Cabin

Quintessential Lake Cabin-Amazing Lakeside Screen Porch & Pontoon Boat included!

Lakefront cabin with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Quintessential Lake Cabin-Amazing Lakeside Screen Porch & Pontoon Boat included!

Great Room - Main Level
Entry Side of Cabin
Porch - Lake Views - Main Level
Kitchen-Dining-Great Room - Main Level
Lake Side of Cabin - Fire pit

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedroomsSleeps 91728 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View in a map
  • Place, Cross Lake Recreation Area
  • Place, Crosslake Town Square
  • Place, Crosslake Community Center
  • Airport, Brainerd, MN (BRD-Brainerd Lakes Regional)

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Lower Level Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Lower Level Bunk Nook

1 Single Bed, 1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Lower Level Bunk Room

1 Single Bunk Bed and 2 Single Beds

Main Level Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Lower Level Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Main Level Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Quintessential Lake Cabin-Amazing Lakeside Screen Porch & Pontoon Boat included!

If you are looking for the 'cabin experience', Lazy Pines is your place!! This classic Minnesota cabin won't disappoint. This property was completely renovated in the fall of 2014 and is essentially like new inside and out. Done in a true cabin feel, Lazy Pines has a wonderful open floor plan on the main level that features a combined great room/kitchen/living room with a large wood-burning fieldstone fireplace for those chilly nights (fire wood included of course!!). The main level features vaulted ceilings and a wonderful screen porch overlooking the lake with panoramic views of beautiful O'brien Lake. The main level further features a lakeside master bedroom and bathroom complete with tile shower. The lower level features an additional bedroom, a second designated bunk room, and an additional informal bunk area along with a second bathroom which also includes a custom tile shower. In addition, the lower level features a built-in game/puzzle table along with a leather sectional couch and entertainment area for a rainy day or movie night! The lower level also features tremendous lake views and all interior spaces (main and lower level) flow seamlessly to a large lakeside firepit area just steps from the water for those true Minnesotan's (again, firewood included)! The rental comes complete with a pontoon boat (2023 Bennington), and of course a hammock in the yard for those lazy days. For those that need to stay connected, the cabin also includes Wi-Fi and two high definition TV's with DirecTV (including a lower level area that has a blue ray DVD player and surround sound). And don't worry, you won't be roughing it, the 2014 renovation was done in good taste so along with the granite counter tops, the wood plank floors, and the reclaimed details it also brought all new mechanical systems including air conditioning, new appliances, and a Culligan softened water system.

Situated 5 miles east of the town of Crosslake, crystal clear Lake O'Brien is spring fed with a water clarity of 24', the cleanest lake in the entire watershed district. The lake itself is surrounded by mature pines. There is approximately 5 miles of shoreline, of which about a quarter of the lake is undeveloped state owned property. During the summer, this recreational lake is perfect for fishing, skiing, wake boarding canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding and all water based activities, including floating on an air mattress!! There is a sandbar where you can walk across the lake which is a favorite gathering spot for 'kids of all ages'!! It's location on a quiet tar township road make it perfect for a morning walk or bike ride. During the winter months the lake is perfect for ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and is a perfect base camp to access the endless miles of groomed snowmobile trails.

Lazy Pines is perfect for a family, an extended family, or a couple families; we have a limit of 9 occupants. There are 2 Queen beds (1 per bedroom), 3 single beds (in the bunk areas) and a double bed (bottom bunk). We do keep our calendar updated and so if you are seeing availability then it's likely available. Upon reservation confirmation you'll receive a complete 'what to bring' list ahead of your stay so you are prepared for your time up north. Feel free to inquire with any questions you may have and we’ll be prompt to reply! We pride ourselves on keeping our property and structures/equipment pristine and are certain we'll exceed your expectations in that regard. And further, since we also live on this lake, should any questions or problems arise we can respond quickly. In fact, your only disappointment will be when you have to leave!!

NOTE: The pontoon is in the water, and use is included in the stated rental rates, from approximately early May - late September.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
$100 Pet Fee
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
~ Maximum of 9 Occupants ~ Smoking inside cabin will result in forfeiture of Damage Deposit ~ Must clean up after your dog (if bringing dog)

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 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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Crosslake

Located in Crosslake, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Crosswoods Golf Course and Golden Eagle 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 Mississippi River and Crow Wing State Forest. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Crosslake, MN

What's nearby

  • Cross Lake Recreation Area - 15 min drive - 10.8 km
  • Crosslake Town Square - 16 min drive - 10.8 km
  • Crosswoods Golf Course - 16 min drive - 11.1 km
  • Kicks on Route 66 - 17 min drive - 11.9 km
  • Crosslake Community Center - 21 min drive - 15.1 km

Getting around

  • Brainerd, MN (BRD-Brainerd Lakes Regional) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Moonlite Bay Family Restaurant & Bar - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪The Wharf - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪50 Lakes Bar & Bottle Shop - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪Cedar Chest - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Maucieri's Italian Bistro & Deli - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Quintessential Lake Cabin-Amazing Lakeside Screen Porch & Pontoon Boat included! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at Quintessential Lake Cabin-Amazing Lakeside Screen Porch & Pontoon Boat included!?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Quintessential Lake Cabin-Amazing Lakeside Screen Porch & Pontoon Boat included!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Quintessential Lake Cabin-Amazing Lakeside Screen Porch & Pontoon Boat included! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is steps from Crow Wing State Forest and within 6 mi (10 km) of Pine Lake and Adney Lake. Crosslake Town Square and Cross Lake Recreation Area are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

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. 318 out of 326 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 326 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 326 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 326 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 326 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dan C.

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

Great place!

We really enjoyed our stay! Relaxing by the fire, ice fishing, and snowshoeing.
Stayed 7 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tim G.

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

Great Long Weekend

Spent a long weekend enjoying the wood burning fireplace and catching up with friends and family.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Corri S.

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

Excellent, quiet retreat!

My friend and I created our own impromptu writing retreat. We were able to spread out and were very productive in this beautiful setting!
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matt O.

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

Weekend Getaway

Very nice home/boat/lake!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen W.

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

Beautiful Weekend in Exceptional Cabin!

This home couldn't be more wonderful- great location, great outdoor space! The hosts were so nice and so easy to communicate with. Just awesome- !
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rodd T.

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

Excellent

Great cabin! Kids loved the bunk beds and the pontoon. Thanks for a lovely stay.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Megan

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

Great Stay

Cabin was exactly as listed. We’ll equipped, comfortable & great location. Will be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

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

Fantastic cabin- cozy

What a wonderful little spring break getaway for the kids. Everything went smooth from the check in until the time we left, the kids and I loved all the deer in the neighborhood :) Look forward to returning in the summertime
Stayed 6 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie A.

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

O’Brien Lake

This beautiful cabin was enjoyed by all! Especially the screened in porch and the pontoon included with our stay! We will definitely be back
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christine M.

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

Perfect cabin!

This cabin is exactly what we imagined from the description, but the experience was even better! We love the north woods and the cabin experience and this place was perfect - private and exactly what our family of 4 couples needed. Awesome wood fireplace and the pontoon was a huge perk!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra R.

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

June 2023 Lake vaycay

Great property, beautiful area. Highly recommended
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tayne D.

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

Amazing

We absolutely loved our stay. It was our second time back. Just a great as the first time.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dominic D.

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

Didn't want to leave.

Wonderful in every way! Great hosts! Great home! Great experience, overall!
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jacob A.

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

Christmas 2023

Wonderful stay here over Christmas. The place was decorated very nicely for the season. Very cosy and comfortable. We would recommend it!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tony B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nicely designed and up north design touches in furniture and accessories. We really enjoyed the outdoor porch, the pontoon rides and the super clean lake. We visited during a very warm time of the year and our kids said the downstairs where they slept was very hot - in the high 70's. Kitchen table chairs need to be replaced. Other than those things our host was super and responded immediately to the few times we needed her attention. These owners know what they are doing and have several properties available on this lake. We would opt for a larger property next time.Tony and Mary
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zachary M.

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

Great Get Away

This VRBO is in the perfect location for a quite get away yet close to all the action. The cabin is in great condition and the amenities were great. Renae was there to answer all of our questions (There were few because everything was very well laid out for us). I would highly recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anna G.

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

Coziest cabin you'll ever stay in

We stayed in January and it was the coziest couple of nights! The whole cabin is beautiful, the fireplace was wonderful. No one wanted to leave! The owners were very helpful with all of my questions. Definitely recommend staying.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alex S.

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

Honest review

The cabin is cute and very relaxing. Intimate cozy setting for whatever occasion. The property was well kept and having access to a boat was a huge plus for my family. Downstairs the bunk beds were a hit with my kiddos.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Randall M.

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

Just Perfect

Loved our stay at Lazy Pines. The cabin was just perfect for our Fall Preview getaway, and the pontoon boat was such a wonderful bonus. The setting, the cabin, everything about the place was exactly as depicted and in fact exceeded expectations. The Balmers were attentive and welcoming hosts. Truly do look forward to visiting again.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sally E.

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

Lovely winter weekend

What a lovely place. Clean- comfy- cozy and responsive from hosts. Such comfy beds and bedding. High quality and fancy decorations and appliances. Such nice touches. Easy for family and friends to get their space to enjoy! Highly recommended.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Deann B.

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

Perfect Ambience

The lake was as clear as indicated, and taking the pontoon over to the sand bars was great for swimming with both my grandchildren and then with my siblings. The hostess was very accommodating. Listening to the loons each day was a welcome experience. The next time I need a place that big, I would definitely come back. The cabin was very welcoming!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle H.

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

Fall getaway.

We had a wonderful fall getaway, with our adult children. The cabin - look, layout, cleanliness, overall feel and amenities far exceeded our expectations. Better than the pictures!! The fully stocked kitchen allowed for the many homecooked meals we had and the woodburning fireplace added the perfect touch. Matt and Renae were great to deal with - the care they give to their properties is evident inside and out!! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Richard M.

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

Cozy fireplace

We rented this cabin for a family getaway for 4 days. The cabin is quite large with good sleeping areas, as well as a large living room with a woodburning fireplace. The outdoor temperature during our stay was 15 below, which was just perfect for lounging and watching the fire. We played games while listening to the crackling fire. Wood is supplied, so all we had to do was bring it indoors. This is the second time we have rented this cabin. Matt and Renee are excellent hosts and make sure your stay is an enjoyable one. If the temperature permits, you could enjoy some ice fishing. Definitely worth your time to try this cabin and all it has to offer.
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Whitney M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was the perfect cabin for my family over MEA weekend! The fall colors were perfect and the view from the cabin was stunning. It was clean and ready for us when we arrived. Great kitchen, decor, plenty of firewood, lovely fire pit and beach. The bunk beds were great for the kids too! Matt and Renae were so easy to communicate with. We can’t wait to come back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

8/10 Good

Kristin R.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location
The house was a nice place for our family vacation. It was very nice to have the pontoon boat included in the cost. The kitchen pots and pans were plentiful. The large dining table was nice for dinners, games and puzzles. The outside space is nice too - we brought our favorite lawn game.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

About the host

Hosted by Stonetree Properties - Matt and Renae Balmer

Host profile image
As Crosslake “natives” both Renae and I have lived in Crosslake our entire lives. My family, starting with my Great-Grandmother, has been on O’brien Lake since the 1930’s - in fact our kids will be the 5th generation to enjoy the magic waters of O’brien Lake. While Renae grew up on nearby Cross Lake, we reside permanently on O’brien Lake, and also own and operate 2 rental cabins on the lake, and have 3 active kids (2 sons and a daughter) that we chase around Minnesota most of the year to their various activities (hockey, barrel horse racing, etc, etc). We are proud to be native “Crosslakers” and are certain you will fall in love with the beauty of both O’brien Lake, and more generally the entire Crosslake Area.

Why they chose this property

Lazy Pines is a classic Minnesota Lake Cabin on crystal clear O’brien Lake. Completely renovated in 2014 it features a real stone woodburning fireplace, an outdoor fire pit area, a wonderful lakeside screen porch, and all the conveniences such as wireless internet, a modern kitchen, and a Sonos sound system. AND, all late spring, summer, and early fall rentals include full use of the pontoon boat pictured in the listing - but be prepared, O’brien Lake is magical and you will fall in love with it!! Lazy Pines is located just 5 miles east of the town of Crosslake on a dead end, quaint (tar) road perfect for a morning walk, a run, or bike rides. Situated in a quiet and serene setting among the pines, it's only 5 minutes away from all the amenities that Crosslake and the entire Brainerd Lakes have to offer.

What makes this property unique

We have 1 other rental property on O’brien Lake (Sunset Haus – Vrbo#2059730). Located about 1 mile from Lazy Pines, the 2 properties can be reserved together to allow multiple families, or larger groups, to stay in close proximity to one another.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests