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Water Front Family Cottage on the West Shore of the North Bay

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Exterior
Property grounds
Exterior
Exterior
Dining

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 896.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Outdoor barbecue
  • Deck or patio
  • Internet access

Explore the area

View map
Houghton Lake, MI
  • Place, Houghton Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Houghton Lake Flats Flooding State Wildlife Management Area
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Houghton Lake Marina
    ‪8 min walk‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bunk Room

1 Queen Bed and 2 Single Beds

Honeymoon

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Water Front Family Cottage on the West Shore of the North Bay

Check our reviews! Our family cottage is clean, comfortable and well maintained with all the amenities of home all within 60 feet the beautiful Houghton Lake shoreline.

Welcome to the largest inland lake in Michigan! Enjoy the starry nights of Northern Michigan while you roast marshmallows and hot dogs only a few feet for the shore of Houghton Lake.

Only steps away from 60' of your very own frontage on the west side of the North Bay of the all season Houghton Lake. Enjoy fishing, swimming, snow snowmobiling, ice fishing and more on this 4-season lake.

October 2020: 2 wide concrete driveway and sidewalk was added. No more parking on the lawn!

May 2019: Completed a kitchen renovation including new (drywall) walls & ceiling, new windows, new cabinets, counter top, floor, garbage disposal and dishwasher!

Our cottage features over 1,000 sq feet of living area featuring lake view from the kitchen, dining area and living room.

The "bunk room" sleeps up to 4 in a twin bunk bed and a queen bed.
The master bedroom sleeps 2 in a queen bed.
The 3rd bedroom sleeps 2 in a queen bed.

We continue to improve the cottage for the benefit of our renters and our family. Please check out our reviews and we strive to provide a great vacation rental experience. We are owners who choose to share our family cottage for a few weeks of the year to help with expenses.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 26
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children are encouraged!
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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

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

About the area

Houghton Lake

Located in Houghton Lake, this cottage is on the waterfront. Houghton Lake Marina and Brian's Lakeside Marina are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Houghton Lake Flats Flooding State Wildlife Management Area and Houghton Lake Wildlife Research Area. Discover the area's water adventures with nearby fishing, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking.
View more Cottages in Houghton LakeOpens in a new window
Map
Houghton Lake, MI

What's nearby

  • Houghton Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Houghton Lake Flats Flooding State Wildlife Management Area - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Houghton Lake Marina - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • South Higgins Lake State Park - 14 min drive - 16.2 km
  • Au Sable River - 20 min drive - 40.0 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 79 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Little Boots Country Diner - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪MJ's Eatery - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Old town tavern - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪The Country Corner Partystore and Pizza - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Water Front Family Cottage on the West Shore of the North Bay pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Water Front Family Cottage on the West Shore of the North Bay?

As of 28 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Water Front Family Cottage on the West Shore of the North Bay on 28 April 2026 start from NZ$400, 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 Water Front Family Cottage on the West Shore of the North Bay?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Water Front Family Cottage on the West Shore of the North Bay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Water Front Family Cottage on the West Shore of the North Bay?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Water Front Family Cottage on the West Shore of the North Bay located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within a 10-minute walk of Houghton Lake, Houghton Lake Flats Flooding State Wildlife Management Area and Houghton Lake Marina. Brian's Lakeside Marina and Quest Golf Club 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 26 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 26 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 26 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 26 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great place to stay

Very clean, well stocked...exactly as in photos...would stay there again
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 August 2022
Very glad to hear of the good family time you enjoyed at our cottage! Great to hear about the great memories you made with your grandchildren. You'll welcome back anytime!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kara O.

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

Beautiful stay

This cabin was a perfect getaway for my family and I! We loved this place and we hope to visit again sometime soon!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2022
Very glad to hear you enjoyed your stay!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erin O.

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

Wonderful property

We really enjoyed the setup of the property. It was clean and the host were very friendly and helpful. We definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tony W.

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

Great place

This place was great! Steps from water, owner communicated timely, place was very clean, with all the amenities of home. Would highly recommned and will be renting again!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie H.

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

So peaceful! So clean fully stocked with everything you could need (except food of course)

My kids wanted to move there forever. What a wonderful stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 2 September 2020
So glad to hear a good time was had by all. It gives us joy as owners to hear of the good times families are having at our cottage! You're welcome back!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Debra B.

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

Clean and comfortable lakefront home

The owner was easy to communicate with. We had a very relaxing stay.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 8 June 2022
Glad to hear you had a relaxing stay! That's our goal is for our visitors to enjoy themselves and RELAX! Thank you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

margaret t.

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

it was beautiful

it was very relaxing and the view outstanding
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 August 2023
Glad to hear you enjoyed yourself and the view. Thanks for renting from us!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sarah S.

Wonderful Stay at This Amazing Lake House!

We had a great long weekend at this property! Very roomy for 6 people and the lake access right out the door was incredible! The cottage was very well-appointed, immaculate, and comfy. Definitely worth the rental price and the owners were extremely kind and accommodating, a pleasure to interact with throughout the rental process. We will definitely be back to this cottage, and highly recommend it for a Houghton Lake getaway!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Thank you Sarah for the kind review. It was our pleasure and we're glad to hear you had a great weekend. We look forward to having you back.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ken B.

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

Perfect Family Getaway

Five of us stayed comfortably. 6-7 total would have worked, too. On favored West Shore. Close to supermarkets, restaurants and novelty stores. Good base for our one day trips to the Au Sable River abd Mackinac Island.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 13 June 2022
Glad to hear all worked out for you. We also have found this to be a great location for those great "day trips" in Northern Michigan. Thank you.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margaret M.

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

Family with small kids had a great time

We had a wonderful stay at this property. We had 4 small kids with us and 3 adults. There was plenty of sleeping room. The house is stocked with everything you need. You could show up with your suitcase and be ready for your vacation! It had plenty of towels, chairs, blankets, fire wood, etc…I would definitely rent this house again in the future!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 16 June 2021
Margaret was a fantastic renter; she left the place in great shape. So glad you enjoyed your time at the lake. You're welcome back anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Margie C.

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

Relaxing

The home was fully equipped, tastefully decorated, roomy with a great view of the lake. The homeowners were available if we needed anything. We were able to dock our boat on their property. Highly recommend this place if you want to have a nice relaxing vacation. Thanks again for letting us rent your home. Margie
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 2 July 2020
Margie, thank you for your kind review. We enjoy sharing our family cottage with families like yours and are very glad you enjoyed your stay. We learned a few things for past renters and continue to improve by keeping things up to date and clean. You left it clean as if it was yours and we appreciate it. You're welcome back anytime. Best Regards, Dave & Sally Vander Bent
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter N.

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

If it’s available BOOK IT!!!

Wonderful lake home with all the amenities felt like I was home but with a wonderful sunrise view on the lake. Dave was a great host offering his boat hoist for our pontoon and offered early check in as the house was available prior to stated check in, he was very responsive in his communication prior to arrival giving clear directions. Myself and my family enjoyed every minute of the stay. Will defiantly be on our list to stay again. You will have no regrets booking your stay here. Enjoy!!!!!!!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 15 August 2023
Peter, thank you for your very kind review; it is much appreciated. We love renters like you and your family. You left the cottage clean and it great shape with no issues. So glad you had a fun time with family on this beautiful lake. I too love seeing the sunrise with a cup of coffee. You and your family are welcome back anytime!!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert O.

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

Fun getaway on the lake

We really enjoyed the cabin on the lake. There were 5 adults and 2 kids and had plenty of room for all. The cabin was well furnished with everything you needed. We brought our SXS'S and rode to the trails and rented a pontoon boat from HLM and cruised the lake. The kids enjoyed swimming right in front of the cabin. The cabin was clean and the beds were comfortable. We had 2 trucks and 2 trailers and a car which made parking a little tight but the owner told us a way to park and it worked out well. Everyone had a great time! We would definitely come again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 July 2022
So glad to hear you and your family had a great time. Thank you for staying with us and the great review.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy R.

Beautiful and comfortable home, Houghton Lake is just not my favorite!

This is a clean, beautiful and comfortable cottage with everything you need to cook meals, have bonfires, and relax with you family. I appreciated the fans in every bedroom and the air conditioner in the smallest bedroom. The homeowners were easy and pleasant to communicate with. The cottage is 5 star, I could not in good conscience rate it lower. However, as someone who reads reviews to get details that aren't in listings, I do have to say that my girls like to swim, and we walked really far out and never got more than waist deep, and the bottom gets a bit mucky as you go out. The bottom near the dock is sandy and it's a pleasant area to float on a raft, toss a frisbee, etc.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Thank you Amy for your kind review and I'm glad you enjoyed your stay with your family. You are exactly the kind of renter we love to share our cottage with. We would love to have you return although I can't do much about Houghton Lake itself. I also appreciated your feedback regarding the dock ladder arrangement we have. Just today bought a nice 4-step dock system with a hand rail based upon your suggestion. You're welcome back anytime! Dave & Sally Vander Bent
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara L.

