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Charming, quiet, country retreat 1890's Centennial Farm house

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A hallway with wooden flooring, white walls, and a window at the end.
A kitchen with white cabinets, a wooden floor, a clock, and a window.
An outdoor patio area with a swing set, white Adirondack chairs, and a covered seating area.
A white two-story house with a front porch, a black door, and two windows.
A kitchen with a farmhouse sign, wooden flooring, and a window with a view of the outside.

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 1% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Cook, dine, and unwind
    Top-rated for its fully equipped kitchen, perfect for every meal.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
4 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 9

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Deck or patio

Explore the area

View in a map
Empire, MI
  • Place, Holden Lake
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Brooks Lake
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Traverse City Beach
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

basement bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

main floor bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

upstairs bath

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Charming, quiet, country retreat 1890's Centennial Farm house

The "Ivy House" is a freshly remodeled 2-story 1890's farm house on a Centennial farm. With great country views and awesome star gazing, it is located on a quiet paved road that families and couples alike will enjoy. It is peaceful and quiet, yet close to the wonderful attractions of Northwest Michigan. Located 20 minutes from Traverse City, Glen Arbor, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore, and a short 30 minute drive to both Frankfort and Leland, there is something for everyone. With four bedrooms, 9 people can sleep comfortably. Please take note that 5 guests are included in the posted rent fee. For guests 6 thru 9 a $10 per guest per night fee will be added to the rent. The house has two full baths and one half bath with a bathroom located on each floor. On the second floor, bedroom #1 has a queen bed and bedroom #2 has two twin beds. In the basement, bedroom #3 has a queen bed and bedroom #4 has a full bed (sleeps 2) and a Victorian 3/4 bed (sleeps 1). Both rooms have large egress windows. All beds have new mattresses and bedding. Please note that ALL the bedrooms are NOT handicap accessible. You must be able to go up and down stairs. A spacious kitchen with shiplap walls, subway tile, new appliances, and an island seating area is a joy to cook in. The formal dining area has a large antique dining table. Hardwood floors are throughout the house including some of the original floors. A formal living room with TV is on the main floor and a family room with a large screen TV is in the basement. Outside is a patio under a gazebo with a dining table, extra seating and a gas grill. A fire pit with seating off to the side in the lawn has been added for roasting marsh mellows and hot dogs. Roasting sticks are provided along with one bundle of wood for your first fire. More wood is available for purchase at any of the many, many road side wood stands in the area. Two horseshoe pits are set up in the yard and a cornhole game is available for friendly family/friend tournaments. Wildlife frequently visits the yard, usually deer, turkeys, and rabbits. I frequently hear in the distant the call of loons as they travel to and from one of the many inland area lakes that are all within a mile of the house. There is lots of parking, but please note no campers, tents or RV's are allowed. WE ARE HAPPY TO HOST THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR A PEACEFUL OR FAMILY ORIENTED VACATION. WE CANNOT HOST HEAVILY SPIRITED PARTIES OR GETAWAYS. We also cannot host bachelor or bachelorette parties or family reunions. Gatherings with guests other than those staying at the house is allowed with prior permission from the owner. Pets of any kind are strictly prohibited and if found, you will be asked to leave. The person renting the house MUST be one of the guests staying. The Ivy House is your perfect "home away from home" for your next getaway to Northern Michigan. Please note the house sleeps 9 guests maximum! I want to be upfront with you regarding guests over 9. If you decide to come with more than 9 guests, you will be asked to leave. Upon reserving a stay, you will be required to state the total number of guests arriving. If this number changes before your reservation date, then please notify me of the change and edit your booking with VRBO. Additionally, there are outdoor security cameras on the premises. A quiet destination awaits you at the Ivy House.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
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
No RV's, campers or tents 11 pm to 7am is quiet time The mowed area on the property is the only area you are permitted.
Camp fires allowed only in fire ring. Do not leave fire unattended. Always use water to extinguish fire before leaving the premise or retiring to bed
Note that this is not a gathering location for other family or friends who may also live or be visiting this area.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 2021413vb
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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Empire

Located in Empire, this holiday home is in a rural area. Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Burnett Park and Jacob's Corn Maze. Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum and Interlochen Center for the Arts are also worth visiting. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including fishing, golfing and winery tours.
Map
Empire, MI

What's nearby

  • Holden Lake - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Brooks Lake - 5 min drive - 1.7 km
  • Village at Grand Traverse Commons - 23 min drive - 31.3 km
  • Front Street - 24 min drive - 30.3 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 32 min drive - 37.9 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 35 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lake Ann Brewing Company - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Papa J's - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Pegtown Station - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Red Door Coffee House - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Red Canoe - ‬7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming, quiet, country retreat 1890's Centennial Farm house pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Charming, quiet, country retreat 1890's Centennial Farm house?

As of 10 Sept 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming, quiet, country retreat 1890's Centennial Farm house on 4 May 2027 start from £788, 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 at Charming, quiet, country retreat 1890's Centennial Farm house?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Charming, quiet, country retreat 1890's Centennial Farm house?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming, quiet, country retreat 1890's Centennial Farm house?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Charming, quiet, country retreat 1890's Centennial Farm house located?

Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Holden Lake, Brooks Lake and Armstrong Lake. Courson Lake and Wiltz Lake are also within 2 miles (3 km).

About the host

Hosted by Sandra Noonan

Host profile image
I am retired after 30 years with the USPS. My husband is a full-time farmer. We have 3 married children and 8 grand children.

Why they chose this property

I inherited this property from my father (who was born in this house) and he inherited this from his mother. It was in very bad shape when we decided to restore it. My grand father purchased this property in 1899 and the house was already here. I lived here as a child until I was 3 years old. In 1999 we made application to have it registered as a "Centennial Farm" and my husband still farms it.

What makes this property unique

No close neighbors, always a breeze blowing, country beauty and privacy. It is a wonderful place to relax and unwind.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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