Cabin
Magical, stunning, secluded retreat on idyllic Lake Medora!
Ski-in/ski-out access for fun in the snow
Photo gallery for Magical, stunning, secluded retreat on idyllic Lake Medora!
Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 6130.1 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area
Copper Harbor, MI
- Place, Lake Medora1 min walk
- Place, Mount Bohemia17 min drive
- Place, Copper Harbor Light23 min drive
- Airport, Hancock, MI (CMX-Houghton County Memorial)61 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)
Bedroom 1
2 Queen Beds
2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom
Bathroom 1
Bathtub
Bathroom 2
Bathroom 3
Spaces
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
About this property
Magical, stunning, secluded retreat on idyllic Lake Medora!
Summary: Magical, secluded 2 bedroom, 2.5 baths stone and wood cabin on beautiful rocky point on Lake Medora in the rugged Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan's Upper Peninsula; 2500 ft shoreline; own 1+ mile trail on 13 acres.
A few typical comments from guests:
"Probably the most amazing cabin there is.....ANYWHERE! Seriously, it's like opening a storybook and getting lost in a fairy tale. My family and I were awestruck the moment we arrived. The lake, the property, and the cabin are phenomenal!! Fantastic hosts, and their communication was great. Rent with confidence, and enjoy a little piece of Heaven! We'll definitely be back!" - Rich E., June 2024
"Jaw dropping beautiful. Simply amazing."- John D., Sept. 2021
“An incredibly cozy and thoughtfully built and designed cabin, closer to my ideal of what a lake cabin should be than I have ever seen.” - Rick M., June, 2021
Listed as one of top vacation rentals in Michigan's U.P. - Trips to Discover, 2021, Top 12 Luxury Cabin Rentals in Michigan - Trip 101. Featured in Cabin Life.
Social Media: Anam Cara Cabin anamcaracabin.com, 5-star reviews (140 out of 140) .
ANAM CARA DESCRIPTION
At the end of a winding gravel road, you’ll be welcomed by perennial gardens and a stone path that leads to a secluded waterfront cabin, on a rocky, wooded peninsula, that seems lifted straight out of a fairy tale.
“I feel like I stepped into a magical fairytale cottage. Stunning!!” texted a recent guest upon arrival (actually, since writing this there have been a number of guests who've texted similar post-arrival messages).
Great, we love to hear that, but let's set things straight: this is not some pretentious, luxury property with over-the-top, created-to-impress decor. On the contrary, when we built this cabin and the other structures on this property of 13 acres and about 1/2 mile of shoreline, we simply wanted to create a comfortable, sustainable cabin that harmonized with its gorgeous setting and honored the land, so that we and our family could enjoy it for generations to come. Our recipe was a simple combination of thoughtfulness, creativity, playfulness, artistry and collaboration. After a decade of sharing it with friends and family, and hearing time and again - "This place is magical!"- we began sharing it with others starting in the summer of 2021.
With its quiet beauty and charm, Anam Cara is ideal for finding comfort, balance and connection: silent sports outdoor activities, exploration, contemplation and relaxation. No matter the season, it'll be captivating: summertime water activities, beautiful gardens, berry picking and mountain biking; the fiery splendor of autumn and its quiet hush; the magic of deep winter snows that carpet the land.
The artistic 1400 square foot cabin sits on a billon-year-old rocky point, surrounded by perennial gardens. It’s been described as a Hansel-Gretel fairytale house with its stone and bark exterior and tiled roof. Designed for up to 4 adult guests, Anam Cara can be a romantic get-away, a creative retreat, a gateway to adventure, or simply a time for recharging and comfort. With a special kids’ alcove, it can also be a memorable family vacation.
The cozy stone/wood/bark cabin has an open first floor plan with 200+ degree lake views, leather window seats, a wood-burning fireplace, modern kitchen with all the conveniences, a living area for dining and lounging, and a half-bath. On the lake side, there’s an expansive enclosed porch that’s perfect for enjoying your evening cocktail. The second floor has two sun-filled bedrooms with queen beds and two luxurious bathrooms. And then there's the unique artistic details that make this an inspiring, one-of-a-kind property; including 88 handmade lamps/illuminated panels. A comment from a guest who works with architects: “If you’re contemplating building a home or cabin, spend a week at this amazing place. It’ll be the best investment you’ll ever make.”
The 13-acre property, with its 2500 feet of waterfront, can keep you busy for the week. A delightful trail, over one mile long, winds through the property - perfect for hiking, running, snowshoeing or x-skiing. It was built by Aaron Rogers, a Copper Harbor trail builder who's probably the premier mountain bike trail designers and builders in the US. The trail winds past two lakeside decks, a towering white pine that hosts a 1-ton eagle's nest, and two sandy coves for wading and swimming. If you're hot and sweaty, you can jump off the dock for a refreshing swim.
There are two canoes for guests; Lake Medora is a beautiful, peaceful 700 acre lake with several picturesque islands, perfect for exploring and picnics. [NOTE: there is also a 3-season timber frame structure on a second point, about 0.15 miles away, right off the trail and with its own driveway, that can be rented separately as part of the rental package for the main cabin (inquire if you're interested)].
There are tons of nearby attractions. You'll find world-class mountain biking in nearby Copper Harbor, a town that seems lifted straight off the set of "Northern Exposure" with its one-room schoolhouse and its combination of northwoods/Maine Coast feel. It's the gateway to Isle Royale (the least visited of all National Parks...and the most re-visited!). Beachcomb for agates and driftwood along Lake Superior's coastline, gape at the ancient, towering white pines in the Estivant Pines sanctuary, or tour the many waterfalls of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
This is a four-season property. Yes, you can experience the wonder of winter at Anam Cara, one of the snowiest destinations in the lower 48 states! In winter head to Mount Bohemia, often listed as one of the top 10 ski destinations in North America. There are nearby groomed x-country ski trails. The Keweenaw Peninsula has some of the deepest, most reliable snow in the entire US. It's a winter wonderland!
[NOTE: For rentals between Nov. 1 thru April 30th, please contact us 1st so we can discuss winter access and conditions - your safety and comfort come first! Let's have a phone conversation to make certain you are adequately informed and prepared. You have a range of options: With prior notice we can arrange to have a snow removal service clear access all the way to our front door from Highway 41 - a distance of 1.8 miles. This pre-arrival service is FREE for guests who book for 5 nights or more. Or you can ski or snowshoe to the cabin - about a half-mile across the frozen lake or 1.6 miles along Washington Mine Road when the lake isn't frozen. Another option: you can arrive via snowmobile, either your own or a rented vehicle. Most of our guests take advantage of the snow clearing option and drive right up to our front door.]
"Anam Cara" means soul friend in Gaelic and the name summarizes this unique property, where it's almost impossible not to fall in love with the beauty and feel of this magical place.
Note: We are EV friendly with a Level 2 EV charger.
A few typical comments from guests:
"Probably the most amazing cabin there is.....ANYWHERE! Seriously, it's like opening a storybook and getting lost in a fairy tale. My family and I were awestruck the moment we arrived. The lake, the property, and the cabin are phenomenal!! Fantastic hosts, and their communication was great. Rent with confidence, and enjoy a little piece of Heaven! We'll definitely be back!" - Rich E., June 2024
"Jaw dropping beautiful. Simply amazing."- John D., Sept. 2021
“An incredibly cozy and thoughtfully built and designed cabin, closer to my ideal of what a lake cabin should be than I have ever seen.” - Rick M., June, 2021
Listed as one of top vacation rentals in Michigan's U.P. - Trips to Discover, 2021, Top 12 Luxury Cabin Rentals in Michigan - Trip 101. Featured in Cabin Life.
Social Media: Anam Cara Cabin anamcaracabin.com, 5-star reviews (140 out of 140) .
ANAM CARA DESCRIPTION
At the end of a winding gravel road, you’ll be welcomed by perennial gardens and a stone path that leads to a secluded waterfront cabin, on a rocky, wooded peninsula, that seems lifted straight out of a fairy tale.
“I feel like I stepped into a magical fairytale cottage. Stunning!!” texted a recent guest upon arrival (actually, since writing this there have been a number of guests who've texted similar post-arrival messages).
Great, we love to hear that, but let's set things straight: this is not some pretentious, luxury property with over-the-top, created-to-impress decor. On the contrary, when we built this cabin and the other structures on this property of 13 acres and about 1/2 mile of shoreline, we simply wanted to create a comfortable, sustainable cabin that harmonized with its gorgeous setting and honored the land, so that we and our family could enjoy it for generations to come. Our recipe was a simple combination of thoughtfulness, creativity, playfulness, artistry and collaboration. After a decade of sharing it with friends and family, and hearing time and again - "This place is magical!"- we began sharing it with others starting in the summer of 2021.
