Charming Lakeside Cottage

Adorable private cottage perched on a small hill overlooking an 'all sports' lake in west/central Michigan. Property is heavily wooded and peaceful.

Primary activities on the property for guests are relaxing, boating, sitting around a firepit, barbequeing, games, and visiting local activities. While children are welcome, the cottage is generally more suitable for adults seeking a relaxing place to 'get away from it all'.

Country-style cottage offers large modern kitchen, dining area with 'office nook', and comfortable living room - all with lake views. During the fall of 2012, the living room was enlarged as well as the outdoor patio to allow more space for relaxing.

Cozy bedrooms offer queen-size beds and and living room offers full-size sofa bed. Central air-conditioning, cable TV, WiFi, complete laundry, and soft-water are extra conveniences. Cottage is fully equiped - kitchen has all major tools - linens are also included.

Sunny patio with picnic table and charcoal grill can be found just outside the living room facing the lake. Gradual steps meander from patio area down to lake front, fire-pit, benches, and dock. Paddle boat, canoe, kayak, and rowboat are included for guests with life-vests. If desired, guests may moor their own small power boat at the dock..

The distance from the cottage to the waterfront is about 90 feet. The water front has a wooden sea-wall, dock, and a sand area (about 12 ft wide) to walk into the water. Water is warm in summer and shallow - about 3-4 feet in depth at end of dock. The lake bottom is solid and shallow for about 8-10 ft out and then there will be some weeds in the water. Very safe for paddling around, floating, and small boats. Water color is greenish brown due to tanins from numerous oak trees. Beyond dock is a no-wake zone to enter into larger lake. Lake is categorized as an 'all sports' lake.

Cottage is convenient to village of Newaygo (about 5 miles) and within 60 minutes of larger-city environments and Lake Michigan beach.

Numerous activities within a 45-60 minute drive include:

Shrine in the Pines - furniture museum with all items made from tree roots. Very unusual and high quality.

Manistee State Forest 200+ miles of forestland with a 92 mile nature trail (walking, biking, etc)
Michigan Adventure Amusement Park (with many water slides, roller coasters, petting zoo, etc.)
Scenic drives
Meijer Gardens and statuary exhibits (nationally recognized)
Lake Michigan beaches in Muskegon
Indian casinos with 90 minutes

Day trips from the cottage include many great activities such as:

Grand Haven waterfront and Coast Guard Festival (nationally recognized - starts end of July). One of the most famous waterfronts in Michigan and charming small town. The official Coast Guard City of the United States.

Muskegon waterfront and 'Timberland Museums & Mansions' (highlighting the history of logging in West Michigan. Several interesting historic 'mansion tours'.

Holland - internationally famous for the Tulip Festival (in May). Area has beautiful beaches, restaurants, destination shopping, an authentic Windmill from the Netherlands, and many other attractions. Dutch museum, historical homes, and upscale downtown shopping.

Saugatuck Village and Venetian Festival (July). Historic Saugatuck harbour with riverboat cruises. Film festival (Venetian) celebrates independent cinema. Village has the feel of a historical New England community with fine dining and excellent shopping.

Traverse City -one of the most beautiful cities in Michigan, famous for Grand Traverse Bay, sailing, skiing, restaurants, and its location next to the Lelanau Penninsula and Sleeping Bear Dunes. These areas are well known for the beautiful scenery, beach areas, wine country, and the internationally known Cherry Festival (early July).

Mackinaw Island and the Mackina Bridge. The bridge is the longest in the NA and spans the straights of Machinaw connecting the lower penninsula with the upper. The island is a turn of the century Victorian experience - visitors get they by ferry and no cars are allowed on the island. Horse carriages and bikes are available on the island for rent. A visit to Mackinaw would require about 3-4 hrs (one way) so the day would be long, but very worthwhile.

Local area and support available:: The area is definitely casual . . . local area restaurants offer a country and western feel/music . . . jeans are the most appropriate. Bring comfortable shoes and a sweater/light jacket in summer. Also be prepared for water activities such as fishing, canoeing, and tubing down the Muskegon River (if desired).

Many conveniences within 5 miles including grocery store, pharmacy, and discount stores, and acess to Muskegon River activities. All the basics are available.

There is a hospital within 20 miles.

Importants rules to consider:: This cottage is immaculate. We work very hard to provide a modern, clean, and 'cute' cottage that provides all of the amenities of home, but overlooking a medium/small lake. In order to maintain that level of quality, we must insist on some rules be adherred to. Most of our guests have been outstanding, but occasionally our standards for cleanliness are considerably higher than what some guests are comfortable with. We expect guests to maintain the cottage in excellent condition and be reasonably concerned with cleanliness. We must be honest . . . if maintaining a reasonably clean environment is a burden for you, please find another place to stay. The rules are:

No more than six people may stay overnight.
The cottage must be maintained with light housekeeping. Leaving a messy, dirty cottage behind is not acceptable and result in loss of security deposit. Even 'excessive' cleaning to restore the cottage will result in loss of part or all of the deposit. .
If you use our supplies, replace them. We put them there only to help you get started, not as gifts.
No large parties are permitted. Family gatherings are fine, but please respect the neighbors.
Absolutely no smoking, drug use, or excessive drinking.
Absolutely no damage will be tolerated and will result in loss of security deposit.