Location: Honor, Northwest, Michigan, USA (just steps from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore)
Accommodations: Cottage, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 4-10)
Keywords: Beach Cottage and Guest House
Catch the sunrise to start your day and the sunset late in the evening from multiple furnished decks overlooking Big Platte Lake - dazzling water views from the living room, dining room, and kitchen. Please follow the link to our property website in order to read guest comments and view more pictures.
Our private sandy beach is bathed by crystal clear water. It is an ideal water-playground for children because of an extensive shallow area (300 feet); perfect for frolicking, wading, frisbee, and floating, with deeper water farther out for swimming, kayaking, jet-skiing, water-skiing, fishing, and canoeing. A Soft, mint-leaf lawn for volleyball or other barefoot adventures waits at the shoreline, and a flower-garden with a dizzying assortment of fragrant lillies separates the cottage from the guest house.
Our 500-foot driveway is lined with magnificent birch, maple and oak trees, lending a feeling of quiet seclusion to the property. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore can be reached in less than five minutes by foot - we are just outside the edge of the park. Some of the most beautiful beaches on Lake Michigan are just a five minute drive (ten minute bike ride) from the house. Alternatively, you could board our canoe or kayaks on our private beach, wind your way down the Platte River, and emerge two glorious hours later in the splendor of Lake Michigan.
Both the cottage and guest house were custom built in the mid-1990’s. The design concept was to allow light reflecting off of the lake to fill the structures with natural light. Open floorplans, skylights and huge windows make artificial lighting completely unnecessary during daylight hours. On clear, moon-lit nights, the glitter from Platte Lake throws an ethereal blue light throughout the cottage. The cottage living room, dining area, and kitchen are one open area, making it possible for big families to spread out while still inhabiting the same space. The guest house interior is also one open space with a sleeping area, a sitting area, and a TV-nook.
Sleeping arrangements are flexible. The bedroom in the cottage has a queen bed; the American Leather Comfort Sleeper in the cottage living-room sleeps two adults comfortably; the guest house has a nice double bed; for those who prefer the slumber-party atmosphere, there are four self-inflating Aerobed mattresses which can be put pretty much anywhere (indoors). These are not camping mattresses; they are equivalent in size and comfort to a twin mattress. 100% Egyptian Cotton Linens are provided, as are towels.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer : A brand new large-capacity, front-loading washing machine is located inside the cottage. It looks like a space-ship and works in near complete silence.
- Dryer : Also brand new and extremely quiet.
- Linens Provided : 100% Egyptian Cotton Linens
- Garage : Space for two cars/trucks and tons of gear.
- Off Street Parking : Private parking area accommodates up to ten cars.
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer : Easily enough space to accommodate multiple trailers and boats.
- Beds
- Queen Bed : In the master bedroom: comfortable, high-end mattress.
- Double Bed : In the guest house: comfortable, high-end mattress.
- Twin/Single Bed (4) : Self-inflating Aerobed mattresses can be put anywhere indoors. The mattresses have self-contained pumps; just plug them in and they inflate/deflate in minutes. They are surprisingly comfortable.
- Convertible Bed : The sofa bed in the living room is a queen-sized American Leather Comfort Sleeper, widely regarded the most comfortable sofa bed on the market. It is a true queen and comfortably sleeps two adults.
- Crib : Portable Crib
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV (2) : Both the cottage and guest house are equipped with cable TV. The cottage has a 36-inch flat-screen SONY along with a DVD player, and the guest-house has a new 40-inch Samsung LCD TV and a VCR.
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : An extensive collection of fine films on DVD.
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : The kitchen is stocked for serious cooking--gadgets galore, including a Cuisinart food processor, a KitchenAid mixer, a Cuisinart waffle iron, gas stove, KitchenAid toaster, coffee maker, coffee grinder, . . . .
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Calphalon cookware, lots of place settings, . . .
- Refrigerator : Full-size, and has a freezer as well.
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill : Grill with a great view of the water and watch the sunset as you cook--the BBQ is set up on the furnished lower deck.
- Deck/Patio (4) : The guest house has a patio area facing the garden, and the cottage is surrounded by decks, two of which are furnished and feature gorgeous views of Platte Lake.
- View/Location
- Beachfront : The beach is private, and the sand is perfect--no stones, no weeds, no algae, no slime--just perfect, firm white sand and crystal clear water. Adjacent to the beach is a firepit for evening gatherings and smores!
- Lakefront : Platte Lake is a premier destination for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, water-skiing, jet-skiing, boating, and fishing.
- Communications
- Telephone : One cordless telephone.
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Surf at highspeed in and around the house. The furnished decks and the beachfront have WiFi.
