I can't say enough good things about Melissa's cabin. It was a wonderful week away from the world.
Communication - Melissa was always available, and able to answer any questions we had. I never had to wonder about check-in procedures or amenities - she was proactive and sent all the details we needed well in advance of our stay.
Setting - the cabin itself is lovely and private, which isn't always the case with cabins, especially on a big lake like Balsam. The driveway winds through the trees (caution to anyone towing a boat or trailer!) which adds to the sense of getting away from it all. The cabin is above the water, with well-maintained and manicured steps leading down to the dock. The shoreline is terraced, with beach chairs one level up, and a fire pit and deck on the top level by the cabin. There is no beach, but the bottom is sand and easy to get into for swimming or water sports. Melissa has a pontoon available for rent, which we did not use (we had our own boat there), but is a fantastic boat - clean, well maintained, and awesome for boat swims or twilight cruises.
There is SO MUCH SEATING at this cabin! There are two table with 4 chairs each on the deck, there are adirondak chairs around the fire pit, there are beach chairs on the terrace overlooking the lake, there is a bench on the dock, there is indoor seating at the breakfast bar and circular table, and there is great comfortable seating in both the living room and on the screened in porch.
We used the fire pit nearly every night we were there - a perfect way to end the day.
It was cool enough during the evenings we did not need the air conditioning, but there is AC in the cabin, which is fabulous for those hot and sticky summer nights.
Sleeping - beds were clean and comfortable, with room for six to sleep comfortably. The pull-out couch on the porch has a thick mattress and was very comfortable - no weird bar in your back all night.
Kitchen - this kitchen was extremely well stocked, with all staples provided (THANK YOU!). Any utensil we needed was there with multiple pot and pan options. Definitely check what is there before you grocery shop - so nice not to have to go buy olive oil!
Wi-fi was great and plenty fast for those of us who still had to get some work done.
All in all, it was a wonderful trip. I would highly recommend, and plan to go back ourselves next year!
