Entire home
3-bedrm home in fabulous Empire, walk to beach, ride to bike trail, SAT-SAT ONLY
Photo gallery for 3-bedrm home in fabulous Empire, walk to beach, ride to bike trail, SAT-SAT ONLY
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 61260 sq ft
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Empire, MI
- Place, Philip A. Hart Visitor Center6 min walk
- Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore16 min walk
- Place, Empire Bluff Trail3 min drive
- Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)39 min drive
Rooms & beds
3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
2 Single Beds
2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer
Bathroom 2
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Hair dryer
Bathroom 3
Soap · Toilet · Hair dryer
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
About this property
3-bedrm home in fabulous Empire, walk to beach, ride to bike trail, SAT-SAT ONLY
NEW LISTING 2026
Sunset House is a modern, new-construction home located in the heart of Empire, Michigan, the jewel of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Aptly named for its striking red exterior, this bright and spacious retreat offers comfort, privacy, and an unbeatable location.
The home is within walking distance of Empire Beach and the Empire Bluffs Trailhead, just minutes by bike to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, and a short drive to regional favorites such as the Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Drive, Glen Lake, and the pristine Crystal River.
Inside, enjoy an open floorplan with soaring 20-foot ceilings and abundant natural light that create an airy, welcoming space. The home comfortably sleeps up to 6 guests with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, including a main-level primary suite with a private en-suite bath.
Step outside to relax in the large, private fenced yard, complete with a patio and fire pit—perfect for evenings after a day of fun in the sun and crystal clear waters.
Sunset House is also our personal residence part of the year. When rented, guests enjoy exclusive, private use of the entire home and property. Ideal for families, couples, and friends seeking a relaxed Northern Michigan getaway.
You can book with confidence from this VRBO Premier Host with 5-star reviews from their previous Leelanau County vacation rental. Your host is friendly, responsive, and only 10 minutes away.
KEY FEATURES & AMENITIES
Sleeps 6, 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms
New-construction modern home
Walk to Empire Beach & Empire Bluffs Trailhead
Bike to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
Main-level primary suite with en-suite bath
Open-concept living with 20-foot ceilings
Private fenced yard with patio & fire pit
Entire home — no shared spaces
HOUSE RULES
No smoking or vaping inside the home
No parties or events
Quiet hours: 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM
Maximum occupancy: 6 guests
Fire pit use permitted when local conditions allow; never leave unattended
This is our personal home part of the year — please treat it with care
Failure to follow house rules may result in additional cleaning fees or cancellation without refund.
Location Highlights
Walk to Empire Beach for swimming and sunsets
Walk or drive to Empire Bluffs Trailhead for iconic views
Bike to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
Short drive to regional favorites:
The Sleeping Bear Dunes Dune Climb
Pierce Stocking Drive
Glen Lake
Crystal River
GETTING AROUND
Empire is a walkable, bike-friendly lakeshore town. Many guests enjoy walking to the beach, trails, and local spots. Biking is an excellent way to access the Heritage Trail. A car is recommended for visiting nearby attractions and exploring the region.
FOOD & COFFEE
Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate, Coffee, and gelato (Empire)
Shipwreck Café Submarine Sandwiches & Breakfast (Empire)
Joe’s Friendly Tavern (Empire)
Art’s Tavern (Glen Arbor)
The Village Inn (Empire)
Anderson’s Grocery (Glen Arbor)
Tiffany’s Ice Cream (Empire)
SHOPPING & EXPLORING IN EMPIRE
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Visitors Center
The Miser’s Hoard - Gifts and Antiques
Secret Garden - Art and Gifts
Sleeping Bear Gallery - Local Artists Original Works
JoJo and Bucky Art Studio - Local Artist, Jeweler, and Gifts
Nature Walk Studio - One-of-a-kind Clothing, Jewelry, Gifts
Sleeping Bear Surf - Paddle/Surf Board Rentals
Empire Outdoors - Apparel and Fudge
James R. Johnson Park - Playground, Open Space
Shalda Park - Baseball Diamonds, Dog Walking, Picnic
Chippewa Run - Hiking (both sides of M-22)
Empire Area Museum - Old School House, Fire House, Logging
Glen Lake Community Library (Empire) - Computers, Printing, Books, etc.
OUTDOOR MUST-DOS
Sunset at Empire Beach (& playground)
Empire Bluffs Hiking Trail
Kayaking or Tubing the Crystal River
Dune Climb (early or late = best! The sand can get HOT!)
Biking the Heritage Trail
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Overlooks
Pyramid Point Hiking Trail
South Manitou Island Ferry and Hike
Glen Haven Beach and Museum - accessible by Heritage Trail or Car
OTHER
Empire EZ Mart
State Savings Bank
Huntington Bank
US Post Office
Sunset House is a modern, new-construction home located in the heart of Empire, Michigan, the jewel of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Aptly named for its striking red exterior, this bright and spacious retreat offers comfort, privacy, and an unbeatable location.
The home is within walking distance of Empire Beach and the Empire Bluffs Trailhead, just minutes by bike to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, and a short drive to regional favorites such as the Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Drive, Glen Lake, and the pristine Crystal River.
Inside, enjoy an open floorplan with soaring 20-foot ceilings and abundant natural light that create an airy, welcoming space. The home comfortably sleeps up to 6 guests with 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, including a main-level primary suite with a private en-suite bath.
Step outside to relax in the large, private fenced yard, complete with a patio and fire pit—perfect for evenings after a day of fun in the sun and crystal clear waters.
Sunset House is also our personal residence part of the year. When rented, guests enjoy exclusive, private use of the entire home and property. Ideal for families, couples, and friends seeking a relaxed Northern Michigan getaway.
You can book with confidence from this VRBO Premier Host with 5-star reviews from their previous Leelanau County vacation rental. Your host is friendly, responsive, and only 10 minutes away.
KEY FEATURES & AMENITIES
Sleeps 6, 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms
New-construction modern home
Walk to Empire Beach & Empire Bluffs Trailhead
Bike to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
Main-level primary suite with en-suite bath
Open-concept living with 20-foot ceilings
Private fenced yard with patio & fire pit
Entire home — no shared spaces
HOUSE RULES
No smoking or vaping inside the home
No parties or events
Quiet hours: 10:00 PM – 8:00 AM
Maximum occupancy: 6 guests
Fire pit use permitted when local conditions allow; never leave unattended
This is our personal home part of the year — please treat it with care
Failure to follow house rules may result in additional cleaning fees or cancellation without refund.
Location Highlights
Walk to Empire Beach for swimming and sunsets
Walk or drive to Empire Bluffs Trailhead for iconic views
Bike to the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
Short drive to regional favorites:
The Sleeping Bear Dunes Dune Climb
Pierce Stocking Drive
Glen Lake
Crystal River
GETTING AROUND
Empire is a walkable, bike-friendly lakeshore town. Many guests enjoy walking to the beach, trails, and local spots. Biking is an excellent way to access the Heritage Trail. A car is recommended for visiting nearby attractions and exploring the region.
FOOD & COFFEE
Grocer’s Daughter Chocolate, Coffee, and gelato (Empire)
Shipwreck Café Submarine Sandwiches & Breakfast (Empire)
Joe’s Friendly Tavern (Empire)
Art’s Tavern (Glen Arbor)
The Village Inn (Empire)
Anderson’s Grocery (Glen Arbor)
Tiffany’s Ice Cream (Empire)
SHOPPING & EXPLORING IN EMPIRE
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Visitors Center
The Miser’s Hoard - Gifts and Antiques
Secret Garden - Art and Gifts
Sleeping Bear Gallery - Local Artists Original Works
JoJo and Bucky Art Studio - Local Artist, Jeweler, and Gifts
Nature Walk Studio - One-of-a-kind Clothing, Jewelry, Gifts
Sleeping Bear Surf - Paddle/Surf Board Rentals
Empire Outdoors - Apparel and Fudge
James R. Johnson Park - Playground, Open Space
Shalda Park - Baseball Diamonds, Dog Walking, Picnic
Chippewa Run - Hiking (both sides of M-22)
Empire Area Museum - Old School House, Fire House, Logging
Glen Lake Community Library (Empire) - Computers, Printing, Books, etc.
OUTDOOR MUST-DOS
Sunset at Empire Beach (& playground)
Empire Bluffs Hiking Trail
Kayaking or Tubing the Crystal River
Dune Climb (early or late = best! The sand can get HOT!)
Biking the Heritage Trail
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive Overlooks
Pyramid Point Hiking Trail
South Manitou Island Ferry and Hike
Glen Haven Beach and Museum - accessible by Heritage Trail or Car
OTHER
Empire EZ Mart
State Savings Bank
Huntington Bank
US Post Office
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Safety gate located at the top & bottom of stairs
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Check-out instructions
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 and lock the doors
Please be considerate of our next guests and bag all trash/garbage in provided trash bags. Thank you.
Please set thermostat at 75 degrees
If keys were extracted from lock-box, please replace
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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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
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
Empire
Downtown Mmpire, a neighbourhood in Empire, is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum and Burnett Park are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with cycling and hiking.
Empire, MI
What's nearby
- Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 16 min walk - 1.4 km
- Empire Bluff Trail - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
- Little Glen Lake - 5 min drive - 7.9 km
- Crystal Mountain - 35 min drive - 48.7 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- Joes Friendly Tavern - 8 min walk
- Shipwreck Cafe - 4 min walk
- La Becasse - 13 min drive
- Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - 6 min walk
- Trattoria Funistrada - 13 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Bonnie Gonzales
YOUR HOSTS
My daughter Sarah and her husband David and I purchased our Sunset House in September 2025. Sarah and I called Empire home from 1974-1982, where town and beach and woods were one giant playground, both summer and winter. For Sarah, having total freedom to run about the village with complete abandon was magical. Although we have both lived many places, including Germany, returning to the one place we know as "home" has been a deep desire we've shared for many years. Our hearts are forever rooted here! While Sarah and David currently reside in northern California and are wending their way toward retirement, I will be your local host.
A BIT MORE ABOUT ME
Growing up in the Detroit suburbs, I summered on Glen Lake throughout my childhood, setting the course of my life. I've spent many years exploring Leelanau County's endless wonders. There is so much to love about the area, from sandy beaches, miles of bike and hiking trails, to kayaking the pristine Crystal River. The possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts are endless.
In addition to staying active I am passionate about art and spend much of my time in front of an easel, both in the studio and outdoors (en plein air), working in pastels. Wonderful friends, good books, local volunteer-run theaters, the many outdoor music venues, and living environmentally conscious round out life in this blue water paradise.
Moving to my summer home on Glen Lake which I purchased in 2007 allows me to share my winter home with guests and I sincerely hope you find it to be a comfortable, warm and inviting place to regroup after enjoying fun and adventure filled days in this magnificent wonderland.
My daughter Sarah and her husband David and I purchased our Sunset House in September 2025. Sarah and I called Empire home from 1974-1982, where town and beach and woods were one giant playground, both summer and winter. For Sarah, having total freedom to run about the village with complete abandon was magical. Although we have both lived many places, including Germany, returning to the one place we know as "home" has been a deep desire we've shared for many years. Our hearts are forever rooted here! While Sarah and David currently reside in northern California and are wending their way toward retirement, I will be your local host.
A BIT MORE ABOUT ME
Growing up in the Detroit suburbs, I summered on Glen Lake throughout my childhood, setting the course of my life. I've spent many years exploring Leelanau County's endless wonders. There is so much to love about the area, from sandy beaches, miles of bike and hiking trails, to kayaking the pristine Crystal River. The possibilities for outdoor enthusiasts are endless.
In addition to staying active I am passionate about art and spend much of my time in front of an easel, both in the studio and outdoors (en plein air), working in pastels. Wonderful friends, good books, local volunteer-run theaters, the many outdoor music venues, and living environmentally conscious round out life in this blue water paradise.
Moving to my summer home on Glen Lake which I purchased in 2007 allows me to share my winter home with guests and I sincerely hope you find it to be a comfortable, warm and inviting place to regroup after enjoying fun and adventure filled days in this magnificent wonderland.
Why they chose this property
Location! This newly established neighborhood is just a 10-minute walk from the beach, 5-minute bike ride to the 22-mile Heritage Trail, minutes from spectacular Empire Bluffs trailhead and walkable to the many shops and restaurants scattered around Empire. Additionally, this is a friendly, community-driven neighborhood. The people are wonderful!
What makes this property unique
THE LIGHT
The towering ceiling and many windows, both high and low, let in the beauty of each day.
KITCHEN AMENITIES
Since I live in the house for half the year, it is fully stocked with plenty of dishes, pots and pans, quality knives, crock pot, Vitamix blender, salad spinner...things you may not find in every rental.
ORIGINAL ART
Many of my original paintings adorn the walls as well as works created by family members. Details about each piece can be found in the House Manual.
PRIVACY
The large fenced backyard offers total privacy, lots of room for play, and exquisite sunsets.
ANTIQUES
Spending six years in Germany in the 1990s provided an excellent opportunity to purchase a few distinct antiques. These pieces add a unique charm to the Sunset House. For more details please refer to the House Manual.
The towering ceiling and many windows, both high and low, let in the beauty of each day.
KITCHEN AMENITIES
Since I live in the house for half the year, it is fully stocked with plenty of dishes, pots and pans, quality knives, crock pot, Vitamix blender, salad spinner...things you may not find in every rental.
ORIGINAL ART
Many of my original paintings adorn the walls as well as works created by family members. Details about each piece can be found in the House Manual.
PRIVACY
The large fenced backyard offers total privacy, lots of room for play, and exquisite sunsets.
ANTIQUES
Spending six years in Germany in the 1990s provided an excellent opportunity to purchase a few distinct antiques. These pieces add a unique charm to the Sunset House. For more details please refer to the House Manual.
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