Private Waterfront - Basford & Big Star Lake - Reviews, Photos & Rates

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Entire home·Private host

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Where to?

Dates

June 2025

July 2025

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12279 sq m

Popular amenities

Beach view
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Washer
Fireplace
Parking available

Explore the area

Baldwin, MI

Huron-Manistee National Forest
‪1 min walk‬
Big Star Lake
‪1 min drive‬
Cecilia Lake
‪3 min drive‬

Room options

About this property

Entire place

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

Private Waterfront - Basford & Big Star Lake

Welcome to one of the most desirable, all-season properties on a beautiful, private lake located in the heart of the Manistee National Forest. Featuring 4 large Bedrooms & 2 Full baths. Soak up the sun on 100 feet of private, sugar-sand beach with a long dock for lake fun. Enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, ATV and snowmobile trails, world class trout streams. Paddle boats, 2 Kayaks, 2 Paddle Boards, and swim raft – Fun for the whole family! Ping-pong, Air Hockey, corn hole, horseshoes, massive fire pit, NEW grill, resort beach chairs and hammock, and tons of parking. Truly a Vacation getaway with all the comforts of home! Enjoy the best Northern Michigan has to offer with spacious & private accommodations and make life long memories at Basford Lake House. 2 Acre Private Setting in the middle of all the activities.
Basford Lake - Trolling Motors Only & Big Star Lake (across the street) is All Sports. We have special deeded access to Big Star via an 8' wide easement nearby.

King Bed, 2 Queen Beds, Twin over Full Bunk, Twin over Twin Bunk, & Twin Bed

Provided: Some Firewood, Coffee, Detergent, Body Wash, Toilet Paper, Linens, Towels, Cable, Internet, Kayaks, Tubes, Paddleboats, etc. (Can Purchase Additional Firewood on-site with advance notice).

During your stay at this cottage, you're just a quick walk from Huron-Manistee National Forest. Enjoy features like laundry facilities and an arcade/game room. The cottage offers free WiFi and a jetted tub.

Air-conditioned cottage with kitchen, washing machine, and 2 bathrooms
Free WiFi
Amenities include laundry facilities
Onsite recreation includes a playground
Steps from Huron-Manistee National Forest and Basford Lake

This cottage offers its guests barbecue grills, an arcade/game room, and a garden. The front desk is open around the clock.

Smoking is allowed in designated areas at this Baldwin cottage.

Property manager

Michelle

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

On the beach
Beach loungers
Beach towels

Internet

Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Hob
Kitchen island
Kitchenette
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster

Dining

Dining table

Bedrooms

4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

2 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Jetted bathtub
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided

Living spaces

Dining table
Fireplace
Living room

Entertainment

Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

Balcony
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden

Laundry

Laundry facilities
Washing machine

Work spaces

Office

Comfort

Air conditioning
Heating

Pets

Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
Up to 23 kg per pet

Suitability/Accessibility

Designated smoking areas
Note from host: Smoking Fines for smoking inside

Services and conveniences

Phone

Location highlights

In a rural location
Near a hospital
On a lake
On the waterfront

Things to do

Arcade/game room
Boat
Kayak
Water sports equipment
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Hunting nearby
Ice skating nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks 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)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Deadbolt lock

General

Garden
Unit size: 3,000 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are welcome
Only dogs are allowed
Maximum 2 (weight limit: 50 lbs per pet)
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
Note from host: Pets = House Trained & No Chewing (puppies)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome.

Note from host: Perfect for Children

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

Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 20

Note from host: All Events must be approved by Owner

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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

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

Private Waterfront Basford Big Star Lake

New! Private Waterfront Basford Big Star Lake

Private Waterfront - Basford & Big Star Lake Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

8/10 Good

Marc B.

18 May 2025

Nice lake

First the host is easy to communicate with and accommodating. The lake is beautiful and will keep everyone entertained. However our weekend was full of storms leading to more time inside. We had a family of 9. 7 adults and two older teens. There wasn’t enough comfortable seating inside to be together. The showers are incredibly small and not the cleanest. The entire cabin was not the cleanest we have been to. But easy to make do. The biggest issue was the temperature control. My mother in law has lupus and needs it to be cooler for her. We did get the host to allow us to control the thermostat. However we quickly realized the lack of vents. We had to position fans to more evenly distribute the air. The bed in the downstairs single room is insanely uncomfortable. It dips in every direction and the window has no cover so it’s incredibly bright very early! The pontoon was a blast. Lots of turtles to be seen. Dishes left something to be desired. Bring your own pans as I wish I had. Grill worked great! Kids had fun playing games as well. Good time was had but we wouldn’t repeat visit.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathy D.

7 Jan 2025

Liked: Cleanliness

Christmas Break Vacation

We really enjoyed our stay. There was lots of room for all 12 of us. The large downstairs bedroom with the TV and lots of floor space was great for the older kids and the sunroom area was perfect for the little ones. The air hockey was a hit and we even had a tournament. The kitchen was nicely stocked with lots of cooking and baking pans and serving bowls. There was plenty of table service, cups and glasses for all of us. The communication with the property owner was very timely. I would recommend this home to anyone.

Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yvette M.

19 Aug 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful!

The property was very clean and well maintained. Pictures were accurate. The family had a great time!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Monica S.

18 Aug 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice place

This was a nice place for the family to stay. Large beach was nice, water toys wonderful. House was nice, only downside was the showers were really small and the water would run from extremes of hot to cold out of the blue.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel R.

20 Jun 2024

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful

Stayed here with extended family, adult kids and grand kids.Everything was great, time with family with plenty to do for everyone with the lake, beach, games, and just relaxing. the hosts were great with communication, flexibility, and friendliness. Looking forward already to staying again.

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Missee F.

20 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Family get away 2023

We like to spend a week in the woods once a year with our children and grands. This spot was perfect. The house had plenty of space. The beach was perfect and private. The lake was calm and quiet. We hardly saw another soul. The bathroom showers are small and the water pressure is weak - hey, you’re in the middle of no where. It certainly didn’t ruin the trip, but worth mentioning. If a luxury spa type stay is what you’re looking for, this might not be the house. We LOVED it and highly recommend to anyone looking to get away!!

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara P.

4 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Barb

Had a great time. Internet is a little spotting. GPS kept getting us to go down dead ends. So check map before you leave house. Emergency care is not close. Hopefully no one will need it. We did and had to drive to big rapids. We took kayak trip on pere marquette very pretty worth the trip. Kids loved the pingpong and air hockey.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Beckie W.

7 Jul 2023

Lake home

First our host was very quick to answer all concerns. The house is very clean. The house is not set up so you can visit with your party. There is very little comfortable seating. The beautiful tub is not usable the hot and cold water is very finicky. The showers are VERY SMALL. The weather turned cold and we were stuck inside, we couldn't hang out together. The house is very disjointed. The host was very kind. Make sure you bring some warm clothes.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ellen C.

12 Jun 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely cottage!

This cottage is a gem! Clean and cute, comfortable spaces for our family of 10. A quiet little lake that doesn’t have speed boats, just pontoon boats. Our grandkids loved the beach and paddle boats. A little bit of advice, write down your code to get in before you go, because cell service is not great. There is Wi-Fi once you are in the cottage. The owners are great and very helpful. Highly recommend!

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristina F.

21 May 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice, spacious get away!!

Great place!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Asta S.

3 Jan 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful house

The house is really beautiful and cozy. Thank you for letting us enjoy it!

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

Talice J.

1 Jan 2023

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Winter Experience

Host were actively engaged in ensuring our experience was the best, and they were prompt with taking action when a issue arose. A treadmill investment would be most favorable as well as working fire places. Overall great place, customer service and perfect place to be if you want a magical winter wonderland experience. Thanks for sharing your home with us, the internet connection was the best, it was exactly what we needed. We were allotted the time to reconnect, make memories and bond once again. Great place; will be sharing with friends and family far and near!!!! Talice

Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

kim c.

25 Nov 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic private retreat on Labor day week 2022

This lakeside home has everything you could want. Sandy beach, private setting, fire pit, all beach and water toys, wade in lake, and even a small pontoon boat. We loved it. Basement walk out level bedrooms, bathroom, games rooms, for some guests for their privacy. Main level bedrooms, bathroom, and kitchen were great. We had perfect weather every day. But in case there would have been rain, we could have enjoyed the game room more. Thanks to Michelle and family for the use of their wonderful property. We hope to come back again.

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

D W.

16 Oct 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location for hunt camp!

Everything about this location was perfect. Very clean, a lot of stuff to do, great location just perfect for 8 grown men. I would recommend this place to anyone just all around great place and great host.

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrew C.

21 Sept 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

great house great location

Our group really enjoyed this roomy and the great views. Very comfortable and easy for 5 of us to relax and enjoy!

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer J.

27 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

1st annual family vacation (grown children)

This is the type of rental where you never wanna leave. It’s home away from home with a beautiful view and much to do!!! ♥️

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rob D.

