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Totally secluded, private Lake Michigan Waterfront Cottage on 7 acres

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185 feet of frontage, beach 2022.  Wider today as water continues to receed.
Galley kitchen behind farm table, main house entrance right of kitchen.
Main floor facing Lake MI. Farm table fits 12-14.  Facing southwest.
Main floor living/dining area.  Michigan stone fireplace, facing Lake Michigan
Main floor living/dining area.   facing Lake Michigan

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6120.8 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Pentwater, MI
  • Charles Mears State Park
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Silver Lake State Park
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area Chamber of Commerce
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Ludington, MI (LDM)
    ‪26 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1, Main floor, next to bathroom

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2, Main floor, next to bathroom

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 3, ground floor, two windows, close to bathroom

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Totally secluded, private Lake Michigan Waterfront Cottage on 7 acres

The Pentwater dunes along Lake Michigan offer the most beautiful, pure hard-packed sandy beaches in the United States. White, silky sand welcomes you to 185 feet of private frontage with this cottage. Nightly, you will be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves gently lapping against the shore. Start each morning with a long walk along along the private beach for 1.5 miles to the Pentwater Channel where you will see watercraft heading out for the morning sail or first catch.

If you enjoy biking, you can enjoy a quick, easy 3.5 mile bike ride into town for a good cup of coffee and a scone at the local bakery. Or, for a longer tour, start at the Hart Montague Trail Head in Hart, MI (8-10 miles from the cottage by car), and bike 52 miles round trip, through agricultural fields (mainly fruit trees and asparagus) and past our local Country Dairy where you can stop for lunch. Country Dairy offers grass-fed beef hamburgers, sandwiches, and unlimited cups of fresh-made white or chocolate milk! Plus, homemade ice cream for dessert. The Hart-Montegue bike trail is the first rails-to-trails conversation in the state of Michigan. It's flat and often tree-covered.

Regarding our cottage, there is nothing between our cottage and Lake Michigan except 160 stairs, through the woods and down to the beach. Completely private and secluded. You will not be able to see or hear neighbors. Our view is unlike other cottages (which are located further down the dune, and thus much closer to the water), as we have a 180 degree view.

We offer 2 sea kayaks and a paddleboard and a very long canoe! They are stored at the beach. You can launch the kayaks either on Lake Michigan, paddle down to the channel, take out at the public dock in Pentwater to enjoy the city or visit the farmer's market at the village green. Or, take the canoe to the public launch at Pentwater Lake for a nice, leisurely paddle around the Pentwater Lake. Lastly, you can transport the kayaks to either the Pentwater River launch or the Pere Marquette RIver Launch (you'll need to sign up for a permit for the day).

There is no phone or internet at the cottage. However, your phone should easily get service. Both At&T as well as Verizon cell service works. This is a place where you escape from technology to enjoy nature. However, the Pentwater Library (in town, about 3 miles away) has computers for public use, as well as wireless internet that can be accessed when the library is closed.

Having enjoyed so many of our weekends at Lake Michigan, we spent 5 years trying to find the right place -- secluded, with acreage of wooded land. We wanted a place perched high on a dune to offer pristine views of Lake Michigan, and plenty of private frontage.

Please be aware that while there is nothing but sand dune (covered with trees) between our cottage and Lake Michigan, there are wooden steps (with a railing) that lead down from the cottage to the beach -- there are roughly 160 steps, with small seating areas along the way.

Come and enjoy your private get away!

SIncerely,
Janet Cocciarelli and Alan Fanta

Keywords: cottage, cabin, house, acreage, woods, dunes, beach, sand dunes, walking trails, private, beachfront, waterfront, secluded, wooded, trees, nature, natural, quiet, tranquil, sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding.

