Entire home
Price Drop! Toasty, Bright Lake Home: Country Living, Modern Comforts!
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Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6111.5 sq m
Popular amenities
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
1 Queen Bed
Bedroom 2
2 Double Bunk Beds
Convertible bed(s)
1 Queen Futon
1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer
Bathroom 2
Towels provided · Toilet
Spaces
Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area
About this property
Price Drop! Toasty, Bright Lake Home: Country Living, Modern Comforts!
You'll love gazing at the snow-covered lake and the woods beyond through walls of windows. Ready for you with a complimentary bottle of up north wine and our lowest priced stay. Roast s'mores at the fire pit under a sky full of stars. Or stay in with a hot cocoa or an espresso made at our fully stocked, year-round home?
Luxuriate in:
-Down comforters and flannel sheets
-Freshly laundered robes and cozy lounging-around socks
-Fully outfitted kitchen with gadgets ranging from an Instant Pot, espresso machine, and Keurig to a primo Kitchen Aid mixer and electric pancake griddle.
-Staples, linens, CDs, books, DVDs and toys, WIFI, 50" smart TV, TVs in each room with streaming services and DVD players.
-Two decks and floor to ceiling windows.
You'll be perched on a 100-mile chain of lakes with 110 feet of private lakefront. Year-round enjoy:
Central location for golf and ski resorts, quintessential up north towns, wineries, shops, and the renowned Short's Brewery.
Downhill or cross-country skiing nearby at Schuss and Boyne Mountain, tubing (down hill at Schuss or even on the lovely Jordan River with a guide bringing hot chocolate!).
Ice skate on our lake or at nearby rinks. Ten minutes away at Barnes Park on Grand Traverse Bay, climb frozen waves and cross-country ski on groomed trails.
At your fingertips, you are:
-Ten minutes to Grand Traverse Bay and Torch Lake's peaceful winter beaches.
-An easy walk to town for a meal, drink, or shopping.
Visit Michigan's largest water park, or nearby Bellaire (with the renowned Short's Brewery), Wander through Petoskey, Charlevoix, and East Jordan or explore shops and restaurants in Traverse City, Alden and Elk Rapids.
Tucked into a glacial valley and nestled in the hills of northwest Michigan, it's a peaceful place to enjoy every season. Nothing to do but relax.
Bring your pooch if you like (just $15/night per dog for up to two). You'll be located on a country road less than a mile from the village of Central Lake.
Our neighbors are a mixture of vacationers and year-round residents and have been rarely heard or seen. You're down a curving driveway from the village road so the "traffic" you notice will be occasional passing cars plus the occasional passing fishing boats (ice fishing in winter!) or, weather permitting, passing pontoons.
Three seasons of the year, enjoy your 100-mile chain of lakes with child & adult kayaks, a canoe and SUPs, or rent a pontoon or motor boat nearby. Paddle past kingfishers and great blue heron, turtles nestling in the tall grasses, and weeping willows along the shore.
(And before you forget, like & follow Hanley Lake Hideaway on facebook for pop-up specials!)
In spring, go morel hunting. Meander along country roads and breathe in the greening of the hills, valleys, woods and lake shores. Go for a bike ride or take out one of our kayaks, canoe or SUPs. Go antique shopping or enjoy the village and nearby towns and cities.
In summer, swim, boat, visit farmer's markets and Grand Traverse Bay's beaches. Or just nap on one of your private decks or by the water.
In the fall, meander rolling hills flush with autumn colors. Visit apple orchards. You'll be close to wineries, galleries, antiques, golf and the renowned Short's Brewery.
(We have a 40+-page welcome letter with details about the area.)
Located on a 100-mile chain of beautiful lakes, we're halfway between the Equator and the North Pole on the 45th Parallel.
Year-round, enjoy the lake and the rolling hills of Antrim County beyond from inside your cozy cottage.
So about the cottage...
In the master bedroom, enjoy a queen bed with an antique headboard, new mattress (flannel sheets and down comforter in winter) while looking out at the lake through sliding glass doors. In the second bedroom: two solid wood twin over full bunk beds (flannel and down there too). Both rooms have flat-screen TVs and CD players for our collection of many dozens of movies. Enjoy our completely updated bathroom.
Here's a quick tour. Fully remodeled in 2007 with yearly updates since, the light-filled single-level open-plan design includes a:
• Master Bedroom: Queen bed looking out sliding glass doors to a private deck and the lake beyond; ceiling fan and window a.c. unit; Flat screen TV and DVD player. Linens included, of course.
