Entire home

Manistee Lake 6BR Sleeps 18 · Ice fishing, snowmobile · Kalkaska

Photo gallery for Manistee Lake 6BR Sleeps 18 · Ice fishing, snowmobile · Kalkaska

Exterior
Property video
Property grounds
A snowy landscape with a dog running in the foreground.
A large yellow house with a white porch and a small deck, surrounded by snow-covered ground and trees.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
This vacation home accommodates 18 guests with 6 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. It features 2 separate living rooms, a patio, and beach views. Enjoy nearby activities like fishing and snowboarding, while also having access to Grandview Golf Club and Timber Wolf Golf Club. The property welcomes pets and offers opportunities for water sports.

Highlights

  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.
6 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 18

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Dog-friendly
  • Ski lift privileges
  • Barbecue
  • Patio
  • Toys

Explore the area

View map
Kalkaska, MI
  • Place, Manistee Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Torch Lake
    ‪35 min drive‬
  • Place, Boyne Mountain
    ‪49 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪53 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

6 bedrooms (sleeps 18)

Captain’s Quarters

2 Single Beds and 1 Double Bed

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

Living Room 2

2 Double Sofa Beds

Main Floor Ensuite

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Bedroom

1 King Bed

Upstairs Bedroom

1 King Bed

Upstairs Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Bedroom - Lakefront

1 Queen Bed

3 bathrooms

Bathroom 2

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

Bathroom 3

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom - Upstairs

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Number of living rooms
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Manistee Lake 6BR Sleeps 18 · Ice fishing, snowmobile · Kalkaska

The Barnhouse is a 6-bedroom, 3-bath lakefront house on Manistee Lake that sleeps 18. Winter is the point: ice fishing on a 900-acre lake, snowmobile and ATV trails at the door, skiing at Boyne about 50 minutes away, and enough beds for a whole crew without splitting into two rentals. Double frontage means more private ice and sunset shoreline, not a crowded lot.

Winter stays: ice fishing for walleye, perch, bass, steelhead, and lake trout; snowmobile/ATV trail access; parking for trucks and trailers; fire pit and theater for after the trails.


Spacious lakefront retreat on beautiful Manistee Lake near Traverse City, perfect for multi-family vacations, reunions, golf trips, fishing weekends, and year-round northern Michigan getaways. The Barnhouse sleeps up to 18 guests and features private waterfront, sunset views, multiple outdoor gathering spaces, private dock, and direct access to trails and outdoor adventure.

THE BARNHOUSE HIGHLIGHTS:

• Sleeps up to 18 guests
• 6 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms
• 120 feet of private sandy lake frontage
• Private dock
• Large theater and media room for the kids
• Multiple outdoor decks and gathering areas
• Large fire pit with incredible sunset views
• Attached garage
• Parking for boats, trailers, and multiple vehicles
• Direct access to snowmobile and ATV trails
• High-speed WiFi throughout the home
• Located near Traverse City, Torch Lake, and northern Michigan attractions

WATERFRONT LIVING ON MANISTEE LAKE

Step outside and enjoy your own private stretch of beautiful Manistee Lake, a 900-acre all-sports lake known for boating, fishing, swimming, kayaking, and unforgettable sunsets. With western exposure, evenings at The Barnhouse are all about golden skies, calm water, lakeside fires, and time spent together.

Spend your days swimming from the sandy shoreline, relaxing on the dock, or fishing for walleye, perch, bass, steelhead, and lake trout. Whether you are planning summer lake days or cozy fall weekends, the lake is the centerpiece of the experience.

DESIGNED FOR FAMILIES AND GROUPS

The Barnhouse was built for gathering. With six bedrooms, three full bathrooms, multiple living spaces, and over a half-acre of property, there is plenty of room for everyone to spread out and relax comfortably.

The large kitchen makes group meals easy, while the open living areas create the perfect space for family dinners, game nights, conversations by the fireplace, or relaxing after a day on the water.

Upstairs, the theater and media room gives kids and adults their own entertainment space for movies, gaming, or late-night hangouts.

OUTDOOR SPACES YOU WILL ACTUALLY USE

One of the best parts of The Barnhouse is how much outdoor living space the property offers.

Enjoy:
• A lakeside deck overlooking the water
• A spacious back patio for grilling and outdoor dining
• A large fire pit area with surrounding adirondack chairs.
• A private dock for swimming and boating
• Large yard space for kids and outdoor games
• Incredible sunset views every evening

Bring your boat, jet skis, ATVs, snowmobiles, bikes, or fishing gear. There is plenty of parking for trailers and toys, and adventure starts right outside your door.

FOUR SEASONS OF NORTHERN MICHIGAN ADVENTURE

The Barnhouse is ideally located in Kalkaska, making it easy to explore some of northern Michigan’s best destinations and outdoor recreation.

Nearby activities include:
• Boating and watersports on Manistee Lake
• Fishing year-round
• Snowmobiling and ATV trail access
• Hiking and biking trails
• Golf courses throughout northern Michigan
• Skiing and winter recreation
• Traverse City wineries, restaurants, and shopping
• Day trips to Torch Lake, Elk Rapids, Bellaire, and Charlevoix

Whether you are planning a summer family vacation, a fall color tour, a golf weekend, a fishing trip, or a winter snowmobile getaway, The Barnhouse offers the perfect home base.

GOOD TO KNOW...

• High-speed WiFi throughout the home
• Smart TVs and theater/media room
• Large driveway with ample parking
• Furnished and fully equipped for extended stays
• Family-friendly layout with multiple gathering spaces

Come experience lake life the way northern Michigan was meant to be enjoyed. Relax on the water, explore the outdoors, gather around the fire, and make lasting memories at The Barnhouse.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 27
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Trash pick up is Monday, please put trash in bins and take to street. All trash must be in bins
If outdoor cushions are used, please put them back in the storage bags, if it rains and before you check out.
Do not strip used beds, just leave the beds un-made.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Don’t overuse toilet paper. Use the trash cans for anything other than toilet paper.
Don’t put large amounts of food down the garbage disposal. Please avoid taking glass outside for safety reasons. Use plastic cups.
If entering the house from the lake, please enter from the side door thru the garage. As much as possible, please try to enter the house dry and clean

Important information

You need to know

Property # 3532419vb
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
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

About the area

Kalkaska

Located in Kalkaska, this holiday home is on the beach. Crawford County Historical Museum and Kirtland's Warbler Historical Marker are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Hartwick Pines State Park and Manistee Lake. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the ice skating and sledging.
Map
Kalkaska, MI

What's nearby

  • Manistee Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Torch Lake - 35 min drive - 47.9 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 46 min drive - 61.9 km
  • Boyne Mountain - 49 min drive - 70.1 km
  • Front Street - 52 min drive - 67.3 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Hideaway Bar - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Manistee Lake Pizzeria / Bakery - ‬10 min walk
  • ‪lost forest lodge - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪The Ole Soul - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Manistee Lake Inn - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Manistee Lake 6BR Sleeps 18 · Ice fishing, snowmobile · Kalkaska pet-friendly?

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

How much is parking at Manistee Lake 6BR Sleeps 18 · Ice fishing, snowmobile · Kalkaska?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Manistee Lake 6BR Sleeps 18 · Ice fishing, snowmobile · Kalkaska?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Manistee Lake 6BR Sleeps 18 · Ice fishing, snowmobile · Kalkaska?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Manistee Lake 6BR Sleeps 18 · Ice fishing, snowmobile · Kalkaska located?

This Kalkaska holiday home is on the beach, steps from Manistee Lake and within 9 mi (15 km) of Grandview Golf Club and Starvation Lake. Bear Lake is 7.1 mi (11.4 km) away.

Reviews

9.6

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

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Overall, you can’t ask for much more when trying to locate a place with everything you need, with enough space for 7 families. We spent three nights, four days with a total of 7 households. The property had everything we needed and more. All we had to do was get there. The kitchen was well stocked with anything you could think of to cook meals, and the property had plenty of outdoor entertainment for the kids. Even without AC we managed to stay cool by opening the windows at night and using the ceiling fans. Would have no issues staying here again. Thank you Dave!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
No air conditioning, & deck should have been cleaned prior to arrival. Overall, Pleased with home.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family vacation at the Barnhouse!

My family loved our stay at the barnhouse! It had plenty of room to accommodate our group of 15 with everything we needed to have a fantastic time!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 3 July 2025
Thank you so much, Amanda. I’m happy your family enjoyed the stay. It was my pleasure. You were a perfect guest and would love to have you stay again. Thanks again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Barnhouse!

Had a great time with 5 other couples at this location. Plenty of room. All amenities provided. Great place to hang out after wine tasting.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 August 2025
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed the place. You guys were great guests and I’d be happy to host you again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great weekend at the Barnhouse! We had 17 people together and the property fit very nicely. Great years for outdoor games, wiffleball, and bonfires. Lake front is perfect to relax in as you can walk 50 yards into the lake and still only be chest high. We will definitely be back in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 August 2025
Thank you! So happy you enjoyed the Barnhouse. Happy to have you again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Bachelor party

Went to this property with a group of 13 guys. Dave was super friendly and very helpful. Quick to respond with all questions I had. The property was beautiful and clean! Would definitely stay again. Thanks for everything Dave!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 July 2025
Thanks Matt. Happy to have you stay at the Barnhouse!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Nice Place

Nice and clean home. Lots of space. Very comfortable.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our family booked the Barnhouse from June 28 to July 3. It is an awesome setup. You can tell that the Owner, Dave, spends a lot of time there because it has just about everything you could want or need. We had plenty of room for the 17 of us. Dave has been very good to work with and addressed most of our needs. We had a few problems. On the second day all the water went out. My son, with help from a technician from the water heater company, got it going by 5:30 the next morning. He stayed up all night to get it fixed. The slider and screen door going from the dinning area to the front porch need major repairs. The glass door is very hard to open and close. The screen door will not stay on the track. This made it very inconvenient getting food to the front deck for meals. It would be nice to get some seat covers for the cushions' on the deck. They were soaked with water and very dirty when we got there. My grandkids helped me clean them up and get most of the water out of them but you still got a wet butt every time you sat down. Several storms knocked out the power twice. We had no water, lights and no fans for most of our last day and night. There are ceiling fans in most rooms. THIS WAS NOT DAVE'S Fault. I wanted to stay longer but was out voted and we left a day early. Dave. the host, gave us a partial refund and I am very happy. Thanks' Dave
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2026

About the host

Hosted by Dave Corbett

Host profile image
I’ve always loved the outdoors—being on the water, in the woods, or just sitting still and watching the sunset. That’s what northern Michigan has always meant to me. Time slows down up here, and it becomes easier to focus on the things that matter most: fresh air, quiet moments, and time spent with the people you care about.

That’s exactly why we chose the Barnhouse. From the moment we saw the western-facing lakefront, we knew this was a special place. Manistee Lake is peaceful, beautiful, and full of life. Whether it's early morning fishing, mid-day boating, or watching the sun go down while sitting on the dock—it never gets old. And when we’re here with family and friends, it’s all about connection. Big meals, lazy mornings, late-night fires, and spontaneous fun outside—it’s the kind of experience we all need more of.

The truth is, we don’t get up there nearly as often as we’d like. Life gets busy, and time slips away. But instead of leaving the house empty, we decided to open it up to others. That decision changed the way we look at being hosts. We’ve heard from so many guests who’ve celebrated milestones, reunited with loved ones, or just escaped the noise of daily life while staying at the Barnhouse. Knowing that people are enjoying the space, the lake, and the sunsets when we can’t—it honestly means everything to us.

We want you to feel at home the second you walk in. This isn’t a cookie-cutter rental—it’s a place that’s been used and loved by real families who value time together. Whether you're here to explore the outdoors, reconnect with friends, or just sit still for a while, we hope the Barnhouse gives you exactly what you need.

Thanks for being here. We’re glad to share this place with you.

Why they chose this property

We chose this spot because it offered everything we love about northern Michigan—quiet lake mornings, wide-open space, and unforgettable sunsets. Manistee Lake is peaceful but full of life, and the neighborhood feels like a hidden gem.
We can boat all day, fish year-round, or just sit by the fire and listen to the loons. It’s close enough to great towns for a day trip or golf, but remote enough to truly unwind. It’s our favorite place to reset.

What makes this property unique

What makes the Barnhouse truly unique is how it blends space, comfort, and adventure in one unforgettable lakeside setting. With 120 feet of private sandy frontage on 900-acre Manistee Lake, you get direct access to one of northern Michigan’s most beloved all-season playgrounds — perfect for fishing, boating, swimming, or watching the sun dip below the horizon from your lakeside deck.

The home sits on over half an acre, offering a rare combination of privacy and room to roam. It has 6 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, making it ideal for large families, friend groups, or multiple families vacationing together. Inside, the home was built with gathering in mind — from the huge open-concept kitchen to the cozy fireplace and a separate theatre room just for the kids.

But it's the little things that make a big impact — like the 15’ fire pit that brings everyone together under the stars, the heated garage that keeps your toys and cars protected year-round, and the multiple outdoor areas designed for both relaxation and connection.

What really sets the Barnhouse apart is its location. While it feels secluded and peaceful, it’s just a short drive to Traverse City, Petoskey, Boyne City, and even Mackinaw for fun day trips. You’re also steps from the Shore-to-Shore Trail and thousands of acres of state land — ideal for ATVing, snowmobiling, mountain biking, or simply enjoying the beauty of the woods.

Whether you're planning a summer lake trip or a winter snow adventure, the Barnhouse offers something you won’t find anywhere else: space to gather, nature to explore, and sunsets you’ll never forget.

Languages:

English
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