Entire home

Lake Retreat with spa & private beach! 😎🏝

Photo gallery for Lake Retreat with spa & private beach! 😎🏝

Exterior
Private dock, perfect for launching one of our kayaks or casting a line!
Private beach with wood fire pit
Front of the house: lakeside
Back yard/main entrance

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 8297.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Baldwin, MI
  • Huron-Manistee National Forest
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Cecilia Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Big Star Lake
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Big Rapids, MI (WBR-Roben-Hood)
    ‪36 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Guest Bedroom Lake View

1 Queen Bed

Guest Room

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Lake Retreat with spa & private beach! 😎🏝

*New Feature: EV Charging! The home is now equipped with a ChargePoint EV charger. Crabb Cottage is the only VRBO property in the area to have EV charging on-site. Inquire for more details prior to booking!

Welcome to Lake County!

Whether you are visiting for outdoor recreation or just to get away from the pace of everyday life, our home is ready to be enjoyed all year round. Ideal for family gatherings, groups of friends, or couples looking for a retreat. With three fully renovated levels including 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and over 3,200 feet of beautifully appointed living space, Crabb cottage will meet all your needs and more!

This property sits on 3 acres and includes a beautifully landscaped yard that leads down to a private sandy beach and dock where you’ll find picturesque Cecilia Lake. Cecilia Lake is a private, no-wake lake, perfect for fishing, swimming, kayaking, or just floating around with a cold beverage! Water toys are included: 2 paddle boats, 4 kayaks (2 sit on top, 2 sit inside), 1 kids kayak, and numerous inflatables. If you’re looking to bring your boat Big Star Lake has public access just down the road!

Crabb Cottage sleeps 8 comfortably with three bedrooms (King bed in Owner’s suite, Queen beds in both 2nd floor guest rooms) and one queen sleeper-sofa in the main floor living room. A Queen Aerobed is available as well. Two pack n' plays are also provided for younger guests. We've worked hard to make your stay as enjoyable and relaxing as possible (this property is the complete opposite of rustic).

In addition to the beautiful lake, convenient location, and spacious home, here are a few other amenities that we believe will make your stay even more enjoyable: Starlink Satellite internet,
3-zone geothermal heat and air conditioning (each floor has it’s own control), Culligan water filtration system, on-site laundry (detergent provided), Amazon Echos on every floor, (just ask Alexa to play music, check the weather, or recommend a local activity), new furnishings and décor, Smart TVs on the main floor and lower level (surround sound, cable and complimentary Netflix), high-end, tool and utensils stocked kitchen with dishwasher, two living rooms, game room with a pool table and foosball, and a large bar complete with 2nd full sized refrigerator, deck space with seating on all three levels, including lower level propane fire pit and 6-person spa, 550+ sq ft. private owner’s suite including full bathroom with walk-in tile shower, and a gorgeous claw foot tub that overlooks the lake. The owner’s suite also includes it’s own coffee maker and large deck that’s beautifully positioned in the tree canopy.

Complimentary toiletries, all linens, and towels are provided (including beach towels), hair dryer in every bathroom, universal phone chargers, sound machines, air purifiers, and fans in each bedroom, hangers in all closets.

Important things to note:

Renters must be 25+.
No pets or animals of any kind are allowed.
No smoking.
All guests must be authorized prior to arrival. Unauthorized guests are not allowed and will result in an immediate departure/end of stay.
We adhere to the good neighbor policy. Please be respectful of the lake, the property, and our neighbors. No parties or large gatherings, please. The property can accommodate up to five vehicles at a time. All vehicles must be parked on the paved driveway and fully off the road and grass.
Security: the cottage is equipped with a Ring Alarm System. The system includes an added layer of fire and carbon monoxide protection as well-- if smoke/fire or carbon monoxide is detected, the system will alert the local fire department. Due to the cottage's remote location, the property has an exterior ONLY Blink camera system.

About the area:
Crabb Cottage is located in beautiful Lake County and is close to numerous activities and memorable locations. Within just a few miles you’ll find hiking trails, golf, ORV/Snowmobile trails, fly fishing, canoe and tube rental, and more. In 45-75 minutes you’ll reach even more activities and beautiful locations including Ludington (Lake Michigan), Traverse City (Wine Country), and Crystal Mountain (downhill skiing). Explore the beautiful area and then come back to unwind at the lake while soaking in the spa or reading a book in front of one of two fireplaces.

