10/10 Excellent
Amanda B.
29 Jun, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family vacation at the Barnhouse!
Amanda B.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Entire home
Spring & Summer Vibes on Double Lakefront Lot. Lazy Lake Days, Sunset Nights.
Beachfront holiday home for sun and fun
Photo gallery for Spring & Summer Vibes on Double Lakefront Lot. Lazy Lake Days, Sunset Nights.
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
6 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 183000 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Kalkaska, MI
- Place, Grandview Golf Club15 min drive
- Place, Timber Wolf Golf Club16 min drive
- Place, Twin Birch Golf Course19 min drive
- Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)61 min drive
Rooms & beds
6 bedrooms (sleeps 18)
Captain’s Quarters
2 Single Beds and 1 Double Bed
Living Room 1
1 Double Sofa Bed
Living Room 2
2 Double Sofa Beds
Main Floor Ensuite
1 Queen Bed
Upstairs Bedroom
1 King Bed
Upstairs Bedroom
1 King Bed
Upstairs Bedroom
1 Queen Bed
Upstairs Bedroom - Lakefront
1 Queen Bed
3 bathrooms
Bathroom 2
Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom 3
Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only
Bathroom - Upstairs
Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Spring & Summer Vibes on Double Lakefront Lot. Lazy Lake Days, Sunset Nights.
Welcome to The Barnhouse, a relaxed, spacious lakefront retreat on beautiful Manistee Lake.
Tucked into the heart of northern Michigan in charming Kalkaska, The Barnhouse is your ultimate year-round escape for families, groups, or anyone looking to unwind and enjoy time on the water. This beautifully updated six-bedroom, three-bathroom retreat offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and adventure. With 120 feet of private sandy frontage on the 900-acre Manistee Lake, endless sunset views, and easy access to northern Michigan’s best towns, trails, and recreation, it is an ideal getaway in every season.
Waterfront Living at Its Best
Step out your back door and onto your own private slice of Manistee Lake. With western exposure, your days end with golden sunsets reflected across the water, best enjoyed from the lakeside deck, the spacious back patio, or around the large fifteen-foot fire pit. Whether you are sipping coffee on the dock, taking a mid-day swim from the sandy shoreline, or casting a line into one of Michigan’s most fish-rich lakes, the lake is the star of the show.
Manistee Lake is a year-round playground for fishing, boating, paddling, and wildlife watching. You will find lake trout, steelhead, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and walleye, along with easy access to snowmobiling, ATV routes, and four-season trail systems.
Plenty of Room to Relax and Reconnect
The Barnhouse sits on over a half-acre of land, giving your group plenty of space to spread out and unwind. With six full bedrooms and three bathrooms, there is room for everyone, whether it is a multi-family vacation, a getaway with friends, or a cozy couples retreat. A heated garage keeps your gear and vehicles protected year-round, and there is ample parking for trailers and additional guests.
Inside, you will find thoughtful comforts throughout the home. A large open kitchen is fully stocked and ready for big family meals or late-night snacks. The cozy living area invites long conversations, movie nights, or board games by the fireplace. Downstairs, a private theater room gives kids their own space for movies or gaming while adults relax by the fire with a glass of wine.
Outdoor Living, All Day Long
Enjoy every moment of northern Michigan’s seasons from one of three outdoor living areas:
•A lakeside deck with front-row views of the water and sunsets
•A large back deck with a second fire pit, perfect for morning coffee or starlit conversations
•A private dock ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or tying up your boat
Bring your bikes, ATVs, or snowmobiles. With direct access to the Shore-to-Shore Trail and thousands of acres of state land just minutes away, adventure truly starts at your doorstep.
Work, Play, or Just Disconnect
Need to work remotely or keep the kids entertained? The house offers free high-speed WiFi throughout and plenty of space for remote work or school. That said, you may find it hard to log on when your days are filled with paddling the lake, hiking wooded trails, or exploring nearby towns.
Tucked into the heart of northern Michigan in charming Kalkaska, The Barnhouse is your ultimate year-round escape for families, groups, or anyone looking to unwind and enjoy time on the water. This beautifully updated six-bedroom, three-bathroom retreat offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and adventure. With 120 feet of private sandy frontage on the 900-acre Manistee Lake, endless sunset views, and easy access to northern Michigan’s best towns, trails, and recreation, it is an ideal getaway in every season.
Waterfront Living at Its Best
Step out your back door and onto your own private slice of Manistee Lake. With western exposure, your days end with golden sunsets reflected across the water, best enjoyed from the lakeside deck, the spacious back patio, or around the large fifteen-foot fire pit. Whether you are sipping coffee on the dock, taking a mid-day swim from the sandy shoreline, or casting a line into one of Michigan’s most fish-rich lakes, the lake is the star of the show.
Manistee Lake is a year-round playground for fishing, boating, paddling, and wildlife watching. You will find lake trout, steelhead, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and walleye, along with easy access to snowmobiling, ATV routes, and four-season trail systems.
Plenty of Room to Relax and Reconnect
The Barnhouse sits on over a half-acre of land, giving your group plenty of space to spread out and unwind. With six full bedrooms and three bathrooms, there is room for everyone, whether it is a multi-family vacation, a getaway with friends, or a cozy couples retreat. A heated garage keeps your gear and vehicles protected year-round, and there is ample parking for trailers and additional guests.
Inside, you will find thoughtful comforts throughout the home. A large open kitchen is fully stocked and ready for big family meals or late-night snacks. The cozy living area invites long conversations, movie nights, or board games by the fireplace. Downstairs, a private theater room gives kids their own space for movies or gaming while adults relax by the fire with a glass of wine.
Outdoor Living, All Day Long
Enjoy every moment of northern Michigan’s seasons from one of three outdoor living areas:
•A lakeside deck with front-row views of the water and sunsets
•A large back deck with a second fire pit, perfect for morning coffee or starlit conversations
•A private dock ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or tying up your boat
Bring your bikes, ATVs, or snowmobiles. With direct access to the Shore-to-Shore Trail and thousands of acres of state land just minutes away, adventure truly starts at your doorstep.
Work, Play, or Just Disconnect
Need to work remotely or keep the kids entertained? The house offers free high-speed WiFi throughout and plenty of space for remote work or school. That said, you may find it hard to log on when your days are filled with paddling the lake, hiking wooded trails, or exploring nearby towns.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Have a question?
BetaGet instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Blue Bear Hideout the ultimate set up for large groups and get togethers!
Blue Bear Hideout the ultimate set up for large groups and get togethers!
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Pet-friendly
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (93 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 27
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
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
Long-term renters welcome
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Kalkaska
Located in Kalkaska, this holiday home is on the beach. Grandview Golf Club and Twin Birch Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Hartwick Pines State Park and Au Sable River. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Kalkaska, MI
What's nearby
- Grandview Golf Club - 15 min drive - 12.0 km
- Timber Wolf Golf Club - 16 min drive - 17.0 km
- Twin Birch Golf Course - 19 min drive - 21.4 km
- Au Sable River - 25 min drive - 29.0 km
- Torch Lake - 37 min drive - 48.7 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- The Hideaway Bar - 25 min drive
- Manistee Lake Pizzeria / Bakery - 10 min walk
- The Ole Soul - 11 min drive
- lost forest lodge - 9 min walk
- Kiooties - 11 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.6/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Ken R.
4 Aug, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Barnhouse!
Ken R.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kody M.
13 Aug, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Kody M.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Matt A.
16 Jul, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bachelor party
Matt A.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
David R.
4 Feb, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice Place
David R.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
About the host
Hosted by Dave Corbett
I’ve always loved the outdoors—being on the water, in the woods, or just sitting still and watching the sunset. That’s what northern Michigan has always meant to me. Time slows down up here, and it becomes easier to focus on the things that matter most: fresh air, quiet moments, and time spent with the people you care about.
That’s exactly why we chose the Barnhouse. From the moment we saw the western-facing lakefront, we knew this was a special place. Manistee Lake is peaceful, beautiful, and full of life. Whether it's early morning fishing, mid-day boating, or watching the sun go down while sitting on the dock—it never gets old. And when we’re here with family and friends, it’s all about connection. Big meals, lazy mornings, late-night fires, and spontaneous fun outside—it’s the kind of experience we all need more of.
The truth is, we don’t get up there nearly as often as we’d like. Life gets busy, and time slips away. But instead of leaving the house empty, we decided to open it up to others. That decision changed the way we look at being hosts. We’ve heard from so many guests who’ve celebrated milestones, reunited with loved ones, or just escaped the noise of daily life while staying at the Barnhouse. Knowing that people are enjoying the space, the lake, and the sunsets when we can’t—it honestly means everything to us.
We want you to feel at home the second you walk in. This isn’t a cookie-cutter rental—it’s a place that’s been used and loved by real families who value time together. Whether you're here to explore the outdoors, reconnect with friends, or just sit still for a while, we hope the Barnhouse gives you exactly what you need.
Thanks for being here. We’re glad to share this place with you.
That’s exactly why we chose the Barnhouse. From the moment we saw the western-facing lakefront, we knew this was a special place. Manistee Lake is peaceful, beautiful, and full of life. Whether it's early morning fishing, mid-day boating, or watching the sun go down while sitting on the dock—it never gets old. And when we’re here with family and friends, it’s all about connection. Big meals, lazy mornings, late-night fires, and spontaneous fun outside—it’s the kind of experience we all need more of.
The truth is, we don’t get up there nearly as often as we’d like. Life gets busy, and time slips away. But instead of leaving the house empty, we decided to open it up to others. That decision changed the way we look at being hosts. We’ve heard from so many guests who’ve celebrated milestones, reunited with loved ones, or just escaped the noise of daily life while staying at the Barnhouse. Knowing that people are enjoying the space, the lake, and the sunsets when we can’t—it honestly means everything to us.
We want you to feel at home the second you walk in. This isn’t a cookie-cutter rental—it’s a place that’s been used and loved by real families who value time together. Whether you're here to explore the outdoors, reconnect with friends, or just sit still for a while, we hope the Barnhouse gives you exactly what you need.
Thanks for being here. We’re glad to share this place with you.
Why they chose this property
We chose this spot because it offered everything we love about northern Michigan—quiet lake mornings, wide-open space, and unforgettable sunsets. Manistee Lake is peaceful but full of life, and the neighborhood feels like a hidden gem.
We can boat all day, fish year-round, or just sit by the fire and listen to the loons. It’s close enough to great towns for a day trip or golf, but remote enough to truly unwind. It’s our favorite place to reset.
We can boat all day, fish year-round, or just sit by the fire and listen to the loons. It’s close enough to great towns for a day trip or golf, but remote enough to truly unwind. It’s our favorite place to reset.
What makes this property unique
What makes the Barnhouse truly unique is how it blends space, comfort, and adventure in one unforgettable lakeside setting. With 120 feet of private sandy frontage on 900-acre Manistee Lake, you get direct access to one of northern Michigan’s most beloved all-season playgrounds — perfect for fishing, boating, swimming, or watching the sun dip below the horizon from your lakeside deck.
The home sits on over half an acre, offering a rare combination of privacy and room to roam. It has 6 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, making it ideal for large families, friend groups, or multiple families vacationing together. Inside, the home was built with gathering in mind — from the huge open-concept kitchen to the cozy fireplace and a separate theatre room just for the kids.
But it's the little things that make a big impact — like the 15’ fire pit that brings everyone together under the stars, the heated garage that keeps your toys and cars protected year-round, and the multiple outdoor areas designed for both relaxation and connection.
What really sets the Barnhouse apart is its location. While it feels secluded and peaceful, it’s just a short drive to Traverse City, Petoskey, Boyne City, and even Mackinaw for fun day trips. You’re also steps from the Shore-to-Shore Trail and thousands of acres of state land — ideal for ATVing, snowmobiling, mountain biking, or simply enjoying the beauty of the woods.
Whether you're planning a summer lake trip or a winter snow adventure, the Barnhouse offers something you won’t find anywhere else: space to gather, nature to explore, and sunsets you’ll never forget.
The home sits on over half an acre, offering a rare combination of privacy and room to roam. It has 6 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, making it ideal for large families, friend groups, or multiple families vacationing together. Inside, the home was built with gathering in mind — from the huge open-concept kitchen to the cozy fireplace and a separate theatre room just for the kids.
But it's the little things that make a big impact — like the 15’ fire pit that brings everyone together under the stars, the heated garage that keeps your toys and cars protected year-round, and the multiple outdoor areas designed for both relaxation and connection.
What really sets the Barnhouse apart is its location. While it feels secluded and peaceful, it’s just a short drive to Traverse City, Petoskey, Boyne City, and even Mackinaw for fun day trips. You’re also steps from the Shore-to-Shore Trail and thousands of acres of state land — ideal for ATVing, snowmobiling, mountain biking, or simply enjoying the beauty of the woods.
Whether you're planning a summer lake trip or a winter snow adventure, the Barnhouse offers something you won’t find anywhere else: space to gather, nature to explore, and sunsets you’ll never forget.
Languages:
English
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback