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Warm and relaxing 100 year old waterfront house with dock is waiting for you!

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Property grounds
Exterior
The Dam House as it looked when built in 1925.
Living area
Dining

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 81800 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi
  • Lake view

Explore the area

Map
Mesick, MI
  • Hodenpyl Dam
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Tippy Dam Recreation Area
  • Crystal Mountain
    ‪30 min drive‬
  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom one

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom Three

1 Queen Bed

bedroom two

1 Double Bed

Bedroom two

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom downstairs

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom Downstairs

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Warm and relaxing 100 year old waterfront house with dock is waiting for you!

If you are looking for granite counter tops and marble tiled floor's this is not the house for you. However, if you wish your family had owned a lake house for the past 100 years, you are here. Built in 1925 for Hodenpyle reservoir dam operators to live in when in when the dam was
was manually operated, this house is a rare find and available to rent for the first time since being built in 1925. With nearly two acres on the reservoir, you have lake access for all water sports. Imagine having nearly 2 acres of yard to enjoy with your family and friends! Since you are by the Dam on the Manistee River, you can head down river behind the dam for great fishing, canoeing. and kayaking. This is one of the rarest parts of the Manistee River to Kayak/Canoe. Golf? There are many golf courses at great prices within a short drive. Pontoon boats are available for rent nearby from Pat's RV on the Hodenpyl. Kayak's can be made available upon request. Yard games are available for your use.

This is a 4 bedroom house that was shipped from Sears & Roebuck. We have tried to keep it as original as possible with all the charm and comfort you can imagine. The ground floor has a full bathroom as well as the dining room, living room and kitchen. The original porch was turned into a 3 season room that has comfortable seating to enjoy napping, chatting, or enjoying the outdoor views. The bedrooms are small due to the time this house was built. You have a fire pit and in the summertime and an outdoor pergola with ceiling fan to keep the bugs away. Say hi to Mr. Moose (rumor has it that if you smooch the moose you will come back).
No pets please. I know my pets but not yours.
Come, take a deep breath and relax with your family and friends in the family house you always wished your family had.

Property manager

Jerri Mark or Julie

Languages

English
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Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Lake view
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 26
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

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
On-site 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 not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Mesick

Located in Mesick, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf and Fawn Crest 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 Gordin Fisk Memorial Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Mesick, MI

What's nearby

  • Hodenpyl Dam - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Crystal Mountain - 30 min drive - 32.0 km
  • Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf - 36 min drive - 27.0 km
  • Interlochen Center for the Arts - 46 min drive - 50.6 km
  • Little River Casino - 51 min drive - 54.3 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Jim's Bucksnort Saloon - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Brew Há - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Crossroads Bar - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Mushroom Bar - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪The Dairy Pit - ‬18 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Warm and relaxing 100 year old waterfront house with dock is waiting for you! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Warm and relaxing 100 year old waterfront house with dock is waiting for you!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Warm and relaxing 100 year old waterfront house with dock is waiting for you!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Warm and relaxing 100 year old waterfront house with dock is waiting for you! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Huron-Manistee National Forest and Hodenpyl Dam. Gordin Fisk Memorial Park and Marilla Township Hall are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 17 out of 25 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 25 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 25 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 25 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 25 reviews

7.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Linda M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Annual Stay

Fabulous time as usual for relaxing fanily vacation. Thank you
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susy W.

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

Relaxing stay

We had a family reunion of sorts and this house and accommodations were perfect. Already thinking about when we can go back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly H.

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

Great for families

My family and I had a wonderful time at this property. It was quiet and clean. It has a big yard and plenty of seating areas. It has a well stocked kitchen and the lake was beautiful. My children loved it here. We would visit again. The closest chain store for groceries and supplies is a Meijers in Cadillac. There is a small store about 10 minutes away. Thank you for letting us stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda M., Kent City

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

3rd time is a charm

Annual family vacation at the dam property went wonderfully. Thank You once again for your accommodations
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Cindy B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice Hideaway

This property is just as described. Was very comfortable and had a lot of extras (paper products, hand soaps, foil). Would have liked to of had a vacuum available. The gnats were an issue but we came prepared with bug netting for our hats. Brought our own boat and fishing was good.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Pamela F.

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

Family get together

The house was big enough for all of us and has 2 bathrooms! The yard is huge and very beautiful so the kids weren't stuck with the adults all the time, we enjoyed our stay very much and hope to do it again next year. The neighbors are also very nice and helpful
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly F.

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

Perfect Lake Getaway

This house is absolutely perfect for a weekend (or week) away. The lake is secluded with only 9 other properties on it, which makes it quiet and perfect for swimming. We took advantage of the large lawn, playing lawn games all day and staying around the fire pit at night. This place truly had all the amenities to make our stay an incredibly refreshing and recharging weekend. We're already planning our next trip back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020

8/10 Good

sheila m.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful setting

My family has come to Northern Michigan for the past 40 years. Our multi-aged group had great fun eating and playing outside in the beautiful surroundings. We cooked inside and outside on the grill. The enclosed porch was the perfect gathering place for doing a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle, reading, playing all under the watch of Mr. Moose. The 100 year old house had wonderful ceiling fans in every room and with perfect outside temperatures allowed us to turn off the air conditioning and open the windows. The kitchen had plenty of equipment to make fresh bread daily and gourmet meals. The living room provided enough seating for our group and family visitors from Traverse City to visit and play charades. Most of the bedrooms had very comfortable beds and my 6 year old granddaughter loved sleeping on the top bunch. It was a great time. This amazing house needed some deep cleaning and more kitchen towels.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

Yousif O.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Good house/location but animal hair everywhere

The house is good, the backyard is good the area was amazing, except that when we came in there was Animal hair everywhere in the house, beds, couches, blankets, floor, everywhere. And there wasn’t a vacuum to clean.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Deanna E.

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

Beautiful area

This area is so beautiful. Hiking in both directions following either the river or the reservoir. We brought our jet ski, paddle boards and a large floatie and really enjoyed the water. The bonfire pit was awesome for our evening s'mores. Only negative was knats! Bug spray worked partially, and the neighbors recommended wide brimmed hats for the future, but boy were they were annoying! The house is exactly as described. Small rooms but very comfortable beds. Kitchen and both baths have been updated, so not 100 years old, but unique and small as could be expected for this generation of house. Kitchen had everything we needed. We generally like more updated furnishings, but everything was adequate. Back screened in porch was our favorite place to sit when inside.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Deborah S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

quiet get away

There are many outdoor activities to do here. We brought our fishing boat. It was so nice to have the dock right there. The boys caught fish in the lake. Be careful when boating in the lake, there are some trees under the water. Electronics on your boat can help you navigate this. The bay in front of the house does not have any trees under water. We hiked the North Country Trail on the West side of the Manistee River and the Manistee River Trail on the east side of the Manistee River. Both were walking distance from the house and had amazing views! We kayaked the Manistee River from the house to the dam (very close) then we portaged over the dam to the river and Kayaked to the red bridge access site. This is a long portage and involves two sets of stairs. It was not difficult. This kayak trip is 3.5 hours if you do not stop. We packed lunch and there were plenty of places to stop along the river with a little beach. The Manistee River has a strong current and some white water at times. The boys also fished in the Manistee River and were successful. The lake in front of the house is a great place to just float. It gets deep very quickly. This is a great place for people who love to be outdoors. We also took day trips to Traverse City and visited wineries and to Frankfort. The house is very old, but worked out great for our needs. I was thankful to suggestions from other reviews, I recommend reading them.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Linda M., Kent City

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Year 2 - Family Vacation on the water

Another great family vacation at the old farm house.. Thanks for sharing your home. ( :
Stayed 11 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sheri K.

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

Relaxation guaranteed

We had a great time. The house was big enough to accommodate us comfortably. The bathrooms were a little small but we expected that because of the age of the home. We chose this place because of its history as I enjoy learning about history and architecture. We were close to the hiking trails and the river for kayaking. Also, we brought our boat and parked it at the dock at the home. Plenty of space. Fishing was great, catching everything from sunfish to walleye. Also, we got to meet the neighbor who was very nice and helpful. Would stay here again! Thank you to our hosts.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Bill T.

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

Fun for kayaking and fishing

We were not aware that consumers power would have the hydroelectric plant down for maintenance and it was quite loud 24/7. The view is beautiful and the lake was fun for fishing and kayaking. The house is very well stocked but does need a deep clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

James B., Mequon, WI

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

Historic and Cozy

Beautiful property that is reminiscent of going to Grandma's cabin in the summer. Small cozy, home on a beautiful lake that was clam and easy to get on for paddling during the week, and really not too busy on the weekend. It has a rich history a house built for dam workers building the Hodenpyle dam which was fun to explore. Also fun to explore was the Manistee River Valley. Absolutely gorgeous and US Forest trail just 1/4 mile either way from the house. Close enough to other attractions - Frankfort, Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes NP to name the big ones. Fair warning though. It is deep kind of deep in the US Forest so you will have some dirt roads. And by cozy we mean a tiny 3/4 bath added in the back of the kitchen, and one small bathroom upstairs - just like Grandma's old place. Plenty of room to spread out or play games at the dinner table though - which we did both. Wonderful memories from this place, great property, and great hosts.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Linda M., Kent City

Liked: Location, listing accuracy

Perfect country setting with large yard

Home was just as described. Plenty of space for our entire group. Large peaceful country yard with ample seating and space to enjoy. The kids were all able to use their RCs. Dock/boat access was perfect. We launched our speedboat at Pat's and docked onsite. Used our kayaks for a couple fabulous afternoon trips right from the yard. No water current whatsoever with ample shoreline sandbars to stop on. Next door neighbors were great as well (they share the dock space). Very thankful that they were also able to finally help us gain entry after not receiving an access code. Very friendly and helpful. The interior of the home could really use a good deep clean but it was perfectly fine for what we needed. Based on another review, I did take our own Dyson stick vacuum which was very helpful. We took a weeks worth of firewood (there were only a couple leftover sticks provided onsite). I had also packed clothes line. Theirs was broken and not usable so that came in handy. We actually used the heavy duty clothesline poles for a volleyball net for the kids which we had packed and instead strung my clothesline from tree to tree on the side of the house for all the wet clothing. One more item that also made a huge difference - our spare dorm sized frig. We placed it by the outdoor seating for all our drinks! Note: you'll also need a small extension cord since the outlet is at ceiling level. All in all, a fabulous stay. We definitely plan to inquire again in the near future. Thanks again for the great family vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

karen j.

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

Great family get together.

Great experience. The accommodations were as they were described. Absolutely enjoyed the lake, we brought many kayaks and a SUP. Floaties were a good call. Then we wer also in close proximity to sleeping bear dunes and Traverse city.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lotta K., Michigan

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

Weekend getaway

The house and property is exactly as described in the listing. Super cute, like stepping back in time but sweet history experience. House has everything you need and the dock and lake access was perfect. The only annoyance is what has been described before in other reviews- gnats. We brought thermo cells and foggers. We will gladly go back! Thanks Jerri 🥰
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Briana W.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great!

We really enjoyed our stay here. The yard is big for the kids to run around and play. The view is wonderful and everything else was what they described it to be. Old house but comfortable! We hiked some of the trails and rented a boat from pats rv and the lake was pretty e
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Amy D.

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

We'll be back!

A wonderful feeling of stepping back in time....with modern conveniences.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Eric W.

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

That Dam House

Would recommend for anyone seeking old-school up north vacation with extra comfort and privacy. Close to Sleeping Bear Dunes, fishing, Manistee, Cherry Bowl DriveInn. Traverse Coty. Lots of room to stretch out and enjoy the outdoors. You got the Lake and the river. Fun times, will try to return soon.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

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

Perfect isolated outdoor family escape

This was the perfect place for our family of 4 to be outside and relax away from crowds. Excellent hiking right outside our door. Dock in backyard was great. Owner generously lent us two kayaks. We also rented 2 paddle boards from Pine River Paddlesports just 15 min south of the house. Yard has nice outdoor seating and a firepit. Gnats were bad at times but the sun porch was a nice option when that happened. Would definitely rent here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Phil R., Plainwell Michigan

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

Wonderful lake getaway at the dam

We had a wonderful time as a family of 3 couples and an 8 month old. The location is great, on the lake, with walking access to the Manistee River Trail (hiking), river for kayaking (4 hours to first takeout, go early), and dirt roads for cycling. Best part was private lakeside access with a dock at which you can tie up a rental boat (highly recommended) and swim. You’ll need your own floats and tubes, and as well kayaks / canoes or bikes if you’re into any of those, and we rented a pontoon boat from Pats EV park for the week (but call ahead to reserve). Eating outside was a challenge due to swarms of gnats when we were there in mid-August, but the dining room is comfortable and nicely seats 6-8 (no picture). No gnats dockside, which is 20 steps down the bluff. The house in general is comfortable- no surprises from the description (and the moose head is as large as it looks!). The AC is central and works beautifully and the kitchen has all the appliances you need. The internet is slow (satellite) but fast enough to support zoom calls and multiple devices. The lake is not as quiet as you’d think from the low number of lakeside residences - there are several campgrounds and rv parks so other boats and personal watercraft are common especially on and before weekends. However during the week and in early mornings it’s quiet enough to host loons(!), notorious for avoiding all sport lakes. We’d go back- a comfortable place in a great location!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Meghan F.

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

Nice getaway, quiet area

We enjoyed the house and the quietness of the property. A great location for day trips to Lake Michigan and surrounding areas!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jack F.

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

Beautiful property!

Our whole family enjoyed our stay very much. The house is very clean and cozy. Very comfortable! Grand kids had plenty to do and spent hours on the tree swing. Make sure you check out the hiking trails adjacent to the property. The lake is beautiful. We also spent hours swimming. We are planning additional trips with friends and family! Overall a great experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2020

About the host

Hosted by Jerri Mark or Julie

Host profile image
I am the third owner of this home since it was built in 1925. I love
this house!! This is the first time that this property has ever been rented.
This is my family's vacation home and I want to make it your special place to go and

Why they chose this property

This waterfront property actually.has a yard to enjoy. You have almost 2 acres to have fun on. This property has only one neighbor. This second home was also a dam opeator's house. You have a house, yard, water.and the Manistee National Forest to enjoy.

What makes this property unique

Believe me, this house makes b you relax. Many friends and family members have commented that, when you get here ,your stress and worries leave.

Languages:

English
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