Drive time to/from area locations:

Downtown Baldwin: 10 minutes
Caberfae Peaks: 35 minutes
Chicago: 3 hours 50 minutes
Detroit: 3 hours 20 minutes
Grand Rapids: 75 minutes
Lansing: 2 hours 15 minutes
Ludington: 42 minutes
Mackinaw City: 3 hours
Manistee: 50 minutes
Muskegon: 80 minutes
Silver Lake Sand Dunes: 60 minutes
Traverse City: 75 minutes

Property manager

Blake Crabb

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 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
There is no smoking allowed on the property.
No open flames, candles, incense, of any kind allowed on property (inside or out).
No fireworks anywhere on property.
No Parties or large gatherings (more than 8 people). Additional guests/visitors must receive prior approval.

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

Baldwin

Located in Baldwin, this holiday home is on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Huron-Manistee National Forest and Pere Marquette Floodplain Plant Preserve, while Shrine of the Pines and Idlewild Historic and Cultural Center are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Baldwin, MI

What's nearby

  • Huron-Manistee National Forest - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • Cecilia Lake - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Big Star Lake - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Gifford Lake - 17 min walk - 1.4 km
  • Shrine of the Pines - 18 min drive - 9.7 km

Restaurants

  • ‪Mel's On The Lake - ‬11 min walk
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Northern Exposure Cafe - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Jones Homemade Ice Cream - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Pompeii's - ‬21 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Retreat with spa & private beach! 😎🏝 pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Lake Retreat with spa & private beach! 😎🏝?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lake Retreat with spa & private beach! 😎🏝?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lake Retreat with spa & private beach! 😎🏝 located?

Nestled on the beach, this Baldwin holiday home is just steps away from Huron-Manistee National Forest and Cecilia Lake. Big Star Lake and Basford Lake are also within 10 minutes.

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. 44 out of 44 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dana K.

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

Wow! What a place!

Such an amazing location (both indoors and outdoors)! Was perfect for our family vacation. The games provided kept us entertained lakeside and evenings. Blake was very accommodating and gracious. We would definitely stay there again.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Perfect Stay

What a beautiful home! The landscaping was spectacular. We all enjoyed the sandy beach, fire pit, hot tub, yard games, and the kayaks. The visiting loons were an added plus. Communication was excellent. Thank you for a great family vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

jacqueline e.

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

Perfect

Beautiful !
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

R L.

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

Beautiful House

We had a great stay at this beautiful home. Blake thought of every detail to make the stay enjoyable for our family. I would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Meg K.

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

Relaxing Getaway

We were so impressed by the immaculate condition of this property and all its amenities. We enjoyed swimming, kayaking, floating and fishing off the pier. We grilled/cooked nightly and the kitchen had everything we needed. The beds were very comfortable and the bathrooms were so well appointed. We have stayed at numerous rentals over the years and this one is at the top of the list.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert H.

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

Great

Awesome Stay
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca H.

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

Amazing Lake House! Perfect for our young family!

We had a great family vacation on the lake! So much to do in an amazing cottage with all of the amenities.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lisa W.

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

Fabulous Place

It was a lovely property. Blake thought of everything. We could have packed so much less as everything was thought of and considered. The property was comfortable and spacious with lots to do. We enjoyed the lovely lake, all the toys and our soundtrack of choice withAlexa.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Charles H., Fritch, Texas USA

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

Awesome Property and Experience

Crab Cottage is everything you could hope for in a vacation rental at the lake. Awesome property. Made wonderful memories. Can’t wait to do it again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ashley Z.

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

Gorgeous vacation home

House was immaculate with thoughtful touches throughout—bottled waters, mints, makeup remover wipes. Gorgeous location on the lake—truly a fortress of solitude. Host is great and communicates all information related to the house and the area, with extra suggestions if needed. This is truly an amazing vacation home.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Matthew P.

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

Wow!

So impressed with how our host thought of absolutely everything. Extremely well stocked kitchen, our family loves to cook, everything you need for a great family vacation! Impeccably clean and comfortable, a beautiful property.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katherine S.

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

Setting for a great vacation!

Crabb Cottage was the perfect setting for our family vacation. It was clean, perfectly stocked (he's thought of everything!), comfortable, and expansive enough that even with extended family members and multiple kids, you can always find a space of your own for a moment of peace. There was so much to do, we didn't bother planning a day trip elsewhere. We can't wait to book it again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Terri K.

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

Excellent Stay!

Our stay at Crabb Cottage was just as pictured. The amenities were top-notch and we enjoyed all of the activities on the property. Blake did a wonderful job of communicating and making us feel at home with giftcard and gifts of wine and s'mores. When the weather was nice we enjoyed Lake Cecelia (kayaks, paddleboat) and when it rained, we got in the car for some daytime travel to nearby Lake Michigan. All in all, it was a great stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mike G.

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

Summer trip

Our family had a great time staying at Crabb Cottage. The house had everything we needed and more. It was close to ORV trails and the kids had a blast. We enjoyed the games on a rainy day. We have been coming up north now for about 10 years to various lake cottages, this one by far was the BEST.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Javier V., Zeeland Mi.

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

Lots of Entertainment

We enjoyed the pool table and jacuzzi. Plenty of games! Meticulously clean!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mike K.

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

The Great Escape

Given the reviews and the pictures, we had high expectations. And this cottage, with its location on a charming lake (featuring a family of bald eagles and huge largemouth bass), somehow exceeded our expectations!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott L., Holt

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

Wonderful house

What a fantastic house. So many amenities. Blake was so easy to work with and he has thought of everything! Great for my wife and I and our two young boys ages 7 and 9. Would absolutely return.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ellen B.

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

Another 5 Star vacation at Crabb Cottage!

This was our second stay at Crabb Cottage and it was as wonderful as the first one last August! ( see my review from 8-14-21 ). The home is very clean and equipped with all the amenities needed to ensure a great vacation! Plus Blake, the owner, has added many special touches. There is really nothing negative to say. The house is beautiful, the lake is clean & peaceful, and the host is very thoughtful and easy to work with! Thank you, Blake, for sharing your amazing home!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Katie C.

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

Wonderful home

The was a beautiful lake home. Very quiet and private feeling with the surrounding trees. Beautiful landscaping and we loved the private beach with all of the water toys, floats, kayaks etc. Very nice outdoor seating areas also. We enjoyed the hot tub and the view of the lake from the decks out back. Very relaxing. The home was very clean and had all of the amenities that we needed. We were pleasantly surprised with some welcoming gifts from our host including a s’more making kit to enjoy during our stay. We would recommend this home to anyone looking for a relaxing stay at a lake home.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Josh E.

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

Friends getaway

We were very impressed with the thoughtfulness and details that went into this VRBO. From the mini makeup remover wipes to the sleep masks and ear plugs provided, you can tell how much care went into the property. These touches really make you feel at home. While we were here we enjoyed the Marquette Trail golf club with drinks and lunch across the street. many breweries in the area, dune buggies in Silver Lake and day trips to Ludington and Grand Rapids. We spent most evenings in the hot tub, hanging out on the deck and beach area with fire pit. You will not be disappointed.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Deke C.

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

The Crab Cottage experience

It was phenomenal. The house is amazing. The process was smooth and our host Blake was beyond thorough. Every amenity that you can think of was available to us to use. Everything throughout the house had labels and instructions. Which was very helpful especially the fireplace instructions. The cottage was very clean, warm and inviting. I would love to bring the family during the summer months to enjoy the lake and everything else that is offered! Well done Blake!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

sarah b.

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

Perfect vacation house!

Our family had a great stay on Lake Cecilia! The house had everything we could need, with little touches to make it feel extra special. With young kids, we especially appreciated the baby gates, door alarms, and sound machines! Our family loved the being on the lake, and we spent many hours down there swimming, fishing, using the bonfire pit, kayaking, and paddle boating. The air hockey table in the garage was used quite often as well! The house had so much that we didn't need to leave often to go find things to do...it was all right there for us! The owner was easy to communicate with and very friendly. Thanks, Blake, for a great week!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Megan U.

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

Great vacation home!

I have stayed in many rental homes and this is one of the best! The house was very nice and clean. There were 2 kitchen areas -one right by the exit to the lake was perfect to store drinks or have appetizers outside. The home itself has a lot to do, right on a small private beach/ lake- kayaks, paddle boats, water toys. There is also a pool table and darts, and of course the hot tub. We enjoyed making a fire on the beach. The house was also very well stocked with essentials and extras. We cooked most meals at the home. The town is has a few bar type restaurants and a small grocery. We did venture to ludington to visit a farm and apple orchard. Blake was great to work with. This is a perfect getaway!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Dan & Grace K.

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

The King “Crabb Cottage”

I booked the Crabb Cottage for a week as our summer vacation. I brought along my wife and two children ages 4 and 6 and my parents who are in their late 70s and early 80s. I spent considerable time looking for the perfect place to stay and fortunately my research paid off when I found the Crabb Cottage. As the title of my review suggests, I have now added the word “King” to the name mostly because I felt like royalty staying at this cottage. Overall the property is pristine from the home itself to the private beach and landscaping. Blake is absolutely amazing. Not only is he responsive, but as the many other reviews mention he really has thought about everything you could possibly need. I have stayed at several rentals and they are not stacked like this place is. We also had a ton of fun fishing, swimming, playing pool, pickleball and the many other toys and games he had available. The hot tub, fire pit and beautiful seating on the decks are also fantastic. I strongly recommend the King Crabb Cottage for your next vacation. My entire family had a blast and we can’t wait to come back. I would love to come again in the summer but something tells me the fall and winter would be amazing too. Thanks for the memories Blake!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ellen B.

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

Beautiful home on peaceful Cecilia Lake!

Crabb Cottage is a beautiful, clean, modern home with everything you need for a great vacation! The kitchen was equipped with everything we needed to make all our meals and we got a lot of use out of the outdoor grill! The decks provided many different spots for us to eat or just sit and relax and enjoy the beauty and peacefulness of Cecilia Lake. My husband and I really enjoyed having our morning coffee on the Master bedroom balcony! We loved floating around the lake on the inflatables provided and enjoyed using the paddle boat. Even on the rainy days, there was so much to do inside: pool, air hockey, Wii, games & puzzles! Blake was an exceptional host. From the very beginning when we made the reservation through to our final day of stay, he would always answer any questions we had promptly! We would not hesitate to recommend Crabb Cottage for a wonderful lake vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

About the host

Hosted by Blake Crabb

Host profile image
Hello!

Thank you for checking out Crabb Cottage!
Growing up in the Michigan's Upper Peninsula I developed a fondness for living on the water. In 2003, I moved to Grand Rapids for college (Grand Valley State) and ever since then my dream was to own a lake front property. While my work led me to move to Southern California for 2 years, I never lost sight of being back "home" and having my own place on the lake. In the summer of 2020, I found a magical place located just 75 minutes North of Grand Rapids. I knew immediately that Cecilia Lake was special and this was where my dream would come to fruition. Buying a property in the midst of a pandemic was interesting, to say the least! Now though I have the opportunity to share this special place with friends, family, and VRBO guests!

My BA is in Hospitality Management and details are important to me. I love to make sure my guests have a great, relaxing time. The Cottage has special touches throughout. One thing you'll notice is the purple lighting lakeside. This is to honor patients facing pancreatic cancer and as a symbol of HOPE for all cancer survivors. In 2015, my Mom passed away from stage IV pancreatic cancer. She is part of everything I do, including Crabb Cottage. When you visit you'll also notice signs for "Bonnie's Margarita Bar" which is a tribute to my Mom, a woman who loved life, being a Registered Nurse... and a good margarita!

I look forward to your visit!

Why they chose this property

Crabb Cottage is a great escape from the city life! Recently remodeled from top to bottom, the Cottage is your luxuriously appointed landing pad for rest and relaxation (and adventure if you so choose!). While you're away from the city you won't miss the comforts of home. With over 3200 sq ft of living space you'll have plenty of room to spread out. The home features all new furniture, beds and bedding, and amenities you won't find elsewhere in the area. Two levels of wrap around decks face picturesque Cecilia Lake.

Picture yourself with a glass of wine relaxing next to the propane fire pit, overlooking the lake. Then, wind down with a dip in the six-person spa (also located lakeside). The cottage is centered on a 1-acre lot with a private, sandy beach with a wood fire pit. Perfect for launching one of the cottage's kayaks, taking a swim, or making s'mores at night.

Back inside you'll find three very well appointed bedrooms. Not ready to turn in for the night? Take a relaxing bath in the master suite's claw foot soaking tub. Or head downstairs to the bar and game room where you can enjoy a night cap or play some pool. Now you're ready for another day at the lake!

Whether you're coming from Detroit, Chicago, Grand Rapids, or any other major metro area, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city life with just a short drive (1.25 hours from Grand Rapids and less than 4 from Detroit or Chicago). The Cottage is in the heart of Lake County which is known for its wide array of outdoors activities including fly fishing, boating, river tubing (Baldwin Canoe Rental), hiking, ATV and snowmobile trails.

Within just a mile of the cottage you will find trails, great fishing, and a golf course. Downtown Baldwin is only 8 minutes away. Head "into town" to stock up on groceries, take care of that sweet tooth (check out Jones' famous ice cream!), or if you don't feel like cooking (Baldwin has several great local restaurants).

What makes this property unique

*Close proximity to numerous outdoor activities
*Spa
*Private beach
*Remodeled with high-end materials and finishes (there is nothing rustic here!)

Languages:

English