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Beautiful lakefront setting with pontoon boat available to rent.

Photo gallery for Beautiful lakefront setting with pontoon boat available to rent.

Fire Pit overlooking the serene lake
View from the back deck
Property grounds
Eighteen foot pontoon for rent. Has an electric start (25 HP, 4 cycle)
Front of the cottage-- driveway entrance

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 91900 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor Space

Explore the area

View in a map
Mancelona, MI
  • Place, Lake Bellaire
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Place, Au Sable River
    ‪28 min drive‬
  • Place, Torch Lake
    ‪30 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Twin Bed and 1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Twin Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Double Futon

Bedroom 5

1 Twin Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Beautiful lakefront setting with pontoon boat available to rent.

Five star rated property. Total capacity of 8. Our cottage is located on Starvation Lake, one of the cleanest lakes in the Midwest. Situated close to the water, yet tucked into the forest. Resort areas of Traverse City, Petoskey and Charlevoix within a 45-minute drive. Golf, casinos and shopping, are all nearby. Go for a swim, or go fishing, use our new sit on top kayak, or simply relax on the deck and relish the view. No wake restrictions guarantee both quiet evenings and relaxing early morning coffee. Primary bedroom has private deck overlooking the lake and is now air conditioned. The entire lower level is mobility friendly with garage, main floor living, deck, and two bedrooms, all on the same level. Main floor bathroom has a 5 foot walk-in shower. Additional full bathroom upstairs.The outdoor deck wraps around the cottage, has two eating areas and expansive sitting areas. A wide, well lit, multi-level deck and stairway leads down to the dock and small sitting area. Free wireless internet available. At the north side of the lake, there is the popular Hide-Away bar and a gas station next to a party store. Much of the surrounding area is state and federal land with snowmobile and RV trails, as well as hiking trails. Our property is over 14 acres with a private road to Sunset Trail, and convenient area to park trailers or extra vehicles. The area has sandy soil and a lack of standing water which contributes to the fact that there are few biting insects. . No pets, please. Non-smoking only. Over the years, our family has enjoyed many years of fun-filled, relaxing moments at our cottage. It has often served as a sanctuary for us when we needed a "get-away". Check out is Saturday at 9:00am which allows for scheduled cleaning and disinfecting before our next guests arrive. We look forward to your visit and are confident you will enjoy your stay. PLEASE NOTE the following : Pontoon boat only available from early June to mid September. Our swim area is clean hard sand, however due to extreme high water levels we currently have limited dry sand beach.. ATV are allowed with certain restrictions which you must review with the owner before booking.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 9:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

Mancelona

Located in Mancelona, this cottage is on the beach. Grandview Golf Club and Timber Wolf Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Otsego Lake State Park and Grass River Natural Area. AuSable Artisan Village and Otsego County Sportsplex are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
Mancelona, MI

What's nearby

  • Grass River Natural Area - 27 min drive - 34.7 km
  • Lake Bellaire - 28 min drive - 35.8 km
  • Au Sable River - 28 min drive - 32.8 km
  • Torch Lake - 30 min drive - 41.3 km
  • Torch Lake Park - 34 min drive - 44.8 km

Restaurants

  • ‪The Hideaway Bar - ‬17 min walk
  • ‪Manistee Lake Pizzeria / Bakery - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪blackberry patch - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪lost forest lodge - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Blue Sky Grill - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Beautiful lakefront setting with pontoon boat available to rent. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Beautiful lakefront setting with pontoon boat available to rent. ?

As of Mar 26, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Beautiful lakefront setting with pontoon boat available to rent. on Jul 4, 2026 start from $400, 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 Beautiful lakefront setting with pontoon boat available to rent. ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful lakefront setting with pontoon boat available to rent. ?

Check-out is at 9:00 AM.

Where is Beautiful lakefront setting with pontoon boat available to rent. located?

Nestled on the beach, this Mancelona cottage is within 16 mi (25 km) of Grandview Golf Club, Timber Wolf Golf Club, and Au Sable River. Twin Birch Golf Course and The Legend are also within 20 mi (32 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. 44 out of 46 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 46 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 46 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 46 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 46 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandon J.

