10/10 Excellent
Chester B.
14 Dec, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Chester B.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2025
Entire home
Near Crystal Mountain - Lakefront w/ Pontoon & Game Room
Photo gallery for Near Crystal Mountain - Lakefront w/ Pontoon & Game Room
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 122200 sq ft
Popular amenities
Rooms & beds
5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 3
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 4
1 Double Futon and 1 Single Bunk Bed
Great Room
2 Double Futons
2 bathrooms
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet
Bathroom 2
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Near Crystal Mountain - Lakefront w/ Pontoon & Game Room
PEACEFUL LAKEFRONT FARM HOUSE NEAR CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN WITH FREE PONTOON
We never charge host, cleaning, pet (up to 2 dogs), or extra guest fees.
This 4-bedroom, 2-bath farmhouse style home is a thoughtfully designed recreation of a classic Northern Michigan farmhouse, built in 2006 and set on 2.5 private acres along Upper Herring Lake. With 140 feet of private water frontage and a quiet country setting, this home offers privacy, space, and a true up-north atmosphere.
Surrounded by rolling hills, woodlands, orchards, and vineyards, the Farm House Cottage sits on a peaceful country road and provides plenty of elbow room for families and multi-generation groups.
THE HOME
This cozy yet spacious 2,200 square foot home features custom ceramic tile, wide plank flooring, detailed woodwork, an antique claw-foot tub, and Pottery Barn-style décor blended with antique and custom furnishings.
The main great room includes an HD TV with Roku, a DVD player, and a DVD library, making it a comfortable gathering space after a day on the lake or the slopes.
A game room with bunk beds features a foosball table, board games, an HD TV with Roku, and a PlayStation 2 with games. This space is ideal for kids, teens, and casual evening entertainment while allowing adults to enjoy quieter time in the great room.
The layout is designed with family fun in mind, offering separate areas for adults and children so everyone has space to relax.
THE LAKE AND LOCATION
Upper Herring Lake is an all-sports lake that remains peaceful and uncrowded, making it ideal for boating, fishing, and relaxed lake days without heavy traffic.
The home is just minutes from Lake Michigan beaches and the town of Frankfort, and is conveniently located near Crystal Mountain, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Traverse City. It is an excellent home base for summer lake vacations, fall color tours, and winter ski trips.
WATERFRONT ACCESS AND AMENITIES
A short walk along a boardwalk through a protected natural area leads to the lakefront amenities. This path typically takes about two to three minutes for healthy adults and children. The home sits on a slight grade, so the walk back may take a bit longer for guests with mobility or health concerns.
Lakefront amenities include a full dock with moorings for additional boats, a fire pit with chairs, a rope hammock, chaise lounges, and ample space to enjoy the shoreline.
INCLUDED WATERCRAFT AND SEASONAL AMENITIES
Included at no extra charge, seasonally available:
Pontoon boat with 10 gallons of pre-mixed fuel
Available Memorial Week through early October
Floating foam aqua-play mat
Available Memorial Week through Labor Day Week
Kayaks
Available May 1 through November 1
Row boat
Available April 1 through November 15
Dock
Available mid-May through November 1
The lake bottom is typical Northern Michigan soft sediment (mucky) near the shoreline. It is not sandy.
ABOUT THE PONTOON BOAT
As a free bonus for our summer guests, we offer the use of one of our pontoon boats. These boats are clean, well maintained, and functional. They range in size from 18 to 24 feet and are older models equipped with 25 to 35 hp two-stroke motors.
They are well suited for relaxed sunset cruises and family fishing outings. Guests with basic boating knowledge and familiarity with two-stroke motors will enjoy them most. Full instructions and technical assistance are available if needed. Please see photos for a typical example of the pontoon boat.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
A starter supply of paper and soap products is provided and is typically sufficient for a two-night stay for smaller groups of two to four guests.
For a complete list of what is provided and what to bring, please see “Using the Property” on your My Trip page.
