Grand Rapids
House, 5 Bedrooms + Bunk Area, 4 Baths (Sleeps 15)
$3000/wk
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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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic getaway.
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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway.
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:Families with teenagers, families with young children, pet owners.
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, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Guest: Panther's Dad
(Los Angeles)
Date of Stay: 08/10/09
Review Submitted: 03/28/10
A wonderfully decorated and totally comfortable home with all that is necessary for a great vacation: well-stocked library, fully furnished kitchen, all equipment necessary for enjoying the many lakes, and even a sauna! Great sense of total privacy without feeling isolated in one of the most beautiful areas of Minnesota, or the United States. And for those who want to explore, some great day trips possible to the Judy Garland Museum and the fantastic historical logging camp at the Forest History Center. Recommended highly.
Recommended for:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, sightseeing.
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:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway, sightseeing.
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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners.
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:Adventure seekers, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, romantic 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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.
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:Age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, pet owners, romantic getaway.
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:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.