Property manager

Janet Cocciarelli
Premier Host

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Beach view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Please be advised there are 150 steps to beach.
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Events

No events allowed
The property designated as critical dune.
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Pets

No pets allowed
No pets under any condition.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking in cottage or on beach
Please know that no more than 6 people are allowed to stay at the premises and two daily visitors. No campers, RV’s or other overnight vehicles.
Due to the fact that we have neighbors (you cannot see them, noise does travel through the woods), we do not allow loud music or parties, camping, etc
For the safety of children, we ask that no children under the age of 12 be left unsupervised in the cottage, and never on beach. Be mindful of steps.

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
Note from host: The property designated as critical dune.
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 indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Pentwater

Located in Pentwater, this cottage is in a rural area and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Silver Lake State Park. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Pentwater, MI

What's nearby

  • Pentwater Lake - 3 min drive - 2.4 km
  • Charles Mears State Park - 11 min drive - 9.3 km
  • Lemon Lake - 12 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Silver Lake State Park - 13 min drive - 10.7 km
  • Silver Lake Sand Dunes Area Chamber of Commerce - 14 min drive - 16.3 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 59 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Open Hearth Grille - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Murphy's Tavern - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Hart Pizza - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪The Golden Eatery - ‬17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Totally secluded, private Lake Michigan Waterfront Cottage on 7 acres pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Totally secluded, private Lake Michigan Waterfront Cottage on 7 acres ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Totally secluded, private Lake Michigan Waterfront Cottage on 7 acres ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Totally secluded, private Lake Michigan Waterfront Cottage on 7 acres located?

Nestled on the beach, this Pentwater cottage is within 3 mi (5 km) of Lake Michigan, Pentwater Lake and Cedar Point Park. Charlie's Marine and Snug Harbor Marina are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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. 64 out of 65 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 65 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 65 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 65 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 65 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Timothy M.

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

Lovely cabin on a wooded dune above Lake Michigan

This is a very comfortable, cozy cabin perched on a steep wooded dune above Lake Michigan. The view from the cabin in beautiful, and there are safe and sturdy steps down to a broad and perfectly sandy beach. The setting is very private. Even in late November the cabin was cozy, a perfect post-Thanksgiving getaway for my wife and I.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jacob S.

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

Great cottage on the lake

Pentwater is a great town with plenty to do. Cottage is off the beaten path and great for a secluded getaway. Beautiful views of Lake Michigan with access to a great section of beach. Would love to stay here again in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joe S.

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

Relaxing Vacation

We enjoyed our stay at the house and walking along Lake Michigan. My family wants to come back again next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bethany B.

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

So happy to return!

This was our second stay at this magical treehouse beach abode. We started every morning with coffee on the deck overlooking the lake and played games and read books until it was time to hit the beach. The steps are a doozy (all 160 of them) but they get easier as the week goes on. The beach is wide and you can walk for miles in each direction. We loved lounging in the sun and playing in the water. In the evening we made dinners together and played games and watched movies, always with a pause for sunset viewing. Honestly the best part was having no internet and little to no cell service. Watching my 13 year old son and his buddy connect with nature and each other, instead of video games, was the best gift. We returned to Indy relaxed snd refreshed.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

scott t.

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

Sweetly refreshing and stunningly beautiful.

The house was exactly as advertised. The private beach was stunning. Janet was incredible and serving us and yet giving us the space we wanted for our time. It was a marvelous experience. We would recommend it to anyone.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brittni A.

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

What an amazing weekend!

My family and I came out for a much needed long weekend at this cabin and it was awesome. The cabin was everything that was listed by the owner and more. I would absolutely recommend this to family and friends without hesitation. I would add that the stairs to the beach can be a bit much, but the beach made them more than worth it. The Cabin offered us great views , a private beach , and memories that will last a lifetime. The location was close to everything we wanted to see and made it very easy to get to the dunes and main strip in the city. The views from the living room and the deck are truly amazing and we never missed a sunset on the water. We ended our stay with a fire in the fireplace and game night at the coffee table. We will be back !
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terry B.

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

Fall break getaway

We came to bring our son and his friend for a quick fall getaway to ride side by sides and do a little fishing. The weather didn’t cooperate much except for our last day. The cabin was quite and cozy nestled away in the woods. As you’ll read in the reviews there is a small hike down 160 stairs to get to the beach but the reward was like having a huge private beach. On our last night we had a nice fire on the beach. The drive in does have a steep incline pulling up to the cabin so be prepared for that. Even my f250 was challenged but that’s probably because ford lightened them up to much making the bodies aluminum. I do recommend this location and the owners were great. They allowed us to check in early because off season just started and gave us the opportunity to check out late. You can’t beat the view from the upstairs and the deck!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie G.

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

Stay Here!

We had an absolutely wonderful time staying in Pentwater. The house is welcoming, lovely and rustic. There are also a number of books, if you like to read (I happened to find one by my favorite author!). We enjoyed the secluded location, large deck, and beach. We played in the incredibly clear water, built sandcastles and a bonfire. We even saw deer on the beach. Highly recommend staying here. Communication with Janet was excellent and she was very accommodating. Thank you Janet & Alan!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Melissa S.

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

Lake Michigan view

Wonderful week with the gorgeous view of Lake Michigan. Vintage cottage with what you need to relax and disconnect from busy life. No WiFi and almost no cell service, so plan for that.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

John D.

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

Amazing Secluded Cabin on the beach

We couldn’t have enjoyed our stay more. The cabin is amazing. Beautiful wood work and a stone fire place surrounded by views of the lake and a deck where we spent each evening listening to the water. The beach is quiet and we found ourselves alone in the water each day. The seclusion and quietness of the cabin cannot be overstated. We loved our time and plan to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather A.

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

Lovely beach cottage

Our family had a really lovely week, the location and beach were perfect. The stairs to the beach are no joke (coming back up), but we didn’t care as it helped us get our workouts in for the week. Janet was great to work with and even checked in with us during the week. The cottage is just as described and very cozy! It had everything we needed.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Greg M.

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

Nice place to get away from it all.

This is very a secluded and extremely quiet place to stay. Loved the amazing view and easy access to a private beach on Lake Michigan. The Village of Pentwater is close by with many unique shops. Overall, a really great place to relax and spend time with friends and family.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shannon E.

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

Spectacular view

Such a nice private location with beautiful views of Lake Michigan from the deck. Pictures don’t do it justice! Amazing walkout to the beach! Janet was a pleasure to rent from.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert T.

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

Beautiful Hideaway

We will have fantastic memories of this stay: the charming cottage architecture and cozy interior, the private setting in the forest with beautiful lake views, convenient access to the beach through picturesque Michigan dunes...for us, it was a perfect place to experience the MI shoreline.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christopher G.

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

Awesome Lake Retreat!

Restful, quiet time. Stunning lake view, world class beach. Property very well maintained. Located close to town. Will be back!🙂☀️🙏
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathe B.

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

Beautiful Sunsets!

A very comfortable home to stay in...views from the windows & deck were so relaxing! That`s why we go on vacation, right? The walk down the stairs was great exercise, 2 resting spots for anyone who needed it. The beach was very private & perfect for swimming, etc. Hosts were very responsive to any issues. It made for a great summer break!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark V.

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

Very peaceful location

Amazing location, very peaceful. Much needed break.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tressa B.

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

Unbeatable location

The house and Janet were both wonderful, Pentwater and the surrounding towns had plenty to do, but nothing holds a candle to the location. It was one of the best spots I’ve stayed in and I could’ve stayed on that deck all summer. The beach is beautiful and secluded, and the deck sits in the treetops facing the sunset over Lake Michigan. The house was well equipped, both the kitchen basics and DVD and game selection. We really appreciated the books - there were TONS and a decent YA selection that my kids dug into. If I had one complaint it would be that it’s a bit of a drive (20-30 min) to get a decent grocery selection or a good restaurant. I don’t know that we’ll drive back to Michigan from NY but if we do this is the spot we’d do it for!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Diane A.