With its quiet beauty and charm, Anam Cara is ideal for finding comfort, balance and connection: silent sports outdoor activities, exploration, contemplation and relaxation. No matter the season, it'll be captivating: summertime water activities, beautiful gardens, berry picking and mountain biking; the fiery splendor of autumn and its quiet hush; the magic of deep winter snows that carpet the land.
The artistic 1400 square foot cabin sits on a billon-year-old rocky point, surrounded by perennial gardens. It’s been described as a Hansel-Gretel fairytale house with its stone and bark exterior and tiled roof. Designed for up to 4 adult guests, Anam Cara can be a romantic get-away, a creative retreat, a gateway to adventure, or simply a time for recharging and comfort. With a special kids’ alcove, it can also be a memorable family vacation.
The cozy stone/wood/bark cabin has an open first floor plan with 200+ degree lake views, leather window seats, a wood-burning fireplace, modern kitchen with all the conveniences, a living area for dining and lounging, and a half-bath. On the lake side, there’s an expansive enclosed porch that’s perfect for enjoying your evening cocktail. The second floor has two sun-filled bedrooms with queen beds and two luxurious bathrooms. And then there's the unique artistic details that make this an inspiring, one-of-a-kind property; including 88 handmade lamps/illuminated panels. A comment from a guest who works with architects: “If you’re contemplating building a home or cabin, spend a week at this amazing place. It’ll be the best investment you’ll ever make.”
The 13-acre property, with its 2500 feet of waterfront, can keep you busy for the week. A delightful trail, over one mile long, winds through the property - perfect for hiking, running, snowshoeing or x-skiing. It was built by Aaron Rogers, a Copper Harbor trail builder who's probably the premier mountain bike trail designers and builders in the US. The trail winds past two lakeside decks, a towering white pine that hosts a 1-ton eagle's nest, and two sandy coves for wading and swimming. If you're hot and sweaty, you can jump off the dock for a refreshing swim.
There are two canoes for guests; Lake Medora is a beautiful, peaceful 700 acre lake with several picturesque islands, perfect for exploring and picnics. [NOTE: there is also a 3-season timber frame structure on a second point, about 0.15 miles away, right off the trail and with its own driveway, that can be rented separately as part of the rental package for the main cabin (inquire if you're interested)].
There are tons of nearby attractions. You'll find world-class mountain biking in nearby Copper Harbor, a town that seems lifted straight off the set of "Northern Exposure" with its one-room schoolhouse and its combination of northwoods/Maine Coast feel. It's the gateway to Isle Royale (the least visited of all National Parks...and the most re-visited!). Beachcomb for agates and driftwood along Lake Superior's coastline, gape at the ancient, towering white pines in the Estivant Pines sanctuary, or tour the many waterfalls of the Keweenaw Peninsula.
This is a four-season property. Yes, you can experience the wonder of winter at Anam Cara, one of the snowiest destinations in the lower 48 states! In winter head to Mount Bohemia, often listed as one of the top 10 ski destinations in North America. There are nearby groomed x-country ski trails. The Keweenaw Peninsula has some of the deepest, most reliable snow in the entire US. It's a winter wonderland!
[NOTE: For rentals between Nov. 1 thru April 30th, please contact us 1st so we can discuss winter access and conditions - your safety and comfort come first! Let's have a phone conversation to make certain you are adequately informed and prepared. You have a range of options: With prior notice we can arrange to have a snow removal service clear access all the way to our front door from Highway 41 - a distance of 1.8 miles. This pre-arrival service is FREE for guests who book for 5 nights or more. Or you can ski or snowshoe to the cabin - about a half-mile across the frozen lake or 1.6 miles along Washington Mine Road when the lake isn't frozen. Another option: you can arrive via snowmobile, either your own or a rented vehicle. Most of our guests take advantage of the snow clearing option and drive right up to our front door.]
"Anam Cara" means soul friend in Gaelic and the name summarizes this unique property, where it's almost impossible not to fall in love with the beauty and feel of this magical place.
Note: We are EV friendly with a Level 2 EV charger.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Lake view
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House Rules
Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
Events
No events allowed
Pets
No pets allowed
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 and a first aid kit
About the area
Mohawk
Located in Mohawk, this cabin is in a rural area and on the beach. Lake Superior and Fort Wilkins Historic State Park reflect the area's natural beauty and area attractions include Into the Woods Mini Golf & Gardens and The Jampot. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Copper Harbor, MI
What's nearby
- Lake Medora - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
- Fort Wilkins Historic State Park - 16 min drive - 14.7 km
- Mount Bohemia - 17 min drive - 18.8 km
- Copper Harbor Light - 23 min drive - 19.1 km
- Keweenaw National Historical Park Headquarters - 47 min drive - 60.6 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- The Mariner North - 24 min drive
- Tamarack Inn - 24 min drive
- The Harbor Haus - 24 min drive
- Lake Effect Bar And Grill - 24 min drive
- Ziks Bar - 24 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by David Moss and Colleen Beaman
We feel privileged to share our property, Anam Cara, with travelers from around the world. We love hosting! Many of our guests want to know our story, so here it is:
It was the lichen-covered rocky point, parting the lake’s still waters like a ship’s prow, that first attracted us to the property. And the point is still one of our favorite places! After camping on and exploring the property for several years, when it came time to build a cabin our goal was to honor this enchanted piece of land. We were inspired by Christopher Alexander’s book, A Pattern Language, but also by the notion to proceed playfully, thoughtfully and slowly. The end result can be credited to two teams - John, the artistic builder, and the two owners: David, an artist who works with light, paper and found objects (his one-off creations are your own private art gallery), and Colleen with her taste for simple zen decoration. But really, most of the credit belongs to the land itself, because it was our true muse and inspiration.
If you've traveled widely, as we have done, you eventually realize that in the end, it's the little details that remain with you. It's those moments when you've slowed down and had the chance to absorb and truly appreciate your surroundings. We've shared this property with friends and family for over a decade and the word "magic" keeps coming up in their descriptions. Now we're happy to share our cabin with others who can appreciate the romance of "a love of place". We'll do our best to help you find inspiration, rejuvenation or whatever you seek during your stay at Anam Cara.
It was the lichen-covered rocky point, parting the lake’s still waters like a ship’s prow, that first attracted us to the property. And the point is still one of our favorite places! After camping on and exploring the property for several years, when it came time to build a cabin our goal was to honor this enchanted piece of land. We were inspired by Christopher Alexander’s book, A Pattern Language, but also by the notion to proceed playfully, thoughtfully and slowly. The end result can be credited to two teams - John, the artistic builder, and the two owners: David, an artist who works with light, paper and found objects (his one-off creations are your own private art gallery), and Colleen with her taste for simple zen decoration. But really, most of the credit belongs to the land itself, because it was our true muse and inspiration.
If you've traveled widely, as we have done, you eventually realize that in the end, it's the little details that remain with you. It's those moments when you've slowed down and had the chance to absorb and truly appreciate your surroundings. We've shared this property with friends and family for over a decade and the word "magic" keeps coming up in their descriptions. Now we're happy to share our cabin with others who can appreciate the romance of "a love of place". We'll do our best to help you find inspiration, rejuvenation or whatever you seek during your stay at Anam Cara.
Why they chose this property
It's hard not to love the Keweenaw Peninsula if you're a lover of deep forests, wild coastlines and remote areas; or you're a lover of winter and deep snows; or if you love quirky coastal towns like Copper Harbor. Finding picturesque, peaceful Lake Medora was a bonus. Finding a secluded 12-acre parcel with two points, two sandy coves and 2500 feet of shoreline was the final detail that captivated us.
Whenever we enter the tunnel of trees on Highway 41 just past the turnoff to Mt. Bohemia, there's a potent mix of enchantment, relaxation and anticipation. It's a portal to another realm. After several magical miles we turn off on a gravel road. In wintertime we park our car and strap on skis for a half-hour journey across the frozen lake. In the other three seasons we follow a winding (potholed!) road through forest that ends 1.6 miles later at our secluded property.
In summer, we're greeted by an exuberant display of colorful perennials. In fall, there's autumn's incredible colors. In winter, an ever-changing landscape of snowy drifts. Maybe we'll be greeted by northern lights, a spectacular sunset, or a golden orb of a full moon sailing across the placid waters of the darkened lake. That first evening, we'll listen for the haunting call of our resident loons. The next day, we'll visit our resident eagle's nest, a one-ton behemoth high up on a leaning white pine. With luck, we may see an eagle and a hummingbird on the same day. We might do a few loops on our trail - hike, run or bike, depending on our mood. Then jump off the dock for a refreshing swim. Read a book, strum a guitar, or play some flute or Irish whistle on our point or on one of our decks. After lunch on our porch, we might hop in the canoe for a paddle, do some local exploration, wet a fishing line. Then we'll cook up a gourmet dinner, or grill a simple hot dog over the fire, or head into Copper Harbor. If it's winter, maybe we'll curl up by the fire.
What will your day look like?
Whenever we enter the tunnel of trees on Highway 41 just past the turnoff to Mt. Bohemia, there's a potent mix of enchantment, relaxation and anticipation. It's a portal to another realm. After several magical miles we turn off on a gravel road. In wintertime we park our car and strap on skis for a half-hour journey across the frozen lake. In the other three seasons we follow a winding (potholed!) road through forest that ends 1.6 miles later at our secluded property.
In summer, we're greeted by an exuberant display of colorful perennials. In fall, there's autumn's incredible colors. In winter, an ever-changing landscape of snowy drifts. Maybe we'll be greeted by northern lights, a spectacular sunset, or a golden orb of a full moon sailing across the placid waters of the darkened lake. That first evening, we'll listen for the haunting call of our resident loons. The next day, we'll visit our resident eagle's nest, a one-ton behemoth high up on a leaning white pine. With luck, we may see an eagle and a hummingbird on the same day. We might do a few loops on our trail - hike, run or bike, depending on our mood. Then jump off the dock for a refreshing swim. Read a book, strum a guitar, or play some flute or Irish whistle on our point or on one of our decks. After lunch on our porch, we might hop in the canoe for a paddle, do some local exploration, wet a fishing line. Then we'll cook up a gourmet dinner, or grill a simple hot dog over the fire, or head into Copper Harbor. If it's winter, maybe we'll curl up by the fire.
What will your day look like?
What makes this property unique
Anam Cara is a Celtic word for "soul friend" and that describes our relationship with this beautiful property and our approach to sharing it with others.
The property: With 12+ acres and 2500 feet of frontage on scenic Lake Medora, there's a lot of complexity to this property, including two points, one of which is a 1-billion year old rocky point that splits the waters of Lake Medora like a prow of a ship. There's also a 1.0+ mile hiking/mountain biking trail built by Aaron Rogers, probably the top mountain bike trail builder in the world. Finally there's two sandy coves that are perfect for wading plus a permanent dock that's great for jumping into deep water.
The cabin: We built this 2-bedroom, 2.5 bath cabin of stone and wood, totaling about 1400s q ft, beginning in 2010 and finishing it in 2012. The finishing touches took longer, including 88 hand-built paper lights made by David, the co-owner. Guests describe our cabin as a "fairy-tale experience", "magical", amazing. We get it, but it's those things in an understated, natural, organic way. Nothing over the top. Just a place that was inspired by its surroundings and informed by nature.
The Keweenaw: Jutting into the waters of Lake Superior, the Keweenaw is a special place that grows on you. Its beauty is in its subtlety. It's a whisper, a gentle nudge. It has no grand vistas or sweeping mountain ranges. No deep canyons. The Keweenaw isn't a smack to your senses, but a calming and enveloping hug of nature. Its beauty lies in its remote location and the time invested in knowing her. If you only spend a day or two there you don't have that opportunity to learn her secrets. Spend four and you'll leave grinning; spend a week and you'll leave with your soul touched.
The property: With 12+ acres and 2500 feet of frontage on scenic Lake Medora, there's a lot of complexity to this property, including two points, one of which is a 1-billion year old rocky point that splits the waters of Lake Medora like a prow of a ship. There's also a 1.0+ mile hiking/mountain biking trail built by Aaron Rogers, probably the top mountain bike trail builder in the world. Finally there's two sandy coves that are perfect for wading plus a permanent dock that's great for jumping into deep water.
The cabin: We built this 2-bedroom, 2.5 bath cabin of stone and wood, totaling about 1400s q ft, beginning in 2010 and finishing it in 2012. The finishing touches took longer, including 88 hand-built paper lights made by David, the co-owner. Guests describe our cabin as a "fairy-tale experience", "magical", amazing. We get it, but it's those things in an understated, natural, organic way. Nothing over the top. Just a place that was inspired by its surroundings and informed by nature.
The Keweenaw: Jutting into the waters of Lake Superior, the Keweenaw is a special place that grows on you. Its beauty is in its subtlety. It's a whisper, a gentle nudge. It has no grand vistas or sweeping mountain ranges. No deep canyons. The Keweenaw isn't a smack to your senses, but a calming and enveloping hug of nature. Its beauty lies in its remote location and the time invested in knowing her. If you only spend a day or two there you don't have that opportunity to learn her secrets. Spend four and you'll leave grinning; spend a week and you'll leave with your soul touched.
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