Apartment

Ilex Forest Retreat: Blackthorn

Photo gallery for Ilex Forest Retreat: Blackthorn

Miscellaneous
Room
Outdoor spa tub
Exterior
Room

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Highlights

  • Soak and unwind
    Relax in the top-rated hot tub, celebrated for ultimate comfort.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 5

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Onsite parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
Luther, MI
  • Place, Fairbanks Park
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Place, Millpond Park
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Place, Ahmikwam Lake
    ‪16 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

About this property

Ilex Forest Retreat: Blackthorn

Unique 40' Shipping Container Experience!

Welcome to the Blackthorn, our version of a tiny home nestled in a serene setting, including access to 168 private acres. Our container features an efficiently designed interior, with pillowtop mattresses and air conditioning. Booking includes a 6-seated hot tub and a separate washroom, with an interior & exterior shower.

We're located 1 hour North of Grand Rapids and steps away from the Manistee National Forest. Your luxury camping experience awaits!

Welcome to the Ilex Forest Retreat!

The Blackthorn is one of the available rentals on this property. It's a 40' high-cube shipping container that was converted into a tiny home. There's electricity, air conditioning, and heat in this unit. There's NO running water. There's a king-sized bed, and a full & twin-sized bunk bed. Each bed has a high-quality mattress from Jonathan Stevens Mattress Co. There's a 83" lounge couch from Crate & Barrel, a mini-fridge, and microwave.

Separate from the shipping container is a washroom, that has running water, a toilet, a wash sink, and an interior & exterior shower, with instant hot water. The washroom is exclusive to the Blackthorn’s booking. You'll have access to a 6-seated Nordic hot tub, an outdoor fire pit, and grill.

Our property contains 5+ miles of hiking trails on our 168 acres. This private & serene setting is a place where you can disconnect from your every day hustle, and reconnect with nature. You can also meet our Miniature Highland Cows, Silas & Tess.

Across the street from our property is the Manistee National Forest, that has hundreds of miles of ORV trails. You are welcome to park your ORV on our property, but you cannot ride them on our trails.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 11:00 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
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 4137255
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property

About the neighborhood

Luther

Luther is home to this apartment. Tustin Trails Golf Course and The Rose 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 Huron-Manistee National Forest and Fairbanks Park.
Map
Luther, MI

What's nearby

  • Fairbanks Park - 12 min drive - 13.2 km
  • Luther Area Museum - 13 min drive - 14.3 km
  • Millpond Park - 14 min drive - 14.7 km
  • Little Creek Park - 15 min drive - 17.3 km
  • Ahmikwam Lake - 16 min drive - 17.9 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Logger's Landing - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪North Bar - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Pizza Place - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Ilex Forest Retreat: Blackthorn pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Ilex Forest Retreat: Blackthorn?

As of Jul 8, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Ilex Forest Retreat: Blackthorn on Jul 21, 2026 start from $298, 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 Ilex Forest Retreat: Blackthorn?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ilex Forest Retreat: Blackthorn?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Ilex Forest Retreat: Blackthorn located?

Situated in Luther, this apartment building is steps from Huron-Manistee National Forest, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Fairbanks Park and Triangle Park. Newkirk Township Hall and Luther Area Public Library are also within 9 mi (15 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

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. 1 out of 2 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 2 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 2 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 2 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

7.0/10

Communication

9.0/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

joel r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean tiny house. Worked well for our family. Private bathroom is nice, but is a short walk from house. Very easy check-in. Great communication from owner.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified

8/10 Good

Danie D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication
Site was pretty great. As far as glamping goes. Hot tub was amazing. Property was very clean. We could not find the cows to save our own lives. Message. The host was zero response but it wasn’t emergency. We just wanted to see the cows. but we didn’t get a response.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026

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