Entire home
Sandyside: Golden Leaves, Starry Nights – Your Fall Getaway Awaits!
Beachfront cottage for sun and fun
Photo gallery for Sandyside: Golden Leaves, Starry Nights – Your Fall Getaway Awaits!





Reviews
10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 489.7 sq m
Popular amenities
Explore the area

Gowen, MI
- Place, Banks Lake2 min walk
- Place, Thomas Lake1 min drive
- Place, Little Blue Lake7 min drive
- Airport, Grand Rapids, MI (GRR-Gerald R. Ford Intl.)44 min drive
Rooms & beds
2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)
Primary
1 Queen Bed
Secondary
1 Queen Bed
1 bathroom
Bathroom 1
Toilet · Shower only
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area
About this property
Sandyside: Golden Leaves, Starry Nights – Your Fall Getaway Awaits!
SANDYSIDE
SLEEPS: 4(6 with sleeper sofa)
BEDROOMS: 2
BATHROOMS: 1
*On Thomas Lake
*There is one Camera mounted on a tree facing the garage and front door.
Sandyside is a charming vacation rental located on Thomas Lake, just outside of Grand Rapids, MI. With two cozy bedrooms and a sleeper sofa, it comfortably accommodates up to six guests. The property boasts a beautiful sandy beachfront, perfect for relaxation or enjoying water activities. Guests can take advantage of two single-person kayaks to explore the lake at their leisure. Pet owners will love that the property is pet-friendly, allowing one dog to join in the fun!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Air Conditioning: There is an AC Window Unit
ATV's: Not allowed for use on property.
Animals: Deer, Raccoons, Squirrels, and various birds are common
Bathrooms: There is one full bath with a shower.
Beach/Swimming: This property sits on Thomas Lake. In 2025, the water levels are lower, producing a growth past the traditional ending of the sandy beach.
Bedroom Configurations:
*Bedroom #1: Queen bed
*Bedroom #2: Queen bed
*optional sleeper sofa available as well
Boats: There are two single-person kayaks!
Boat Launch: There is not a boat launch on Thomas Lake
Bugs: Mosquitoes are common in the summer
Cable: There is no cable, but instead streaming TVs.
Cell Phone Service: All cell carriers have good reception here.
Coffee Maker: 10 cup drip with filters & coffee provided
Distances:
*Grand Rapids: 45 minutes (31.2 miles)
*Traverse City: 2 hours & 18 minutes (133 miles)
*Detroit: 3 hours (161 miles)
*Chicago: 3 hours & 21 minutes (208 miles)
Dock: There is a 22ft dock with a water depth of 32 ft at the end.
Drinking Water: Well water with a reverse osmosis system.
Drugs/Smoking/Fireworks: Freshwater does not permit illegal drugs of any kind on the property. Due to the location of the properties, smoking is strongly discouraged around the home and strictly prohibited in the home. Fireworks are prohibited at a Freshwater location for the safety of all persons in and around the property, even if it is legal in that city.
Fireplace: The fireplace is electric
Fire-pit: Bring your firewood! There is a firepit for guest use
Fishing: Bluegill, Crappie, Perch, Bass, Walleye, and Pike
Fishing License: A license is required to fish in Michigan.
Golf: Brookside Golf & Grill: 12 minutes (8.7 miles)
Grill: There is a propane grill & charcoal grill (Propane & lighter fluid provided)
Grocery Store: Aldi is 8 minutes (4.5 miles), and Walmart is also 8 minutes away! (4.1 miles)
Handicap Friendly: There is one step into the home.
Heat: Electric baseboard heating system
Hunting: Not allowed on property.
Internet/WIFI: Yes, 100 mbps
Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bath towels.
Parking: 3 cars
Pets: 1 Dog under 40 lbs. is welcome! Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet for your entire stay. Yes, we do accept dogs, yet we do ask that you please clean up after them both inside and outside the cabin. Plus, if you allow them on the furniture, we do ask that you please bring your own linens/blankets for them to sleep on. Just let us know which bed you will be using with them, and we'll make sure it is ready for your sheets when you arrive. Plus, if the pet hair starts to build, we do ask that you please run the vacuum. Generally, dogs love the water and places to explore. Pet food does tend to attract mice, so vigilance is needed.
Privacy: There are neighbors on one side
Snowmobiles: a person (resident and nonresident) that operates a snowmobile in Michigan is required to purchase a snowmobile trail permit. The trail permit enables snowmobilers to ride state-designated trails and thousands more miles of public roads and on public lands (where authorized). It is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. State-designated trails are open Dec. 1-March 31 and grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground.
- Flat River State Game Area Trails: Located about 10-15 miles away
- Montcalm County Snowmobile Trails: Around 15-20 miles from house
- Kent County Snowmobile Trails: About 20-25 miles away
- Newaygo County Trails: Located about 25-30 miles away
**Guests must trailer to trails**
Space: Single level home
Seniors: There is one step into the home, which is single level.
Televisions: 55" Smart TV
Towels: All bath and kitchen towels will be provided during your stay. Please bring beach towels with you!
Washer and Dryer: Stackable washer & dryer located in bathroom.
Winter Activities:
* Snowmobiling
- Flat River State Game Area (10-15 miles away): Offers trails for snowmobiling through natural landscapes.
- Montcalm County Snowmobile Trails (15-20 miles away): Trails winding through forests and rural areas.
- Kent County Snowmobile Trails (20-25 miles away): Snowmobiling trails in parks and wooded areas.
* Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
- Silverside Nature Preserve (about 10-15 miles away): Great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months.
* Ice Fishing
- Baldwin Lake (around 10 miles away): Offers ice fishing opportunities during the winter season.
* Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
- Cannonsburg Ski Area (around 20 miles away): A popular location for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
* Sledding/Tubing
- Local parks in Gowen and nearby Greenville (around 10-15 miles away): Provide hills for sledding and tubing.
* Winter Hiking
- Gerald R. Ford Nature Center (around 20 miles away): Offers winter trails for hiking and exploring nature in the wintertime.
Wood: Firewood is provided.
SLEEPS: 4(6 with sleeper sofa)
BEDROOMS: 2
BATHROOMS: 1
*On Thomas Lake
*There is one Camera mounted on a tree facing the garage and front door.
Sandyside is a charming vacation rental located on Thomas Lake, just outside of Grand Rapids, MI. With two cozy bedrooms and a sleeper sofa, it comfortably accommodates up to six guests. The property boasts a beautiful sandy beachfront, perfect for relaxation or enjoying water activities. Guests can take advantage of two single-person kayaks to explore the lake at their leisure. Pet owners will love that the property is pet-friendly, allowing one dog to join in the fun!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Air Conditioning: There is an AC Window Unit
ATV's: Not allowed for use on property.
Animals: Deer, Raccoons, Squirrels, and various birds are common
Bathrooms: There is one full bath with a shower.
Beach/Swimming: This property sits on Thomas Lake. In 2025, the water levels are lower, producing a growth past the traditional ending of the sandy beach.
Bedroom Configurations:
*Bedroom #1: Queen bed
*Bedroom #2: Queen bed
*optional sleeper sofa available as well
Boats: There are two single-person kayaks!
Boat Launch: There is not a boat launch on Thomas Lake
Bugs: Mosquitoes are common in the summer
Cable: There is no cable, but instead streaming TVs.
Cell Phone Service: All cell carriers have good reception here.
Coffee Maker: 10 cup drip with filters & coffee provided
Distances:
*Grand Rapids: 45 minutes (31.2 miles)
*Traverse City: 2 hours & 18 minutes (133 miles)
*Detroit: 3 hours (161 miles)
*Chicago: 3 hours & 21 minutes (208 miles)
Dock: There is a 22ft dock with a water depth of 32 ft at the end.
Drinking Water: Well water with a reverse osmosis system.
Drugs/Smoking/Fireworks: Freshwater does not permit illegal drugs of any kind on the property. Due to the location of the properties, smoking is strongly discouraged around the home and strictly prohibited in the home. Fireworks are prohibited at a Freshwater location for the safety of all persons in and around the property, even if it is legal in that city.
Fireplace: The fireplace is electric
Fire-pit: Bring your firewood! There is a firepit for guest use
Fishing: Bluegill, Crappie, Perch, Bass, Walleye, and Pike
Fishing License: A license is required to fish in Michigan.
Golf: Brookside Golf & Grill: 12 minutes (8.7 miles)
Grill: There is a propane grill & charcoal grill (Propane & lighter fluid provided)
Grocery Store: Aldi is 8 minutes (4.5 miles), and Walmart is also 8 minutes away! (4.1 miles)
Handicap Friendly: There is one step into the home.
Heat: Electric baseboard heating system
Hunting: Not allowed on property.
Internet/WIFI: Yes, 100 mbps
Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bath towels.
Parking: 3 cars
Pets: 1 Dog under 40 lbs. is welcome! Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet for your entire stay. Yes, we do accept dogs, yet we do ask that you please clean up after them both inside and outside the cabin. Plus, if you allow them on the furniture, we do ask that you please bring your own linens/blankets for them to sleep on. Just let us know which bed you will be using with them, and we'll make sure it is ready for your sheets when you arrive. Plus, if the pet hair starts to build, we do ask that you please run the vacuum. Generally, dogs love the water and places to explore. Pet food does tend to attract mice, so vigilance is needed.
Privacy: There are neighbors on one side
Snowmobiles: a person (resident and nonresident) that operates a snowmobile in Michigan is required to purchase a snowmobile trail permit. The trail permit enables snowmobilers to ride state-designated trails and thousands more miles of public roads and on public lands (where authorized). It is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. State-designated trails are open Dec. 1-March 31 and grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground.
- Flat River State Game Area Trails: Located about 10-15 miles away
- Montcalm County Snowmobile Trails: Around 15-20 miles from house
- Kent County Snowmobile Trails: About 20-25 miles away
- Newaygo County Trails: Located about 25-30 miles away
**Guests must trailer to trails**
Space: Single level home
Seniors: There is one step into the home, which is single level.
Televisions: 55" Smart TV
Towels: All bath and kitchen towels will be provided during your stay. Please bring beach towels with you!
Washer and Dryer: Stackable washer & dryer located in bathroom.
Winter Activities:
* Snowmobiling
- Flat River State Game Area (10-15 miles away): Offers trails for snowmobiling through natural landscapes.
- Montcalm County Snowmobile Trails (15-20 miles away): Trails winding through forests and rural areas.
- Kent County Snowmobile Trails (20-25 miles away): Snowmobiling trails in parks and wooded areas.
* Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
- Silverside Nature Preserve (about 10-15 miles away): Great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months.
* Ice Fishing
- Baldwin Lake (around 10 miles away): Offers ice fishing opportunities during the winter season.
* Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
- Cannonsburg Ski Area (around 20 miles away): A popular location for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
* Sledding/Tubing
- Local parks in Gowen and nearby Greenville (around 10-15 miles away): Provide hills for sledding and tubing.
* Winter Hiking
- Gerald R. Ford Nature Center (around 20 miles away): Offers winter trails for hiking and exploring nature in the wintertime.
Wood: Firewood is provided.
Add dates for prices
Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
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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
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
About the area
Gowen
Located in Gowen, this cottage is on the beach. Brookside Golf and Glenkerry Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Brower Lake Nature Reserve and Thomas Lake. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking, fishing and swimming nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking.

Gowen, MI
What's nearby
- Banks Lake - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
- Thomas Lake - 1 min drive - 0.0 km
- Lincoln Lake - 5 min drive - 5.0 km
- Little Blue Lake - 7 min drive - 8.2 km
- Cannonsburg Ski Area - 25 min drive - 36.9 km
Getting around
Restaurants
- McDonald's - 11 min drive
- Starbucks - 10 min drive
- Taco Bell - 10 min drive
- Halfway Diner - 8 min drive
- McDonald's - 13 min drive
Frequently asked questions
About the host
Hosted by Freshwater Vacation Rentals
Freshwater Vacation Rentals
• Established in 2005
If you are looking for a vacation rental, you have come to the right spot! We specialize in vacation rentals throughout Michigan. From your own private island to a lodge big enough to host your family reunion or a relaxing getaway on one of the Great Lakes. If you feel like a social vacation where you have neighbors to enjoy the evening fires together, to remote places where you won't see another soul, give us a call and we'll find the right place for you.
Our philosophy
We work hard so you don't have to. Our goal is for guests have a wonderful vacation experience and assist our owners in maximizing their investment. We started this business over 19 years ago, with the purchase of Republic Island, and added the Rapid River Lodge. We have a unique perspective, as we are both owners and property managers. We love the business and are enjoying it as it grows.
• Established in 2005
If you are looking for a vacation rental, you have come to the right spot! We specialize in vacation rentals throughout Michigan. From your own private island to a lodge big enough to host your family reunion or a relaxing getaway on one of the Great Lakes. If you feel like a social vacation where you have neighbors to enjoy the evening fires together, to remote places where you won't see another soul, give us a call and we'll find the right place for you.
Our philosophy
We work hard so you don't have to. Our goal is for guests have a wonderful vacation experience and assist our owners in maximizing their investment. We started this business over 19 years ago, with the purchase of Republic Island, and added the Rapid River Lodge. We have a unique perspective, as we are both owners and property managers. We love the business and are enjoying it as it grows.
Languages:
English, Spanish, Danish, Croatian
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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