Home Sweet Home Away from Home

Photo gallery for Home Sweet Home Away from Home

A spacious living room with a large black leather sofa, a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall, and a dining area with a white table and chairs.
A dorm-style room with bunk beds, a wooden staircase, a ceiling fan, and a window with blinds.
A modern living room with a black leather sofa, a wooden coffee table, and a ceiling fan.
A modern living room with a black leather sectional sofa, a wooden coffee table, and a kitchen in the background.
A modern kitchen with a stainless steel refrigerator, a built-in oven, and a sink.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Scenic water view
    Relax and unwind with top-rated water views, offering a scenic experience.
  • On-site fitness centre
    A rare find - enjoy convenient access to fitness facilities during your stay.
  • By the lake
    Guests love the beautiful lakefront location.

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub on site
  • Patio
  • Toys
  • On-site fitness centre
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View in a map
Johannesburg, MI
  • Place, Lake Louise
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Otsego Lake State Park
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Place, Boyne Mountain
    ‪43 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Queen Beds and 2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Outdoor Shower

Shower only

Spaces

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

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About the area

Johannesburg

Located in Johannesburg, this holiday home is on a lake. Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve and Otsego Lake State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Gaylord Discovery Center and Bavarian Falls Park. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating and sledging.
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Map
Johannesburg, MI

What's nearby

  • Lake Louise - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Otsego Lake State Park - 25 min drive - 34.8 km
  • Boyne Mountain - 43 min drive - 64.4 km
  • Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark - 44 min drive - 65.1 km
  • SkyBridge Michigan - 51 min drive - 72.0 km

Restaurants

  • ‪The Old Depot Restaurant - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Legends On The Hill - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪The Sports Bar - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Legends on the Hill - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪J and K's Pit Stop - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Home Sweet Home Away from Home pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Home Sweet Home Away from Home?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Home Sweet Home Away from Home?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Home Sweet Home Away from Home?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Home Sweet Home Away from Home located?

This family-friendly Johannesburg holiday home is located on a lake, within 1 mi (2 km) of Lake Louise and Ginsel Lake. Johannesburg Branch Library and Louis M. Groen Nature Preserve are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 19 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property very clean and pleasant. Great communication
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept 2026
Thank you, Eric! We appreciate your feedback.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful view! Excellent communication with host. We enjoyed our stay. Would love to come back in the future.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Jul 2026
Love the pictures! Thanks for sharing those, and thank you for your feedback. We’re so glad you had a nice time. Looking forward to having you back!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great communication and a wonderful stay
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Jul 2025
We’re glad you had a wonderful stay. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Vacation in Paradise

Had a very relaxing and peaceful vacation with the most beautiful sunsets !!!
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug 2024
Oh, yes- those sunsets! They ARE the most beautiful! Glad you had a nice time. We look forward to having you back.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Amazing stay

This was the best vacation we have had in a long time. Great location and beautiful house right on the lake with your own sand beach in the backyard. We enjoyed every minute we were there. Looking forward to staying here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 28 Aug 2024
Thank you for your feedback! We’re so happy to have been a part of your vacation, especially when it’s a perfect one. Glad you enjoyed your stay! Hope cherished memories were made here this summer with many more to come in the future. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
If you love to fish, swim and kayak you don't have to leave the property. It's so clean and nicely appointed.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Aug 2025
Very true— no need to leave if those are your hobbies! Thanks for your review, Nicole, and thanks for choosing us to be part of your summer. Hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Stay

I loved the quiet neighborhood, and the lake views were great. This home is beautiful and felt very cozy and clean. 5 stars!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jun 2024
We love the views, too! Glad you enjoyed your stay, Elizabeth. We look forward to having you back soon.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a great time even know the weather was not perfect. This property comes well stocked and has lots of extras to keep you having fun. Close to a couple of local places to eat and get a few groceries, firewood etc. I would rent this property again.Thank you for the stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Oct 2025
Thank you for your feedback! Glad you enjoyed your stay. We’d be happy to have you back— maybe in the summer next time when the weather is a bit better. Thanks again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect vacation spot

Every amenity we could have wanted, easy access to Johannesburg and Gaylord. Sunsets over the water by the firepit. Amazing week!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Jul 2024
Nick, We’re so glad you had a great time and pleased you had everything you wanted. Thanks for your feedback. We look forward to having you back! Enjoy the rest of your summer.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cabin worked out great for our winter ski trip. It was a short drive to Treetops and Otsego, and was clean and comfortable for 4 adults and 5 kids. The bunkbed room was great for the kids. We could have used a couple extra blankets but that was a very minor issue. The owner was very responsive and accommodating.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Jan 2026
Thank you so much for your feedback. We’ll definitely add blankets to the stacks of extra linens already in the closets. We’re glad we were able to accommodate the changes to your trip and are so very glad you enjoyed your stay. We look forward to being your home sweet home away from home for your future ski trips!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Relaxing time

We had a wonderful time. It was such a nice, quiet and relaxing week.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Jul 2024
Glad you had a nice time, Kelly! Hope to have you back next time you need another relaxing getaway.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great times on the lake

What an great place!- Relaxed open atmosphere, great kitchen & comfortable beds. Hot tub was awesome on a cold January night. 10/10
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Feb 2025
Thank you so much for your feedback! We love that you enjoyed your time. We look forward to having you back.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Stay in Gaylord/Johburg

This property is really nice. Beautiful setting on a pretty inland Michigan lake. Inside is very comfortable-all the amenities. Hosts are very responsive and do a wonderful job. You won't go wrong here.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jun 2024
Thanks, Mike! We look forward to the opportunity to have you back.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family Fun

Great clean and safe neighborhood. Very nice view of the lake with level lake access that was great for kids and adults. The owners provided yard games and a canoe for good family enjoyment. A large deck with an outdoor kitchen was also super nice with a well stocked indoor kitchen.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Sept 2025
Thanks for your feedback, Cathy, and thanks for choosing us! Glad you enjoyed your stay.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect!

Very clean and well equipped home! The owner was quick to respond to texts before and during stay. The boat was a nice addition and made our fishing experience great!! Very nice, quiet inland lake with a lot of good fishing. Had a great time, hope to stay longer next time!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Jun 2024
We’re so glad you had a great time! We appreciate your feedback and look forward to having you again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family Summer Vacation

My family has rented the same lake cabin in Newberry for several years, but this year we decided to stay closer to home. If you’re like me, you read every review to find that perfect place. Although it didn’t have many reviews, we took a chance and I’m so happy we did! The place was perfect! It is fully stocked, as many rental homes you’re left with stocking everything from dish soap to toilet paper. This place had kayaks, tubes, hot tub, cornhole, and more! The owners were quick to respond and the check-in process was easy! We will definitely keep this on our return list for next year.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun 2025
Thank you for taking a chance with us, and thank you for your feedback! We’re so glad you enjoyed your stay. Looking forward to having you back. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect for golf weekend

Came up here with a few friends for a golf trip and loved the house. House was more spacious than anticipated from pictures. Very clean and had everything stocked that we needed; paper towels, toilet paper, soft towels, etc. Beds were very comfortable and much appreciated after being out in the sun all day. Check in and out were very simple and Jessica and Rick were attentive and responsive. Felt like we had our own private up north cabin out on the water, all while being a short 10-15 minute drive to some of the best courses I have ever played and a surprisingly lively Gaylord. My only regret is not staying longer.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Jun 2024
Thank you for your feedback, Michael. Glad you had a great time. We look forward to having you back again- with no regrets next time! :)
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Relaxing Lake House Getaway

My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The house was clean and spacious with lots of natural light. The large deck overlooking the lake was perfect for visiting with friends while watching our kids swim and fish off the dock. The outdoor kitchen located on the back deck made it so easy to cook lunch and dinner without needing to call the kids in from the lake until it was time to eat. We were able to rent the owners pontoon during our stay and found the price to be low compared to other daily pontoon rentals. We all enjoyed our evening fishing trips on the boat. The owners and care taker of the rental offered excellent communication. There was also Wi-Fi available which made it nice for completing a few work tasks while overlooking the lake. We will for sure be saving this rental for future trips!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Jun 2024
Autumn, we’re so happy you enjoyed your stay and the amenities + bonus options, and there’s arguably not a better view when you’ve got some work to do. Thank you for your feedback. We look forward to having you back!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Adorable lake property offering a peaceful spot for kayaking, fishing, and swimming. Quiet, (except for the little bit of highway noise that probably wouldn’t bother most unless you’re country folk used to the absolute quiet like us) shallow, lake perfect for relaxation. Great bass, bluegill, and perch fishing right off the dock. Sandy beach area is great for kids. Clear, clean water. We all enjoyed using the two kayaks (one single, one double) to paddle around the lake. We didn’t use fire pit, but it has chairs to seat everyone, as do the two tables on the deck. Grills are a great addition and we used the Blackstone to cook every day. Basement is unfinished but the weights and Peleton kept my teenage boys happy. Two washers and dryers helped us keep up with laundry before the next leg of our trip. Kitchen was well-stocked with everything you need to cook all your meals, including extras other rentals might not have. Johannesburg is close and so is Gaylord. Lots to do in the area! Would recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Aug 2026
Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback! We’re so glad you and your family enjoyed the amenities, and we hope you have a great rest of your summer. Thanks again!
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Disliked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 10 Sept 2025
We’re disappointed to see you were dissatisfied with your experience and/or stay, especially after our accommodating you and your group, not imposing a larger penalty for rental agreement violations, our responsiveness to your frequent messages prior to and during your stay, and our replies to your requests, including giving you access to scope the place out prior to your stay. We apologize for the door code problem upon your arrival and for the unfavorable interaction with a community member. If there were/are unresolved concerns, we appreciate the opportunity to address those concerns.
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