- Other Amenities
- Hardwood floors, Beautifully Furnished, Grand Piano, High Chair, Baby Swing, Baby Bath, Fine Patio Furniture, Waterfront Firepit, Bicycles (2), Water Floats (2), Boat Mooring, 17-foot Grumman canoe with paddles and life vests, 2 beautiful Perception kayaks!
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly
- Kid Friendly : The beach is perfect for kids because of an extensive shallow area for swimming, wading, and playing in the water. Parents can lounge on the decks with a clear view of their swimming children. Passing boats are quite distant in the deeper water.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : We do not rent to vacationing students under the age of 25 unless they are accompanied by their parents.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Shelling
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Big Platte Lake is ideal for swimming, canoeing, 1/4 mile to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (hiking trails, Lake Michigan beaches), 1 mile to Riverside Canoe Trips (groceries, canoe and kayak rentals), 5 miles to the Cherry Bowl Drive In Theatre, 5 miles to Honor (organic and gourmet groceries, banks, post office, gas stations, DVD/video and game rentals), 10 miles to Empire (antiques, beaches, more hiking trails), 13 miles to Frankfort (charter fishing, shops and restaurants, fireworks, surfing), 18 miles to Glen Arbor (galleries, cute shops, Manitou Music Festival), 19 miles to Crystal Mountain Resort (golf, Michigan Legacy Art Park, #1-rated ski resort in the Midwest), 20 miles to Interlochen (concerts, exhibits, arts camp, arts academy), 25 miles to Traverse City (airport, shopping centers and malls), 28 miles to Arcadia Bluffs (#1-rated Golf Course in Michigan according to Golf Magazine)
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
September 10 - Oct 1, 2011: $200/night; $1000/week
October 1, 2011 - June 2, 2012: Flexible Scheduling. $200/night. $1000/week.
Weekly rentals run Saturday - Saturday from June through August.
June 2 - June 16, 2012: $1500/week
June 16 - September 1, 2012: $2100/week
$500 deposit secures booking and serves as a damage deposit.
50% of rent due 60 days prior to occupancy. Balance due 30 days prior to occupancy
6% State Tax; Pet fee: $25 per day, per pet.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Property Photos
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- The view of Big Platte Lake from the upper deck of the cottage - Honor, Michigan Cottage and Guest House
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- The dining and living areas of the cottage. - Honor, Michigan Cottage and Guest House
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- Guest House: privacy for a couple, or slumber-party destination for the kids - Honor, Michigan Cottage and Guest House
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- Our cozy retreat as seen from the street: peace & privacy
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- From our property, you can reach this beach by foot, bike, kayak, canoe, or car
Traveler Reviews (9)
Amazing Getaway Weekend
Guest: Sandy
(Ann Arbor, MI)
Date of Stay: 10/14/11
Review Submitted: 10/27/11
This was one of the best fall break weekends we've ever had. The views from the cottage are simply stunning. The proximity to Sleeping Bear Dunes is a joy. And the house itself--clean, tastefully furnished, well equipped--is a super comfortable place to crash after a day of hiking and sightseeing. We recommend this property without any hesitation!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
What an amazing, cozy cottage...we had a blast!
Guest: Tom & Christine
(Cleveland, OH)
Date of Stay: 06/04/11
Review Submitted: 06/15/11
We vacationed at this wonderful cottage for a week in the beginning of June and loved every minute of our stay. Lake Platte was absolutely gorgeous and the cottage exceeded our expectations! The property had everything we needed including baby supplies such as a pack-in-play and bouncy chair which was one less thing the lug in the car for our newborn. Our two english bulldogs loved the beach and they could even "swim" in it since it was over 200 ft of sandy calf deep water, perfect for dogs who can't swim and children of course:) The water was warm and so clean. The cottage offered everything that you need to be comfortable and the neighbors were so sweet. We loved being so close to Sleepy Bear Dunes National Park and also the cute little town of Frankfort. Make sure you take a chance to drive to Leland too and check out the cute historic fishing area. The owners of the property are extremely nice and always available via email if you have any questions or concerns. We were so happy with you decision to rent this property and will be planning on coming back in the future....if you are looking for a cozy, relaxing, tranquail cottage, you have found it here:) Thanks to Stephen and Elizabeth for sharing your home with our family!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.
A beautiful, relaxing way to start our summer!!
Guest: Yann
(Bloomington, IN)
Date of Stay: 05/20/11
Review Submitted: 06/09/11
This was my girlfriend and I's first vacation in almost 2 yrs, and our first time in Northern Michigan. It was beautiful! The cottage was clean and roomy, with windows overlooking Platte Lake. We made full use of the kayaks, and were able to go swimming a couple of times, and just sitting by the water, enjoying the sun and relaxing. The close proximity to Sleepy Bear National Lakeshore, Lake Michigan, Leelanau Peninsula, and countless little towns/villages and open spaces, made this a very memorable vacation. The cottage was very comfortable, the yard was well kept, you can't beat the view over the lake, and the peace and quiet we were surrounded by while we were there. A beautiful home, a beautiful area! If you're looking for a relaxing vacation, you can't go wrong with this lovely cottage!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway.
Perfect
Guest: Richard
(Birmingham, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 05/06/11
Review Submitted: 05/22/11
Everything about the cottage is perfect. Floor to ceiling windows facing out towards Lake Platte- you will never miss a sunset or the moonlight reflecting across the water. It is nestled in an absolutely quiet neighborhood literally ten minutes from a beautiful sandy pet friendly beach on Lake Michigan in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The location is perfect, you can walk to Lake Michigan or take a brief ten minute drive to Empire or a few minutes further and be in the main part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes park. It has a kitchen with all the amenities for cooking and conveniently near two grocery stores. I would recommend this cottage to everybody. It was spotless when I arrived, well maintained, the owners provided a very helpful and vetted 12 page list of all the attractions nearby. Me, my wife, and our two dogs have been twice already this spring and hope to back this fall.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, people with disabilities, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.
Wonderful lake cottage
Guest: Kathy
(Rochester MI)
Date of Stay: 08/28/10
Review Submitted: 09/14/10
This lakefront home was the best place we have ever rented! Very clean and well maintained containing all the amenities you could want. The pristine Platte Lake was a joy to swim in and just to watch from either the upper deck or the beach deck. We enjoyed the outside fire pit and saw six shooting stars in one evening. The guest house is the sweetest...that even your mother would love! Took a 5 minute drive and took in the sun at Peterson Beach on Lake Michigan with awesome views of Sleeping Bear Dunes. There is a well stocked grocery store 5 minutes away in town of Honor. We also took a short and pleasant drive to Frankfurt for a delicious Moomers ice cream. There are so many other activities like kayaking in Platte River, etc, that we are going to have to return next year to get all of them in! This home gets my highest compliments!!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with teenagers.
Big Platte Lake Cottage
Guest: Chris
(Northville, Michigan)
Date of Stay: 05/28/10
Review Submitted: 08/04/10
My family had an awesome time at the cottage. The cottage is charming and the property surrounding it is very well maintained. The lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking and fishing. We could not get the kids out of the water! We also loved the location because we were able to hike on beautiful trails right to Lake Michigan. There are also great restaurants nearby. We have stayed at many "up north" cottages and this has to be one of our favorites.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, families with teenagers.
A Piece of Paradise
Guest: Outdoors Family
(Bentleyville, OH USA)
Date of Stay: 07/12/08
Review Submitted: 07/22/08
Swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, climbing the sand dunes, beach walking, biking, fishing, watching the sunset, cooking hobo pies and smores and marshmallows on the fire at night, laughing with family, building sandcastles, stargazing, eating out, eating in, shopping in Glen Arbor, great neighbors, making lasting memories. Our family (8 aduluts and two babies) could not have asked for a more wonderful place to have our first family vacation. Some of us stayed for the week, others for a few days. We always had plenty of room and more to do in 6 days than we could imagine. The cottage is beautiful and the guest cottage afforded a little more privacy for some. We hope to return next summer! Jack and Mary, Pat, Lisa and Shawn, Mike and Tina, Tim, Donna and Katie.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, pet owners, romantic getaway, age 55+.
Plate Lake Review
Guest: Louis D
(temperance, Mi)
Date of Stay: 06/07/08
Review Submitted: 07/21/08
We had a great time. Lovely home, everything we needed. Beach area excellent for children, water shallow for 100 yards.
Recommended for:Families with young children.
Quiet, peaceful setting; highly recommended
Guest: KimandBri
(Mason, MI)
Date of Stay: 06/07/08
Review Submitted: 06/27/08
One of the best things about this home is that the owner and the surrounding neighbors really care about it, as well as about your vacation experience there. The home is well-maintained, completely stocked, and very comfortable. A quieter lake you will not find in northern Michigan, and the beach on the property is excellent for small children, since the water is extremely shallow going out 200 feet or more. The small kids in our family greatly enjoyed being able to paddle around in kayaks and the canoe in this shallow area. The property is very close to our favorite beach in Michigan, where a warm, shallow river meets Lake Michigan - you can stand with one foot in each body of water. The house is probably best for those who tend to be *tidy* because the beautiful hardwood floors and the piano require taking some care. I.e., don't go here if you want to send dripping wet kids with muddy feet in and out of the house to use the bathroom, etc. Highly recommended!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+.
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