SEASONAL NOTES
For winter stays, an all-wheel-drive vehicle or front-wheel drive vehicle with good snow tires is strongly recommended.
IMPORTANT HOUSE NOTES
This is a quiet, peaceful setting suited for families and responsible guests.
We never charge host, cleaning, pet (up to 2 dogs), or extra guest fees.
This 4-bedroom, 2-bath farmhouse style home is a thoughtfully designed recreation of a classic Northern Michigan farmhouse, built in 2006 and set on 2.5 private acres along Upper Herring Lake. With 140 feet of private water frontage and a quiet country setting, this home offers privacy, space, and a true up-north atmosphere.
Surrounded by rolling hills, woodlands, orchards, and vineyards, the Farm House Cottage sits on a peaceful country road and provides plenty of elbow room for families and multi-generation groups.
THE HOME
This cozy yet spacious 2,200 square foot home features custom ceramic tile, wide plank flooring, detailed woodwork, an antique claw-foot tub, and Pottery Barn-style décor blended with antique and custom furnishings.
The main great room includes an HD TV with Roku, a DVD player, and a DVD library, making it a comfortable gathering space after a day on the lake or the slopes.
A game room with bunk beds features a foosball table, board games, an HD TV with Roku, and a PlayStation 2 with games. This space is ideal for kids, teens, and casual evening entertainment while allowing adults to enjoy quieter time in the great room.
The layout is designed with family fun in mind, offering separate areas for adults and children so everyone has space to relax.
THE LAKE AND LOCATION
Upper Herring Lake is an all-sports lake that remains peaceful and uncrowded, making it ideal for boating, fishing, and relaxed lake days without heavy traffic.
The home is just minutes from Lake Michigan beaches and the town of Frankfort, and is conveniently located near Crystal Mountain, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Traverse City. It is an excellent home base for summer lake vacations, fall color tours, and winter ski trips.
WATERFRONT ACCESS AND AMENITIES
A short walk along a boardwalk through a protected natural area leads to the lakefront amenities. This path typically takes about two to three minutes for healthy adults and children. The home sits on a slight grade, so the walk back may take a bit longer for guests with mobility or health concerns.
Lakefront amenities include a full dock with moorings for additional boats, a fire pit with chairs, a rope hammock, chaise lounges, and ample space to enjoy the shoreline.
INCLUDED WATERCRAFT AND SEASONAL AMENITIES
Included at no extra charge, seasonally available:
Pontoon boat with 10 gallons of pre-mixed fuel
Available Memorial Week through early October
Floating foam aqua-play mat
Available Memorial Week through Labor Day Week
Kayaks
Available May 1 through November 1
Row boat
Available April 1 through November 15
Dock
Available mid-May through November 1
The lake bottom is typical Northern Michigan soft sediment (mucky) near the shoreline. It is not sandy.
ABOUT THE PONTOON BOAT
As a free bonus for our summer guests, we offer the use of one of our pontoon boats. These boats are clean, well maintained, and functional. They range in size from 18 to 24 feet and are older models equipped with 25 to 35 hp two-stroke motors.
They are well suited for relaxed sunset cruises and family fishing outings. Guests with basic boating knowledge and familiarity with two-stroke motors will enjoy them most. Full instructions and technical assistance are available if needed. Please see photos for a typical example of the pontoon boat.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
A starter supply of paper and soap products is provided and is typically sufficient for a two-night stay for smaller groups of two to four guests.
For a complete list of what is provided and what to bring, please see “Using the Property” on your My Trip page.
SEASONAL NOTES
For winter stays, an all-wheel-drive vehicle or front-wheel drive vehicle with good snow tires is strongly recommended.
IMPORTANT HOUSE NOTES
This is a quiet, peaceful setting suited for families and responsible guests.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
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Similar properties
Barn Style Lakefront Near Crystal Mountain with Pontoon and Game Room
Barn Style Lakefront Near Crystal Mountain with Pontoon and Game Room
- Kitchen
- Washing machine
- Dryer
- Pet-friendly
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (48 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 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, lock the doors and return the keys
1. Start first load of laundry (can be either linens or towels).
2. Wipe excessive spills on surfaces.
3. Return furniture to original places. Please leave inside furniture inside and outside furniture outside.
4. Clean and empty the BBQ grill into provided ash can only.
5. Clean up after pets (including HAIR IN HOME (and "doo-doo" in yard).
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
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher 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
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Arcadia
Located in Arcadia, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts and Frankfort Light are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Chestnut Hills Golf Course and Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Arcadia, MI
What's nearby
- Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve - 6 min drive - 7.6 km
- Inspiration Point - 7 min drive - 8.6 km
- Arcadia Area Historical Museum - 9 min drive - 12.2 km
- Betsie Lake - 10 min drive - 13.7 km
- Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course - 14 min drive - 17.5 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 16 min drive
- Chestnut Hills Golf Course - 13 min drive
- A&W Restaurant - 12 min drive
- MT Plate Diner - 9 min drive
- Upriver Pizza - 16 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 window10/10
Cleanliness
8.0/10
Amenities
8.0/10
Property conditions & facilities
10/10
Check-in
9.8/10
Communication
9.8/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Valerie S.
10 Aug, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Friends Vacation
Valerie S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Kevin V.
7 Feb, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place, great owner!
Kevin V.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022
10/10 Excellent
Laura B.
28 Aug, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great trip!
Laura B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
10/10 Excellent
Gina H.
5 Jan, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ski trip
Gina H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025
10/10 Excellent
Staci B.
28 Feb, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ski Getaway
Staci B.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kyle C.
27 Mar, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
7th annual family ski trip
Kyle C.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025
10/10 Excellent
Lisa B.
28 Feb, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ski trip
Lisa B.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025
10/10 Excellent
Adam H.
23 Sept, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Highly recommend
Adam H.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer
22 Jan, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Jennifer
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023
10/10 Excellent
Colleen G.
21 Sept, 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Quiet and peaceful
Colleen G.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
10/10 Excellent
Brenda M.
9 Jul, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfection!!!
Brenda M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
10/10 Excellent
Chris V.
3 Jun, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
May visit
Chris V.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021
10/10 Excellent
Andrea B.
15 Mar, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Ski weekend!
Andrea B.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021
10/10 Excellent
Karla L.
4 Jul, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Awesomeness
Karla L.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
This review was submitted before 2018 and can't be verified.
10/10 Excellent
Melisa O.
15 Feb, 2017
Very nice house, ideal for large families!
Melisa O.
10/10 Excellent
Sandra A.
20 Feb, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great ski weekend
Sandra A.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023
10/10 Excellent
Kim O.
11 Oct, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fall
Kim O.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
8/10 Good
sue F.
18 Sept, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Weekend
sue F.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023
10/10 Excellent
Dalia M.
16 Jan, 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cozy cottage for a group of adults near skiing
Dalia M.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2019
10/10 Excellent
Wendy S.
27 Aug, 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Love, love, LOVE
Wendy S.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
10/10 Excellent
Heather M.
25 Jan, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Heather M.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
10/10 Excellent
melissa s.
19 Oct, 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
melissa s.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
10/10 Excellent
Abby R.
30 Jan, 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great ski weekend
Abby R.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022
10/10 Excellent
Ben L.
29 Nov, 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect get away spot
Ben L.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021
About the host
Hosted by Lizzie B
We are a small, family run business. Be sure to let us know if you have any issues during your stay so we can make things right. :)
Why they chose this property
My dad built this home in 2005 because we fell in love with the quiet, country road and Upper Herring Lake.
What makes this property unique
Home was built to resemble an old farm house from 1920. All the antiques in the home are from that period. Also, this is a dedicated vacation rental which means we don't have drawers, closets and cupboards full of our personal items.
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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