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Schoolhouse-Style Lakefront Near Crystal Mountain with Pontoon and Game Room

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Terrace/patio
Smart TV, video games, DVD player, books
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Exterior
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12204 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

View in a map
Arcadia, MI
  • Place, Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Inspiration Point
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Place, Betsie Lake
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Airport, Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)
    ‪33 min drive‬

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About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Schoolhouse-Style Lakefront Near Crystal Mountain with Pontoon and Game Room

SCHOOLHOUSE-STYLE LAKEFRONT HOME NEAR CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN WITH FREE PONTOON
This creatively designed 4-bedroom home was built to resemble a classic Northern Michigan schoolhouse, offering a unique and memorable stay with modern comfort. The home is warm, cozy, and thoughtfully laid out for families and multi-generation groups, with separate spaces for adults and children to relax and enjoy their time together.

The property sits on 2.5 private acres along peaceful Upper Herring Lake, with 140 feet of private water frontage and a quiet country setting surrounded by rolling hills, woodlands, orchards, and vineyards.

Located just minutes from Crystal Mountain, the home is well suited for winter ski trips, summer lake vacations, and fall color getaways.

We never charge host fees, cleaning fees, pet fees (up to two dogs), or extra guest fees.

THE HOME
This approximately 2,100 square foot home features cherry wood flooring, ceramic tile, custom woodwork, Pottery Barn–style décor, and a curated mix of antique and custom furnishings that reinforce the schoolhouse theme while remaining comfortable and inviting.

The great room includes an HD TV with Roku, a DVD player, and a DVD library, making it a relaxing space for movie nights and downtime after a day on the lake or the slopes.

The walkout basement includes a pool table, board games, an HD TV with Roku, and a PlayStation 2 with games. This lower-level space is ideal for kids, teens, and casual evening entertainment while allowing adults to enjoy quieter time upstairs.

A standout feature of the home is the 4th-floor bell tower, which offers 360-degree panoramic views of Upper Herring Lake and the surrounding countryside.

LAKE ACCESS AND LOCATION
A short walk of approximately two to three minutes along a boardwalk through a protected natural area leads to the lakefront amenities. The home sits on a slight grade, so the return walk may take a bit longer for guests with mobility or health concerns.

Upper Herring Lake is an all-sports lake that remains peaceful and uncrowded, providing an enjoyable balance of boating, fishing, and quiet lake time.
You are just minutes from Lake Michigan beaches and the town of Frankfort, with easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Traverse City for day trips.

INCLUDED LAKEFRONT AMENITIES (SEASONAL)
Row boat (April 1 through November 15)
Two kayaks (May 1 through November 1)
Floating foam aqua-play mat (Memorial Day through Labor Day)
Full dock with moorings for additional boats (mid-May through November 1)
Fire pit with chairs
Rope hammock and chaise lounges
Pontoon boat (Memorial Day through early October) with 10 gallons of free pre-mixed fuel
The pontoon boats are clean, well maintained, and functional. They range from 18 to 24 feet in length and are older models with 25 to 35 hp two-stroke motors. They are best suited for relaxed cruising and fishing rather than high-speed boating. Guests with basic boating experience will enjoy them most. Instructions and technical assistance are available if needed.

The lake bottom near the shoreline is typical Northern Michigan soft sediment (mucky) and is not sandy.

WHAT WE PROVIDE
A starter supply of paper goods and soap products is provided and is typically sufficient for a two-night stay for smaller groups.

For a complete list of what is provided and what to bring, please see “Using the Property” on your My Trip page.

WINTER TRAVEL NOTE
For winter stays, an all-wheel-drive vehicle or front-wheel-drive vehicle with good snow tires is strongly recommended.

IMPORTANT HOUSE NOTES
This is a quiet, peaceful setting best suited for families and responsible guests who will care for the home.
During your stay at this vacation home, you'll be close to Inspiration Point. Enjoy features like laundry facilities and an arcade/game room. Enjoy your stay with amenities like free WiFi and a kitchen in the vacation home.
  • Air-conditioned home with kitchen, washing machine, and 2 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Amenities include laundry facilities
  • 7 minutes by car from Lake Michigan and 8 minutes from Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve
This vacation home offers its guests barbecue grills, an arcade/game room, and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels
  • Video games
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 5 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Cobblestone flooring in public areas
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Upper floors accessible by stairs only
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the marina
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle parking
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Bicycle parking
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Energy-saving switches in guestrooms
  • Garden
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Unit size: 2,200 square feet
  • Water-efficient showers

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights, lock the doors, and return the keys
1. Start first load of laundry (can be either linens or towels). 2. Wipe excessive spills on surfaces.
3. Return furniture to original places. Please leave inside furniture inside and outside furniture outside. 4. Clean and empty the BBQ grill into provided ash can only.
5. Clean up after pets (including HAIR IN HOME (and "doo-doo" in yard).
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

Check out list: -Start a load of laundry -Wash dishes & put away -Put back furniture that was moved -Trash out to receptacle -Clean all dog hair & poo
Smoking damages the the home. If smoking has occurred inside the home, there will be a $200-$500 Cleaning Repair Fee depending on the level of damage.
Quiet time: 10PM - 8AM. No parking on rd. By booking guest agrees to VRBO and host's (sent by VRBO after booking is complete) Terms and Conditions

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Only dogs are allowed
  • Maximum 2 pets
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, you can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

We should mention

  • To make arrangements for your pet, contact the property directly using the information on your booking confirmation.

Property is also known as

Pontoonboat! Newer Home! Open ALL Year!
Open ALL Year! Water Trampoline! Pontoonboat! Gameroom! Kayaks!

Schoolhouse-Style Lakefront Near Crystal Mountain with Pontoon and Game Room Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 48 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 48 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 48 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 48 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 48 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Christopher V.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kiley W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place. Loved the area. Clean and happy the dog could come.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Don S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice quiet location. Beautiful scenery. Very nice place.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

jblood98

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic space. We hope to return again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

8/10 Good

Mary P., MACOMB

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location close to beautiful Elberta beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Heather L., Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Aimee F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Getaway

This property was a wonderful get away. Having access to the pontoon boat and kayaks was so much fun. There was a little bit of a walk from the house to the lake on a private path but not to bad maybe 2-3 mins. It is fairly close, 45 mins-ish, to Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore and is a really cool place to visit. Climbing the dune is no joke but fun. The only thing that could make it better would be to have some 9x13 or 8x11 bakeware. We had to improvise using a loaf pan to make brownies one night. lol! But still, its great and I would stay there again if we are visiting that area again.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

marlene k l.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fall getaway

I was very interested in this property for future family vacay’s, very fun place, loved how they include the school integrity with antique’s & decore, loved exploring the area ! Would be happy to stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tiffany H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bryan H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Summer Vacation

12 mostly adults stayed comfortable here. Close proximity to lots of things. Make sure you take kayaks to lower herring and kayak out to Lake Michigan.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristeen J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Best Vacation Ever

Everything was perfect with our stay. The home was very clean and the owner thought of everything we needed to enjoy ourselves. The home is decorated like an old school house. The "bell tower" was so amazing to sit up in the morning with coffee and just watch the lake over the trees. DH and I were able to watch movies while the kids played pool and the PS2 in another room. Plenty of cooking necessities to make all our meals. We went for drives during the day and tried out a few of the restaurants recommended in the info book at the house. We had several walks down to the lake and that all looked nice too though we didn't use the fire pit. We also all went for walks along the road with our dog. It's a very beautiful road with barns and orchards all over. Not much car traffic. Would have loved to see it during high color season.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great week!

House was perfect for the 11 of us. Great location.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ryan M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Rental!

Our extended family stayed for a week and had no complaints at all. The property was very clean on arrival and the instructions were clear and concise. The pontoon boat was an absolute bonus and the house itself is unique and well cared for. We would recommend a stay to anyone interested and would make plans to come back without hesitation.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tami S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful house!

This was a great place to stay with our 4 adult, 4 kid group. It had everything we needed, was comfortable, and clean. The telescope room is really cool and a unique part of the house. It was further than we'd hoped from Crystal Mountain, but the trip back and forth was manageable. We would love to go back in the summer and take advantage of the lake. No Wifi--my fault for not reading the description well enough to realize this. Not a big deal, as one of our group had a hotspot, and it was better to mostly unplug for the weekend anyway.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Robert S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great place

We had a great time on this stay. The property manager was very helpful and provided excellent communication. The propert was very clean, had a lot of things to do and was a great environment. Would definitely stay there again and we huge recommend it.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Barb A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Getaway w/ the Granddaughters

Beautiful home, beautiful area!! Our group was a little larger than originally planned yet there was space for all of us. One of my granddaughters is getting married next month so I thought I'd take all of the cousins on a quick getaway to bond and celebrate. What a blessing this home was! The home is decorated like an old school house. There is a bell tower at the top w/ a mini library. It's accessed by a spiral staircase. The kitchen is large and was stocked with everything we needed. We knew going in that there was no wifi and it ended up being perfect. We went for walks (saw cows) and watched DVDs at night. Some of the girls even watched their old favorite cartoons in the morning (while eating cereal) just like when they were little. We perused an old year book from 1930 in the home and drove into the little town of Frankfort for dinner one evening. We even tried Gravity Hill near the house. Put our cars in neutral and yes, rolled UPHILL. Thank you so MUCH!! I think we're all closer and we really want to come back sometime soon (maybe when I get news I'll be a great-grandma.). ;).
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2022

8/10 Good

Dan O.

Liked: Cleanliness

5 Days in the Schoolhouse

The building is charming inside and out, and the area down by the lake with the pontoon, fire pit and chairs is lovely. Blue Lakes should know that one of the stools at the bar was completely cracked when we arrived so might not be safe to use and there was no battery in the smoke alarm in the main floor bedroom. Typically the standard of care for a property such as this is for toilet paper and trashcan bags to be included. The surrounding area is beautiful with trees and is close to several quaint villages.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Terry R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Welcoming experience

Beautiful schoolhouse property & very clean! Plenty of things in a & around the home to keep all ages busy! Having the pontoon boat was fun for cruising & fishing! We had precious family time! Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Scott J., Rochester, MI, U SA

Liked: Cleanliness

Family Generations Vacation

Nice accommodations. Enjoyed location and hike to water. Pontoon boat was wonderful add on. And the Aquamat. Great fishing (fish the zones shown on map included with cottage handbook). Close to Sleeping Bear dunes (note: Dune walk is quite a challenge!) and nice beaches. Spacious kitchen. Lack of wifi actually a bonus (got youth to spend time on family games). Everyone had a good time. Many thanks!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Terry L.

Liked: Cleanliness

school house

The school house is just as pictured on the website. There is plenty of room for family and friends.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathy N., Holland, MI

Liked: Cleanliness

50th Anniversary Celebration with Family

Our family left the "Schoolhouse Cottage" with so many magical memories including: The quiet stroll down the wooded path to the lake listening to birds and rustling leaves blow. We loved having the pontoon boat to cool us off on warmer days. An eagle blessed us with its successful dive for a fish. We had plenty to do with games and the ping-pong table, chalkboard art, cooking contests, picnics on the deck, and much more. It is also located near Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve which a MUST for hikers. We canoed beautiful Lower Herring Lake which flows out into Lake Michigan - a sight to behold. Thank you for sharing your cottage with us and helping us to make these memories a reality!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Beverly P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family fishing trip

Great property! A lot of fun things to do. The kids loved it!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chris M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great Place

Was a nice place to stay while we had a ski weekend. Quite a bit removed from any of the local towns, but within easy driving distance. Kids really enjoyed the rustic-ness of the school house cottage.
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2022