• Second Bedroom: Two sets of bunk beds each with a double and single bed; window AC unit; DVD player & kids' movies, flat screen TV and cable, toys and children's books.
• Living Room: Three sets of sliding glass doors stretching across the lakefront wall. They lead to a deck w/a gas grill, picnic table, and a glorious view of the lake a few dozen steps away; two couches and comfy chair; ceiling fan and air conditioning unit; 50' flat screen, high-def TV, DVD player, stereo, a large collection of movies, music, books, toys and games.
• Dining Room: Sliding glass doors; queen couch/futon; dining table(s); ceiling fan and a library.
• Kitchen: Open to the living and dining rooms with a lake view and a breakfast bar with seating. Fully equipped and well stocked.
• One and a half bathrooms: ceramic tile floor; shower/tub & double sinks in primary bath, completely remodeled in December 2013, and a second small bathroom. We supply towels and supplies.
Come on up to what our son lovingly named 'Our Hanley Lake Hideaway' and a repeat guest calls 'Our Little Slice of Heaven!'
Keywords: Family-friendly; pet-friendly; dogs welcome; private lakefront all-season cottage; year-round vacation home; sunny guest home, country house with walls of windows, Hanley Lake Hideaway; up north cabin; northern Michigan retreat; private lake; boats; kayaks and canoe; dock; private decks; birding; morels; skiing; fall colors.
Luxuriate in:
-Down comforters and flannel sheets
-Freshly laundered robes and cozy lounging-around socks
-Fully outfitted kitchen with gadgets ranging from an Instant Pot, espresso machine, and Keurig to a primo Kitchen Aid mixer and electric pancake griddle.
-Staples, linens, CDs, books, DVDs and toys, WIFI, 50" smart TV, TVs in each room with streaming services and DVD players.
-Two decks and floor to ceiling windows.
You'll be perched on a 100-mile chain of lakes with 110 feet of private lakefront. Year-round enjoy:
Central location for golf and ski resorts, quintessential up north towns, wineries, shops, and the renowned Short's Brewery.
Downhill or cross-country skiing nearby at Schuss and Boyne Mountain, tubing (down hill at Schuss or even on the lovely Jordan River with a guide bringing hot chocolate!).
Ice skate on our lake or at nearby rinks. Ten minutes away at Barnes Park on Grand Traverse Bay, climb frozen waves and cross-country ski on groomed trails.
At your fingertips, you are:
-Ten minutes to Grand Traverse Bay and Torch Lake's peaceful winter beaches.
-An easy walk to town for a meal, drink, or shopping.
Visit Michigan's largest water park, or nearby Bellaire (with the renowned Short's Brewery), Wander through Petoskey, Charlevoix, and East Jordan or explore shops and restaurants in Traverse City, Alden and Elk Rapids.
Tucked into a glacial valley and nestled in the hills of northwest Michigan, it's a peaceful place to enjoy every season. Nothing to do but relax.
Bring your pooch if you like (just $15/night per dog for up to two). You'll be located on a country road less than a mile from the village of Central Lake.
Our neighbors are a mixture of vacationers and year-round residents and have been rarely heard or seen. You're down a curving driveway from the village road so the "traffic" you notice will be occasional passing cars plus the occasional passing fishing boats (ice fishing in winter!) or, weather permitting, passing pontoons.
Three seasons of the year, enjoy your 100-mile chain of lakes with child & adult kayaks, a canoe and SUPs, or rent a pontoon or motor boat nearby. Paddle past kingfishers and great blue heron, turtles nestling in the tall grasses, and weeping willows along the shore.
(And before you forget, like & follow Hanley Lake Hideaway on facebook for pop-up specials!)
In spring, go morel hunting. Meander along country roads and breathe in the greening of the hills, valleys, woods and lake shores. Go for a bike ride or take out one of our kayaks, canoe or SUPs. Go antique shopping or enjoy the village and nearby towns and cities.
In summer, swim, boat, visit farmer's markets and Grand Traverse Bay's beaches. Or just nap on one of your private decks or by the water.
In the fall, meander rolling hills flush with autumn colors. Visit apple orchards. You'll be close to wineries, galleries, antiques, golf and the renowned Short's Brewery.
(We have a 40+-page welcome letter with details about the area.)
Located on a 100-mile chain of beautiful lakes, we're halfway between the Equator and the North Pole on the 45th Parallel.
Year-round, enjoy the lake and the rolling hills of Antrim County beyond from inside your cozy cottage.
So about the cottage...
In the master bedroom, enjoy a queen bed with an antique headboard, new mattress (flannel sheets and down comforter in winter) while looking out at the lake through sliding glass doors. In the second bedroom: two solid wood twin over full bunk beds (flannel and down there too). Both rooms have flat-screen TVs and CD players for our collection of many dozens of movies. Enjoy our completely updated bathroom.