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

Outstanding vacation

Dave and Sally have made this delightful cottage so comfortable, we all felt very relaxed and had so much fun. The cottage is very clean and stocked with everything that you need. We definitely over packed. The beach is nice for everyone to swim including my grandsons. We enjoyed a bonfire most every night and even had forks to make our smores. Even on the one day when it rained we had games and cards to play. The DVD player came in very helpful for our young grandsons. This was a vacation we didn't want to come home from and will never forget. I hope one day to rent from this wonderful cottage again. The house was everything we could ask for a home away from home. Also, Dave was very helpful with any questions I had prior to our vacation. Thank you for sharing your home away from home with us. Barb Lange
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 6 August 2020
Barbara you and your family are welcome back anytime. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and kind review. You are EXACTLY the kind of renter we are looking for. We have made so many wonderful memories there with our family and it's especially heart warming to hear of your experience. Of course, you are welcome back anytime!
Verified

8/10 Good

gary c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

fishing for dinner

nice place and clean. only drawback was not having any dock space for our pontoon rental.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 14 August 2023
Gary, thanks for your feedback and I apologize for the lack of dock space for your pontoon. Should you choose to rent from us in the future, I'll make sure that doesn't happen again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barbara L.

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

Rest and relaxation

Dave and Sally have made this home away from home so comfortable and cozy. The cottage is stocked with everything you could ever need. I went for rest and relaxation, and that is what I got. Weather was terrific. Home is very very clean. This was my second stay and it will not be my last. Thanks Dave and Sally for sharing. Barb This is my second stay and it will not be my last.
Stayed 10 nights in Sep 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 14 August 2023
Well, we certainly can't take credit for the weather but I goal was to make this as pleasant as possible. Thank you for your kind, positive feedback. You know you're welcome back anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erika B.

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

Piece of paradise on the biggest inland lake in MI

I can’t say enough about how amazing this location is and how wonderful this cottage is. I’m so grateful that my family got to send a week here. We made so many memories. Dave and Sally are amazing hosts and the cottage is well stock to make anyones stay stress free. We had never been to Houghton Lake so it was a first for us. We enjoyed the days sitting on the banks and playing in the water. At night we played multiple games that are provided at the cottage. The kids loved kayaking around the lake as well. Thank you for sharing your cottage with us!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 15 August 2021
Thanks for your kind review. You were fantastic guests! You're welcome back anytime.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly P.

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

Very clean, nice place

We enjoyed our week. The property had many extras that you don't often find with a rental. We would definitely rent from these owners again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 16 August 2021
Kelly, thank you for your kind comments. Very glad to hear your enjoyed your time at the cottage.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

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

Best cabin stay I've had

Clean, comfortable, beautiful view, this cabin met all standers.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 31 August 2020
Lisa, very glad to hear you had a great experience renting from us. You're welcome and encouraged to rent from us anytime. We love renting to families like yours!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

paul g.

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

beautiful

Great dwelling, great location, friendly owner, overall excellent experience.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 14 August 2023
Paul, thank for your review and we're glad you hand an "excellent experience".
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer J.

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

Fabulous family getaway

We had an amazing family vacation at this cottage! Clean well kept and generous with kitchen supplies which is always nice when not in your own home. Communication with owner was great and having the use of the kayaks was fantastic.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Jennifer is exactly the kind of guests we enjoy sharing our cottage with and is welcome back anytime. She left the cottage clean and, of course, damage free. Very glad to hear your enjoyed your stay and if we could have done something about the weather, we would have. Thanks again Jennifer and family!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrew S.

Nice place

This place worked out nicely for what we needed. Clean and had a great view of the lake. I would rent here again. Thanks
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David R.

Impressions on Stay

Clean, well kept, very nice, great view, great hospitality. Perfect size for our extended family. Enjoyed thoroughly!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy L.

Nice family retreat

We enjoyed a great extended weekend at the Houghton Lake cottage. It was a beautiful setting right on the lake. We enjoyed the use of the kayaks and row boat and the cottage itself was well equipped with everything we needed. There was a beach nearby that was just right for small children to play in the sand and wade in the water. There was plenty of room for our family to relax and reconnect while playing games and talking around the fire. The weekend provided lots of fun family memories. Thanks.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 28 March 2020
Nancy & crew, We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time at our cottage and thank you for your kind review. You were perfect guests and you're certainly welcome to rent again with us! Kindly, Dave & Sally Vander Bent

About the host

Hosted by Dave Vander Bent

Host profile image
We purchased this cottage from our neighbor who lived across the street from us. After she lost her husband in 2009, she decided to sell it and offered it to us.

We've made quite a few updates and have made even more memories with our children and now grandchildren.

We would love to share this friends and will also rent to families who want to make fun memories like we have.

Why they chose this property

This is great area to enjoy your family while fishing, playing in the water, tubing, skiing and camp fires at night.

Beds are comfortable and most have mattresses less than 3 years old

What makes this property unique

You are literally 30 steps from the shores of Houghton Lake and a more family friendly portion of the lake.
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