Entire home

SKI CRYSTAL! Floating Aqua-PLay-Mat! PONTOON BOAT! Kayaks! NEW WIFI! Gameroom!

Photo gallery for SKI CRYSTAL! Floating Aqua-PLay-Mat! PONTOON BOAT! Kayaks! NEW WIFI! Gameroom!

The Farm House Cottage
Summer of Fun! *(Towable water Trampoline has been replaced by an Aqua-Play-Mat)
The Great Room
Full Kitchen
Dining room opens to back deck for additional seating.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12204.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Arcadia, MI
  • Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Inspiration Point
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)
    ‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Futon and 1 Single Bunk Bed

Great Room

2 Double Futons

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

SKI CRYSTAL! Floating Aqua-PLay-Mat! PONTOON BOAT! Kayaks! NEW WIFI! Gameroom!

- We now have WiFi!

- Near Crystal Mountain!!

- And as always, we never charge Host, Cleaning, Pet (up to two dogs), or Extra Guest fees!

This new in 2006, 4 bedroom, 2 bath re-creation of an authentic farm house is located on all sports (not all crowded) Upper Herring Lake with, 140' of private water frontage*. The Farm House Cottage sits on 2.5 acres on a quiet, peaceful country road surrounded by a perfect blend of rolling hills, woodlands, orchards and vineyards.
 
Privacy and elbow room awaits you in this beautifully decorated 2200 sq. ft. yet cozy getaway. Just minutes from Lake Michigan beaches, Frankfort and near many of Northern Michigan's premier vacation spots such as The Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City.
 
Custom ceramic tile, 5' plank flooring, custom woodwork, antique claw foot tub, Pottery Barn style decor and a mix of antique and custom furniture, will help make this a vacation to remember. This Home is also designed  with family fun in mind, with separate areas for grown-ups and little ones alike.
 
Also, just 1-2 minutes walk** down the boardwalk through the protected natural area, await enough waterfront amenities to fill a barn! There is a row boat, 2 kayaks, 1 Floating Foam Aqua-Play-Mat, life jackets in various shapes & sizes, full dock w/moorings for extra boats, fire pit w/chairs, rope hammock, chaise lounge, and as an extra bonus we include the use a ***pontoon boat free of charge ( a $1,000 value, see Amenities for details). Oh, and did we mention 10 gallons of free premixed fuel!

When these amenities are available: Pontoon boat w/10 gal free fuel (Memorial week til early October), Floating Aqua-Play-Mat (Memorial Week thru Labor Day Week), kayaks (May 1st til Nov 1st), and row boat(April 1st til Nov 15th), dock (Mid-May til Nov 1st).

*Typical Northern Michigan soft mica bottom, NOT SANDY. The lakefront feels mucky near the shoreline.

**2-3 minutes for healthy adults and children, for those with health issues it could take a little longer. Home also sits on a slight grade so the walk back could be a concern for those with health issues.

***As a FREE bonus to our guests in our summer months, we offer you the use of one of a pontoon boats. They are nothing special. They are clean and well maintained. They range in size from 18-24ft. They range in age from 20-30 years old w/2stroke motors ranging from 25 - 35 hp. While these boats may not fulfill the boating dreams of some people, they are perfect for a sunset cruise or a family fishing outing. We even supply you with 10 gallons of pre-mixed gasoline!. To get the most enjoyment from these boats it is recommended that person with a knowledge of boating and two stroke motors be involved operating them. If not we do have full instructions, and technical assistance available if necessary. See photo of typical pontoon boat.

---- Also we provide a starter supply of paper/soap products which should be enough for a typical 2 night stay for smaller groups of 2 - 4 people. For a complete list of "what is provided" and "things to bring", check out "Using the property”, on your “My Trip” page.

- For our winter guests we recommend bringing an all-wheel-drive vehicle or at the very least a front wheel drive with good snow tires.

Keywords: Lakefront, Home, Traverse City, Waterfront, Frankfort, Pontoon Boat

Property manager

Lizzie B
Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Check out list: -Start a load of laundry -Wash dishes & put away -Put back furniture that was moved -Trash out to receptacle -Clean all dog hair & poo
Smoking damages the the home. If smoking has occurred inside the home, there will be a $200-$500 Cleaning Repair Fee depending on the level of damage.
Quiet time: 10PM - 8AM. No parking on rd. By booking guest agrees to VRBO and host's (sent by VRBO after booking is complete) Terms and Conditions

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
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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 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

Arcadia

Located in Arcadia, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts and Frankfort Light are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Crystal Mountain and Chestnut Hills Golf Course. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Arcadia, MI

What's nearby

  • Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve - 8 min drive - 6.0 km
  • Inspiration Point - 8 min drive - 6.9 km
  • Frankfort Beach - 16 min drive - 13.6 km
  • Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course - 17 min drive - 14.6 km
  • Point Betsie Lighthouse - 23 min drive - 20.4 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪A&W Restaurant - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Lighthouse Cafe - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Hill Top Soda Shoppe - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Cabbage Shed - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is SKI CRYSTAL! Floating Aqua-PLay-Mat! PONTOON BOAT! Kayaks! NEW WIFI! Gameroom! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at SKI CRYSTAL! Floating Aqua-PLay-Mat! PONTOON BOAT! Kayaks! NEW WIFI! Gameroom!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at SKI CRYSTAL! Floating Aqua-PLay-Mat! PONTOON BOAT! Kayaks! NEW WIFI! Gameroom!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is SKI CRYSTAL! Floating Aqua-PLay-Mat! PONTOON BOAT! Kayaks! NEW WIFI! Gameroom! located?

This family-friendly Arcadia holiday home is located on the waterfront, 2.2 mi (3.6 km) from Lake Michigan, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve and Inspiration Point. Elberta Beach and Frankfort Beach are also within 9 miles (15 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. 31 out of 34 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 34 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 34 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 34 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

8.0/10

Amenities

8.0/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kyle C.

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

7th annual family ski trip

This place was even better than the pics! It worked out perfect for our trip and our family of 12 had more than enough room! I would definitely recommend thia place to anyone looking to stay in the area! We had to make a cpl last minute changes on our trip and the host was very accommodating. Thank you very much! We has a great time staying at the FHC!!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lisa B.

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

Ski trip

Would love to see this house in the summer. Great space for multiple families. Wish there was more comfortable seating in the living area but it worked. About 20 min from Crystal. Love that is is dog friendly. Would definitely book again.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Gina H.

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

Ski trip

The house was clean and had everything we needed while we skied at Crystal for a couple of days.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Adam H.

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

Highly recommend

Exactly as advertised. Make sure to read the “items you need to bring” list. Will stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Colleen G.

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

Quiet and peaceful

The property was exactly as described. My husband, dog and I had a very nice stay. There are many orchards and trails near by. The Arcadia bluffs were beautiful. The pontoon was so fun and a nice experience. The property is beautiful and relaxing. I only wish there had been some restaurants near by.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim O.

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

Fall

This home is beautiful! It had plenty of room for our group 9(+2 dogs). I loved how clean the home was. The owners had 3 binders with information about the area, the property and the boat. Yes, there was a pontoon available. Unfortunately the weather was rather crappy so we didn't get a chance to try it out. I would 100% recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

sue F.

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

Weekend

Four adults. We each had our bedroom. Very quiet and secluded. No shower soap or dish soap. No Wifi and the TV is dish. Couldn't get any football games.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wendy S.

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

Love, love, LOVE

Everything here was perfect. We stayed with a group of 11 from ages 1 to 82. The property was so private and well maintained. We loved being visited by the hummingbirds and deer. The yard worked great for the little ones with a slight hill to run down, sandbox and swingset, and lots of room to run. We brought a blow up pool for them to play in while we were not down at the lake. The boardwalk to the lake is so beautiful and the wheelbarrow made it easy to haul all of our fishing gear down to the pontoon. (Two of the families in our party have boats, and the having use of the pontoon was so nice so we did NOT have to tow and put in and out of the water). The lake is great lake to teach kids to fish. We did not have one time where we ventured out and did not catch fish. We caught perch, LOTS The inside of the house was so clean. The beds were comfy with lots of extra pillows and blankets if you were chilly. The kitchen had everything we needed and then some! Lots of room in the main area and we never felt like we were on top of each other. The area is beautiful. If you turn right out of the driveway, you will come to Scenic Highway. Turn left for a short drive to the lovely town of Frankfort (shops, restaurants and a Family Fare). Turn right to head to Arcadia. Both less than 15 minute drives. We hiked the Baldy Dune area as well as Green Pointe Dune Nature Preserve. Thank you for a wonderful family getaway!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Staci B.

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

Ski Getaway

Great property! Plentiful amenities, and close to Crystal Mountain. We also loved the boardwalk down to the lake!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sandra A.

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

Great ski weekend

Our group had 4 adults and 6 children and we had plenty of room. Kitchen is big, beds are comfortable and there was lots of space to stretch out. Game room/bedroom was perfect for my 3 teen boys. Upstairs shower isn’t the best, and I wish they had more comfortable couches and a mop available to clean up melted snow that was tracked in. Other than that, place was great.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great space for the kids to play games while the adults enjoyed their own time and space. Such a cool floor plan.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brenda M.

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

Perfection!!!

The property was beautiful! 14 family members stayed here very comfortably! Great fishing with the pontoon! Something for everyone!!! Plan to return next summer 😊
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kevin V., Zeeland

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

Great place, great owner!

What a wonderful place to vacation at! Our family enjoyed our stay and plan to return again! A 5 star home with 5 star owners.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022

10/10 Excellent

Abby R.

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

Great ski weekend

Staying in Arcadia was close to Crystal Mountain and nature preserve skiing. The wind didn’t cooperate for kite skiing on the lake. However it was a lovely weekend and the property provided everything we needed.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ben L.

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

Perfect get away spot

We stayed at this property for a combined Thanksgiving/50th anniversary party for my parents and it couldn't have worked out more perfectly. Plenty of space for everyone and the large kitchen worked great for cooking the big dinner. Some of the kids were a little apprehensive about not having wifi but with the all the games in the kids room, I don't think it was missed at all. It was November so not beach weather but we still enjoyed adventuring down to check out the lake during an early season snow storm. Even with the cold weather, the house stayed very warm and cozy. Would love to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jane G.

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

Lake house

Property was exactly as pictured if not better. Perfect for our family group of 6 adults and 2 children. We used pontoon boat and fished on the lake, hiked at Arcadia dunes, and visited St Ambrose cellars distillery.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

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

Great trip!

Wonderful home & location was great. Loved having the use of the pontoon boat!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Arletha G.

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

Family Time

My husband and I rented The Farm House in Arcadia for a family vacation. Our son and daughter-in-law, our 17year old grandson and 5 year old grand daughter and our daughter. Everyone had their own space. There are beautiful beaches, cute little towns to explore, and family friendly venues for dining outside. We fished, swam, explored, hiked and had a great time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Karla L.

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

Awesomeness

Everything was absolutely perfect. Clean, organized, well stocked. Just like the pictures. The boat was such an added bonus. Our weather was iffy but we made the most of it. Just perfect. Many beautiful memories made.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kim H.

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

Perfect week at the farmhouse!

We had a great week at the farmhouse! Location was great and the property was quiet and peaceful. The lake was beautiful and the pontoon and kayaks were so fun. We found the house had everything we needed. Lots of space and the kitchen was well stocked.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Chris V., Wixom

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

May visit

The house was very clean and comfortable, with lots of amenities. The location was also peaceful. This allowed for an enjoyable stay. Nice boardwalk to the water, play structure/sandbox for younger children, charcoal grill, kayaks, pontoon, fire pit. Also not far from downtown Frankfort. Would recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Very smooth process

We had need of a large house for 8 adults and 3 children for two nights to attend my father’s Celebration of Life service and this house was perfect. Five minutes from the church and two minutes from the cemetery. The young adults were wishing there was WiFi, but overall it was a fantastic experience.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

8/10 Good

David D.

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

nice

could use new sheets and futon covers but very nice place
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Andrea B.

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

Ski weekend!

We just returned from an awesome girls ski weekend getaway. The house was perfect for our group of 8. Only 15 mins to Crystal Mountain. It was clean, and well maintained. The property owner provided lots of great info in the binders that were on the table. Perfect location and property for a winter weekend getaway!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

10/10 Excellent

Christine M.

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

Amazing home and property

Such a warm and inviting home with a spectacular view through the trees to the lake. It is located in a country/farm setting that is just beautiful. It was a winter wonderland and we all had an amazing weekend! We plan to be back in the summer!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2021

About the host

Hosted by Lizzie B

Host profile image
We are a small, family run business. Be sure to let us know if you have any issues during your stay so we can make things right. :)

Why they chose this property

My dad built this home in 2005 because we fell in love with the quiet, country road and Upper Herring Lake.

What makes this property unique

Home was built to resemble an old farm house from 1920. All the antiques in the home are from that period. Also, this is a dedicated vacation rental which means we don't have drawers, closets and cupboards full of our personal items.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests