Location: Grand Rapids, Northeast, Minnesota, USA (Deer Lake 18 mi N of Grand Rapids on quiet dead-end road)
Accommodations: House, 5 Bedrooms + Bunk Area, 4 Baths (Sleeps 15)
Our family house is a totally-renovated, 1928, chinked-log cabin on clear, turquoise-blue, secluded Deer Lake. We kept the charm and antiques, but added all the amenities including wireless internet and free long-distance telephone service.
The old-cabin part of the house has three bedrooms and two baths. The log living room has floor-to-ceiling shelves of books, a piano, stone fireplace, a filled board-game closet, satellite TV, DVD and oriental rugs on wood floors. All the rooms have ceiling fans. French doors lead from the living room to the deck where an enormous wood picnic table with umbrella and Adirondack chairs overlook the lake. A large separate screen porch is opposite the deck.
On the lake side of the house, the new addition includes a large, gourmet kitchen/dining/living room (with two dishwashers, Jenn-aire cook top, extensive equipment including a cuisinart, Kitchenaid mixer, ice-maker, etc. and china, cedar walls, tile counters, and pine table that seats 12), a master bedroom (king-size bed) and bath with satellite TV and private deck and another queen-bed bedroom with private bath. There are magnificent views of the lake, filtered through Norway pines.
The downstairs room has two sets of bunk beds, a single bed and satellite TV with VCR. It opens to a lower deck. There is also a volleyball court, vegetable garden, herb garden, and a winding, cedar-chip path leading to a fire pit with log benches and then to a lakeside deck where there is a cedar umbrella table and chairs, a sauna and private, outdoor hot-and-cold water shower. A large seperate screen house is next to the main house fully furnished (swing, wicker chairs and poker table) with electricity and wireless internet. The house comes with three kyacks. For no additional charge, there is and older 40 hp Bass electric start fishing boat and a boat lift. We've used it for years, but we don't guarantee it. Most of our tenants bring their own boats.
Keywords: Renovated Antique Log Cabin
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Linens Provided : Each bed has cotton sheets and pillow cases, down comforters, two pillows per person as well as towels and wash cloths.
- Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Bunk Bed (3) : One bedroom on the main floor has bunk full-sized single beds. Each has curtains around it, a book shelf, reading light and fan. They are outfitted to resemble a pullman car bed. There are two additional bunk beds in the lower floor bunk room.
- Twin/ Single (5) : Two bedrooms on the main floor have two single beds each plus one in the bunkroom
- Double : One bedroom on the main floor with a private bath has a double bed
- King
- Entertainment
- Sauna : The sauna is by the lake with a window overlooking the lake and an outdoor private shower with soft hot and cold water.
- Satellite Or Cable (3) : The televisions are in the living room, the master bedroom and the bunk room
- Video Library : Dozens of movies and TV series
- Stereo System
- CD
- Ping Pong Table
- VCR
- DVD
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : The kitchen has two dishwashers, two ovens, a microwave and Jenn-aire stove top with pancake griddle. The new refrigerator has an ice-maker. Other ammenities include a cuisinart, Kithenaid mixer, sorbet/ice cream maker, toaster, and coffee maker and grinder
- Cooking Utensils : The kitchen equipment includes a Kitchenaid mixer with all the attachments, Cuisinart, sorbet machine, and coffee grinder and maker.
- Refrigerator : Brand new refrigerator with ice-maker
- Dish Washer (2)
- Ice Maker
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gazebo : An enormous screened-in porch with wireless internet, overhead fans, porch swing, seating for ten, and a poker table is next to the house.
- Deck/Patio : One deck is outside the kitchen with a large wood table. There are also two lower decks.
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- View/Location
- Lakefront
- Beachfront
- Communications
- Wireless Broadband : Wireless Internet is available throughout the house, the screen house and most of the outdoor area.
- Telephone : Telephone service within the continental United States is cost-free.
- Free Long Distance : Long distance within the continental United States is free.
- Other Amenities
- High-speed wireless Internet, 3 Kyacks, 50 HP Bass boat with electric moter is provided but not guaranteed (liability release required), 3 Satellite TVs, fully stocked kitchen, Kitchenaid Mixer, Cuisinart, Bread Machine, Two Dishwashers, Double oven, Jenn-Aire, New Refrigerator, Utensils and China, Linens (all-cotton sheets, down pillows, plush towells), Private Outdoor Shower with Lakeside View and hot and cold soft water, Three Umbrella Cedar tables with chairs, Volleyball, Ping-pong, Poker table, Stocked board-game closet, over 1,000 books. NO JET SKIS ALLOWED.
- Suitability
- Pets Considered : Small dogs only are allowed and they must have a separate pet lease. No cats.
- Non Smoking Only
- Activities
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Wind-Surfing
- Tennis
- Hunting
- Fishing
- Cycling
- Golf
- Sailing
- Water Skiing
- Boating
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Restaurants
- Theme Parks
- Cinemas
- Kayaking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Miniature Golf
- Wildlife Viewing
- Shopping
- Other Activities
- Croquet, Bowling, Casino, Forest History Center
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Weekly Rentals from Sat-Sat; $3000/week up to 6 people + $250 each additional person; Arrive after 3PM on Saturday; main house cleared by 10am on Saturday for cleaning;bags left in screen house for later departure. Rent includes 3 Kayaks and 40hp electric-starting aluminum bass boat (provided at no expense, but not guaranteed; gas & oil not included; liability release. $1,000 to reserve; the rest due 30 days prior. No refund on cancellation within 30 days. Children 2 & under free; 2-8 = 1/2 price. Security Deposit of $1,000. Separate dog lease $50 (dogs under 40 lbs). Dog damage deposit $200.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
This is a photo of me and my family, taken at the end of our dock. My children have come to Deer Lake every summer of their lives, even when they lived in Vienna, Austria. Our house was not designed or furnished as a rental, but as a family house. However we don't get to the lake as often as we did when the children were young, so we began renting five years ago. My husband and I now live in Washington,D.C. Our children live in New York City, Charlottesville and Berkeley, but they still get to the lake every year.
Why the Owner Chose Grand Rapids
We love the midwest, though we are definitely coastal people during the bulk of the year. There is no place better for a family gathering than a lake. The variety of activities draw us to fresh water. There is something wonderfully enegizing about experiencing wilderness each year.
The Unique Benefits of this House
This is the ultimate "Up North" lake experience with gorgeous sunsets, the haunting call of loons and eagles flying overhead. My husband's family has been going to this lake for over 50 years. Deer is one of the cleanest lakes in Minnesota, spring fed and very deep. The lake in front of the house drops off very gently. At the end of the dock, the water is waist high and the bottom is all sand; perfect for water games. We enjoy fires cooking all together in the large kitchen overlooking the lake, playing volleyball and croquet, sitting in the screen house playing poker and reading, or sitting in front of the inside or outside fire playing charades and singing. The beds are comfortable and there is an endless supply of books and games. All you have to do is get here. You will feel like it has been your family house for years.
Property Photos
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- Perfect House for Board Meetings or Family Reunions
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- The large kitchen with 2 ovens, 2 dishwashers and gas range overlooks the lake.
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- Upper Deck with large wood tables, wood lounging chairs and Gas Grill
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- The sitting and swing area in the screen house which also has a poker table
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- Fireplace area in the living room which has game tables and a piano
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- Master Bedroom with king bed, lake view and private bath
Traveler Reviews (11)
Great vacation spot...so relaxing!
Guest: Adam
(Seattle, WA)
Date of Stay: 07/21/03
Review Submitted: 07/18/10
I've spent parts of two summers at this house and each has been fantastic. Regardless of the daily plan, excellent memories appeared out of nowhere. I distinctly remember boating to an island in the middle of the lake for a quick stroll and stumbling upon a Bald Eagle and eaglet nesting peacefully 30 feet above the beach. Rainy day? Pull everyone into the large kitchen to help cook dinner. Then sit at the huge dining room table surrounded by windows. The lake is also plenty big for water skiers of all skill levels. I can't wait to go back!
Recommended for:Pet owners, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing, families with teenagers.
LinLin
Guest: LinLin
(Berkeley, California)
Date of Stay: 08/04/08
Review Submitted: 06/28/10
This house is totally charming and inviting, with a sauna right be the water for hot/cold dipping. Makes you feel fantastic. The house has been updated, but retains its comfy cabin feeling. Great location and amenities. We enjoyed swimming to the island and back...invigorating. We had a big crowd with us and everyone was comfortable.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Spectacular view and fully equipped gourmet kitchen
Guest: Lynnie
(Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 08/29/09
Review Submitted: 06/27/10
We loved the open kitchen and dining room looking out on the lake. Great place to cook and gather. Also enjoyed the big living room with fireplace for reading and game playing. Spacious separate screen house and big deck. Outdoor shower down by the lake. Lake is quiet and beautiful with interesting places to explore. Town of Deer River close for groceries and lots to do in Grand Rapids - shopping, movies, etc. We had a big group - easily and comfortably accommodated. Best vacation house we've been to!
Recommended for:Girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
This is a beautiful and relaxing place to spend some time
Guest: Robby
(California)
Date of Stay: 08/20/07
Review Submitted: 06/21/10
I finished several books here, and went swimming every day that I stayed at the Brown family's wonderful cabin. It was so refreshing. There are a dozen places to read, nap, lounge in the sun, or play that are each singularly beautiful and glorious. The big lawn with the weeping willow was a great place to hang out and play bocce ball. The porch had a beautiful view of the lake, and a gas grill for our warm evening cook outs. And the winding path down to the water is even beautiful. Oh and did i mention the waterside pine sauna? There is absolutely nothing like a hot sauna and plunge into the lake at night! Then there is the beautiful lake, the speed boat (great for lunchtime jaunts to the islands of the lake - bring wine and food), the kayaks, the waterskiing, and the dock. Oh i love sitting out on the end of that dock and reading a book. There is everything one needs here to have a self-contained perfect vacation. Nice full kitchen, and stylishly appointed rooms too.
Recommended for:Pet owners, romantic getaway, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Beautiful house with a beautiful view of a beautiful lake
Guest: Marcus
(Washington, DC)
Date of Stay: 09/06/09
Review Submitted: 06/21/10
It’s perfect for a family gathering spot because it is so well designed. The up-to-date kitchen opens onto a small sitting area and a dining area, with wraparound windows overlooking the lake, that must hold at least 16 people. There’s plenty of space to put all those people, too: a master bedroom suite with a view of the lake, and four smaller bedrooms, one of which has its own bath. Downstairs there’s room for a bunk room for all the kids to invite their friends. You’ll spend hours on the large deck off the kitchen watching the eagles soar over the lake, and after dark you can go down the walkway to the campfire. There’s an outdoor shower down by the lake, too. The lake is crystal clear and, I’ve been told, full of fish. The downside is also an upside: It’s 20 minutes or so to the nearest store, and a half hour into Grand Rapids. But who wants to leave the lake, anyway?
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Incredible lakeside house
Guest: Matt
(San Francisco, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/10/09
Review Submitted: 06/21/10
I can't recommend this house highly enough. Large open kitchen and dining area is the center of this large two level house and is perfect for cooking for groups and enjoying meals looking out over the lake. The lake itself is quiet and perfect for swimming, boating, relaxing, and venturing out to a deserted island. Lakeside showers, volleyball court, and firepit top off the experience. A fantastic place to relax with friends and family.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, sightseeing, families with teenagers.
Perfect Summer Place
Guest: WHAnn
(Berkeley, CA)
Date of Stay: 07/25/09
Review Submitted: 06/17/10
I have had the good fortune to stay here several summers. It is everything that a summer place should be: on a lovely body of water (the lake) with a grand view from the house and the "screen house", as well as from both decks. The kitchen is large and inviting: there is counter space so that many can help prepare the meal and the table seats 12 comfortably for the meal. Two dishwashers make the clean up painless. And there is room for everyone to sleep: five bedrooms upstairs and a spacious bunk room down. Lucky is the couple who gets the master bedroom with the fabulous view (of course) and the amazingly luxurious king size bed. There is space for everyone, inside and out, there's swimming, boating, kayaking, playing volley ball or badminton, or just enjoying one's book. Truly, it is the perfect summer place.
Recommended for:Pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Perfect lakehouse getaway!
Guest: hartleyHuman
(Brooklyn, NY)
Date of Stay: 08/22/07
Review Submitted: 04/18/10
I grew up going to various lakes and lakehouses each summer, and can easily say that this house is lake-house perfection. It's big; it's charming; it's secluded, but also perfect for entertaining. The lake could not be more picturesque or the water more pleasant. The house also has a screened-in sidehouse just off the deck, which is perfect for playing board games (the owners have a huge selection) or for lounging around in, should the weather be momentarily uncooperative. And who could ask for more than the lake-side sauna? If you want a perfect getaway, I can't recommend this place enough!
Recommended for:Pet owners, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Beautiful Lake House - Outstanding Vacation Spot
Guest: Daniel K.
(New Rochelle, NY)
Date of Stay: 08/09/09
Review Submitted: 04/01/10
The first time I stayed at this house, I fell in love with it. It has everything you're looking for in a lake house. With a comfortable and well-decorated interior, an adjacent screened-in room for card-playing and reading, a deck with a dining table overlooking the lake, a fire-pit, a sauna, an additional deck by the lake, a large kitchen and inside dining area, a volleyball court, a ping-pong table, and a collection of board games, the house accommodates all interests and pursuits. Beyond the amenities, the house itself is in excellent shape. It is clean, well-maintained, and comfortable. It can indeed comfortably sleep over a dozen people. We had friends and family all staying together peacefully. The owners are very kind and helpful whenever any questions arise. I enjoyed my stay so much that I have returned several times in the last ten years. If you're looking for a great vacation retreat on a lake, this is your place.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, adventure seekers, families with young children, sightseeing, families with teenagers.
Amazing Peaceful Family Retreat from the World
Guest: Paul in Oakland
(Oakland, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/11/09
Review Submitted: 03/29/10
I've been to this cabin several summers running and found it an excellent place to bring a family and/or extended family. It's big enough that everyone can have a bed and the large dining table and generous kitchen allows you to bring everyone together for a delicious meal at the end of the day, with beautiful views of the lake. The owners have planted to hedges to maximize privacy; even though neighbors aren't very far away, you still feel like you and your guests have the lake to yourselves. The outside screened-in summer house allows a quiet retreat if you need a moment to yourself, and the fire pit, dock permit a variety of daytime and evening activities. My favorite is the outdoor shower near the lake---the perfect way to start the morning. The layout of the house and grounds allows everyone to be together or split up into their own activities (lawn bowling, badminton, board games, reading) at will, and even has a large bunkroom downstairs for noisy teenagers. The patio allows outdoor dining on warm summer nights. The house is a two hour drive to Duluth and half-an-hour from Grand Rapids, so retrieving guests and picking up supplies are relatively easy, enjoyable drives. Local watering holes like the Blueberry Bowl (bowling) and the Wilderness Pub (karaoke), as well as delightful walks around the neighborhood and beautiful Deer Lake, round out this locale for a perfect Minnesota summer vacation. We'll definitely be back!
Recommended for:Pet owners, families with young children, families with teenagers.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #8448
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