Entire home

Redwood Retreat • Cozy Lakefront Winter Escape

Waterfront holiday home with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Redwood Retreat • Cozy Lakefront Winter Escape

Exterior
Exterior
Private kitchen
Living area
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
5 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 132630 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Oscoda, MI
  • Place, Lakewood Shores Resort - The Gailes Golf Course
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Lakewood Shores Resort - Serradella Golf Course
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Lakewood Shores Resort - Blackshire Golf Course
    ‪16 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 13)

Kid's Beach Bunkbed Room

3 Single Beds and 1 Double Bed

Nautical Themed Room

1 King Bed

Outdoor Sports Themed Room

1 King Bed

Sunset Overlook Room

1 Queen Bed

Tranquility Themed Room

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Bathroom 3

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Redwood Retreat • Cozy Lakefront Winter Escape

Experience Redwood Retreat — a tranquil lakefront home perfect for winter escapes and the gentle transition into spring.
Located on a quiet inland lake and just minutes from Lake Huron, this spacious retreat offers comfort, privacy, and beautiful seasonal scenery.

Winter Comfort

Snow-covered views, peaceful mornings, and cozy indoor spaces make Redwood Retreat an ideal cold-weather getaway. Relax in the sunroom overlooking the lake, enjoy game nights, or explore nearby trails and local shops before returning to a warm, inviting home.

Spring Renewal

As winter fades, the landscape comes alive. Watch the ice melt, hear birds return to the shoreline, and enjoy the calm of early spring before peak season begins. It’s a wonderful time for quiet reflection, nature walks, and enjoying the lake’s peaceful beauty.

Inside the Home
• Lakefront property with private access
• Bright sunroom with year-round comfort
• Fully stocked kitchen with double oven and ample seating
• Two king bedrooms on the main floor
• Game room with foosball and arcade games
• Family-friendly amenities including a playroom, toys, Pack ’n Play, and high chair
• Roku TVs and fast Wi-Fi
• Pet-friendly (up to two dogs)

Outdoor Space

Enjoy the spacious yard, patio seating, and ever-changing lake views—perfect for peaceful mornings and quiet evenings.

Redwood Retreat is designed for guests who appreciate comfort, space, and the slower pace of northern Michigan’s off-season. Whether you’re seeking winter stillness or the fresh energy of early spring, this lakefront home offers a welcoming place to pause and recharge.

Pause. Stay. Explore.

This property has special local compliance requirements, which include a signed rental agreement, ID verification, and a security hold of $1000 (which is not a traditional security deposit, just a pending transaction). As an optional alternative to the security hold, you may opt in to purchase a non-refundable damage waiver provided by a third-party insurance company. The optional damage waiver is $40 for stays up to 10 nights, with an additional $2 per day for stays longer than 10 nights. Damage waiver purchases are optional.

To make this process easy for you, we use a secure and very simple, app-free platform called Happy Guest. It is not an app, and you do not have to sign up for an account - it’s a safe and secure website. It also gives you a guest portal with all the info about the home and all of my favorite local spots.

If you have any questions, just message us anytime! Happy to help!
Guest access
Guests have access to the entire home and property, with the following exceptions:
• Garage – no guest access.
• Owner’s Closet – secured and unavailable to guests.
• Sunset Overlook – this upstairs open viewing area is not safe for use as it does not have a railing. For safety reasons, it must remain off-limits during your stay.

All other spaces, including the bedrooms, kitchen, living areas, sunroom, game room, dock, and outdoor spaces, are available for your enjoyment.

Other things to note
This property has special local compliance requirements which include a signed rental agreement, ID verification, and a security hold of $1000 (which is not a traditional security deposit, just a pending transaction). As an optional alternative to the security hold, you may opt in to purchase a non-refundable damage waiver provided by a third-party insurance company. The optional damage waiver is $40 for stays up to 10 nights, with an additional $2 per day for stays longer than 10 nights. Damage waiver purchases are optional.

To make this process easy for you, we use a secure and very simple, app-free platform called Happy Guest. It is not an app, and you do not have to sign up for an account - it’s a safe and secure website. It also gives you a guest portal with all the info about the home and all of my favorite local spots.

If you have any questions, just message us anytime! Happy to help!

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Pack 'n Play and high chair provided
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
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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

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
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

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Oscoda

Located in Oscoda, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Lakewood Shores Resort - The Gailes Golf Course and Lakewood Shores Resort - Serradella 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 Harrisville State Park and Tawas Point State Park. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing.
Map
Oscoda, MI

What's nearby

  • Lakewood Shores Resort - The Gailes Golf Course - 11 min drive - 7.1 km
  • Lakewood Shores Resort - Serradella Golf Course - 11 min drive - 7.1 km
  • Lakewood Shores Resort - Blackshire Golf Course - 16 min drive - 9.9 km
  • Harrisville State Park - 27 min drive - 29.0 km
  • Tawas Point State Park - 38 min drive - 33.2 km

Getting around

  • Alpena, MI (APN-Alpena County Regional) - 61 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Wiltse's Brew & Family Restaurant - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Hilltop Saloon - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Mancino's Featuring Rob's BBQ & RDSJ Catering - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Blue Collar - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Redwood Retreat • Cozy Lakefront Winter Escape pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

How much is parking at Redwood Retreat • Cozy Lakefront Winter Escape?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Redwood Retreat • Cozy Lakefront Winter Escape?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Redwood Retreat • Cozy Lakefront Winter Escape?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Redwood Retreat • Cozy Lakefront Winter Escape located?

This family-friendly Oscoda holiday home is located on the waterfront, 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Lake Huron, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Au Sable River and Lakewood Shores Resort - The Gailes Golf Course. Lakewood Shores Resort - Serradella Golf Course and Lakewood Shores Resort - Blackshire Golf Course are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Meghan W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very beautiful place with great scenery!!! House was equipped for all our needs for a great weekend with family!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Russell Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The attention to detail was impeccable ! The Communication was concise ! A wonderful stay, would definitely return!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherr L.

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

A lovely place

Such a comfortable inviting place. The hosts have thought of everything to make this a fabulous get away.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pat P.

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

Lots of fun

3 families had a great time at this beautiful beach house for a long weekend. The weather was windy and rainy but the owners have stocked the house with a lot of comfort and recreational amenities so the weather was never an issue. The hosts rate an A.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark G.

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

Great get away location

We had a great time at our stay. Matt and Mary Santala were great hosts with keeping us updated on items and making sure we were all set.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Liz S.

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

June 2024 Weekend

This was a great place for a friends' weekend getaway! We loved the amenities and proximity to fund activities, like canoeing the Au Sable. We hope to stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angie E.

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

Family time

We were visiting family from out of town and we had a wonderful time. We loved the house, we were able to relax and enjoy the views of the lake while accommodating our large family. Matt and Marry were excellent hosts, we would love to stay in their home again. The house was perfect for my family, I already tried to book it again for August but it’s already booked up. Great stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

wendy S.

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

Family Get Together

Our family of 12 enjoyed our weekend! The house had everything we needed. The listing was accurate and everyone was comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charles

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

Great Family Vacation Spot!

We booked this property to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday as a family and it was a perfect spot for us. My dad loves to fish and the outdoors so he was so pleased. The home was clean and well stocked and just lile the photos.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

DANIEL K.

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

Our small wedding experience

The house is beautiful and well maintained. It has a great view out onto the lake with a large sun room. New Year's was a bit chilly but we did take several walks on the beach. I'm sure that would be a fantastic beach to enjoy in the summer. Hope to visit again with friends and family, when it's warm.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ann R.

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

Delightful

Everything here was delightful and nothing was lacking! This house offered comfort, cleanliness, as well as accommodating all of our needs. We had a wonderful relaxing time. We would highly recommend this house to anyone.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brooke M.

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

Thanksgiving long weekend

There were 12 of us, 8 adults 4 kids, this home was perfect for us! We ate a family of cooks, the kitchen was very well stocked with all the necessary pots, pans, dishes etc…their property is very warm and inviting. Thank you Mary and Matt
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Julie T.

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

Girls getaway

We had a great weekend at Redwood Retreat! The house is very well kept, clean and comfortable. It was nice that the light switches were labeled to know which lights/fans they operated. The property managers were very easy to work with and promptly answered questions before our stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle J.

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

Easter weekend getaway

Cannot say enough about this property and the owners. Seamless from start to finish communication was great the booking process was very simple the house was gorgeous inside and out tons of space super comfortable beds we really love the giant refrigerator and freezer. The only negative part was that there wasn't a whole lot to do in the area. Not many great restaurants around. a few Pub and Bar type things but we had to go to Tawas to get a decent steak. Which isn't horrible it's only about a 20 minute drive or so other than that? It was perfect LOL
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Katie H.

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

Best lake house

Highly recommend this property! The pictures don't even do it justice. The place was so clean and spacious, comfortable and beautiful! There was enough space for the large family and amenities galore. We made use of the fully stocked kitchen, grill, firepit, kayaks, life jackets and the boat! They had everything you could need with extra lawn chairs, lawn games, beach towels, etc. Responsive and helpful hosts. We all loved our stay and would stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Kimberly D.

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

Slight critique

Your home is beautiful, and we loved the view! The availability of charging outlets, snacks, and large sized rooms were an added touch. We all noticed that there were no tissues in the house. And the tub and shower both could use either grab bars or Textured floors to reduce the possibility of falls.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

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

3 Generation Family Gathering

We stayed at Redwood Retreat for a long weekend (TH - M) in the middle of May. Unfortunately it was cooler than we had hoped for, but that didn't prevent us from taking advantage of the good fishing right off the dock, and roasting marshmallows each night in the lakeside firepit. The yard was huge - it provided plenty of space for playing yard games and privacy from neighbors. The house was more than adequate for our family of 3 couples, and 2 kids - 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 years old. The kitchen had everything we needed for cooking and food storage. The house was very close to town - easy to run into the store or visit the bowling alley on a rainy day, but gave the feeling of being away from it all when we were there. Our hosts, Matthew and Mary responded quickly and helpfully when we reached out with questions a couple of times. We would definitely return during warmer months to take advantage of the kayaks and row boat on the beautiful lake.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jim D.

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

Family Wedding Gathering

This property and its owners really delivered a quality experience for me and my family during our stay in Oscoda for a wedding near Alpena. From a much appreciated gift basket to a well organized welcome booklet, nothing seemed to be overlooked. One of our family members is wheelchair bound, Matt and Mary were able to confirm room layouts and accommodations prior to our stay. Once at the property, we were really impressed by the room sizes and how well the large gathering spaces allowed for great family time. By far our favorite moments were spent around the campfire in the evenings. My wife commented that this was one of her favorite rentals, and I would agree.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

susan m.

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

Fantastic Getaway for Family

We were impressed from the minute we pulled into the driveway. House and grounds were perfect. Our group ranged in age from 1-69yrs old. The owners have covered every want need to make your stay fun and enjoyable. From kayaks to board games - they even had a fishing pole which delighted our 12 yr old grandson. Did he catch a fish you ask? He sure did! Right off the end of the dock. Evening fire to finish off the day was the perfect way to unwind before bed. Will definitely book again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joyce M.

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

Perfect getaway!

My family and I have stayed in dozens of different rentals all over the country and this house thought of all of the little things, that made this beautiful home perfect for us! Small little thoughtful things, like having hooks in the showers to hang your washrags or razors, to having zip lock bags available for use, to having a snack welcoming basket! The place was very clean, spacious for the 11 of us that stayed there and the view and amenities outside did not disappoint either! There were kayaks to use, that our kids loved and a rowboat to use as well. The owners were awesome to work with and very accommodating and quick to answer any questions we had! The kitchen was so easy to cook in and having the washer and dryer was an added bonus! I would HIGHLY recommend this beautiful home!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael W.

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

Family Fun Vacation

My wife and I, along with our three daughters, their spouses and our grandchildren have been using VRBO for our annual family vacations. We have been in Charlevoix, Traverse City, South Haven, Lewiston, Saugatuck and Louisville, Kentucky to name a few our destinations. This year we decided to try the sun rise side of Michigan and are glad we did. The property we chose is the Redwood Retreat on Lake Van Etten in Oscoda, MI. The property was immaculate with all the amenities a family would need. The lake was used for swimming, fishing and using the supplied kayaks. There was plenty of room for 7 adults and four grandkids. We are a family who loves to cook and everything we needed to prepare our meals was there. The individual temperature controls in each bedroom was a bonus. We had movie night and game night in the sunroom, and spent a third night enjoying a bonfire by the Lake. This place is perfect for family fun. There is plenty to do in Oscoda area, including nearby golf. We played Serradella at Lakewood Shores, just minutes from the Retreat.Out of all the places we stayed at, this one is the only one that gets 5 stars. We are planning to return next year. We would like to thank our hosts, Mary and Matt for all the information they supplied about the home and area! Thank you!M. L. Witkowski
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

About the host

Hosted by Matthew and Mary Santala

Host profile image
We’re Matt & Mary, hosts of Redwood Retreat and founders of The Waypoint Collection. We’re based in Michigan and have always loved the peaceful beauty of the north—especially in winter, when the world slows down and the lakes and forests feel almost magical.

Some of our favorite memories come from spending time up north with family—watching our nieces play in the snow, sharing meals together, and enjoying those quiet winter mornings that feel like a reset. Creating spaces where other families can make memories just like that is why we love hosting.

We enjoy traveling, exploring new places, and finding little ways to make people feel welcomed and cared for. Our goal is to offer comfort, thoughtful details, and a sense of calm—so your stay feels effortless, cozy, and meaningful.

We’re grateful to share Redwood Retreat with you and hope it brings warmth and joy to your getaway.

—Matt & Mary

Why they chose this property

We chose this neighborhood because it captures everything we love about being up north—peace, natural beauty, and a true sense of escape. Nestled along a quiet inland lake, the area feels especially magical in winter: snow-covered pines, still mornings, and the kind of calm you don’t get in busy vacation towns.

What we enjoy most is the balance. It’s peaceful and private, yet close to everything that makes Oscoda special—Lake Huron’s winter shoreline, the River Road Scenic Byway, sledding hills, scenic trails, and small-town shops and cafés. The neighbors are friendly, the nights are quiet, and the views are unforgettable in every season.

It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the simple beauty of Michigan’s winter.

What makes this property unique

Redwood Retreat stands out for its blend of comfort, thoughtful details, and the peaceful beauty of a true up-north winter. The home sits directly on a quiet inland lake, giving guests stunning snowy lake views, soft winter sunrises, and a serene backdrop you rarely find so close to town.

Inside, the spacious layout, fully stocked kitchen, and three-season sunroom create a cozy, welcoming space for families and friends to gather. Guests love our game room, kid-friendly touches, and the way the house is designed for both connection and relaxation.

What really makes it unique is the feeling—calm, private, and comforting. It’s a place where you can slow down, enjoy winter’s quiet charm, and make memories together in a home that feels thoughtfully prepared for every season.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests