Historic Up North Cottage Surrounded by Conservation, Lake & Nature
Private Lakefront Cottage Retreat on Ann Lake / Lake Ann
Happy Outlook is a secluded, historic Northern Michigan lakefront cottage tucked away on three private wooded acres at the end of a ¾-mile private drive. Surrounded by towering pines and birch trees, this early-1900s cottage blends classic Up North charm with modern comforts and sits on its own very private point on beautiful 530-acre Ann Lake.
With only two other homes along more than a half-mile of shoreline & surrounded by 100's of acres of conservation, the setting is quiet, peaceful, and uncrowded—ideal for guests seeking privacy, nature, and a true lake getaway.
*** Private Lakeshore & Outdoor Living Guests enjoy: • 200 feet of private lakeshore • Main patio on lake • Private deck on lake with table, chairs & lounge chairs • Two docks with ladders • Separate kayak dock • Outdoor shower • Swimming raft: swim laps to and from dock • Bonfire area - wood supplied • Lakeside Adirondack chairs to relax, read a book or enjoy the loons • Canoe, rowboat & two kayaks included
The retired owners live on property and are available if needed, their lakeside cottage set apart on separate shoreline, ensuring guest privacy.
Patio with Stone Fireplace & Outdoor Dining The main lakeside patio features: • A beautiful historic stone fireplace • Wood-fired grill with prep area • Charcoal BBQ & Propane BBQ's options • Outdoor dining space - Umbrella & 8 chairs • Patio wrapped in fragrant lavender, perennials and annuals
Whether grilling dinner, enjoying a campfire, or watching the sunrise, this is a favorite gathering spot.
Classic Cottage with Modern Comforts
This charming, casually comfortable cottage reflects its early-1900s roots while offering today’s conveniences—perfect for relaxed lake living rather than a polished resort feel. • Unique Northern Michigan Location • 1 mile to the village of Lake Ann • General store & grocery • Brew pub with evening entertainment • Restaurants, library, parks, museum • Tennis courts, pizza places, post office, churches • 2 miles to Mistwood Golf Course (27-hole championship course) •.12 miles to 12 other Golf Courses. About 12 miles to: • Interlochen Center for the Arts • Lake Michigan • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore • Traverse City • Leelanau County
Close to everything—yet wonderfully private. • A Place to Slow Down • Happy Outlook is all about appreciating the simple things: • Paddling quiet waters • Fishing and swimming • Hiking nearby trails • Campfires under the stars • Reading, local wine, and watching loons glide across the lake
Why Guests Love Happy Outlook... ✔ Private lakefront setting ✔ Quiet, uncrowded lake ✔ Classic Up North charm ✔ Excellent swimming & paddling ✔ Central location with total privacy
Other Things to Note **Inquiries require a response within 24 hours so we can fairly manage availability.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Leave stripped beding on foot of the bed used.
Leave used towels in pile in tub / shower
Recycles taken to Twp recycling. Trash taken to dumpster at LA Grocery, go in an pay per bag. Bag size doesn't matter.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
One dog preferred. No dogs on beds or couch. Please have dog on leash. Tie up and a dog waste station with bags you dispose @ end of stay.
Please turn lights off when gone or or not using them. In case of rain you are responsible for closing windows down and porch shades.
*Inquiry Response Policy
Inquiries require a response within 24 hours. If we do not receive a response, the dates may be released to other guests.
Important information
You need to know
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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Lake Ann
Located in Lake Ann, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Front Street and Village at Grand Traverse Commons are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Travelling with kids? Consider Burnett Park, or check out an event or a game at Turtle Creek Stadium. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Lake Ann Historical Society Museum - 4 min drive - 2.2 km
Burnett Park - 5 min drive - 2.9 km
Lake Ann Brewing Company - 5 min drive - 2.9 km
Getting around
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 30 min drive
Restaurants
Dilbert's Cafe - 15 min drive
Light of Day Organics - 13 min drive
Lake Ann Brewing Company - 5 min drive
Wendy's - 17 min drive
Bradley’s Pub & Grille - 18 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Historic Up North Cottage Surrounded by Conservation, Lake & Nature pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Historic Up North Cottage Surrounded by Conservation, Lake & Nature?
As of 31 Mar, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Historic Up North Cottage Surrounded by Conservation, Lake & Nature on 14 Jun, 2026 start from S$598, 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 Historic Up North Cottage Surrounded by Conservation, Lake & Nature?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Historic Up North Cottage Surrounded by Conservation, Lake & Nature?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Historic Up North Cottage Surrounded by Conservation, Lake & Nature?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Historic Up North Cottage Surrounded by Conservation, Lake & Nature located?
Nestled on the beach, this Lake Ann holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Shavenaugh Lake and Marys Lake. Sanford Lake and Tarnwood Lake are also within 2 miles (3 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Wonderful location right on the lake. Loved seeing and hearing the loon family close by. Scott and Nancy couldn't have been more gracious and friendly. Would definitely consider staying here again!
Happy Outlook/Lake Ann Cottage was fantastic. We loved it! Being on the lake in such private setting made up for the few missing creature comforts like AC. (The bed was the most comfortable vacation rental bed...ever.) Location was ideal for exploring the area. We took advantage of the kayaks and canoe and managed to take the dog with us (without capsizing)! Our 7 YO Godson requested we come here every year. And if the dog could talk, he would second that motion. Can't wait to come back!
We simply loved our time at Happy Outlook! The cottage is secluded and rustic but still perfectly charming, clean and comfortable. Scott and Nancy were wonderful, friendly and helpful hosts. The views and lake are beautiful! We thoroughly enjoyed a quiet week of dock fishing, a bit of boating, loon watching and adventuring around the property and nearby beaches/attractions. Our small kids imaginations ran wild the entire time and we loved every minute! Thanks again Scott and Nancy! We hope to be back next year!
This is the perfect spot for rest and relaxation ! Lake Ann is peaceful and quiet ! Perfect sunrise viewing too!
The natural areas surrounding the property , with wild life present made for a very special vacation with my family. I highly recommend this spot !
Scott and Nancy provided an excellent retreat on Lake Ann. They provided excellent communication and wonderful suggestions to local events. Their property is remote and provided a serene setting to enjoy our end-of-summer retreat. We took advantage of all that the property offered (from the kayaks and canoe to the outdoor kitchen). It is really a hidden gem.
Cozy rustic charm on a beautiful lake. We were there with our two teen daughters and our dogs. The girls rated the vacation 11/10 and if the dogs could talk...20/10. Easy access to water for swimming, paddling or simply wading. Loons, eagles, frogs, fish, deer, song birds and two friendly garter snakes make regular appearances.. Great outdoor gathering spaces around a stone oven and charcoal grill or a fire pit. Wonderful onsite hosts. Town has a small market that literally has everything you need. Easy access to best ice cream in the country and Sleeping Bear/Arcadia Dunes. Dreaming of our next visit.
This is a fantastic place- quiet and peaceful, perfectly situated for getting to Traverse City and Sleeping Dunes. The cabin is well equipped for everything you could possibly need; beds are comfortable; the lake views are fantastic. Scott and Nancy are there when you need them, with advice about things to do- but know not to be overbearing. We really appreciated that Scott made sure there was wood for the campfire and barbecue! We will stay here again if we can!
A very relaxing, comfortable place to stay. Excellent hosts!
We had the most wonderful and relaxing time in the Lake Ann house. It's a great property with a great view and great amenities. The hosts are the best hosts we've ever had in a vacation rental experience. 10/10, would recommend!
This charming home right on Lake Ann is clearly well cared for and loved by the owners. VERY clean and adorably decorated. Lots of space for a family to enjoy. Anything you would need in the kitchen and at the water's edge. Perfect location between Traverse City and Lake Michigan.
Property peaceful, beautiful setting. Enjoy close proximity to nearby restaurants and activities.
Should be noted that owner has home on property but is very personable. Love that he helped build loons nest and truly loved their songs and entertainment!
Christine P.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
About the host
Hosted by Scott Hedberg
Scott grew up on Lake Michigan in Glen Arbor and Nancy grew up on a dairy farm in Illinois. Scott & Nancy are University of Michigan and University of Illinois graduates respectively in Landscape Architecture. We have been married 45 years and we have 3 children and 7 grandchildren. We have owned the property for 38 years, purchasing it for our family's enjoyment.
Why they chose this property
A unique classic 100 yr. old cottage on a remote lakeshore on Lake Ann in Benzie Co. Near Leelanau Co. and Grand Traverse Co. Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, Interlochen, and numerous wineries. It is central to many of the regions assets! The small town of Lake Ann is like stepping back in time with a General Store. The Lake Ann Brewing Co. has brews and evening entertainment for the family. The Stone Oven has great food to eat while enjoying the brew pub music. The property is at the end of 3/4 mile long private road and surrounded by hundreds of acres of conserved properties. The property itself has 300 ft of lakefront on 3 acres. It's our get-away to enjoy nature and "Up North". The woodpecker tapping, the loon calling and chatter of squirrels are our noisy neighbors. The lake has restricted high speed boating from 7:30 pm to 11 am. Most boaters respect that law.
What makes this property unique
The Lakefront features a main patio, deck area, docks, fire ring and outdoor shower. The main patio has an old stone fireplace with a wood fired grill & a charcoal grill, prep area and dining. The patio is wrapped with fragrant lavender in July & August. Canoe, rowboat and 2 kayaks are available for your use. Docks have ladders and we enjoy swimming laps to our raft and back, snorkeling or just floating. The point has a mud bottom so we swim off the east dock and use the outdoor shower after to avoid swimmer's itch. We haven't had a problem with the itch after installing the shower. Kitchen and baths are updated in keeping with the earlier times. The screen porch is great for meals and reading. We will be adding internet for 2021 by request however it's about getting away!