We lucked out and had great weather, so this review is based on that! The beach is so beautiful and private. We loved it. Yes, there are A LOT of stairs. Our calves were sore, but it was a good little work out. For reference, my 78 year old mother did the stairs two days in a row, but she had to stop and rest at each landing going up. We had to bring a chair down chairs to use at the beach. Also, we got to get commentary each trip up and down from my husband on "I best this cost X" and "I wouldn't have wanted to build this". Along with this, the only pictures my husband took were of different angles of the stairs to send to his friends. The house and outdoor area were very accommodating. it is also private. It does need a refresh on some things like the deck and plumbing, but we made it work. Keep in mind, you are in the woods and bugs are around inside and outside:) we had a lot of sun, so bugs probably worse if overcast or rainy. Not sure what to do in New Era if the weather is bad. We did go to the Farmhouse Kitchen and Market a few miles from the house. It reminded us of the Farm Club restaurant in Traverse City - but in idea only - food is lacking and not worth it.