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Captain Fran's : Cozy Northern Michigan Lakefront Retreat

Photo gallery for Captain Fran's : Cozy Northern Michigan Lakefront Retreat

A green house with a wooden staircase leading to a porch.
A small attic bedroom with two beds, a ceiling fan, and a window with curtains.
A living room with a couch, a dining table with chairs, a kitchen area with a refrigerator, and a view of the outdoors through a sliding glass door.
A living room with a plaid sofa, a wooden chair, a small table with a fan, and a kitchen area with a wooden counter and a ship's wheel decoration.
A view through a sliding glass door to a deck with a table and chairs, overlooking a lake and trees.

Reviews

9.0 out of 10
Wonderful

Highlights

  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the beach and sea.
  • Unmatched views, unforgettable moments
    Guests like the location for the scenic views.

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Refrigerator
  • Onsite parking available
  • Internet

Explore the area

View in a map
Elmira, MI
  • Place, Gaylord Country Club
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Place, Boyne Mountain
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Place, Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Airport, Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)
    ‪57 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Main floor bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Main floor

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Upstairs

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Dining area

Add dates for prices

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Living area
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  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
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About the area

Elmira

Located in Elmira, this cottage is on the beach. Eva and Vern Hanel Jr. Nature Preserve and Marvin Memorial Nature Preserve reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark and Bavarian Falls Park. Otsego County Sportsplex and Gaylord Discovery Center are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing, kayaking and waterskiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with ecotours.
View more Cottages in ElmiraOpens in a new window
Map
Elmira, MI

What's nearby

  • Gaylord Country Club - 18 min drive - 20.1 km
  • Black Bear Golf Club - 18 min drive - 21.0 km
  • Lake Thumb - 20 min drive - 13.0 km
  • Boyne Mountain - 22 min drive - 24.2 km
  • Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark - 23 min drive - 24.6 km

Getting around

  • Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional) - 53 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Railside Bar and Grill - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Forx - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Corwith Station - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Trail Town Tavern - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪The Yurt - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Captain Fran's : Cozy Northern Michigan Lakefront Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Captain Fran's : Cozy Northern Michigan Lakefront Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Captain Fran's : Cozy Northern Michigan Lakefront Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Captain Fran's : Cozy Northern Michigan Lakefront Retreat?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Captain Fran's : Cozy Northern Michigan Lakefront Retreat located?

Situated on the beach, this cottage is within 9 miles (15 km) of Lake Thumb, Lake Eighteen and Standard Lake. Village Park and Vanderbilt Library are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 50 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 50 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 50 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 50 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 50 reviews

8.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Cute place right on the lake. Enjoyed the stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept, 2026
Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re glad you enjoyed the cute lakefront setting and had a great stay. We truly appreciate you choosing to stay with us and hope to welcome you back again! -Van, FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property on the lake. We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2026
Response from Management on 18 Oct, 2026
Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the beautiful lakefront property. We look forward to welcoming you back for another wonderful stay! -Van, FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Enjoyed the lake
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Sept, 2026
Thank you for the review! We’re glad you enjoyed the lake and had a great stay. We hope to welcome you back! -Van, FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice place. Old school cottage feel . Very nice lake with Very few houses. Beautiful setting.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 27 Sept, 2026
Thank you so much! We’re glad you enjoyed the cozy cottage feel, beautiful lake, and peaceful setting. We hope to host you again! -Van, FVR
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous location and tons of space inside cabin. Beds were comfy. All appliances need to be replaced.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug, 2026
Thank you for your review! We're glad you enjoyed the gorgeous location, spacious cabin, and comfortable beds. We also appreciate your feedback regarding the appliances and will pass it along to the appropriate team. We hope to welcome you back again! -Van, FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely property with plenty to do. So glad we chose this location. We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Jul, 2026
Thank you for your kind review! We're so happy to hear you enjoyed the property and found plenty to do during your stay. It means a lot to know you chose our location and had such a great experience. We truly appreciate your feedback and look forward to welcoming you back again soon! -Van, FVR
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
The cabin is in a nice location on a lake. However, it was not as clean as I expected it to be. All the ceiling fans were coated with black dust, the oven was dirty, and the bath towels were mismatched, worn and old. They smelled musty like they had not been completely dried before being put away. I was disappointed.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cute quaint cottage. Very quiet lake. Got a little warm as there is no AC but it is mostly shaded and it cooled off at night.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 15 Aug, 2026
Thank you for your review! We're glad you enjoyed the charming cottage and peaceful lake. We appreciate your note about the temperature and are happy to hear the shade and cooler nights helped. We hope to welcome you back for another relaxing stay! -Van, FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This family of four enjoyed our stay and appreciated we were able to book a long weekend instead of a full week. We took full advantage of the row boat and dock for fishing. We are city folk and were glad we had brought water shoes. The house is as described. Take advantage of a relatively short drive to Charlevoix or Petoskey for a trip to Lake Michigan. This national treasure is not to be missed.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 13 Aug, 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re glad your family enjoyed the stay and made the most of the rowboat, dock, and fishing. We’d love to welcome you back for another getaway! -Van, FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
There was plenty for the kids to enjoy. The lake is beautiful and we had really nice weather for our whole visit.
Stayed 15 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Nov, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re happy to hear the kids had plenty to enjoy and that you got to experience such beautiful weather during your stay. You were wonderful guests, and we’d be happy to welcome you back anytime! -Van, FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful view of the lake every day! The house was clean and comfortable. The property was in a good location to visit surrounding cities and attractions. Extremely easy check in and out, would definitely stay again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Oct, 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the beautiful lake views, the comfort of the home, and the convenient location. We’re happy check-in and check-out went smoothly — we’d love to host you again anytime! -Van, FVR
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay with a family of 4! Ample room and this little spot had everything we needed to unwind and enjoy time together! Right on the water with a great little fire pit for roasting marshmallows!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Sept, 2025
We're happy you and your family had a great stay and enjoyed the space and fire pit. You were wonderful guests, and we'd love to host you again! -Van FVR
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful lake views
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Aug, 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re glad you enjoyed the beautiful lake views. You were wonderful guests, and we’d be happy to host you again anytime. -Van FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Such a pleasant place to stay. Roomy for three of us. The lake is beautiful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful place and location, was perfect for a guys weekend up north. Didn't see any, but the elk map helped in giving us places to explore and look for elk! The place was clean and had everything we needed to cook breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Thanks so much for having us!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Sept, 2025
Thank you so much for the kind review! We’re glad you enjoyed the place, the location, and had everything you needed for your weekend. You’ve been such great guests, and we’d be happy to host you again anytime! -Van, FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lake time!

