This riverfront retreat is nestled deep in the forest with expansive views of the meandering Muskegon river. Indoor and outdoor fireplaces, an outdoor kitchen, and master suite with views are just some of the unique aspects of this "up north" home.
Kayak the river, walk the scenic roads, gaze at the stars or spend nights by a cozy fire. This home is incredibly secluded for privacy and peace of mind.
Whether you settle in or enjoy the outdoors, you’ll be at home and leave with unforgettable memories.
★THE SPACE★
Golden Valley Retreat is a modern styled and furnished ranch with a warm and inviting interior and rustic influences throughout. Along the banks of the gently flowing Muskegon River, the home is perfect for all year use and located near snowmobile, biking and hiking trails. Enjoy roasting marshmallows by one of three firepits, gazing at the stars, listening to the birds chirp, hearing the frogs croak at night or curled up inside watching the snow fall on a winter wonderland.
Designed to combine mid-century modern vibes with a rustic influence, you can relax with maximum comfort whether you stay inside or create an outdoor adventure. Your stay will be an unforgettable experience where you can reconnect with your significant other, family, kids or lifelong friends.
With an influence on entertaining, a large outdoor pavilion was built with a wood-fired Argentinian grill and ample covered seating. Nearby, you'll find a modern smokeless fire pit or if you prefer you can roam down to the river to enjoy a traditional river rock surrounded fire pit while watching the river flow by. Finish off the evening with a sweat in the traditional Scandinavian Barrel Sauna made from premium cedar planks.
Located in Central Michigan, Golden Valley Retreat sits in the middle of a 5 acre parcel a few minutes from Reed City, Michigan and the nearby towns of Chase, Hersey, Evart, Big Rapids, Sears, Marion, and Tustin. Central Michigan is the perfect destination at only an hour and a half from Grand Rapids, two and a half hours from Detroit, and three and a half hours from Chicago.
Book your up north experience today!
⭐️ 5 STAR HOSTS ⭐️
Forest & Flow Retreats focuses on unique homes and experiences so our guests can build memories for years to come. Over 15% of our bookings come from repeat guests, something we are very proud of. As you may have guessed from our name, we target natural properties with water or forest features that create a calm, peaceful and tranquil environment far removed from the hustle of day to day life.
We are avid outdoor enthusiasts and believe in protecting public lands through conservation efforts and the associated funds raised through hunting, fishing, and orv licenses.
We believe our homes and public lands should be a safe space for people from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, gender or ethnicity.
Each year, we donate a portion of our earnings to public land trusts and / or conservation efforts so that our waters and land can be protected for years to come.
We have hosted tens of thousands of guests over the years across our properties, helping family and friends have a memorable experience!
★KEY FEATURES★
🏠 Entire Private Home
🛌 Premium Beds, Pillows & Linens
🔓 Contactless & Keyless Entry
🔥 Indoor Wood Fireplace
🪵 Multiple Outdoor Wood Firepits
🍖 Wood-fired & Charcoal Grill Options
🐶 Dog Friendly
🎯 Target Practice Option
🛶 Kayaks, Tubes & Outdoor Activities
🛜 Highspeed Internet & WiFi
📺 Netflix & Disney+
✨ Starlight Nights
🌲 Hundreds of Acres of National Forest
🏃♀️ Miles of Hiking
🌸 Spring Blossoms
☀️ Summer Sun
🍁 Fall Foliage
❄️ Winter Wonderland
★NATURAL ATTRACTIONS★
The home is located in a perfect area for outdoor enthusiasts and is close to:
🎣 Rivers – The Muskegon River, Hersey River and Manistee Rivers branches
🚤 Lakes – Rose Lake, Big Lake, Indian Lake, Chippewa Lake, Sunrise Lake, and Big Long Lake
🌲 Public Lands – Cadillac State Forest Area, Roscommon State Forest Area, Mark Knee Memorial GEMs, Sugar Boal State Land, Mud Lake Recreation Area, Pere Marquette State Forest, Au Sable State Forest and Haymarsh Lake State Game Area
🚲Bike Trails – Pere Marquette State Trail and White Pine Trail are both part of the rails to trails program.
🏃♀️Hiking trails are abundant in the state forests and at Mud Lake Trail Loop
★OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES★
Being in Central Michigan provides a host of year-round activities:
✔ Exercise – Road Biking, Mountain Biking, Hiking and Backpacking
Water Sports – Swimming, Boating, Canoeing, Kayaking and Tubing
✔ Power Sports – ORV Trails / Side by Side (SXS) Trails, Off Road Motorcycle Trails, Touring Motorcycle Trails
✔ Winter Activities – Snowmobiling, Downhill Skiing, Cross Country Skiing, Snowshoeing
✔ Fall Activities – Color Tours, Leaves Changing, Corn Mazes, Salmon Fishing, Cider / Winery Tours, Apple Picking
✔ Hunting – Whitetail Deer; Bear; Turkey; Predator; Pheasant, Woodcock, Grouse and Upland Bird; Goose, Duck and Other Waterfowl; Small Game Hunting
✔ Fishing – Bass, Lake Perch, Northern Pike, Walleye, Trout, Salmon, Steelhead
✔ Golfing – Rose Golf Course, Birch Valley Golf Course, Spring Valley Golf Course
★FURTHER AWAY★
Located less than an hour away are the cities of Mt. Pleasant and Cadillac. Big Rapids is home to Ferris State University while Mt. Pleasant is home to Central Michigan University and Soaring Eagle Casino.
For outdoor enthusiasts who will be going on day time adventures, Manistee National Forest and Roscommon's Au Sable State Forest are also under an hour's drive.
★SLEEP SPACES★
MASTER BEDROOM: A luxury king sized bed with decorative fireplace and walk out deck
GUEST BEDROOM #1: A queen sized bed
GUEST BEDROOM #2: A twin over full bed
BUNK BEDROOM: Two triple level bunk beds create a bunk room for up to 6 additional full size adults.
All beds have two pillows per guest, one premium down fill and one down alternative fiber fill. Extra pillows and linens are available, and heavy wool blankets are stocked for chilly nights.
A premium blow-up mattress is available upon request for additional sleeping space.
★COMMON AREAS★
LIVING ROOM / GREAT ROOM: Modern cognac leather couches and chairs are centered in the living space with a wood burning fireplace. Huge windows overlook the river below from the home. A high definition, wall mounted TV with Nexflix and Disney plus provide entertainment for the kids or a late-night movie.
KITCHEN: The kitchen is equipped with every pot, pan, plate, utensil, cup or glass you would need for holiday cooking, baking & serving.
DINING: Timber framed bench and dining table allows for family meals of up to 8 people.
BATHROOM: A traditional shower / tub combination and bowl sink.
LAUNDRY ROOM: Washer and dryers are available for guests to use as needed.
★OUTDOOR LIVING AREAS★
HAMMOCKS: Four parachute style nylon hammocks are available for guests to use and relax outside.
SAUNA: A cedar plank Scandanavian barrel sauna for dry and steam heats.
FIRE PIT #1: The outdoor firepit is located along the river and just far enough away from the home that the kids can sleep comfortably inside while the parents can enjoy some peace and quiet.
FIRE PIT #2: A modern smokeless fire pit is located near the pavilion for evening smores while entertaining.
GRILL: A traditional charcoal grill is provided with space to feed the whole family.
ARGENTINIAN GRILL: A wood fired Argentinian grill is provided for elaborate dining experiences.
COVERED PAVILION: A covered pavilion for outdoor dining, or those days when it rains but you still want to be outside.
KAYAKS: We provide 4 premium kayaks for our guests use.
TUBES: We provide 4 river tubes for our guests use.
RIVER: The Muskegon River is a stone’s throw down the hill and flows into the Muskegon River just downstream.
★GUEST ACCESS★
Our guests have full access and use of the entire home and surrounding land. If you are unsure where the property lines end, please ask and we can assist! The privacy and safety of our guests and neighbors is very important to us.
Access is provided through a remote digital keypad, controlled through our Ring security system. Parking is convenient and close to the home, we only ask that guests do not park or drive on the lawn.
As a remotely located, rural home we manage travel times between our properties for turnovers between guests based on expected arrival times and the most efficient routes. Often, we can accommodate an earlier check in, just ask us in the days before your reservation and we will do our best to help!
🏠 Entire Private Home
🌲 Private (Not Shared) Outdoor Spaces
🅿️ Ample Parking
📞 24 / 7 / 365 Phone & SMS Support
🔓 Contactless & Keyless Entry
🛡️ Professionally Monitored Security by Ring Alarm Pro
★LOCATION DESCRIPTION★
Located on a large lot, the home is surrounded by trees on all sides, set back from the road, and nestled along the riverbank.
The home is private, secluded, and modern allowing you the freedom to enjoy yourselves while still being just a short drive to restaurants, stores and other conveniences. The city surrounding cities and towns provide plenty of dining options and we make recommendations in our guidebooks.
★NEARBY CITIES & TOWNS★
➡️ Hersey, MI; 4 Miles / 7 Minutes
➡️ Reed City, MI; 9 Miles / 15 Minutes
➡️ Chippewa Lake, MI; 13 Miles / 20 Minutes
➡️ Big Rapids, MI; 14 Miles / 21 Minutes
➡️ Chase, MI; 15 Miles / 21 Minutes
➡️ Evart, MI; 15 Miles / 21 Minutes
➡️ Sears, MI; 19 Miles / 25 Minutes
➡️ Barryton, MI; 19 Miles / 27 Minutes
★FURTHER AWAY★
➡️ Marion, MI; 34 Miles / 43 Minutes
➡️ Clare, MI; 41 Miles / 51 Minutes
➡️ Cadillac, MI; 36 Miles / 41 Minutes
➡️ Mt. Pleasant, MI; 49 Miles / 60 Minutes
➡️ Grand Rapids, MI; 70 Miles / 70 Minutes
➡️ Detroit,
