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Adult retreat with modern feel

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A Northern Getaway
Deck and backyard
Livingroom
Dining area
Kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 4111.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Empire, MI
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
    ‪10 min walk‬
  • Empire Bluff Trail
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Adult retreat with modern feel

Max. occupancy is 4 people! The house rents Sat. to Sat. in June, July and August.
A Northern Getaway is a new house, decorated in a fresh decor! This well equipped home features a full kitchen and a dining table that seats four and a relaxing living room. An entry hall, half bath and laundry facilities round out the first floor level. Upstairs are two bedrooms with attached bathrooms each. The house is best suited for 4 adults or 2 adults with 2 children 15 or older as the house has no extra space to play or watch TV.
Empire offers a great Lake Michigan beach with picnic tables and fire pits and another beach on South Bar Lake. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lake Shore invites you to explore the many trails, beaches and the new bicycle trail from Empire to Good Harbor Beach (E-Bikes are available for rent nearby). The beach is in walking distance (about a mile+) and the park headquarters are also nearby. The house has a deck with patio seating and a view into the nearby meadow.
Empire is in the center of it all- visit wineries, go kayaking, hiking or biking, enjoy the many beaches go shopping in the many quaint villages nearby or take road trips through Leelanau County, Old Mission Peninsula or south of Empire (Frankfort, Point Betsie).
The house is accessed by stairs from the parking spot, there is a staircase in the house as well.
June, July and August minimum stay is seven nights (Sa. to Sa.) but ask about a three night minimum stay during the pre and post season.

Property manager

Martina Dorn
Premier Host

Languages

English, German

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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Exterior

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
The house is best suited for adults, max. 4 people
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No more more than 4 adults; the house does not accommodate children or extra guests.
Booking Traveler MUST: -be part of the group staying in the property.
No bonfires on premises, quiet time 10:00 pm to 8 am

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Empire

Empire is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum and Burnett Park are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Empire, MI

What's nearby

  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Philip A. Hart Visitor Center - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Empire Bluff Trail - 19 min walk - 1.6 km
  • Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive - 6 min drive - 5.9 km
  • Little Glen Lake - 8 min drive - 7.6 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shipwreck Cafe - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Empire Village Pizza & Spirits - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪Food For Thought - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Friendly Tavern - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Tiffany's Ice Cream - ‬11 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Adult retreat with modern feel pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Adult retreat with modern feel?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Adult retreat with modern feel?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Adult retreat with modern feel located?

Situated in Empire, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, and Lake Michigan. Empire Bluff Trail is 1 mi (1.5 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 40 out of 42 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 42 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 42 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 42 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Daniel M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location in Empire

We've stayed here a few times and love it. Good location, a perfect host, and a nice place to stay for a week. We'll be back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

David S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

great stay in Empire

the property was clean and roomy and the kitchen was well stocked. the owners are very accommodating, helpful and friendly.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Donna Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent

Property was very clean and situated near everything we wanted to do.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandy T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Meetup

Loved our stay. Property is well kept with lots of amenities and centrally located to where we wanted to be. Instructions were clear and easy to follow. Would definitely stay again but would like to stay longer!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Karen M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location

Extremely clean! Roomy! Great location for Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sheryl Z.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place!

Great location! Clean, and roomy.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

DELBERT M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Superb Stay

Great location AND host! Many amenities within walking distance. Host is cheerful, helpful, and all around awesome. We were totally delighted with our stay.
Stayed 17 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sue T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A great place

We really enjoyed our stay at this cottage. The house is very thoughtfully laid out. The place is immaculate. We didn’t prepare many meals at home, but the kitchen seemed well stocked. And it was so close to town and the beach. In the mornings, and in the evenings, we liked to sit out on the patio or sit in the Adirondack chairs near the wildflowers. It’s a beautiful and peaceful spot.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel M., Berkley MI

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Had a great stay!

Stayed here for a week and loved it! Perfect place for a getaway, Our host was awesome. She lived next door, and was accommodating and helpful. Great location on M22. Short walk to downtown Empire. Close to the dunes, beaches and walking trails.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cecile W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We love Empire

The house is perfectly located for bike riding and going to see the sunset on the beach. Empire is a very sweet small town and we enjoyed our stay. The house is very clean, comfortable, and quiet.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dianne W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Location, location, location!

The house was lovely, and the kitchen was well out-fitted. The host was friendly and very helpful. We visit Leelanau often, but this was our first stay in Empire, and we loved it. Close to Sleeping Bear Dunes, the park visitor center, hiking trails, a Lake Michigan beach, and Platte River canoeing. It's a perfect location for visiting this area, and much quieter than towns further north.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ronda G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean home and great host

Very clean home with stairs to bedrooms. Bedrooms upstairs have window AC. Close to Empire Beach and Empire Bluff trail. Great communication with host.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ben J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Empire MI getaway

The rental was immaculate and comfortable, the hosts reside next-door and were friendly and responsive to any needs we had. The rental is walking distance to the Empire beach, a wonderful ice cream and chocolate shop, and the headquarters of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It also sits at the beginning of a very lengthy and scenic bike trail.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Anthony B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Empire stay

The owner was very strict about who stays in the house. It could have easily accommodated the addition of my 2 young Grandchildren, but she adamantly stated no when I asked if they could stay with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

David J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Spot and Location for Sleeping Bear

We had a great stay at this location in Empire, which is a short drive from all major locations for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Empire is very quiet and everything closes early, but Glen Arbor has a few places to eat and drink and is a 12 minute drive. The cottage is big and can accommodate a small family of 4-5 with no problems. The owner greeted us and gave us a quick walkthrough and then left us alone. However she is right next door and easy to reach if there is a question. She also provided a beach parking pass if you want to go to the local beach (not a part of Sleeping Bear), which was greatly appreciated. Two important notes. One is this is the only VRBO I've stayed at where I had to provide my own sheets and towels. We drove here so this was not a problem for us, but if you're flying here then you should know this. Second is you have to walk up a short flight of steep steps to get to the house. Again, not a problem for us but if you have mobility issues you should know before you book.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Betsey J., Phoenix

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We love Empire

We visit Empire every year to see family and this was a nice place to stay. A little further from the beach/town than optimal - but a very short drive. Sparkling clean, comfortable beds, lots of space. First experience bringing our own towels and sheets - but with family nearby we were able to borrow most. Enjoyed the deer frequenting the back yard. Kitchen and grill adequate for home cooked meals. Host very responsive and friendly. Bottom line - we would stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Margi G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Empire House

House was a few blocks from the beach & downtown. Private & quiet. Interior of house appeared to be new, clean, and comfortable. We enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brittany E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Highly functional two-bedroom perfect for our trip

This VRBO was just what we were seeking for our trip to Michigan. It was on the outskirts of Empire, a short walk from everything including the beach and restaurants. We could be "downtown" in minutes or on the road to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor, or wineries on the bays in minutes. It is an economical, comfortable, practical, and attractive home away from home. The property is brand new with two bedrooms (queen beds) upstairs with a full bathroom with single person (maybe 2'x'2'), step up showers in each bedroom and a half bath downstairs in the laundry room. Each bedroom comes with a sizeable closet, a dresser, bed (no sheets or pillowcases), two pillows, and a light comforter with a heavier blanket in the closet. There is a small travel hairdryer in one of the bathrooms. You bring your own linens including sheets, pillowcases, and towels. Downstairs is the living, dining, and kitchen. The kitchen is fully stocked with just about everything you might need. We ate out mostly, but there is a full sized fridge, stove, and - most importantly - a coffee maker with filters. The owner has a full set of dishes with coffee cups and glassware available. The living area has two couches, a TV with sufficient offerings, and a dining room table. Outside the dining area is a wood patio with seating and a grill overlooking a serene wooded area. Out front and to the side of the entrance is a quaint greenspace with Edison lights overhead and four Adirondack chairs overlooking a beautiful butterfly garden. The owner greeted us and has a conveniently located bicycle rental business just down the steps from the rental home. You can just walk outside and get everything you need for an outdoors adventure. Everything was clean, convenient, and a great value. Really enjoyed our stay and would love to return!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Candace W., Olympia, Washington

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Lots of Positives

The house is very spacious and clean. Upstairs are two bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom. Downstairs are the kitchen, eating/living area and a utility room with 1/2 bath and a clothes washer and dryer.The first floor was comfortably cool on warm days and the second floor bedrooms had window air conditioners which we didn’t need except at night as fans.The reason I rated the location as three is that it is a short distance outside of town. It’s definitely walkable but not super close to the center of town or the beach. Everything else was excellent. Martina, the owner, was very responsive, amiable and helpful whenever we had a question. Her home and rental business are next door but she gave us complete privacy. It was a pleasure to interact with her.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ayrat B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay second year in the row!

Wonderful stay second year in the row! Martina is a great host and the property is outstanding. Walking distance to Empire Beach and Empire Bluffs Trail. Perfect base for all other locations in the area. I recommend!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelle T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Evening walks to watch the sunset.

Walked to the beach to watch the sunset most evenings. Approx 1mile. Great location to dunes, hiking, biking, kayaking, beach bonfires. Hoping to return next summer. Loved having his and hers bathrooms. Great clean rental.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Denise R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great house

Super clean, like brand new construction, super cute, great sitting areas. Don’t let the highway location scare you- at night the traffic is so light. Close to town, beach and hiking. Owners are very nice.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ayrat B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay for the Empire, MI visit

Looked to me as a brand new house, very enjoyable to stay. 15 min walking distance to Village of Emire beach, beach parking permit provided for the car. I recommend it, you will love it. Great host! I am definitely coming back if I am lucky enough to book.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Debra G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Sleeping Bear Dunes location

We decided to book Martina’s house due to the location to the bike path (Heritage Trail) and the dunes access. We had all that plus more! We walked from the house to the start of the Bluff trail and ended up going to Empire’s beach twice. A parking pass is provided with your stay and it is a great place to swim and watch the sunset. The location is very quiet and private. Martina was super helpful too. I’m not sure any of the other reviews or property description includes the fact that the owners live on the attached property and operate an e-bike tour company from the same location. We were surprised when we first got there, but it didn’t interfere at all. We are cyclists and had our bikes, but I can see why e-bikes could be a fantastic way to see the scenic area! There are a few stairs (6-7) that lead to the front door too. One more thing out of anyone’s control is that a storm knocked out power in the area. The Vrbo needs electricity for the water pump so we didn’t have electricity or water for a few days. Martina brought us water every day for drinking and buckets for other water needs. Despite that we had a wonderful time! If you don’t want to be in-town this is a perfect place that backs into the woods. While grilling and having dinner we saw a lot of deer.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Laura R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Clean, convenient, and comfortable

Cottage set back off M22 and was very convenient to Empire and everything accessible by bike. Stairs going up to cottage and inside so maybe difficult for people with physical challenges. Great broadband access, cable tv, and very clean and comfortable! European flavor in decor! Wonderful and accommodating host who is next door should issues arise.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

About the host

Hosted by Martina Dorn

Host profile image

Languages:

English, German

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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