18 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Large house in a QUIET location

This is close enough to be near restaurants and ice cream - but far enough away that you don’t hear much of anything. It’s a non-motorized lake so the water is quiet too… The house was clean, LARGE, and well stocked. Communications with the owner went great - and all worked as planned… The only note I’d add is for younger kids - since this is a trolling motor lake only, and the water level seems low, the swimming area near shore doesn’t offer a lot of room in the water until you get into weeds and a leafy bottom. The water itself is fine, and it has a nice swim raft for older kids too. We spent a lot of time with the kayaks and SUP. Not a show stopper by any stretch, but something to note. We’re thankful for the opportunity to get away before school starts and glad we found this place!

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Paige W.

13 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Family vacay

The property owner was great! Flexible and quick to respond. There is plenty of wildlife to see around the property and plenty to do. The only thing my family wanted to note, was that the beach area was a little mucky underfoot, but that isn’t something the property owner. An control and it is pretty normal for a small lake.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather S.

6 Aug 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Loved the home and lake!

The lake is peaceful and quiet. The home was very clean, well kept and so many fun things for the kids to do even on raining days. We loved all the space, boat rental for fishing. We very much enjoyed our stay and would recommend.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Theresa M.

30 Jul 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Getaway from the city

The cottage was excellent. Michelle was a great host and very responsive to the concerns we had. There was no reception for us around the property (wifi available in the cottage), make sure to download the map before getting there.

Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephen R.

25 Jul 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful Summer Getaway

My family stayed for a week and honestly can’t wait to go back. We had ages ranging from 15 to 71 and there was plenty for everyone to do. From relaxing on the balcony to swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, or paddle boats. Inside you have a game room with card table, board games, ping pong, and air hockey table. Michelle is fantastic. Very quick to respond to any questions we had. She has a beautiful home and if you have the opportunity to book a stay you should not hesitate.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

cindy d.

16 Jul 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Great family vacation!

It was a beautiful cottage. It held all ton of us very comfortably. And had all the comforts of home. The children and the adults loved all the water toys and we were in the water endless hours every day. Thank you for letting us use your beautiful home.

Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Meagan A.

4 Jul 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect getaway!

Just book it!! We had 2 families stay at the property (4 adults and 4 kids ages 7, 6, 5 and 5) and it was everything we could have asked for! We even would have had room for another family to stay with us. Michelle is great with communication and was so easy to work with. The house was clean with plenty of space and was stocked with all the necessities and lots of extra additions (soaps, laundry stuff, games, movies, coffee, spices, puzzles, etc). The outdoor area was also amazing! The beach and water were perfect for the kids and adults! We also loved the hammock, fire pit and playing croquet out front and bags on the beach! The water toys/activities that were included also made for lots of fun memories! If you’re looking for a great place to get away and make some memories this is the place for you! We all loved it! Hint…Google maps takes you right to the house, Waze will get you lost :)

Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey W.

21 Jun 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Summer Vacationing in Baldwin

The cottage was perfect for our family vacation! We loved the swimming, paddle boards, kayaks, & paddle boats. The sandy beach was great. Loved the house, which was clean and had everything we needed; plus the ping pong table and air hockey were also a lot of fun. Michelle was very responsive and accommodating. We hope to be able to return. We were grateful to be able to rent this gem. Thank you.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Denise G., Chesterfield

7 Jun 2022

Liked: Cleanliness

Long weekend getaway

My family enjoyed staying here. The house was beautiful and just as described!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

Private Waterfront - Basford & Big Star Lake

Choose dates to view prices

Photo gallery for Private Waterfront - Basford & Big Star Lake

Reviews

Entire home

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Room options

About this property

Entire place

Private Waterfront - Basford & Big Star Lake

Property manager

Languages

Property amenities

Beach

Internet

Parking and transport

Kitchen

Dining

Bedrooms

Bathroom

Living spaces

Entertainment

Outdoor areas

Laundry

Work spaces

Comfort

Pets

Suitability/Accessibility

Services and conveniences

Location highlights

Things to do

Safety features

General

Policies

Check-in

Check-out

Special check-in instructions

Pets

Children and extra beds

Important information

You need to know

We should mention

Property is also known as

Private Waterfront - Basford & Big Star Lake Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

9.8/10

Reviews

8/10 Good

Marc B.

Nice lake

Marc B.

10/10 Excellent

Kathy D.

Christmas Break Vacation

Kathy D.

10/10 Excellent

Yvette M.

Beautiful!

Yvette M.

10/10 Excellent

Monica S.

Nice place

Monica S.

10/10 Excellent

Daniel R.

Wonderful

Daniel R.

10/10 Excellent

Missee F.

Family get away 2023

Missee F.

10/10 Excellent

Barbara P.

Barb

Barbara P.

6/10 Okay

Beckie W.

Lake home