Wonderful time on the water. House sits right in the waterfront and we loved taking the row boat out. Would stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Sept, 2024
Chloe, we love hearing that you had a wonderful time on the water! The fact that you said you would stay again says it all. You were wonderful guests, and we hope that you do come back again. -Claire, FVR
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Fun

We had a good time very cute clean house
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Jun, 2025
We’re so happy you had a great time and enjoyed the house. . You’ve been fantastic guests , we’d love to host you again anytime! - Van FVR
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Freshwater manages this home and they are VERY attentive, even calling back to check on things. There was a small snafu with the key, but they stayed on the line to walk me through it. They scampered to let me move in a day early and were so helpful and kind. The house location is woodsy with a beautiful lake view. The house is quaint and quirky, with a circular staircase leading to the loft with a full wall view of the lake. My husband couldn't take the stairs, but the sliding door view on the main level was equally as beautiful. Even though the decor is dated, it's in perfect condition and has a cozy feeling, a blast from the past. You really get the 'north woods' vibe. The best part is the glass deck railing that does not steal any of the viewing pleasure.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 19 Jun, 2026
Thank you so much for your detailed and thoughtful review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the beautiful lake views, cozy north woods feel, and your stay at the home. We truly appreciate your kind words about our team and are happy we could help make your stay a great one. We hope to welcome you back again! -Van, FVR
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Relaxing cabin

This place was so very chill and quiet. The lake is also very peaceful with minimal boats on it! Only negative is that the beds are a bit hard.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Nov, 2024
Thank you for your feedback Rachael! We’re so glad you enjoyed the peaceful, relaxing atmosphere and the calm lake setting. We appreciate your note on the beds and will look into options to improve comfort. and we’d love to welcome you back anytime! -Van FVR
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Very quite, lots of fun!

Enjoyed a long weekend here with some friends. The cabin is well maintained and clean. I will be booking this again in the future!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 6 Dec, 2024
Thank you for your review Art! We're so glad you and your friends enjoyed the cabin and found it clean and well-maintained. You were great guests, and we look forward to hosting you again in the future! -Van FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family trip 2024

Great location near a number of excellent Lake Michigan beaches that we visited during our stay. Hoffman lake was clean, calm, warm, and the fish were biting all week. The home had everything we needed to make the most of our stay! Thank you, and perhaps we will visit again in the coming years.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 3 Sept, 2024
Adam, we would love to have you back again! We're happy to hear that the cottage worked out so well for you. Hopefully you made some fabulous family memories on your getaway. We appreciate what respectful guests you were. - Claire, FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

The Mint is great

Excellent location. Small, quiet lake with decent fishing. The kids enjoyed the spiral staircase and big deck. The wife enjoyed the awesome lake view. I thoroughly enjoyed the quiet area and fish. Awesome place, we will definitely be staying here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun, 2023
Joseph, thank you for this wonderful review. It's so great when everyone finds something that they love at the property. We look forward to your return!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fall colors

Well maintained, clean, and comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Oct, 2024
Terence, we’re delighted to hear that you found the property well-maintained, clean, and comfortable. We appreciate you as our guest, and we hope to welcome you back for another enjoyable stay soon! -Van FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Excellent home for “The Guys” annual fishing trip.

The Mint was an excellent home with plenty of room for four guys to relax and enjoy! The views of the lake were outstanding and having lakefront access was key to enjoying the water. Fishing was good…..only had a few bites and caught one 14” bass……but we had an awesome time! We will definitely be returning next summer for our 2nd annual fishing trip!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 30 Aug, 2024
Dave, thanks for spending your guys annual fishing trip with us. Sorry that the fishing wasn't great, but we're glad that you had such a great time. We look forward for your return in 2025! -Claire, FVR
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Memorial Weekend

The Mint was very clean. The queen bed upstairs was very hard as others stated. Maybe a mattress topper needed. Sheets and towels need replacing.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 31 May, 2025
Thank you so much for your feedback, Terri! You were truly great guests, and we appreciate you sharing your thoughts on the bed and linens, we’ll be sure to pass this along to the team for review. We’d love to welcome you back anytime! -Van FVR
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