Here's a quick tour. Fully remodeled in 2007 with yearly updates since, the light-filled single-level open-plan design includes a:
• Master Bedroom: Queen bed looking out sliding glass doors to a private deck and the lake beyond; ceiling fan and window a.c. unit; Flat screen TV and DVD player. Linens included, of course.
• Second Bedroom: Two sets of bunk beds each with a double and single bed; window AC unit; DVD player & kids' movies, flat screen TV and cable, toys and children's books.
• Living Room: Three sets of sliding glass doors stretching across the lakefront wall. They lead to a deck w/a gas grill, picnic table, and a glorious view of the lake a few dozen steps away; two couches and comfy chair; ceiling fan and air conditioning unit; 50' flat screen, high-def TV, DVD player, stereo, a large collection of movies, music, books, toys and games.
• Dining Room: Sliding glass doors; queen couch/futon; dining table(s); ceiling fan and a library.
• Kitchen: Open to the living and dining rooms with a lake view and a breakfast bar with seating. Fully equipped and well stocked.
• One and a half bathrooms: ceramic tile floor; shower/tub & double sinks in primary bath, completely remodeled in December 2013, and a second small bathroom. We supply towels and supplies.
Come on up to what our son lovingly named 'Our Hanley Lake Hideaway' and a repeat guest calls 'Our Little Slice of Heaven!'
Keywords: Family-friendly; pet-friendly; dogs welcome; private lakefront all-season cottage; year-round vacation home; sunny guest home, country house with walls of windows, Hanley Lake Hideaway; up north cabin; northern Michigan retreat; private lake; boats; kayaks and canoe; dock; private decks; birding; morels; skiing; fall colors.
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- Spa pool
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9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, (137 reviews)
House Rules
Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
Check out before 10:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
No exceptions.
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
Central Lake
Located in Central Lake, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Torch Lake and Lake Michigan. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Central Lake, MI
What's nearby
- Intermediate Lake - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
- Torch Lake - 7 min drive - 7.3 km
- Boyne Mountain - 36 min drive - 39.9 km
- Traverse City Beach - 53 min drive - 66.7 km
- Front Street - 61 min drive - 71.8 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- The Nugget In Ellsworth - 16 min drive
- Torch Lake Cafe - 13 min drive
- The Front Porch - 16 min drive
- Blue Pelican Inn - 4 min drive
- Mammoth Distilling - 2 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window9.8/10
Cleanliness
10/10
Check-in
10/10
Communication
10/10
Location
10/10
Listing accuracy
Reviews
Verified
30 September 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lane M.
12 October 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy



Lane M.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Shyla T.
5 September 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Shyla T.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Michelle P.
6 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place is awesome
Michelle P.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Trisha H.
10 August 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Trisha H.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Nicholas O.
4 May 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing
Nicholas O.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Joe P.
20 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place, great host. Will definitely stay here again!
Joe P.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Cindy K.
14 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Return vacationers!
Cindy K.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jan F.
17 October 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fall Getaway
Jan F.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Lorey M.
22 August 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Short getaway to Hanley Lake Hideaway
Lorey M.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020
Verified
10/10 Excellent
david k.
18 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great lakeside home with wonderful host
david k.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Patti S.
22 September 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relaxation
Patti S.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Joanne B.
14 July 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hanley Lake Hideaway
Joanne B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Robyn W.
1 June 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful
Robyn W.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Melissa T.
28 February 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Hanley Hide Away
Melissa T.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Michele M.
15 October 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Up North getaway
Michele M.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Nicholas O.
3 May 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great views and comfortable
Nicholas O.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Stephanie T.
20 July 2020
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Relax and unwind
Stephanie T.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2020
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Chad H.
4 September 2023
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Up North by the water
Chad H.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Archival
10/10 Excellent
9 February 2009
Peaceful and comfortable....
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kathy H.
30 January 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect last minute get away!
Kathy H.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Kevin S.
17 September 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect
Kevin S.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024
Verified
8/10 Good
Robert L.
5 August 2024
Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely stay in Central Lake Michigan
Robert L.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Tricia S.
23 June 2024
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The perfect hideaway
Tricia S.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Archival
10/10 Excellent
Zachary H.
26 February 2017
Cozy and Clean
Zachary H.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2017
About the host
Hosted by Laurie
Your hosts are two self-employed parents. We live full-time in Ann Arbor and visit up north whenever we can sneak in between guests. One of us adults is originally from North Wales and the other is originally from New York. For many decades now we've been permanent Michiganders, enjoying the joys of our glorious retreat on Hanley Lake.
Why they chose this property
We love the beauty of this northwestern Michigan chain of lakes nestled among gentle rolling hills. We were ecstatic to find a tranquil lake we can see from almost every room (thanks to our renovation) in the cozy year-round house. (Note from Laurie: my gold standard for vacation heaven was a place where I could take a cup of coffee out onto the deck and see--and be in--the water within seconds.) We can draw or eat breakfast on the dock or in the dining room, play in the sand, take out a canoe, kayak or SUP, swim in warmer waters (instead of waiting until the end of August for the chill to subside in the big lakes), and fish. We can sled right out the back doors to the lake and cross-country ski nearby. We wander into a welcoming village to play and eat without being swarmed by overdressed tourists and overpriced food. We were delighted to find this peaceful little retreat, which offers the pleasures of an all-sports lake without the noise and chaos of one. The passing 'traffic' is generally kayaks, pontoons, and people fishing (including ice fishing in the winter).The fresh, clear water in Hanley Lake flows 75 miles thru a chain of 14 lakes. All-sports lake without the usual traffic of one! We were thrilled to discover we're just a few miles from the long sandy beaches and waves of Lake Michigan, which are great fun in every season.
We're glad to do day trips to fudgey towns like Alden, Charlevoix and Petoskey, to wander Traverse City or even more nearby Bellaire. But we love coming home, whether it's raining, snowing, or blazing hot: to play outdoors, or hang out inside doing jigsaw puzzles, playing games, making soup or brownies, or drawing the changing colors of water, sky and trees. We love going out on the placid water and paddling past kingfishers and great blue heron, turtles nestling in the tall grasses, and weeping willows along the shore, or watching the water from our comfortable cottage. It always refreshes us to get away here.
We're glad to do day trips to fudgey towns like Alden, Charlevoix and Petoskey, to wander Traverse City or even more nearby Bellaire. But we love coming home, whether it's raining, snowing, or blazing hot: to play outdoors, or hang out inside doing jigsaw puzzles, playing games, making soup or brownies, or drawing the changing colors of water, sky and trees. We love going out on the placid water and paddling past kingfishers and great blue heron, turtles nestling in the tall grasses, and weeping willows along the shore, or watching the water from our comfortable cottage. It always refreshes us to get away here.
What makes this property unique
Thanks to our renovation, we relish the fresh, open-plan kitchen with views outside almost everywhere. We went window-crazy, creating four sets of sliding doors in the connected living and dining rooms. Each year we add something (or some things!) new. Recent additions include a new fridge with ice maker and stove, a private deck and sliding doors off the master bedroom; tempered glass deck panels for safety and an unobstructed view of the lake; a fully renovated bathroom; a 50 inch smart TV and DVD players, sturdy wood bunk beds in the second bedroom, a new master bedroom mattress, upgraded driveway, and window air conditioners for the bedrooms and living room.
We're constantly updating and adding CDs, DVDs, games, kids' toys and books, and a host of comforts for our guests--and for us! We're in heaven in the summertime, plus we keep discovering new enticing treats during the other three seasons. In winter we can watch people ice fishing on the lake; I like sketching the winter scenes from a deliciously warm, light-filled living room. We can climb frozen waves at nearby Grand Traverse Bay, or go tubing, downhill and cross-country skiing at nearby Schuss Mountain (or tubing down the lovely Jordan River--every season!). Or take in Michigan's largest indoor water park and visit sweet and peaceful up-north cities and villages.
Springtime brings Morel mushroom hunting, birding, bike rides and walks in a lush landscape; summer brings kayak rides, swimming, and playing; fall leaves are stunning and apple orchards and color tours beckon.
We're constantly updating and adding CDs, DVDs, games, kids' toys and books, and a host of comforts for our guests--and for us! We're in heaven in the summertime, plus we keep discovering new enticing treats during the other three seasons. In winter we can watch people ice fishing on the lake; I like sketching the winter scenes from a deliciously warm, light-filled living room. We can climb frozen waves at nearby Grand Traverse Bay, or go tubing, downhill and cross-country skiing at nearby Schuss Mountain (or tubing down the lovely Jordan River--every season!). Or take in Michigan's largest indoor water park and visit sweet and peaceful up-north cities and villages.
Springtime brings Morel mushroom hunting, birding, bike rides and walks in a lush landscape; summer brings kayak rides, swimming, and playing; fall leaves are stunning and apple orchards and color tours beckon.
Languages:
English
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