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Private Lakefront, Dog Friendly w/HOT TUB Home!SWIM/SKI/RELAX!

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The Unsalted Mermaid Lakeside Retreat
Sit on the dock and watch all the sunsets
Enjoy sun sets from the dock after a long day of boating, swimming, kayaking, and water-skiing.
Very private lot
Lots of space to gather to listen to the birds, watch wildlife and oversee the breathtaking Intermediate Lake!

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 152500 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Central Lake, MI
  • Place, Intermediate Lake
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Torch Lake
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Boyne Mountain
    ‪38 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪57 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 15)

Primary Main Floor

1 King Bed

Upstairs

+4
4 Twin Beds, 2 Double Beds and 2 Twin Bunk Beds

Walkout Level

1 Double Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Walkout Level

2 Queen Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Private Lakefront, Dog Friendly w/HOT TUB Home!SWIM/SKI/RELAX!

The Unsalted Mermaid is sure to bring you, your family and friends an unforgettable Northern Michigan vacation! This home sits on over 2 acres of private land, leading to 100ft of your own private lakefront on all-sports Intermediate Lake equipped with a 7 person hot tub!
The home boosts 2500 sqft+ , 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. Enjoy fishing off the dock, swimming in the hard sandy bottom water, kayaking, boating, and s'mores by the lakeside fire pit. Winter months offer skiing;15 minutes to Shanty Creek,great ice fishing and hot tub soaking!

This large family home has ample space for three families (15 guests) to enjoy a Northern Michigan retreat. The main floor features a king size master bedroom, full bath, large living room complete with fireplace, fully stocked large kitchen, dining area and laundry room. Walk out the sliders onto the covered deck that overlooks Intermediate Lake and a beautiful deep lot with mature trees surrounding both sides of the property, providing natural privacy.
The walk-out level provides an additional family room, two bedrooms and full bath. One bedroom has two queen beds while the other bedroom has a queen and full bed. The slider leads out to another porch area, equipped with plenty of seating, bbq, and fire pit(s). Take a stroll down the dock and enjoy sunbathing, kayaking (provided), boating (rentals available on the lake) and swimming in the hard, sandy bottom shores of Intermediate Lake.
The upper floor of the home features a very large loft like bedroom consisting of a full bed, queen/single bunk, twin daybed and a twin bunk bed.

Guests will access the home using a keypad. the code will be given within 24hrs of arrival.
There is ample space on the property for cars, boats, jet ski- whatever it is you may want to bring to make this your perfect vacation!

I am a phone call or text away at all times during your stay. I like to give all my guests their space! Unless you request me to be present at the property, I wont be there.

This is a private home located on Intermediate Lake. The home is in Central Lake, a charming Northern Michigan town. Central Lake is a few miles from Bellaire-home of Shorts Brewery and many other small town boutiques, restaurants, taverns and wineries. The home is located within 45 mins of Traverse City, Petoskey, Charlevoix and Elk Rapids. You are able to boat, dock and walk to downtown Central Lake where you will find a tavern, distillery, fudge/ice cream shop, grocery store, pizza shop boutique and BachMann's! Torch Lake is also minutes away with several boat launches and rentals.

The lake house sits directly across from the Intermediate Lake sandbar and Recreation Point.

Intermediate Lake is part of Michigan's Upper Chain O' Lakes. This location allows you to explore both the Upper and Lower Chain O' Lakes. Though they are not connected , boat launches are within minutes to explore the lower chain.

This home sits on 100ft of private frontage on Intermediate Lake. Intermediate Lake is a 1500+ acre all sports lake spanning nine miles. Intermediate Lake is part of Northern Michigan's Upper Chain of Lakes. The lake is great for boating, jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, fishing or just relaxing and listening to the loons over your morning coffee. The frontage has very shallow water while gradually getting deeper, catering to both young children and adults.

The Unsalted Mermaid is located in the heart of wine country, minutes to Short's Brewery, Shanty Creek Golf and Ski Resort, quick drive to Torch Lake, Traverse City, Charlevoix, Petoskey, Elk Rapids and Lake Michigan Beaches.

My family and I have been enjoying Intermediate Lake for over twelve years! My children have been able to swim in the lake most years from Memorial Day thru September.

The cottage is nestled on a two acre partially wooded lot. We do our best to keep insects, mice and other small pesky critters out of the cottage, but some may sneak in now and then. Guests accept that this is part of nature in Northern Michigan and will let me know immediately if they encounter problems that need attention so that I can quickly resolve them.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot Tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove leftover food and drinks and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Central Lake

Located in Central Lake, this vacation home is on the waterfront. Short's Brewing Company and The Chief Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Torch Lake and Lake Michigan. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the ice skating and sledding.
View more Vacation Homes in Central LakeOpens in a new window
Map
Central Lake, MI

What's nearby

  • Intermediate Lake - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Torch Lake - 15 min drive - 14.9 km
  • Boyne Mountain - 38 min drive - 42.7 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 54 min drive - 68.7 km
  • Front Street - 61 min drive - 73.8 km

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 57 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Short's Brewing Company - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪M88 Morning Grind - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Shanty Creek Resorts - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Toonies Fish & Steakhouse - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Private Lakefront, Dog Friendly w/HOT TUB Home!SWIM/SKI/RELAX! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Private Lakefront, Dog Friendly w/HOT TUB Home!SWIM/SKI/RELAX!?

As of Apr 23, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Private Lakefront, Dog Friendly w/HOT TUB Home!SWIM/SKI/RELAX! on Jun 14, 2026 start from $1,036, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Private Lakefront, Dog Friendly w/HOT TUB Home!SWIM/SKI/RELAX!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Private Lakefront, Dog Friendly w/HOT TUB Home!SWIM/SKI/RELAX!?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Private Lakefront, Dog Friendly w/HOT TUB Home!SWIM/SKI/RELAX! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Intermediate Lake and within 6 mi (10 km) of Short's Brewing Company and Beals Lake. The Chief Golf Course and Lake Bellaire are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 19 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dirk H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing time! The views and property were both great. It was nice and quiet inside when some but others were awake, beds were comfy, all the amenities we could need! Thank you for the stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Vacay

The Unsalted Mermaid was exactly as described and my entire family had a great time over the July 4th weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jeff f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thank you so much for allowing us to stay in this lovely home. Great location for everything from golf to boating, which is what we do. Great communication and just awesome people, and this coming from a Buckeye.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great stay

We had 6 adults and 3 kids that all enjoyed our stay. The house was as advertised. The location is perfect to enjoy boating, hiking, biking, and much more.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steven C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was one of the best vacations we ever had. The house was perfect for all my grand babies and kids. I think Intermediate Lake is a hidden Gem and the Unsalted Mermaid the icing on the cake. The host Tracey kept us well informed, accessible and just awesome to deal with. We have already booked for next year and the entire family can't wait. It was comfortable, loads of fun for all ages. I don't think the TV even came on except to watch the Lions
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

brant t.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Unsalted mermaid

Had a great stay. Tracey was fantastic with communication.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great gathering spot

Three families from three states enjoyed the location of this lovely home on Intermediate Lake. Peaceful location with lovely views and nice lake access. Very responsive owner. Definitely recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandon D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A+ experience

Communication was awesome, place was as advertised and zero complaints. A+ experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shannon S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous ski getaway!

We had a great time at the Unsalted Mermaid! 3 families from school enjoyed the spacious home, played games, explored the outside space with walkie talkies, had a cool kids-only bunk room, each parent had their own bedroom, and it was less than 20 minutes from skiing and tubing at Schuss Mountain. Everyone is counting down the days until we can return.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amber M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful

We loved this property. The house was huge. The bedrooms were big as well. Loved the view . Kayaking was fun as well! Loved how many chairs there were. Also they provided the wood. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jake B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay for a big group

This VRBO was perfect for our group! There was plenty of room and the sleeping situation was the best I’ve had for a group over 10 people. The only thing I would knock on it is the trip down to the lake. If you prepare to head down though you can be set by the water for hours. The view on the lake at sunset was the highlight of the property! Would 100% recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!

We just spent a week at the Unsalted Mermaid. It is a very special spot for sure. We celebrated the 4th of July with family. The home is very accommodating. We had everything we needed. The lake and surrounding nature is beautiful. We kayaked, paddle boarded, swam and rented a pontoon to enjoy Intermediate Lake. We enjoyed fires and fireworks. Family members went in to Bellaire, Central Lake, Elk Rapids, Charlevoix and Traverse City during our stay…such a great location!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely Wonderful Experience!

The Unsalted Mermaid surpassed all our expectations. We came for a family trip and had the best time ever. The home is beautiful and spacious. The lake has a sandy bottom and we kayaked every day. Tracey helped us get in touch with a place to rent a pontoon boat at well. We would book again in a heartbeat! Communication was spectacular, easy check in and check out. Thank you for helping us make some beautiful family memories in Northern Michigan!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eric S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family vacation

House and property were as advertised. Tracey was very responsive to any needs. The lake itself was not very crowded, which made it great for watersports. The distance from the lake was not an issue for us due to elevated walkway. The only negative for me was that the bass fishing was very difficult, as it appeared the lake was sprayed for weeds, which can't be controlled by Tracey! The kids loved the zip line and seeing deer and turkey often. Overall, it was great for 3 generations from age 2 to 65 and we would love to return!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A wonderful family vacation

The Unsalted Mermaid was, quoting my 6 yr old grandson, "The Best Cabin Ever"!!! The cabin was very clean and so well stocked with even more than we needed....even sippy cups for the baby. There was space for all. The kitchen was well appointed. Tons of (comfie) beds. And the full size washer/dryer was a huge bonus. What we really loved was the covered deck outside the main floor slider door.....it was completely safe for both the kids and the dogs, allowing us all to gather around the large table for meals and for the kids to play safely. The lake was shallow for a long way out and the dock was great. No sand for beach toys at the lake front, but the sand at the beach volleyball court and the zip line kept the grandsons busy. Tracey was a great host....very responsive and great communication.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sonali B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Exactly as listing depicts!

We had a great time at the unsalted mermaid. The best part of the house was all the amenities it offered. With the lake, kayaks, games, and volleyball court, there was plenty to do and keep everyone amused for an extended family vacation. The kitchen was well stocked, and there were plenty of beds for all 14 of us to sleep comfortably. The house was represented well in the listing, and the pictures do the house justice. We loved that there were chairs everywhere so that we did not have to move extra chairs downstairs or to the dock. There were a few chairs that were broken down by the dock. But it wasn’t a big deal as there were so many other chairs to use. We really appreciated that there was already a wood pile there to build a fire so we didn’t even have to run out and find wood. Temperature in the upstairs room was definitely an issue as we could not cool the house more without freezing out the downstairs. Tracey did provide multiple fans and we were able to keep the room cooler with windows open as the temperature went into the 50s at night. However, I could see how it would be difficult to sleep up there when it’s a particularly hot week. Overall, we loved the lake and had a fantastic family vacation there. We would absolutely stay again. Thank you, Tracey, for taking care of the property so well, and for all the communication so that our check-in and checkout could go smoothly.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

John L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

July 8-15 2023

Most all enjoyed the stay. AC worked good on the main floor. Lower level was very cold. Upstairs bedroom was not very cool. We brought our own window AC for that room.Need to obtain a window room AC. Thermostat only on the main floor. Nice to have campfire provided. Washer and Dryer worked great. Extra small frig in lower level was an added bonus. One lounge chair on upper deck was broke. Metal stools around counter in kitchen were loose. We tighted up two of them. The fourth stool was broke(missing bolt on bottom leg).Two lights over the dining room table were burned out as well as the outdoor light on the lower deck. Bathroom tub in main floor was not draining well. Would appreciated a wall clock on main floor. TVs and Internet worked fine.There was a small leak in the water line dispenser on the frig in the kitchen. Numerous night lights out on deck to water. Swim area was great. Diaappointed no fishing off the dock especially for the kids) By the way fishing was terrible on the lake during the week. Grill worked great. Could use some new chairs around table on upper deck. Some were sagging. Looks like a little TLC needed around the place. Someone should case the place in between rentals for minor repairs. Lawn mowing should be done after guests check out. Lawn was being cut one evening during our dinner time. Was not fond of the walk to the dock on the water. Most of us would like to return rent again perhaps.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed for a ski weekend. House was clean and plenty of towels. The hot tub was great after a long cold day of skiing.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Love this lake

The house was really nice and comfortable. So light and bright. We love this lake and will be back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Enjoyed our time

We did have a fantastic time while there. The Unsalted Mermaid was clean and had plenty of room. Nice private area. The lake was beautiful, water crystal clear. Would have like more of a sandy beach. Nice to have the two fire pits close to the house and by the water. Kayaking was nice and across the lake was the sand bar. We would recommend trying to find something to put down in place of the wood chips.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Tracey Wittke

Host profile image
My family and I reside in Traverse City. We moved up here in 2003 from a Detroit suburb. We love Traverse City but decided in 2014 that we would perhaps enjoy letting the summer tourist enjoy our town and find a place a little less congested to spend our summers. We found a perfect quaint cabin about an hour north on beautiful Intermediate Lake, which is now The Wet Nest. We fell in love with the towns of Bellaire and Central Lake and of course the water of Intermediate Lake. Over the years we have purchased a couple more properties on the lake as well as long term rentals in the area. We have enjoyed years of spending our summers on the lake and one day hope to retire there.

Why they chose this property

The Unsalted Mermaid is sure to bring you, your family and friends an unforgettable Northern Michigan vacation! Sitting on over 2 acres of private land, leading to 100ft of your own private lakefront on all-sports Intermediate Lake. The home boosts 2500 sqft+ , 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and HOT TUB! Enjoy fishing off the dock, swimming in the hard sandy bottom water, kayaking, boating, and s'mores by the lakeside fire pit.
Winter months offer skiing! We are 15 minutes to Shanty Creek, 35 minutes to Boyne Mountain, an hour to Nubs Nob and great ice fishing!

What makes this property unique

This large family home has ample space for three families (15 guests) to enjoy a Northern Michigan retreat. The main floor features a king size master bedroom, full bath, large living room complete with fireplace, fully stocked large kitchen, dining area and laundry room. Walk out the sliders onto the covered deck that overlooks Intermediate Lake and a beautiful deep lot with mature trees surrounding both sides of the property, providing natural privacy.
The walk-out level provides an additional family room, two bedrooms and full bath. One bedroom has two queen beds while the other bedroom has a queen and full bed. The slider leads out to another porch area, equipped with plenty of seating, bbq, and fire pit(s). Take a stroll down the dock and enjoy sunbathing, kayaking (provided), boating (rentals available on the lake) and swimming in the hard, sandy bottom shores of Intermediate Lake.
The upper floor of the home features a very large loft like bedroom consisting of a full bed, queen/single bunk, twin daybed and a twin bunk bed.The Unsalted Mermaid allows our guests to explore the entire Upper Chain of Lakes from Intermediate Lake. Being centrally located in one of the most sought after areas of Northern Michigan our guests frequently bring their boat to Torch Lake using one of the public launches within minutes of the house and use a day to explore the Lower Chain of Lakes. We are also about a 10 minute drive to Barnes Park located on the beautiful bay of Lake Michigan.
We are conveniently located ( 20 min to an hour) to other great vacation towns such as Charlevoix, Petoskey, Traverse City, and Elk Rapids.
There is ample space on the property for cars, boats, jet ski- whatever it is you may want to bring to make this your perfect vacation!

Languages:

English

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