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Falconhurst: Cottage on lake near town and dunes!

Photo gallery for Falconhurst: Cottage on lake near town and dunes!

Sunrise over Hamlin Lake and the Falconhurst beach
Sunrise
Firepit/Beach lake from Falconhurst Deck
Have you ever run down a steep hill of pure sand? this one is across the road.
Desk looking south

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 9167.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Ludington, MI
  • Ludington State Park
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Ludington Waterfront Park
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry
    ‪12 min drive‬
  • Ludington, MI (LDM)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Bunk Beds

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds and 1 Double Murphy Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Falconhurst: Cottage on lake near town and dunes!

"Exceptional" quiet/rustic cottage on Hamlin Lake near Ludington! Perfect for kids-of-all-ages who like the outdoors.

'Falconhurst' was the name the Swiss Family Robinson gave to their home in the trees . . . an overlook that served as a home base for adventures. Our cottage is on a bluff amongst the shade on the west shore of Hamlin Lake. Below the bluff is one of the few true beaches on the lake, where the shallow water, unencumbered by a breakwater, gently gets deeper over a long distance at a gradual pace. If you like to frolic and play in the water (or learn to swim), this is the place! 4 kayaks and 2 SUP's are on the semi-private beach for further adventures, Behind the cottage, just west, is one of the highest sand dunes in the region of the Nordhouse Dunes and Ludington State Park. Kids of all ages LOVE the run down - and differ on the climb up! ;-)

Most of the western shore of Hamlin Lake is part of the state park. Indeed, it is across the street and one can hike to the lake's dam in about 30-40 minutes. . . .it is a quiet area yet remarkably close to Ludington for a rainy-day movie or a sundae at the House of Flavors.

There are three Bedrooms, The front room overlooking the lake has a queen. BR #2 has two singles, and BR #3 has bunks. An extra 'roll-a-way' and a couple of cots are in the closet. The Living Room leather sofa is a full-size-bed foldout. . A large deck on the front provides a shaded/relaxing place to overlook the lake. The screened porch is another place to relax and there is a porch swing where, as kids, we spent many hours.

Amenities include Internet TV with your streaming service, a coffee pot, dishwasher, and microwave . . .as well as a stove and oven of course. The living room area has a couch, a fireplace, and dining table for 6-8. Still, the major advantage is the relative solitude near the lake, the semi-private beach, and state park. Laundry room with washer and dryer is in the basement. Yes! there is a pier on the beach for those with a boat. (LEFT side looking out east)

Falconhurst is a rustic cottage on a hill overlooking the lake. If you have trouble with stairs, Falconhurst, is probably not a good choice. Falconhurst is a terrific choice for families with school or pre-school age children. It is a cottage on a lake NEXT to the sand dunes with great hikes not far from the door so Falconhurst is favored by active outdoorsy families or couples or those who just want some quiet and want to wake up to the sound of waves on the beach. Please carefully review the sleeping options/arrangements to make sure it is a good fit for your party.

Also, Falconhurst is on a bluff not far from the cooling influence of Lake Michigan. We seldom wish we had air conditioning. Like most cottages on our side of the lake, there is no electric A/C. Fans are provided and, again, seldom needed. This is an old-school cabin with many updates.

Property manager

Eric H
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Beach view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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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
Smoking is not allowed on the property
Renter must insure trash is removed. Optionally, Renters can put the trash can near the road onThursday night and it will be picked up.
Tenants are responsible for monitoring campfires in person. Any fines or fees from authorities for improper fire are tenant responsibility.
no fireworks - township noise ordinance observed. Fines are the responsibility of the tenant.

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 indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
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

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Ludington

Located in Ludington, this holiday home is on the beach. North Breakwater Light and Big Sable Point Lighthouse are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Ludington State Park. Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Ludington Waterfront Park are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and cycling nearby.
Map
Ludington, MI

What's nearby

  • Ludington State Park - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Stearns Park Beach - 9 min drive - 6.8 km
  • Hamlin Lake - 10 min drive - 7.4 km
  • Ludington Waterfront Park - 11 min drive - 8.2 km
  • S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry - 12 min drive - 9.3 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪House Of Flavors - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Stix Bar - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Falconhurst: Cottage on lake near town and dunes! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Falconhurst: Cottage on lake near town and dunes!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Falconhurst: Cottage on lake near town and dunes!?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Falconhurst: Cottage on lake near town and dunes! located?

Nestled on the beach, this Ludington holiday home is steps from Ludington State Park and 2.6 mi (4.3 km) from Lake Michigan. S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry and Stearns Park Beach are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.4

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. 30 out of 40 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 8 out of 40 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 40 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 40 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 40 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Maribel V.

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

Perfect getaway for our family

Everything we needed, great location, well supplied, ,peaceful. Perfect for bonding time with our sons..good communication w/ host stocked to meet our needs. The Hoste
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael L.

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

Great Hamlin experience

Our family had a great time on Hamlin. Super cottage, great beach, great location. Wonderful.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly E.

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

Great Stay :)

We had a great vacation! This cottage has everything you'd need. I loved the water being right in the back. We had access to 2 stand up paddle boards & 2 kayaks. We enjoyed ourselves & definitely would go back back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Maria A., Nashville

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

A perfect relaxing family getaway

As a family that has vacationed to Ludington together for 30+ years now, our time spent on Hamlin Lake at Falconhurst was one of our most memorable experiences yet. We enjoyed our 2020 visit and look forward to returning again! Thanks so much for a relaxing and comfortable stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Emily G., South Bend, IN

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

Ideal

Great stay with family - the location, amenities, and supplies were exactly as advertised. A real gem of a tree house. Would definitely rent again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

John R.

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

Perfect location

A very long overdue family vacation with just the our family. This location was absolutely perfect in every way. Secluded, on a no outlet road, across from the state park with gorgeous sand dunes, it’s own private beach yet less than five minutes from some of the best and yet least used beaches I’ve been to in MI. Could not recommend this location and host more.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

David B., Vicksburg, MI

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice Hamlin Lake getaway

Our family thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this unique property located above Hamlin Lake and just a few miles from our favorite Lake Michigan beaches. The house has several sleeping options, an awesome deck overlooking Hamlin and a nice private beach with fire pit. We enjoyed using the kayaks and paddle boards provided and the grandkids took several hikes across the road to the dunes. If you’ve a stargazer check these out at night! Thanks for providing such a nice location for our annual Ludington vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Angie L.

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

Great getaway

We enjoyed our stay at Falconhurst very much. The house was very charming and had a lovely "up north" feel. It was close to town but the property itself was secluded. I was hesitant to book this site initially because of the comments regarding the bathroom and shower, but I'm so glad we decided to stay there. Yes, the shower is small, but it is comparable to a shower in a camper. We found it very doable and it did not affect our stay whatsoever. We had a great time and I would highly recommend staying at Falconhurst.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Liz G.

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

Rustic and Wonderful!

This cottage is rustic, yet it has everything that you need to be comfortable. The beach is perfect for the kids to play in the sand. The water is shallow and clean. It is in a quiet and private setting. Took some day trips to Ludington State Park which is beautiful. The kids went on adventures on the dunes across the street. We had a wonderful week, and we hope to return next year. Thank you for sharing your cottage with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amanda H.

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

Such a great week!

We have traveled to many VRBOs around Northern Michigan and this was definitely a favorite! We loved the location with the proximity to the State Park as well as the town of Ludington. My three young boys especially loved our “private” dunes across the street as they made us make the climb almost every day. We always love staying in older cottages and this one did not disappoint. It was spacious and yet cozy for our family of five. It had everything we needed for our stay and the laundry was a nice bonus too. We will definitely be back! Thank you Eric and family for sharing your home with us.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Rhonda K.

Great summer vacation

My sister and I stayed the week with our families. There was plenty of room for the 8 of us. The cottage was very spacious. It was well stocked with kitchen supplies as well as bedding and towels. It was very clean. The free firewood was a nice perk. We enjoyed the kayaks and paddle boards. The lake was great for fishing and tubing. It was very close to Lake Michigan and downtown ludington. We enjoyed are stay so much we have already book a week for next summer!

10/10 Excellent

Susan L.

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

Family escape

Escaped city life for a week on Hamlin Lake. The property is as described, a cabin, with some nice amenities. As noted, the lack of AC is not an issue, lovely breeze from the lake and shade from the trees. Loved the kayak and SUPs, (brought our own life vests). Easy proximity to Lake Michigan beaches and downtown Ludington for daily excursions is a huge plus. Explored the trails and dunes across the street, wish we made more time for that. Only note for future guests is that the driveway is not paved so we had quite a bit of sand in our vehicle by the end of the week to vacuum out when we got home. Overall a great week Up North.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nikki R.

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

Perfect Vacation Stop

Cabin is much larger than pictures portray. Very clean. There are lots of stairs but we had no problems and didn’t see it as an inconvenience. We were nervous about the bathroom due to reading past reviews but we felt as though it was perfectly fine. Shower was plenty big and we enjoyed that the shower was separate from the actual restroom especially with 7 people. We loved the private beach and deck. It made for the perfect “slow down” vacation. We also enjoyed that it was not a far drive from town. We enjoyed local coffee shops and playgrounds. The Sandcastle Children’s museum was a huge hit with our toddlers. Everything we wanted to do we were there in 10/15 minutes. Owner answered all of our questions and made it simple to book. 10/10 recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nancy M.

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

Relaxing in the trees

The cottage was a delight. Trees out every window, lake with a sand beach down the stairs off the deck, forest and dunes just across the street. It's the sort of place where stress melts away as soon as you arrive. My friends and I had a lovely time playing in the lake, climbing the dunes, sleeping late in the comfy beds, hanging out on the deck listening to birds and the lake, then wandering into town for provisions and meals out. The cottage was perfectly comfortable, filled with everything we needed, and located in a spot that felt like it was away from the world while being super close to every outdoor or city amenity we wanted. Our host was quick to answer any questions, and the cottage was well stock with a full kitchen and all sort of niceties like throw blankets for cool evenings, USB ports on the night stands, and lots of information about things to do and see in the area. We had a delightful time and hope to go back soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A Wonderful Spot to Create Family Memories

My husband and I and our school-age daughters spent a week at Falconhurst and loved it! We had not been to Ludington / Hamlin Lake before but hope to return. The cottage was appointed with everything a family were to need. It was cute and comfortable with lots of room. The surroundings are beautiful--between the quiet, sandy beach, and the towering pines and lovely woods, the location can't be beat. The dunes across the street were incredible--we climbed them many times and watched the beautiful sunsets over Lake Michigan.......that was a highlight of our stay. The homeowners were very conscientious and helpful. Our only suggestion might be to offer a DVD player for rainy evenings. Thank you for helping our family create lasting and happy memories! It was a pleasure to stay at your unique cottage!

10/10 Excellent

Rachel N.

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

Best Michigan Summer Rental!

My husband and I and our two boys (3 and 6) stayed here for over a week over 4th of July and had various family members and friends stay with us as well during our trip. The location of the house is amazing and photos don't do the property justice. It is the perfect, most idyllic lake cottage. The beach is enormous and paddle boards and kayaks are provided. With two energetic boys, this was a dream come true. The lake is very shallow so I had no hesitation letting the boys swim on their own. They played for hours in the water and on the beach while we could relax watching them. There is a fire pit which we roasted marshmallows at many nights. You are next to the Ludington State Park and have access to the dunes across the street. The location could not be better. The bathroom has been updated and it works wonderfully, I appreciated the fact that the bathroom and shower were separated as well. Eric was the most accommodating and responsive host I have ever encountered. He was there to answer any questions we had. If you are looking to rent a quintessential Michigan lake cottage, this is your place. It truly was one of the best vacations we've ever had and we made wonderful memories there. Highly recommend for families especially those with younger children.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Mikki P., Royal oak, MI

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

Location!

Property is in the perfect location. On a beautiful lake with private beach. Sand dune climb across the street was amazing, hiking trails down the street. Smaller inland lake 2 minutes away and Lake Michigan access within 3 minutes, not to mention very close to downtown Ludington. Appreciated all the water toys- kayaks and paddleboards and lifejackets provided. The wrap around deck was amazing to sit out on and view the lake and listen to the waves. (Just wish the overgrown weeds could be trimmed as they obscured the view of the lake, did not look like picture in listing). As mentioned in the listing, the house is definitely "rustic", would have given 5 stars if not for the bathroom accommodations. We can deal with small bathrooms, but bathroom practically not functional. Walls are particle board in which smelled like mold. Shower was so tiny could barely turn around and toilet was so close to wall, would likely think about renting again if not for the bathroom. Overall though had a great time!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Henry H., JACKSON

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

Nice place for famlies

Falconhurst is a nice old cottage. If you grew up with a cottage you will appreciate the simplicity of being there. Beds were comfortable and the cottage was clean when we arrived. There is a newer laundry room which was very convenient. Hamlin lake is beautiful and is great for fishing or relaxing. The beach area is great for kids and by 1:00 it is mostly shaded so your not baking in the summer sun. The one thing to know is the bath and shower ares are quite small. My daughter was staying with us and she is 7 months pregnant. The bathroom was just not useable for her and difficult to use if your tall. We ended up having to rent a hotel room which was a large additional cost which was not planned. If planning a stay i would request pics of those areas maybe even with a person in the room so you can make an educated assessment of whether it will work for you. I'm sure for most its fine but for my taller family is was an issue. Overall though the cottage is a great place to stay and having the beach, if you have children, is a big bonus.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Holly t., Royal Oak, MI

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

Charming lake house in awesome location for outdoor activities

We had an amazing week at Falconhurst. It had all the rustic charm of a little old cabin in the woods with all the fun of being right on Hamlin Lake & the Ludington dunes (trail to the top right across the street). We climbed the dunes several evenings after dinner to enjoy the sunset over Lake Michigan. We really appreciated the provided kayaks. They made for some great exploring of the lake and the canoe trails. The big family room table provided plenty of space to eat together and to play games at night. We totally loved the rustic style and we’re happy to read the history of the cottage and imagine the memories that have been made there over the last 99 years. The lack of a/c was not a big deal as the temps went down nicely at night and there are many fans provided. The bathroom being divided into a separate shower room and a toilet room was very helpful. We had 7 adults/older teens and didn’t have a problem. Yes, there are a lot of steps getting in to the cottage as well as to the lake, but that was very clearly written in the description and we were ready for the extra workout to work off all of our vacation meals and desserts. If you’re looking for a modern & pristine condo-like space, this place is probably not for you. If you are looking for a historic, charmingly rustic lake cottage in the woods, you will be at home at Falconhurst.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Lisa S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Beautiful location

We had a nice stay. Great location
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Betsy M.

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

Perfect Location

Falconcrest offered everything for our active family. Kayaks, swimming and fishing out the front door. Dunes, hiking and biking out the back door. Close enough to town to enjoy restaurants, pickleball courts, and ice cream! But plenty peaceful at the cottage. What a great week!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carol T.

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

Family summer getaway

From check in to check out everything was perfect. We loved the beach area and spent sun up to sun down in the water. The little ones had a perfect beach and nice shallow water to play. We made it to the top of the dune across the street for a sunset and we weren’t disappointed. Eric wax a great host and responded very quickly to any questions I had.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

4/10 Poor

Dennis B.

Liked: Check-in, communication
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy

Horrible bathroom, shower, and spiders everywhere.

The house is covered in spiders and spider webs all over the outside including the deck and chairs and some spiders and webs on the inside of the house too. The bathroom and shower are tiny and need remodeled badly. Don’t rent if you don’t like spiders (and ants) or stairs that lead up to the house (which there are no pictures of) and down to the beach. Not bad for younger folks but still must carry luggage and groceries up stairs. Also, the beds are not very comfortable. Either super soft or very hard mattresses. The house really only sleeps six.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joe S.

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

Perfect beach

We picked this cottage for the beach area and were not disappointed. Soft sand stays shallow and goes out way past the dock. Room enough for the seven of us to play and relax and still park a fishing boat and waverunner. Had fun on the kayaks and paddle boards as well. Looking forward to next year.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2020

8/10 Good

Loreth D.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy

a great time on the lake

great location / very comfortable

About the host

Hosted by Eric H

Host profile image
This cottage was built by our great-grandparents after they arrived from Sweden. It has been the center of great family outings and get-togethers. Many updates throughout the year but it still maintains the beautiful view and access to a beach that is great for kids-of-all-ages

Why they chose this property

Located on "Piney Ridge Road", Falconhurst overlooks SW lower Hamlin Lake . . .it is not far from town but yet a world away. With a giant sand hill across the street (100 feet away and 100 feet high?), it is just a special place for summer adventures.

What makes this property unique

There are exceptionally few places on Hamlin Lake that have a true sandy beach where you can wade in and gently get into deeper water. Even fewer across the street from the sand dunes..

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests