Wake up to wide-open Houghton Lake views, grab a kayak or the paddle boat from your exclusive deeded lake access just a 30-second walk away across the lake-shore dirve, and end the night around the fire pit with that big-water view right in front of you. Our Happy Place is a warm, knotty pine cottage made for couples, small families with young kids, anglers, and boaters who want real Houghton Lake time without the fuss. Welcome!
Lake life, done right:
The living room sliding glass doors frame a wide north-facing view across Michigan’s largest inland lake, and the furnished patio looks straight out to the water. A 30-second walk across Lake Shore Drive puts you at your own dock—a 90’ aluminum dock, 2 kayaks, a paddle boat, and a mooring buoy, all included. Launch at sunrise, float the afternoon, tie off the boat when you return, and grill dinner on the patio as the day winds down. Life jackets in both kids’ and adult sizes are provided!
Cook, gather, unwind:
Fully stocked kitchen with gas range, full cookware, a coffee & tea station (coffee provided), and basic oils & spices—every meal is easy. The open layout keeps the family together from stovetop to lake view. Evenings, settle in by the freestanding gas fireplace, put on a movie, or break out the board games. Smart TVs in both the living room and primary bedroom, a DVD player with movies, and a full game library keep everyone happy when you’re off the water.
Four seasons of fun on Houghton Lake:
• Summer: Kayak, paddle boat, boat, and fish from your own dock. SunChasers Pontoon Rentals is 15 min away for a full day on Michigan’s biggest inland lake!
• Fall: Crisp-air paddling, color tours, and glass-calm morning paddles.
• Winter: Ice fish right on Houghton Lake, hit nearby ORV/snowmobile trails, and warm up by the fireplace with hot cocoa. Tip-Up Town USA is 5 min away in January!
• Spring: Watch the ice go out and enjoy quiet shoulder-season lake time.
Ski & XC day trips: XC Ski HQ ~15 min • Hanson Hills ~30 mi • Treetops ~60 mi • Caberfae Peaks ~67 mi
Perfect for: Couples, small families with young kids, anglers, boaters, snowmobilers, and Tip-Up Town winter weekenders.
Sleeps & layout (2BR / 1BA — Ranch Style, All Ground Floor):
• Primary Bedroom: Queen bed, lake view windows, room-darkening shades, dedicated desk
• Bedroom 2: Twin bed + Twin-over-Twin bunk beds
• Sleeps up to 6 guests comfortably
Walk/drive to Local Necessities (mins shown; miles in parentheses):
• Close & convenient (5 min / within 3 mi): MJ’s Eatery, SunChasers Pontoon Rentals, Lyman’s on the Lake (bait & tackle), DNR Boat Launch
• Fun nights & longer runs (5–10 min): Walmart, Starbucks, Kiss Me Specialty Coffee, Buccilli’s Pizza, Family Fare, Dairy Queen, Back Door Saloon, Frog Tiki Bar, Pines Theatre, Denton ORV Trailhead, Tip-Up Town USA (January)
• Day trip destinations (25–90 min): Grayling, Gaylord, West Branch, Traverse City, Petoskey, Mackinaw City
Provided:
• Lake & outdoor gear: 2 kayaks + paddle boat, life jackets (kids & adult), 90’ private dock, mooring buoy, fire pit with Adirondack chairs & s’mores sticks, dock lounge chairs, beach towels, gas grill (propane provided)
• For families: Pack ‘n play, highchair, booster seat, kids’ dining utensils, kid-sized lake & beach essentials
• Comfort & convenience: High-speed Wi-Fi, Smart TV (living room + primary bedroom), window A/C, gas fireplace (primary heat), tankless hot water, luxury linens & bath towels, coffee & tea plus coffee, oils & spices, in-unit washer/dryer, DVD player & movies, games, workout equipment, dedicated desk
• Parking: Up to 4 vehicles. No parking in roadways or on yard/lawn.
Book your Houghton Lake stay today—summer weekends, fall color stays, and Tip-Up Town winter getaways fill fast!
Good to know:
• Lake access: Your dock is a 30-second walk across Lake Shore Drive. No designated crosswalk—please use caution with young children.
• Heat & cooling: Freestanding gas fireplace is the primary heat source; window A/C units for summer (not central air).
• Laundry: In-unit stacked washer/dryer is located in the bathroom.
• Firewood & check-in: Guests provide their own firewood. Electronic lock for smooth self-check-in.
• Shoreline note: The bank is steep and unimproved—water access is via the dock. No sandy beach at this location.
Simple House Rules & Booking:
• Standard rental agreement
• Refundable damage deposit handled securely through our booking platform
• Seamless self-check-in; arrival-day email includes directions and access
• Family-focused retreat only—no events, parties, reunions, or large gatherings
• No boat mooring to the dock – Guests must use the provided mooring buoy
• Quiet hours: 10 pm
• No pets
• Max 6 guests total, including day visitors
• No parking in roadways or on yard/lawn