Come visit our newest location, completed in August 2023, Pinecone Cottage gives the classic lake cottage feel! From the time you enter the covered porch, to when you reluctantly leave this lakes area retreat, you will be taken back in time to those childhood endless summer days. With an expansive 3 season screen porch across the lakeside, you can enjoy everything from morning coffee, evening card games, to watching the sunset over the lake from this west facing gem. The cabin has an open floor plan, that showcases the lake views as soon as you walk in the door. The well-appointed kitchen is open to the central dining area and cozy living area (complete with stone fireplace) and this all opens up to the porch with a 16 ft sliding door. The main level also features 1 of the 4 bedrooms and a bathroom with a walk-in tile shower. The upper-level features two cozy vaulted bedroom suites, one with a stone gas fireplace and built in bed in addition to the queen bed, both have attached baths with custom walk-in tile showers. The lower level is all about the camp theme, with 6 built in bunks and an open TV area with giant cushy sectional for movie nights for kids of all ages. The lower level also has another bedroom with a queen bed and a bathroom with a walk-in custom tile shower. The full-size laundry room is also on this level.
Outside there is a fire pit patio just steps from the screen porch overlooking the lake, surrounded by Adirondack chairs (firewood provided), a gas Weber grill and a lush green lawn for yard games. The property has a sand beach, with a sandy shoreline, dock with sitting area and comes with a pontoon for evening cruises and fishing excursions.
For those of you that need to stay connected, the cabin also includes Wi-Fi, two HD smart TVs and cable television - it also has a Sonos music system so you can listen to your choice of music while you relax. And don't worry the cabin might give off a vintage vibe, but you won't be roughing it as it was done with granite counter tops, wood plank pine floors, custom tile showers and lots of creature comforts such as 3 zone heating and A/C system, 2 gas fireplaces, all new appliances and a Kinetico softened water system.
The property is situated 5 miles east of the town of Crosslake on beautiful Lake O'Brien. Lake O'Brien is a clean spring fed lake, with a water clarity of 24', one of the cleanest lakes in the area. The lake itself is surrounded by mature pines and hardwoods with approximately 5 miles of shoreline, a quarter of which is state owned property, so not developed. During the summer this recreational lake is perfect for all sorts of water activities from boating, to floating and everything in-between.
Its location on a quiet tar township road makes it perfect for a summer morning walk or bike ride. During the winter months the lake is perfect for ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing or as a base camp for endless miles of groomed snowmobile trails.
Pinecone Cottage is perfect for a family or and an extended family, and because of the setup it works for 4 families with kids or as a couple's getaway or even a small family reunion, the options are many. We have a strict limit of 15 people at this location. There are 4 Queen beds (1 per bedroom), and 7 single beds (6 bunks and 1 built in). We do keep our calendar updated and so if you are seeing availability then it's likely available. Upon reservation confirmation you'll receive a welcome message, and ahead of your stay you will receive a complete "Welcome Email" to help you prepare for your time at Pinecone Cottage.
Feel free to inquire with any questions you may have and we'll be prompt to reply. We pride ourselves on keeping our property and structures/equipment pristine and are certain we will exceed your expectations. And further, since we also live on this lake, should any questions or problems arise we can respond quickly. In fact, your only disappointment will be when you have to leave!
NOTE: the pontoon is in the water, and use is included in the stated rental rates, from approximately early May-late September.
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~ Maximum of 15 Occupants
~ Smoking inside cabin will result in forfeiture of Damage Deposit
~ Must clean up after your dog (if bringing dog)
Important information
You need to know
Property # 3626286vb
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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Crosslake
Located in Crosslake, this cabin is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Crosswoods Golf Course and Golden Eagle Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Mississippi River and Crow Wing State Forest. Kicks on Route 66 and Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and snowmobiling.
Brainerd International Raceway - 41 min drive - 60.2 km
Getting around
Brainerd, MN (BRD-Brainerd Lakes Regional) - 32 min drive
Restaurants
50 Lakes Bar & Bottle Shop - 19 min drive
14 Lakes Craft Brewing - 12 min drive
Moonlite Bay Family Restaurant & Bar - 14 min drive
Mad Rabbits - 10 min drive
Andy's Bar - 10 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Lakeside Cottage-Heavenly Porch -Amazing Sunsets-2 Fireplaces-Includes Pontoon! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Lakeside Cottage-Heavenly Porch -Amazing Sunsets-2 Fireplaces-Includes Pontoon!?
As of 15 June 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lakeside Cottage-Heavenly Porch -Amazing Sunsets-2 Fireplaces-Includes Pontoon! on 25 April 2027 start from NZ$740, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Lakeside Cottage-Heavenly Porch -Amazing Sunsets-2 Fireplaces-Includes Pontoon!?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Lakeside Cottage-Heavenly Porch -Amazing Sunsets-2 Fireplaces-Includes Pontoon!?
Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Lakeside Cottage-Heavenly Porch -Amazing Sunsets-2 Fireplaces-Includes Pontoon!?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Lakeside Cottage-Heavenly Porch -Amazing Sunsets-2 Fireplaces-Includes Pontoon! located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cabin is steps from Crow Wing State Forest and within 6 mi (10 km) of Pine Lake and Adney Lake. Crosslake Town Square and Cross Lake Recreation Area are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Overall experience was fantastic! The provided boat was a treat for fishing and enjoying the lake by all. From the minute we walked inside everything was in good working order and provided just about everything we needed for our stay. We couldn't recommend a better place to stay!