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

Gorgeous and peaceful location

Nestled in the trees, high up on the dunes with views of Lake Michigan that are both breath-taking and soul-renewing, great place for a relaxing family getaway with a lovely beach and comfortable surroundings.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Shelley W.

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

Private/Relaxing & Beautiful

We had a wonderful time at this beach home. We loved having bonfire’s on the beach it made enjoying those beautiful sunset’s even more special. The home had everything you’d need, and great communication with the host. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brent A.

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

Beautiful

What a magical experience! The walk down the stairs through the wooded dun was almost as amazing as the private beach. This piece of land couldn't be more beautiful. Tha k you for allowing so much of your equipment for our use. Most VRBOs do not. When booking I found it a little strange that this place had never received less than a 5 star review. Now I completely understand. The nostalgic feel of the cottage was perfect for us. We took this trip (13 hour drive) so I could re live my amazing memories of Lake Michigan from my childhood with my NC family and this place was perfect for it! Thank you for letting g us into your home!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jeanie B.

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

Breathtaking

The view if Lake Michigan was amazing! Great place to get away.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karen C.

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

Tree top house

Beautiful views of Lake Michigan. The sound of the waves hitting the shore made for a relaxing stay. And the hummingbirds visiting the feeder every day made our stay feel magical!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eli M.

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

Great Getaway

This cabin was perfect for a quick week long getaway for my family of 5. It almost feels like a window in time to mid-century with it's charm, quirkiness, and simplicity. No internet and spotty cell service were just what we needed. The views are absolutely amazing and having miles of beach to ourselves was the best. The stairs are definitely steep as others have mentioned, but my 4, 6, and 13 year old had no problems with them. It also added to the uniqueness of our stay. The canoe, Kayaks, and paddle board were a real hoot on the lake. Owners are very nice and do everything they can to ensure your stay is a good one. I will never think of Michigan the same way again. Great place!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nate C., Chicago, IL

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

Nice Family Getaway

The weekend was great! Private location out in the woods with easy access to the beautiful Lake Michigan beach. Close drive to both Pentwater and Silver Lake so there's plenty to do both at the beach house and surrounding areas. Janet was wonderful to work with and easy to get in touch with. Thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

About the host

Hosted by Janet Cocciarelli

Host profile image
We really enjoy being at the cottage with our children -- it's so secluded, safe, and they can run through the woods, down to the beach, play in the little tree fort. It's quiet and peaceful to sit on the deck and watch the various hawks, eagles and other birds that soar. Huge freightors, fishing boats, and sailing craft will pass by on a regular basis. The best part is that we can't see any neighbors!

Why they chose this property

We purchased in Pentwater because it is very convenient to a major airport (Grand Rapids), and it boasts the most beautiful white sand beaches in Michigan. There are also two major ferries that you can take from Muskegon and or Ludington to Wisconsin.

What makes this property unique

If you are looking for seclusion, privacy and peace, our cottage is the perfect answer. We start every morning with a run from our cottage, down our two-track through the woods to the main road, left on Ridge Road to the Pentwater channel, past the lighthouse and then back to our cottage along the beach. It's a wonderful 5 mile jog that includes woods, beach, water and dunes. While our children play in the woods, we sip our morning coffee on our deck with an 180 view of Lake Michigan, watching the water craft. You can spend the day playing in the water, enjoying the Hart-Montegue Bike Trail, picking fresh fruit in the nearby orchards, visitng lighthouses, hiking through Ludington State Park or shopping in Pentwater. Our public library is wonderful as well and there are moving theaters just 20 minutes north.

In the evening, you can play games outside around the cottage, enjoy a beach fire on our 185 feet of private frontage, or simply enjoy the stunning sunsets from the deck. From the beach, you can't see our little nest, tucked at the top of the dune in the trees.

Languages:

English, French

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests