2006 Gillgetter pontoon,$600/week or $150/Day.
Boat reservations helpful.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2000
Why the Owner Chose Spider Lake
This property and these two cabins, The Jurgens & Waller, are real quality. They sleep upto ten. There are Beautiful and breathtaking views.
The set of three two bedroom Buckles Cabins are a bit rustic and very nice with an outstanding location on Spider Lake; very much requested. Rent one, two or all three. Great for family get togethers sleeping upto sixteen and offering six bedrooms, three bathrooms, three kitchens, sofabeds and privacy from others because you have your own cabin. Nice touch for the hermit that travels with family or friends but now and then likes that time alone. Email for more pictures.
The Unique Benefits at this Cabin
I like the change of seasons and the innumerable places to go and visit within a short drive. I will say this, I think the best place is Spider Lake.
A set of three two bedroom cabins with 125' of lakefront.
Owner's Map of Spider Lake
Hi:
I grew up near Detroit and made a temporary move to the Spider Lake/Traverse City area to take some classes at Northwestern Michigan College in the winter of 1991. Upon waking, my second morning in February, I was lying in bed on the second floor looking out the window half asleep. All was white when a black squirrel was spotted down and about thirty feet away bounding across a split rail fence. The fence had about six inches of fresh snow and each time the squirrel would jump it would knock some snow off the fence to the ground. The morning was still except for this black squirrel on a pure white landscape. It was like a living painting. I watched this for about thirty seconds and realized at this moment that this is where I belonged. And, here I am today sharing my good fortune with others looking for that special getaway.
Property Photos
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- Beautiful, clean Spider Lake. - Spider Lake, Michigan Cabin Rental
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- View between the Jurgens (right) and Waller (left) Cabins. - Spider Lake, Michigan Cabin Rental
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- The Jurgens and Waller Cabins w/fire pit and cedar swing to the right. - Spider Lake, Michigan Cabin Rental
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- The Waller Cabin living room
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- Gillgetter Pontoon. Take a coffee or cocktail cruise. Fishing?
Traveler Reviews (15)
a hidden gem indeed
Guest: joseph c h.
Date of Stay: 09/09/11
Review Submitted: 09/20/11
Stayed at the buckles cabin after labor day, was an awesome,relaxing,beautiful time.....everything was clean,well maintained, and user friendly. Shawn was great to work with...We will be back next year God willing... The pictures do not do the cabin justice...The lake,views, clarity of water, atmosphere....were so great ...just enjoy it all.
Owner response:Thanks much Joseph; look forward to having you back next year. Shawn
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
Great Getaway
Guest: frans
(girdwood, alaska)
Date of Stay: 09/07/11
Review Submitted: 09/14/11
My four family rented the Buckles Cabin after Labor Day weekend. The lake was still warm and very quiet. We loved the 50's cabin, just the right size, cozy and clean. One of the best spots on the lake for sure with southern exposure and a quick swim or paddle out to a sandy island. We will be back!
Owner response:It was very nice to meet you all. I enjoyed the short time we were able to converse and thanks for the "Pecan-Turtle Homemade Cheesecake." Hope to have you back again. Take care, Shawn
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
A hidden Gem close to Traverse City.
Guest: Knut.
(Canton, MI)
Date of Stay: 08/09/11
Review Submitted: 08/17/11
If you read this you are looking for the perfect vacation spot around Traverse City; stop looking, I did it for you :-) and this is it. Great location right on private sandy beach with a dock, fire pit and everything else. Take a quick trip in to Traverse City, 15 min, and enjoy some local shopping, or visit a few of the many wineries in the area. Location, location, location....... Like one of the other reviews said, this is not Hilton, but that is not what we were looking for. The cabins are very clean and have a very nice layout with a little rustic feel to them. We stayed there with our 1year old son and he LOVED the sandy beach a few steps from the deck, as did we. Enjoy the evening by the fire-pit with others or sit back and relax with a good beverage on your deck overlooking the lake, which is a slow speed zone between 7pm and 11am; so no engine noise to disturb the quite evenings. The cabins are located on a dead end road. Shawn has a VERY GENEROUS setup at his Cabins: Gas & Charcoal grills, plenty of outside chairs, and INCLUDED FOR FREE are kayaks, row boats & paddle boat, which you most likely have to rent other places. We also chose to rent one of his pontoon boats (which I recommend to really see the lake) and he even provided infant life vest for our son. Shawn lives close by and takes pride in his cabins. If you should have a question or any other issues, he is there immediately to address whatever it is you have an issue with. For the record, we did not have any issues, but Shawn still came by to make sure everything was OK. Give Shawn a call and enjoy your vacation at Spider Lake. Thank you for a great vacation Shawn, hopefully we will see you again soon.
Owner response:Thanks so much Knut; it was nice to meet you and your family. Shawn
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Great property
Guest: Steveo
(Oak Park IL)
Date of Stay: 07/23/11
Review Submitted: 08/09/11
We really enjoyed our stay. The property is spacious and has nice cottage amenities, plenty of outdoor easy chairs, tables, secluded fire pit, hammock. The lake is beautiful and great for swimming It's not the Ritz but very comfortable indoors and a good value. We rented the pontoon and it ran trouble free. The family fully enjoyed all of the amenities of cottage living. Parents and grandma stayed in one cottage. Older kids and friends stayed in the other. Shawn was very helpful and hospitable. I highly recommend Shawn's cabins.
Owner response:Thanks Steven. I'm glad you picked my place this time. Shawn
Recommended for:Families with teenagers.
Our home away from home.
Guest: Tom
(St. Clair Shores, Mich.)
Date of Stay: 07/16/11
Review Submitted: 07/25/11
Hello! I have styed at Shawns places ever since he bought them a decade ago. My whole family comes up incl. my wife,Son and wife, grandkids, nieces, nephews, brothers , sisters, and also friends. They ALL love it! It is a peaceful place and you can be as busy or unbusy as you want. Lots of areas to explore with the boats. I reccommend renting one of the pontoon boats. Traverse City is about 15 miles away but it feels like a hundred miles away as the area is so natural. I highly reccommend going to Traverse City, the old town Front street area. The bay and marina are very scenic. Small scenic towns with lots to do and see are a short drive away such as Elk Rapids, Suttins bay and LeLand. Most of the cottages and homes on the lake are post card lovely and "guests" of the area, meaning they fit right in the beautiful setting. Shawn is a wonderful host and wants everyone to have a good safe time. Tom Jantz
Owner response:Thanks Tom. It was good to see and spend some time with your family again. Shawn
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Great get away for the weekend
Guest: Five 0
(Laingsburg)
Date of Stay: 05/27/11
Review Submitted: 05/29/11
Stayed for the weekend, ran the bayshore, cabins were a great place to return to and just relax, Shawn made us feel welcomed. Cabins are a little outdated, but if you go up north to stay at a hilton go right ahead, if you like rustic and a great get away, shawns cabins are the answer. Cant wait for next years Bayshore half marathon so we can stay here again.
Owner response:Thanks Matt. Shawn
Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
20+ Years
Guest: George & Flo
(Grand Rapids, MI)
Date of Stay: 05/20/11
Review Submitted: 05/28/11
We just got back from Shawns' Place in TVC. As always we enjoyed our stay thoroughly. Cabins are clean, host is great. Docks were in and the boats were ready for the kick-off of summer vacations. Bring your own boat and launch it at the public launch, there is room at Shawns cottages to dock it. You want a quiet cruise on the lake of if you like to fish, Spider Lake is where you want to be. We have been vacationing at Shawn's place for a lot of years and each and every year we have been there we have felt welcome. Shawn is a great host, cares for his people, and always open to suggestions, willing to answer any questions and recommend places to go and visit. It's not too far from downtown TVC but at the same time when you come back to the resort it is like being in the country. Nice and quiet. There is a group of two cottages right down the road from the office and further on down a group of three. If you want to go on vacation as a family it is really a great place to go. We will be returning in October and can't wait. We always look forward to it. Gets us away from the hustle and bustle of Grand Rapids. See you in October Shawn.
Owner response:Thanks George and Flo. George and Flo have been coming to Spider Lake for years. They love it. I have had the pleasure of providing accommodations for them since I met them in 1991. They have been coming in May and October for quite a few years now. I enjoy having coffee with them most mornings and look forward to it as the time approaches. We'll see you soon and thanks again for everything, Shawn
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
Buckles Cabins this past week.
Guest: bja
(Cincinnati area)
Date of Stay: 08/14/10
Review Submitted: 08/22/10
There were 6 of us staying in the buckles cabins and had an amazing vacation. Even though the cabins need some work we were very happy with our stay. Shawn made us feel right at home answering all of our questions and making suggestions for places to go. We spent the whole day at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and it was the one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. I will definitely stay again in the cabins. They are rustic but clean. Thanks Shawn for helping make our vacation memorable.
Owner response:Mission Accomplished!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
A bit disappointing
Guest: tn
(Lake Orion, MI)
Date of Stay: 08/07/10
Review Submitted: 08/15/10
Stayed at Buckles and have to say I was disappointed. The cottages need many updates. The toilet is ready to fall thru the floor and the oven only reaches 250 degrees. If the cottages were clean and everything was in working order I would have given a much higher rating. Loved sitting out on the decks, the kayaks and hanging out on the island.
Owner response:Thanks for this opportunity. Yes, with the high humidity water condensing on the toilet has caused the floor to soften but the toilet is fully functioning and safe. This property has three toilets. It also has three stoves with ovens, two kettle charcoal grills and two covered gas grills. One of the ovens is not working but safe and the replacement will go in this November after business slows down as will work be done on the toilet floor. I have five cabins and three housekeepers so these cabins are very clean. The Buckles family lived downstate and purchased the property in 1947 for $500 long after the lumber barons left. The first cabin was built in the 50s followed by two more, one for each of their two grown children. They built them as time and money permitted. I think most of the work had been done by themselves and then by another owner prior to my purchase in 2004. I’ve been improving and updating regularly. Sometimes things wear out during the season and most people understand it may take some time to repair or replace. The cabins are not perfect yet they are sound and functional. It is a very nice setup and I am continuing the Buckles Family Tradition on Spider Lake with much fan approval. I have good repeat business and they love the changes and improvements year in and year out. Just sitting on the decks, the public island 200 yards off shore and the kayaks are a highlight. I plan on getting a couple more kayaks and there is no charge for them. The cabins are decorated with many antiques and other interesting time pieces from the late 1800’s lumber boom to the present. I have been in this business on Spider Lake since 1991 and can count the very unhappy people that have vacationed here on one hand. I’ve only had to have the police on the grounds for customer removal once. I have found that customer grumbling is not really about the business but some underlying issue. Even so, cabin rentals are worth a try but not for everyone and Traverse City has lots of options to offer. I recommend checking out the place on site if at all possible if you have concerns. Also, regardless of your position or experience plan on a short orientation at check in regarding the cabins, the boats, the lake, the laws, Traverse City highlights and medical facilities and I will answer any and all questions you may have. Your respect, patience, cooperation and understanding are greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Shawn Smith Proprietor
Recommended for:Families with young children.
Annual trip to Spider Lake
Guest: Cheyenne
(St. Petersburg)
Date of Stay: 06/20/10
Review Submitted: 07/15/10
My family visits every year and we have stayed in a few cabins around the lake- by far Shawn's are the best for the rate. It has a great view of the lake and provides everything you need. We loved our time and will visit again next year! Shawn provided a great level of service and was available wheneven we needed. Thanks again Shawn!
Owner response:This young family had family/friends at another location on the lake allowing them a certain amount of privacy. They often visited by boat. I can remember as a kid the program "flipper" when the boys would run down to the dock, hop in the boat and race off to visit a friend or save someone while flipper tagged along or led the way. To me travel by boat was beyond cool and inspirational. Shawn
Recommended for:Families with young children.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #57453
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