Absolutely loved this home for our girls weekend! The home was so accommodating and cozy. We really enjoyed our stay and the hosts were great to work with.
Excellent property! Very cozy, stylish, warm, inviting and spacious. Host was great. The home is very well appointed with quality finishes, linens and plenty of kitchen equipment for your cooking or baking needs.
Our family had a fantastic Thanksgiving week at this heavenly cottage. Plenty of room and levels to spread out and the kitchen is amazing for multiple cooks and for staying connected to the rest of the group at the fireplace.
This cabin had everything we needed and more. We enjoyed a cozy fall family weekend and enjoyed all indoor and outdoor spaces. The bunk beds were a hit with the kids.
We had a great fall get-away week at Matt and Renae's cabin. Perfect layout for a few or a crowd. Great kitchen and the whole cabin is perfectly equipped to just come and enjoy. We will be back!
We can not say enough about how perfect this property is!! Cabin is immaculate & has everything you could want or need. The attention to detail goes above and beyond We’ll definitely be back!!
Wonderful property with high end finishes and decor. Perfect beach, great porch, dual temperature control and enough space for all 15 of us. An absolutely gorgeous place. And the pontoon was the icing on the cake!!
My family was looking for a peaceful get away that provide a sublime setting, and this was it. We felt well cared for with all the amenities and attention to details for our visit. We would love to come back.
Pinecone Cottage is a well appointed property! Our family had a wonderful time playing outside and spending family time together playing games inside as well.
The house looked exactly like the pictures - not always the case with VRBOs - and was immaculately clean when we arrived. The hosts made it super easy to check in, and the house was very comfortable. Cooking and clean up was easy in the kitchen, and the outdoor grill worked well. The lakeshore was perfect - enough sand for the little ones to play, good swimming for the older ones, and the pontoon was pristine, ran well. We hope to return again next summer.
This cabin was a perfect getaway for an extended weekend with friends. Owners were very friendly and easy to reach if needed. The cabin was beautiful, very clean, and stocked with everything we needed. We will definitely be staying again!
My wife dog and I went for a weekend trip and had a great time. The house is stunning and cozy with great amenities like a Sonos sound system and porch looking over the lake.
Would recommend and return.
We loved our stay at Pinecone Cottage! The decor was cozy and inviting. We were pleasantly amazed at the variety of kitchen supplies and cleanliness of the cottage. We all felt at home and left refreshed and wanting to stay longer.Thank you Matt and Renae!
This is our fourth stay at one of Matt and Rene’s properties and this new location did not disappoint. Our family can always count on cleanliness, comfort, and homey decor. Until next time!
We LOVED this property! Had everything that we needed and then some for our weekend ip north. Communication with the owner was easy and the cottage itself was stunning. I would definitely recommend this property to anyone looking for a cabin/cottage to accommodate larger groups in the Crosslake area!
This is one of the nicer cabins we’ve stayed in. Not huge, but the use of space was excellent and very adequate even for a larger group. They did a great job of balancing the vintage field of a cabin from the old days with all the modern luxuries necessary. They also go above and beyond with a great dock and pontoon you could use. We have a rental ourselves and got some good ideas from this one.
Mark W.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
About the host
Hosted by Stonetree Properties - Matt and Renae Balmer
As Crosslake “natives” both Renae and I have lived in Crosslake our entire lives. My family, starting with my Great-Grandmother, has been on O’brien Lake since the 1930’s - in fact our kids are the 5th generation to enjoy the magic waters of O’brien Lake. While Renae grew up on nearby Cross Lake, we reside permanently on O’brien Lake, and also own and operate 2 rental cabins on the lake, and have 3 active kids (2 sons and a daughter). We are proud to be native “Crosslakers” and are certain you will fall in love with the beauty of both O’brien Lake, and more generally the entire Crosslake Area.
Why they chose this property
Pinecone Cottage is a recently constructed cabin on the shores of beautiful O’brien Lake. This classic cottage – completed in 2023 – features a gentle elevation to the lake with west facing views that include breathtaking nightly sunsets as the sun falls below the towering pines across the lake. Perfect for a family getaway, or larger extended family or groups, this home has 4 bedrooms (2 of which are suites), 4 bathrooms, plus a bunkroom with 6 bunks for the kids. And there is plenty of room to spread out between the porch, the main level great room, and the family room in the lower level. Pinecone Cottage features 2 real stone fireplaces, a wonderful lakeside screen porch to relax and dine in, a large outdoor flagstone firepit area, and all the conveniences such as wireless internet, a modern kitchen, and a Sonos sound system. AND, all late spring, summer, and early fall rentals include full use of the pontoon boat pictured in the listing - but be prepared, O’brien Lake is magical and you will fall in love with it!! Pinecone Cottage is perfectly located just 5 miles east of the town of Crosslake on a quaint (tar) road perfect for morning walks, a run, or bike rides.
What makes this property unique
We have 2 other rental property on O’brien Lake (Lazy Pines – Vrbo# 692976 & Sunset Haus - Vrbo#2059730). Both located nearby the properties can be reserved together to allow multiple families, or larger groups, to stay in close proximity to one another.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests