Sunbeam Cottage - charming 2-bed lakefront house minutes from Big Bay
Welcome to Sunbeam Cottage, a charming 2-bedroom house on Lake Independence, less than two miles from shops and restaurants in Big Bay. Original hardwood flooring, multi-paned windows, antique hardware, and vintage shutter blinds bring out the 1920s character of the cottage, while the sparkling lake views, welcoming sunroom, outdoor seating, and spacious deck create a picturesque and comfortable surrounding to relax and enjoy time away on your vacation. The property's 300 feet of lake frontage and private dock make the space is ideal for those looking for a peaceful getaway. While the U.P. boasts many lakes, Lake Independence's unique features include its stone-and-sand bottom, warm temperature, and shallow depth. No freezing limbs, no water shoes required, and no drop off after 20 feet! In summer, walk down the stairs at the end of the dock into the water and play in the lake all day, venture out onto the lake in the rowboat or kayak available for guest use, or relax in the hammock as the breeze blows. Open the windows in the sunroom to enjoy the feel of being outside, but without the bugs! And if fishing is on your to-do list, Lake Independence is an ideal place to catch jumbo perch, walleye, bass, and more. When hunger calls, the easy-to-use pellet grill is perfect for cooking for the whole family, or visit Big Bay's historic Thunder Bay Inn and then stop for ice cream afterward. While you're in town, enquire at Huron Mountain Outfitters about kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and motor boats available for rent!
Although there is not a private boat launch on the property, boat launch for Lake Independence is available at Perkins Park.
Looking for a place to stay during your winter snowmobiling adventure? Sunbeam Cottage is available for rental year-round. Stay cozy inside while enjoying the view of the frozen lake, or make the house your base for ice fishing on Lake Independence.
Pets welcome! Pet fee is $50 per stay.
Pack and play and booster seat/high chair are available upon request. Families with toddlers may wish to note that there is no fence to keep children from the steeply pitched hill down to the lake.
Occupancy is limited to five people (six with an infant): due to the size of the bedrooms, there is not space for air mattresses or additional sleeping options.
The second cottage on this property is undergoing renovations and will be ready to rent soon. Rest assured, no work will take place during guest stays. We can't wait to share this exciting expansion with you!
Seasonal Items: The following are available for use from late May to mid-October and are removed for storage during the colder months: - Metal dock - Rowboat - 1 kayak
Tap Water: The home’s water is tested regularly and is safe to drink. From roughly mid-October through mid-May, you may notice a mild sulfur or mineral odor due to seasonal water conditions. During this time, we provide gallons of purified drinking water for your convenience.
Accessibility: Entry via back deck uses stairs Entry via front (lake side) of house has no stairs but does require walking across lawn and up one step to enter house
Security: Security camera faces away from house toward back deck and driveway No cameras inside house
Add dates for prices
Have a question?
AI iconBetaBeta
Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.
Similar properties
Big Bay Getaway - Outdoor sauna and extra parking for snowmobiles & trailers!
Powell
Big Bay Getaway - Outdoor sauna and extra parking for snowmobiles & trailers!
Little Presque Isle Recreation Area - 28 min drive - 38.7 km
Sugarloaf Mountain - 33 min drive - 46.7 km
Northern Michigan University - 39 min drive - 55.4 km
Superior Dome - 41 min drive - 56.9 km
Presque Isle Park - 43 min drive - 58.0 km
Getting around
Marquette, MI (MQT-Sawyer Intl.) - 69 min drive
Restaurants
Lumberjack Tavern - 5 min drive
Thunder Bay Inn - 4 min drive
Hungry Hollow - 5 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Sunbeam Cottage - charming 2-bed lakefront house minutes from Big Bay pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Sunbeam Cottage - charming 2-bed lakefront house minutes from Big Bay?
As of 18 Apr, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Sunbeam Cottage - charming 2-bed lakefront house minutes from Big Bay on 29 May, 2026 start from S$317, 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 Sunbeam Cottage - charming 2-bed lakefront house minutes from Big Bay?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Sunbeam Cottage - charming 2-bed lakefront house minutes from Big Bay?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Sunbeam Cottage - charming 2-bed lakefront house minutes from Big Bay?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Sunbeam Cottage - charming 2-bed lakefront house minutes from Big Bay located?
Located in Big Bay, this family-friendly holiday home is 3.4 mi (5.5 km) from Lake Superior, and within 25 mi (40 km) of Hidden Beach and Little Presque Isle Recreation Area. Marquette Maritime Museum and Upper Peninsula Children's Museum are also within 32 miles (52 km).
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This property was fabulous for my small family of 3 and our dog! It had everything we needed to enjoy independence Lake and we were very comfortable. I highly recommend this location to anyone looking for relax and refresh in the UP!
This was our 2nd visit to Sunbeam Cottage and we can't wait to come back again! We love the cottage and our host is the best!
This stay we were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights over Lake Superior (public beach about a mile away) and just relaxed with our great friends. Amazing place!
My stay at the Sunbeam cottage exceeded all reasonable expectations. The cottage is clean, very thoughtfully equipped and is central for many scenic day trips.
The cottage is a good size, it doesn't feel cramped, but it's small enough to encourage you to go outside and enjoy nature.
We had a great time fishing our on the lake, and coming back to have fires each evening, overlooking the lake.
Great place to stay, cottage is cozy and clean, sits on a beautiful lake, very close to Lake Superior, sunrise/sunsets hard to beat! Close to hiking, city or just a quiet place away from busy life! Might even catch the northern lights!
Yes, very clean and cozy. Right from entering the cottage we knew this was going to work. Perfect for us two who are in our early 70's.Fully equipped kitchen, large bathroom, great bedding and spectacular lake view. Where else can you catch a sunrise and sunset from the same place. Shaded yard, great lawn chairs and swings, fire pit with lots of cut wood.Thanks for your attention to detail with old mixed with modern conveniences.My favorite was the wooden screen door. Memories from the past on the farm!Planning to return next Fall.Richard Koehler
This cottage was the perfect spot to escape and start the summer for our family. We had a wonderful week long stay with our 6 & 8 year old daughters, and our dog. Everyone loved it for different reasons, the kids loved swimming in the lake, my husband enjoyed having a fire in the evening, and I loved my morning coffee out on the screened in porch watching the birds. The host has thought of everything and all the small touches made the week easy and convenient for us. This place has a very homey and welcoming feel. We hope to be back again soon!
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this lovely cottage! Coffee in the swing each morning while listening to the loons on the lake, fishing, swimming, reconnecting…! The cottage was clean, comfortable, and had everything we needed! Loved every moment!
We loved our stay at Lake Independence in beautiful Upper Michigan. This was an our first trip to the UP and we were amazed by the beautiful lakes and forests. The lake house was perfect for our family and fur babies. This location was awesome as we could enjoy Lake Independence and Lake Superior was only a few minutes away.
My family had a relaxing and tranquil stay at the Sunbeam Cottage. The view of the lake was absolutely beautiful. The home was fully equipped with everything we needed to just have some quality family time. We were able to swim, kayak, fish, play board games, and sit around a campfire making s’mores.
Autumn L.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
6/10 Okay
Nancy M.
30 Jul, 2025
Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness
Place to sleep and fish needs central air yard nothing but sand garbage never got picked up smelled last 3 days couldn’t sit out side it’s not a 3,000 dollar rental that’s what I paid for the dam house with air dishwasher and laundry the windows had spider webs we had to clean them to have windows open needs a lot of updating and the stairs are to steep
What a wonderful stay we had in the Sunbeam cottage! We loved playing games and relaxing on the sun porch! The beds were comfortable and the cottage was clean and furnished with everything we needed. We enjoyed the s’mores gift at the campfire. Swimming and fishing in the beautiful lake each day brought lots of smiles! Thanks for the memories we made in your lovely cottage!
We had a truly memorable visit to the Marquette/Big Bay Area. The cottage was super cute and comfortable and the view was mesmerizing! The owners went above and beyond and had all the amenities covered, plus many extras! Staying at the cottage made our long weekend truly memorable from relaxing at the cottage enjoying the views from both the cottage and the provided kayak to the numerous breathtaking hikes. In addition, downtown Marquette was easily accessible for great dinners/breweries! I highly recommend this cottage and hope to return someday! Thanks for allowing us to visit your beautiful property!
Jason T.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
About the host
Hosted by Amy Manning
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests