Fall colors at the Barnhouse! - 6BR Lakefront! Sunsets, Golfing and Fishing.

Welcome to The Barnhouse – A Relaxed, Spacious Lakefront Retreat on Beautiful Manistee Lake.

Tucked into the heart of northern Michigan in charming Kalkaska, The Barnhouse is your ultimate year-round escape for families, groups, or anyone looking to unwind and play on the water. This beautifully updated 6-bedroom, 3-bathroom retreat offers the perfect blend of comfort, space, and adventure — with 120 feet of private sandy frontage on 900-acre Manistee Lake, endless sunset views, and easy access to northern Michigan’s best towns, trails, and recreation.

Waterfront Living at Its Best

Step out your back door and straight onto your own private slice of Manistee Lake. With western exposure, your days end with golden sunsets reflected across the water, best enjoyed from the lakeside deck, the spacious back patio, or around the large 15-foot fire pit. Whether you're sipping coffee on the dock, taking a mid-day swim from the sandy shoreline, or casting a line into one of Michigan's most fish-rich lakes, the lake is the star of the show.

Manistee Lake is a year-round playground for fishing, boating, paddling, and wildlife watching. You’ll find lake trout, steelhead, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and walleye — plus easy access to snowmobiling, ATV routes, and four-season trail systems.

Plenty of Room to Relax and Reconnect

The Barnhouse sits on over a half-acre of land, giving your group plenty of space to stretch out. With 6 full bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, there’s room for everyone — whether it’s a multi-family vacation, a getaway with friends, or a cozy couples’ retreat. A heated garage keeps your gear and vehicles safe year-round, and there’s ample parking for trailers and extra guests.

Inside, you’ll find thoughtful comforts at every turn. A huge open kitchen is fully stocked and ready for big family meals or late-night snacks. A cozy living area invites long conversations, movie nights, or board games by the fireplace. Downstairs, a private theatre room gives the kids their own space to kick back with a movie or gaming session while the adults enjoy wine by the fire.

Outdoor Living, All Day Long

Soak up every minute of northern Michigan’s seasons from one of three outdoor living areas:

A lakeside deck for front-row views of the water and sunsets
A large back deck with a second firepit for morning coffee or starlit chats
The private dock, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or tying up your boat
Bring your bikes, ATVs, or snowmobiles — with direct access to the Shore-to-Shore Trail and thousands of acres of state land just minutes away, the adventure starts here.

Work, Play, or Just Disconnect

Need to work remotely or keep the kids entertained? We’ve got you covered with free high-speed WiFi throughout the house and plenty of space for remote work or school. But you may not need it — you’ll be too busy paddling the lake, hiking wooded trails, or exploring the local towns.

Close to Everything — But Just Far Enough Away

While you’ll feel completely tucked away, The Barnhouse is centrally located with quick drives to:

Traverse City – wineries, shopping, festivals (45 min)
Grayling - Breweries, Military Base, Annual AuSable River Canoe Marathon
Petoskey, Boyne City, and Charlevoix – great day trips for dining, skiing, or boutique shopping
Mackinaw City – a classic Michigan day trip up the coast
And don’t miss the local Kalkaska gems, including great local restaurants (yes, some with lake access!), golf courses, and hidden river trails.

A Place to Create Traditions

Whether it’s a long weekend or an extended stay, The Barnhouse offers a rare mix of peaceful seclusion and modern amenities. Spend your days on the water, your evenings around the fire, and your nights under the stars. With so much space, so many activities, and room for the whole group, this is more than a vacation home — it’s a place where memories are made.

Book your stay today — and start a new lakeside tradition.