Lakefront Retreat - Ice Skating, Pet Friendly, 10 Min to Alpine Valley Skiing
Winter on Mandon Lake: skate on the frozen lake when the ice is safe, then hit the slopes at Alpine Valley, just 10 minutes away (Pine Knob and Mt. Brighton are about 30). This modern lakefront home sleeps up to 7 with 2 bedrooms, 2 living areas, fast WiFi, a workspace, Roku TVs, board games, and a coffee and espresso bar. Dog friendly. In summer, enjoy the private sandy beach, dock, kayaks, fire pit, and string-lit deck over the water.
The space:
What makes the "Mandon Retreat" unique is the attention to detail, with amenities for year-round enjoyment.
Inside: a fully stocked coffee and espresso bar, complimentary snacks, an open-concept kitchen, and not one but TWO living rooms so groups can spread out. Board games, a 50-inch Roku TV, TVs in each bedroom, and a cozy barstool nook that works as a workstation or quick dining spot. Sleeps up to 7: 1 King, 1 Queen, a pull-down sofa bed (about full size), and a large twin daybed in the front living room for privacy at night.
Outside: a deck with string lights overlooking the all-sports Mandon canal, a sandy beach area, fire pit, BBQ grill, cornhole, and 2 kayaks. The whole home has modern, renovated finishes for a cozy, inviting stay.
Winter fun:
When the lake freezes and the ice is safe, lace up your skates right out back. Alpine Valley Ski Resort is 10 minutes (5 miles) away, and Pine Knob (15 miles) and Mt. Brighton (17 miles) are about 30 minutes. Then head back for a movie or board game night.
The location:
Right in the middle of everything North Oakland County has to offer. You get the up-north Michigan feel while staying close to the suburbs. The Mandon Retreat sits on a short dirt road (about 200 yards) with minimal traffic in a quiet neighborhood, directly on all-sports Mandon Lake with the canal in the backyard. 30 minutes (17 miles) to Oakland University, 25 minutes (12 miles) to Pontiac's northern loop of the Woodward Dream Cruise, within 12 miles of 10 Oakland County golf courses, and under 10 minutes to 15+ waterfront restaurants and bars.
About Mandon Lake:
Known locally as the "Mighty Mandon," the lake allows all sports despite its smaller size. With a maximum depth of 18 feet, it is great for waterskiing and tubing in summer. Being a smaller lake, it feels private, so you get all the benefits of waterfront living in Michigan. The fishing is INCREDIBLE!
Guest access:
Entire home, plus the private backyard and private beach.
Parking: Facing the house from the front, our garage is the white garage on the right. There are 2 parking spaces in front of the garage.
Winter stays:
The beach and kayaks are seasonal (May through October). Ice skating is at your own risk, so please make sure the ice is safe before heading out. One dog up to 50 lbs is welcome (pet fee applies). Discounts are available for longer stays, great for remote work or extended visits.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)
Pets are allowed for an extra fee of $59 per stay.
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Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 4994869vb
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
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
White Lake
Located in White Lake, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Alpine Valley Ski Area and Beacon Hill Golf & Banquet Facility are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Proud Lake State Recreation Area and Pontiac Lake State Recreation Area. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Wisner Stadium or Suburban Ice-Farmington Hills.
Vibe Credit Union Showplace - 20 min drive - 25.4 km
University of Michigan - 41 min drive - 65.3 km
Getting around
Pontiac Station - 29 min drive
Pontiac, MI (PTK-Oakland County Intl.) - 16 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 5 min drive
Taco Bell - 4 min drive
Leo's Coney Island - 6 min drive
Beyond Juicery + Eatery - 5 min drive
Dairy Queen - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Lakefront Retreat - Ice Skating, Pet Friendly, 10 Min to Alpine Valley Skiing pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much does it cost to stay at Lakefront Retreat - Ice Skating, Pet Friendly, 10 Min to Alpine Valley Skiing?
As of 14 Oct 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lakefront Retreat - Ice Skating, Pet Friendly, 10 Min to Alpine Valley Skiing on 28 Feb 2027 start from £433, 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 Lakefront Retreat - Ice Skating, Pet Friendly, 10 Min to Alpine Valley Skiing?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Lakefront Retreat - Ice Skating, Pet Friendly, 10 Min to Alpine Valley Skiing?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Lakefront Retreat - Ice Skating, Pet Friendly, 10 Min to Alpine Valley Skiing?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Lakefront Retreat - Ice Skating, Pet Friendly, 10 Min to Alpine Valley Skiing located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 0.9 mi (1.4 km) from Cedar Island Lake and within 3 miles (5 km) of Union Lake and Oxbow Lake. Huron River and Pleasant Lake are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Amazing spot with a perfectly remodeled and appointed house! Loved the property and having access to the beach and water. Super amenable and responsive host who got us in early and helped us on a very minor thing of not being able to find a trash bag immediately. Would love to stay here again.
The home is convenient to the the many malls and great places to eat. Very clean with comfortable beds. Benjamin was available if needed and checked in during the high wind warning to make sure we were okay. Would recommebd The Lakehouse Retreat to my family and friends. Thanks again.
Benjamin and Mari are excellent and incredibly thoughtful hosts. They made our stay special and memorable. But one of the greatest attributes of this property are the neighbors. All kind, thoughtful and fun. This is a beautiful location for a relaxing lake getaway. They provided a lot of nice touches and there lots of shopping options within 10 minutes. It's not especially private but if you enjoy meeting new people, and are looking for a great spot to kayak (provided) and paddleboat (provided), you'll love the Mandon Retreat.
Great location and property. Host was very quick to communicate.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
About the host
Hosted by Benjamin Kraft
We’re a family from White Lake and love the up-north feeling this area offers. Being on the water is a big part of our life, and we enjoy the slower pace, time outdoors, and moments spent together as a family. Hospitality is important to us, which is why we enjoy hosting and sharing our home with others. Our hope is that guests feel welcomed, comfortable, and able to truly relax and enjoy lake life while they’re here.