Modern, new home on a secluded, wooded 2 acre lakefront property within the Manistee National Forest. Take advantage of countless outdoor activities. You can fish from shore or take a leisure canoe ride (included) right from our beach while catching glimpses of the local, soaring Eagles. There's a public boat launch across the lake if you want to bring your own fishing boat.
Summertime invites unlimited hiking, golf, disc golf, biking, motorcycling, side by sides, boating, fishing lakes, trout streams and rivers nearby. Enjoy dining out for dinner or breakfast in nearby Downtown Manistee within a 15 minute drive or Ludington which is about 30 minutes away. Manistee promotes several golf courses all within minutes from your retreat. Try your luck or catch a concert or show at The Little River Casino which is less than 30 minutes away as is the local Manistee Airport with United Airlines daily flights to and from Chicago. Manistee Hospital (Munson Healthcare) is 20 minutes away with 24 hour emergency health care available. A stay wouldn't be complete without a short trip (20 minutes) to the incredible beaches of Lake Michigan (recently voted "Best Beach in Michigan" by USA Today 10Best readers) or take your pick from a plethora of hiking trails, dunes and bluffs.
Winter time invokes snowmobiling from the house, ice fishing, ice skating on the lake or simply reading a good book by the fire with a fantastic view of the lake. Take advantage of a day at Caberfae Peaks Ski Area which is an easy 45 minute drive or Crystal Mountain which is less than an hours drive away.
We built this home to offer the opportunity for folks to create amazing experiences and memories for themselves and their families. It is our greatest hope that you'll find this incredible location as magical as we do. The quiet and solitude will amaze you as will the view.
The huge, lower level bunk room has a bunk bed and a trundle with a full size mattress easily fitting 2 children. A total of 6 kids or even 5 adults can comfortably sleep in the bunk room. Just outside the bunkroom is the lower level family room with a comfy sectional centered around a big screen, Smart TV. On the opposite side of the lower level is the Charlevoix Room with a king size bed, closet and sitting area for quiet reading or just looking outside. The lower level features it's own full size bathroom with combination tub/ shower and a full size washer and dryer.
The upper level features a great room including a fully equipped kitchen with all brand new appliances and cookware. There's a provided coffee maker for potted coffee. We've supplied a grill outside for cookouts and plenty of outdoor furniture for sitting on the deck. The living area has a wonderful, gas fireplace for the cool evenings and mornings or cold winter days. We installed a 70" Samsung Smart TV above the fireplace for family movie nights. Above is a large bladed fan to help keep a steady and comfortable temperature throughout the house. Opening the glass, sliding doors and windows and leaving the screens closed allows for a fresh breeze while protecting from possible insects.
Our upper level guest room has a comfortable, queen size bed, a private reading area, closet and of course an inspirational view of the water and wildlife. Next to this room you'll find the upper level guest bath with combination tub/ shower.
The primary suite enjoys a king size bed, sitting area, walk in closet, stackable washer & dryer as well as a large bathroom and walk in, custom tiled shower including a rainfall shower head.
The front porch faces south and is protected from the North and the West which gives you a warmer place to hang outside if there's a cold breeze. The difference in temperature on the opposite sides of the home can be significant in the spring and fall.
We did this for you and we invite you to be our guest in our dream home. We ask that you care for it as you would your own and we hope and believe that you will want to return. We encourage you to bring your outdoor toys, fishing stuff, kayaks, fishing boat, bikes or whatever it is that you love doing. This is a great staging spot for snowmobiling too. Leave your phones and electronics behind, get to know each other again and take advantage of this amazing spot, you're going to love it.
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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
About the area
Free Soil
Located in Free Soil, this holiday home is on the beach. Manistee National Golf Course and Manistee Municipal Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Ramsdell Theater and Douglas Park. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the ice skating and snowmobiling.
Manistee National Golf Course - 12 min drive - 17.2 km
Manistee Lake - 16 min drive - 24.0 km
Magoon Creek Nature Area - 18 min drive - 25.8 km
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - 18 min drive - 21.6 km
Getting around
Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 26 min drive
Restaurants
Delaney's Bar - 12 min drive
Heidi Hof Tavern - 16 min walk
Sauble River Inn - 7 min drive
Docs - 7 min drive
Old Country Buffet - 11 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Private Lakefront Retreat-Quiet Getaway pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Private Lakefront Retreat-Quiet Getaway?
As of 9 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Private Lakefront Retreat-Quiet Getaway on 11 May, 2026 start from S$629, 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 Private Lakefront Retreat-Quiet Getaway?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Private Lakefront Retreat-Quiet Getaway?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Private Lakefront Retreat-Quiet Getaway?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Private Lakefront Retreat-Quiet Getaway located?
This Free Soil holiday home is on the beach, steps from Huron-Manistee National Forest and within 9 mi (15 km) of Manistee National Golf Course and Tainer Lake. Hamlin Lake and Bear Wallow Lake are also within 12 miles (20 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Clean, nice amenities, and secluded. Easy access to lake and main road. Hosts very responsive. Fully stocked kitchen and bathrooms were much appreciated!
Very nice house on quiet lake. Spent time on the water with canoes provided. Close to Manistee, Ludington and Arcadia. Enjoyed time on the deck overlooking the lake. Relaxing week with family.
Our family had a great time at this beautiful home. Lots of room and was just as described in the listing. Grandkids liked going in the canoes and 2 sets of washer/dryers was an added bonus!
We had a wonderful time at this property over new years. We had everything we needed for a relaxing time - tranquility, comfy beds and couches, fully stocked kitchen and cozy fireplace. The hosts were responsive and helpful and the neighbors were friendly. We highly recommend this stay and would love to return.
Jeanine P.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Jan, 2024
So glad you liked it, thank you for your kind remarks.
David & Diane
We stayed at yogi’s hideaway for this year’s summer vacation. The house was immaculate and clean. My husband and I stayed in the master suite and the bathroom, walk-in closet and laundry combo was awesome. We cooked almost every night and the house had all of the cooking utensils/pans that we needed. The lake was so peaceful. We really enjoyed the large deck as well.
It was a beautiful property on a quiet lake. Loved the deal and waterfront. Great spot to cook with family and enjoy time together. David was very communicative and accommodating. We really appreciated them helping us out with a last minute booking.
Kim T.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug, 2023
Thank you Kim, so glad we were able to accommodate you and your family. Congratulations on your new endeavor and we hope you'll consider joining us again in the future.
David & Diane
Amazing lake view, interior Immaculate, very well kept and owners have excellent communication. Nice touches with outdoor patio and canoe s. The only recommendations are that there should be beach chairs. Highly recommend.
We enjoyed this beautiful, well appointed home on Lake Hoag as our headquarters for a week of family vacation. We ate nearly all our meals on site, enjoyed the waterfront location for fishing, canoeing, and swimming, and loved early mornings and evenings on the back deck in the midst of the beauty of the Manistee National Forest. It was an easy drive to Ludington beaches, their Children's Museum and bowling as well as to the Manistee beaches and grocery. We went to Hamlin Beach State Park one afternoon and rented a pontoon to explore Hamlin Lake and sand dunes another day. We highly recommend this VRBO for a fun and relaxing vacation.
Stayed here for 3 nights. House is beautiful and great location. Everything was provided for . Kitchen came with all the appliances needed for the stay. Plenty of towels in bathrooms. Overall, it was pleasant to stay there and enjoy our time. The managers were very nice and fast in replying back when we had a question. Hopefully we can come back again with our kids. They loved and enjoyed the lake .
Edin M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug, 2023
Thank you so much for the kind review. We appreciate you staying at our place. You were officially our first guest and we love that you took such great care of our home. We look forward to hosting you guys again.
David & Diane
We were all extremely impressed with the home. The view was beyond breathtaking. The house was very clean. There were plenty of towels for all of us. We all loved how secluded it felt. The kids liked that there was a separate living room for them to relax. Also, having a washing and dryer on each floor was very convenient.
Leah S.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Oct, 2023
Thank you Leah, we're so glad you came and thrilled that it worked out for you and your family. We love how well you cared for our home and truly hope that you'll come stay again.
David & Diane
We had a wonderful week at Hoags Lake. The house was the perfect fit for our two families. We had 9 people total and there was plenty of space for all of us. We spent the week hanging out by the water, fishing, riding around in the canoes. The weather was perfect for evening fires in the fire pits. We loved how secluded the lake was, but also how close we were to town if we needed anything. We had a great week and would love to stay again if we are ever in the area!
Erin H.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jul, 2024
Thank you for your kind words Erin, we loved hosting you and hope to see you back again. We too love it, so cool. It gets harder and harder to leave every time we go there.
David & Diane
Lakeside property with wonderful amenities! This private home is nestled in amongst the trees by Manistee National Forest, with a sandy beach for access to a beautiful lake. The property is well equipped for cooking/grilling, canoeing/fishing, and indoor/outdoor games! The owners are very responsive to any questions or needs!! We would love to return as our family had a wonderful time, especially canoeing, swimming, and catching fish!!
From start to finish we were absolutely impressed by our stay. I had a couple questions for the hosts which were responded to right away. They were great with communication and suggesting some fun places in the area to go to. As for the house, you can tell it’s newly built and very well kept! There was more than enough room for all of us to be able to spend time together, but also to have a little alone time to read. The view of the lake was perfect in the morning while we were enjoying coffee. Overall, this house is a 10 out of 10! We will be back to visit as soon as we can!
We have 3 couples that plan a fall trip every year. This was the 10th year. We had a wonderful time sitting around the fire table out on the deck laughing and sharing old and new stories. The house is beautiful along with the view of the lake. Very quiet and serene. The kitchen is very well equipped with everything you will need. The furnishings throughout the house are new and comfortable. The owners were very quick to respond when we had questions. We will definitely be back!
We had a great time at this home. It had plenty of space for 12 people from three families. The kids enjoyed sleeping together in the bunk room. Everything was brand new and so clean. Kitchen was fully stocked with all we could have needed, as well as plenty of soap/shampoo, dishwasher and laundry pods, and condiments in the fridge. All nice touches that we appreciate when traveling. David and Diane were very responsive and kind enough to suggest beach spots before we arrived. The only minor suggestion would be to add a walking path from the front yard down to the back yard for beach access so that you don't have to go through the house. Would love to stay again if we're ever in the area!
Kelly E.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Aug, 2023
Thank you so much for the kind words and the 5 Star review. We truly appreciate how kind you guys were to our home and how well you cared for it. We truly look forward to your next stay, you guys are welcome anytime!
David & Diane
About the host
Hosted by Diane or David Prahl
Diane and I are in our early sixties, we have 5 kids and 7 grandkids. We love our Church, family time, music, dancing, traveling, hiking and enjoying our great outdoors. We adopted a slogan we heard and apply it to our daily lives which is "Live Like No Other and Give Like No Other". We practice daily gratitude and positive attitudes. The vacation home is a new adventure for us and we have devoted our brand new retirement home as a way to provide a wonderful place and opportunity for others to enjoy this and create remarkable experiences for themselves and their families.
Why they chose this property
This location is very unique with a secluded and private setting. There's an abundance of wildlife and nature to be observed. The lake in particular is exceptional with very few houses around it and most properties being at least a couple of acres. We're able to offer all the comforts of the modern world while comfortably nestled inside the Manistee national Forest.
What makes this property unique
Relax with the whole family at this peaceful place to stay. This home is very private yet close to city amenities. The summer water temps are delightful for swimming and the fishing is great. You'll find Manistee, Ludington, Frankfort, Cadillac, Traverse City and the M22 drive featuring a scenic view of Northwest Michigan close by. Enjoy the quiet with almost no sounds that you typically hear in the City. The night sky is incredible, take in a campfire on the beach with a view of the stars.