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

Great Host / Great Lake

Very nice lake cottage with secluded view of Starvation Lake. We found the listing to be very accurate and the host to be great at communication and above and beyond accommodating. Would highly recommend to families or any other groups looking for a great lake experience.
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Chunling Z.

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

Good view , relax

We are enjoyed the view, beautiful foggy that we got on the last day.The peaceful lake and comfortable cottage. The host was nice and helpful.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debra P.

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

Comfortable and lovely

What a beautiful property. The house was comfortable, lovely, and well equipped. We went to make memories and we did!
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B.

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

Perfect in every way!

This home and it's location are even better than the photos and descriptions describe. It is such a lovely space. Access to the lake is wonderful. There is a trail directly across from the driveway to take a mile long secluded looped walk/run. We caught enough fish, bluegills and a couple bass, to have a fish fry for 4 adults and 2 kids. We spent mornings and evenings boating and fishing, afternoons swimming and floating around the dock enjoying the sunshine. We cooked and ate, played cards, watched movies, and slept great. Just the right amount of space, areas to relax, and combination of sun and shade. We enjoyed our trip so much. Our hearts are full!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James G.

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

Great stay at quiet lake

Beautifully maintained and spotlessly clean cottage. The lake is clean, quiet and great to float in. The owner was very responsive to questions both prior to the arrival and during our stay. We would definitely return to this wonderful home.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Linda B.

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

a week in paradise

The property is spectacular with very clean and serene lake and fabulous woods. We loved every minute of it.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle E.

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

Relaxing week on the lake!

Our family enjoyed our stay at this lakeside cabin. Clean and comfortable and the best part was the location right on the lake, with huge windows with a great view. We made use of the video library and games. Also close to a number of places for day trips.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin L.

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

Cozy Cottage

Sam was a wonderful host and answered all of my questions. He was kind and communicative. The lake was clean and so quiet! We had such a relaxing time. While we stayed, we rode the boat each day, grilled, watched movies, did some puzzles, and laughed a lot! We would love to come again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Rita D.

Perfect for a family get away

This was our first time renting a cottage. If you want to pack light, this cottage is perfect since it has everything you need. We rented the boat which was great! The cottage is unique and comfy and the deck is amazing with the perfect amount of shade and sunlight. The owners were great to work with. This vacation stay exceeded my expectations.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2016
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ANSHU S.

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

Beautiful Fall gateway

We wanted to escape cabin fever and enjoy fall colors and this place had it all.... lake, fall colors, location are amazing. The house itself is very beautiful and things ate planned keeping the comfort of the guests in the mind. We enjoyed the house and 3 year old nephew didn’t want to leave the place!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gail A.

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

Relaxing getaway

We had the most enjoyable week, and the weather was beautiful. A lovely home nestled in a wooded area on a nice lake was just what we wanted, and this property delivered it all. The pontoon boat was a big plus, we spent almost all of our time on it. The owners are very nice and accommodating. You won’t be disappointed with this rental, we highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike F.

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

Great

Went really well. Love the property and location. Had everything we needed. Sam was very reachable and responsive. Will do it again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gayle N.

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

Great Escape

My husband and I had a quiet, relaxing fall vacation at the property. The small lake was peaceful, and the surrounding woods provided a great display of fall colors. I especially enjoyed long walks on the property and sitting on the deck observing the lake. The cabin was nice and clean, plenty of space and amenities, and Sam was helpful whenever we had questions or needed advice.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

sarah s.

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

Serenity

We loved our mini family reunion at the lake. The property is beautiful and the house is perfect. My only thought to improve it would be a fire pit you could sit around but that’s such a minor detail. We’d love to come back again. Thank you for everything Sam!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andres C.

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

Lake house getaway

A very unique lake house off the main road with no traffic noise. The lake was beautiful and clean. Can accommodate many people. We had a good time fishing, boating and swimming. The owner contacted us and was easy to reach for any questions. Other destinations are close by, Kilwins on the way to Petosky (on US 31). Traverse City and Mackinaw City are good day trips as well.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristi F.

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

Beautiful cottage on Starvation Lake

My family of 7 vacationed at this cottage on Starvation Lake this summer and we absolutely loved it! It's secluded enough to relax yet close to great places to visit. We loved the lake - It's clean, not super busy, and great to swim in. We also docked at the boat launch and walked over to the general store for ice cream, drinks, and snacks. We vacation up north every summer and we all agreed that this has been our favorite spot! The house was roomy and we had a lot of outdoor area to spread out. I'd highly recommend this for your next up north vacation rental!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

CrookedFinger

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

House in the Woods on the Lake

House was very clean and well stocked. Spacious enough for each of my 3 kids to peel off to do some homework in their own spaces, and for the 5 of us to come back together for family meals and play board games. The location was right on the water with great views and felt secluded. However groceries and restaurants were just a short hop away to Mancelona or Kalkaska. We cooked every meal. The host was very accommodating and accessible. Overall, the place was perfect for us for a long Fall weekend. I would recommend this place.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy S.

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

Starvation Lake Home

Sam was a great communicator! We have rented many homes through VRBO and he was the most responsive owner I have ever dealt with. The home is exactly as described. So many personal touches through out! We had four children and my mom with us yet we all had our own space and our own beds. The location is pretty remote so if you are looking to escape the busy life, this is a great place for that!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

6/10 Okay

bernadette d.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Starvation Lake is a beautiful body of water and the area is wonderfully quiet. The call of the loons is so special. The house is very clean and ADA accessible for my disabled mother. We struggled with a few aspects. The listing said there was AC but there is only one unit in the primary bedroom on the second floor. We had a few very hot uncomfortable evenings and nights that were unexpected. There are several beds but all of them are uncomfortable due to feeling the springs underneath with very flat pillows. The house feels claustrophobic from the amount of tchotchkes that cover nearly every available surface. The house and boat carried the heavy scent of moth balls which is a known neurotoxin. All of this made it hard to feel comfortable in the house. The deck, the dock and being on the water helped. Sam is an excellent host as he is super attentive and responsive. The movie selection especially VHS is fun. The kitchen was extremely well equipped for everything we needed. Sam very much cares about your experience.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristi K.

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

Simply Wonderful

Another repeat stay at this property. The home is very comfortable and relaxing. The views from the house and the deck of the lake are meditative in their beauty. This is one of the cleanest lakes in Michigan and it is crystal clear. We rented the Pontoon Boat and went fishing in the evening. Beautiful rainbow trout. There are cozy eating options in town, but the home is also a short drive to Traverse City and Leelanau region. Sam is a wonderful host - very communicative and accommodating. He even went out of his way to mail us back our pillows that we had forgotten. Much appreciated! I look forward to returning.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kara o.

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

Peaceful getaway

What a wonderful week! My spouse, two teenage daughters and seven year old son spent the week at this lovely home on peaceful Starvation Lake. The home is just a few stairs away from great dock fishing and swimming. Our son caught 17 in an hour (lil rock bass and sun fish)... A great way to hook them early. We rented the pontoon and enjoyed cruising the lake and fishing the deep. We unplugged and played board games, puzzles, ate smores, and rocked on the deck with the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks. Not a mosquito in sight! Oh, and don't miss our on Rooted..a short drive away for great ice cream and fun local gifts!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Kristi K.

What a wonderful find!

This was the most relaxing vacation I have had in some time. House is on a quiet lake in a wooded setting. Many large windows bring the outside in. There was wonderful multi-tiered deck space and seating to also enjoy the views. Everything you need is at the house including nice cookware, staples and linens. It is obvious that the owners use the home as their personal lake house as well. Use of the pontoon boat was an added plus. The home is also approx 30 minutes to Traverse City. We spent a nice day on the wine tour and then enjoyed our purchase on the boat. :). Communication with the owners was also quick and pleasant. They provided a wonderful list of local things to do and instructions regarding the house. Sam was always quick to respond to any questions. I look forward to spending many summer vacations there in the future.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2016
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Gregory C.

Starvation Lake Sanctuary, loved the cabin!

Wake up at sunrise to the sounds of the Loons and the mist hovering over Starvation Lake. This cabin faces east so as the sun rises, the mist burns off like a movie unfolding before your eyes. No place to post pictures here, but this scene is unbelieveable. The cabin is very clean and neatly decorated. You cannot deny nature calling you outdoors. But just in case, there's two full bathrooms to choose from. Our group of 10 ranged in age from 13 to 91 and everyone slept comfortably. The way the cabin sits above the lake, with the windows open, the cross winds blow right through so it was never hot in the cabin even though it was 90+ degrees during the day and 55+ for sleeping. A lot of nook and cranny places were built in so that kids and adults can have their own space. I don't suggest you bring computers or other electronic gadgets, but if you're waiting on an important phone call or e-mail message, the service, though spotty sometimes, worked enough to communicate with work and loved ones. If you can, turn the electronics off and enjoy nature with your guests, you will be rewarded with that thing you always seek on vacation: a moment to reflect and reclaim yourself from the rat race. If you have a good set of binoculars, this place will turn you into a bird watcher while you sip your morning tea or coffee on any of the four decks. You don't get this kind of exposure to nature back home. The cabin is as beautiful in person as the pictures suggest. Rent the pontoon boat and take a stroll around Starvation Lake as the sun goes down. Take the canoe out in the morning and commune with nature. If you want excitement away from Starvation Lake, there's all sorts of things to do for kids and adults within an hour's drive in any direction. Groceries can be gotten 10-15 minutes away in Mancelona or Kalkaska. While there for one week, we enjoyed the lake, but we also visited Mackinaw Island, went sightseeing from a small plane over Traverse City, canoed the AuSable, had a great meal in Gaylord, wandered about Charlevoix and Petosky, hiked, water skied, tubed, ate forbidden food like fudge, ice cream, and chocolate covered cherries. The owners called shortly after we arrived and shortly before we left just to establish contact if we had any questions. We never did. We've been to some of the nicest places in Cape Cod, the Adirondacks, and the Outer Banks, but this one has us yearning to come back here. Enjoy!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2016
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amber K.

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

Nice cottage

We had a nice stay. The cottage was very clean. Sam was very responsive. There were plenty of towels and everything we needed to cook and clean up. The lake was refreshing. The kids enjoyed fishing and swimming and going for rides on the boat. The location is a little remote but not far from a lot of popular spots. Anything you might need is in town about 10-15 minutes away along with a convience store right around the corner. We visited Elk Rapids, Gaylord, Mackinaw, and Beulah while we were there. All in all great trip!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin S.

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

Great Week with Family

We had an excellent week at the cottage. We took day trips to Mackinac Island, Traverse City and Petosky. We also rented the pontoon boat and took one of the kids tubing. My son in law used the available fishing gear to introduce my 7 year old grandson to fishing from the dock. They caught and released several fish. Sam was very engaged and made sure we had everything we needed.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

About the host

Hosted by Sam McFarland

Host profile image
We purchased this cottage and the l4 acre parcel of land in l995 when our four children were young. We always enjoyed the family time together and have many fond memories from spending time here at this tranquil spot. We have shared it with family and friends over the years and have enjoyed doing so. We live in Grand Rapids, Michigan and our children, now all adults, live in four different states. However, we still enjoy spending a bit of time here in the summer with their families, including our grandchildren, who seem to love it as much as we do.

Why they chose this property

Years ago, when we were looking for a cottage to purchase, we immediately were drawn to this quaint place on a quiet lake. We felt it would be the perfect place to spend time with our children, away from our daily routines, and the many distractions that come with day-to-day living. When there, we saw them spend time together, talking, laughing, playing board games, swimming and enjoying each others company. As parents, that was a very important and significant thing that happened whenever we were at the cottage.

What makes this property unique

Very large, shaded deck that wraps around the house. Several seating and dining areas on both sides of the cottage. Beautiful trees all around the area. Lots of windows with great views. Convenient to take walks on the trails and through wooded areas. Well stocked kitchen. Available 24/7 during your stay in case any issues arise that you need support with. Determined to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Languages:

English
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