Skip to main content
Entire home

Charming Cottage Retreat - Your Home Away from Home!

Lakefront cottage in Kalkaska with kitchen

Photo gallery for Charming Cottage Retreat - Your Home Away from Home!

Interior
Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
2 bedrooms, free WiFi, bed sheets
Enjoy the serene ambiance of this cozy cottage by Big Blue, a 86’ deep all-sports lake perfect for tubing and jet skiing. Kayak on North Blue, a tranquil no-wake lake with crystal-clear waters in shades of blue and green reminiscent of the Caribbean.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Pet friendly
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

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

Charming Cottage Retreat - Your Home Away from Home!

This cozy, charming cottage is perfect for your next vacation.
The beautiful lake in front of you is Big Blue. Crystal clear water and 86’ feet at its
deepest point. Trout and BlueGill are the primary fish in the lake. Big Blue is an all
sports lake with tubing, water skiing and jet skis. Walk out the door and take the road
on your right straight across to North Blue. 76’ feet at its deepest point, North Blue is a
no wake lake perfect for kayaking or fishing. Crystal clear water in beautiful shades of
blue and green. Some say the water reminds them of the Caribbean.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • One pet total (up to 20 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing 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)

Similar properties

Outdoor dining
ALL YEAR ROUND FUN! LAKE FRONT! BLUE BEAR TRAIL UP THE DRIVEWAY! I
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
9.8 out of 10, Exceptional, 78 reviews
ALL YEAR ROUND FUN! LAKE FRONT! BLUE BEAR TRAIL UP THE DRIVEWAY! I

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 2:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 18

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 allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
1 total (up to 20 lbs per pet)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events 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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
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

About the neighborhood

Map
Kalkaska, MI

What's nearby

  • Au Sable River - 19 min drive - 23.1 km
  • Grandview Golf Club - 23 min drive - 25.0 km
  • Timber Wolf Golf Club - 23 min drive - 28.9 km
  • Hartwick Pines State Park - 25 min drive - 30.7 km
  • Torch Lake - 38 min drive - 49.6 km

Restaurants

  • ‪The Hideaway Bar - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Manistee Lake Pizzeria / Bakery - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪lost forest lodge - ‬21 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming Cottage Retreat - Your Home Away from Home! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 20 lbs per pet.

What time is check-in at Charming Cottage Retreat - Your Home Away from Home!?

Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming Cottage Retreat - Your Home Away from Home!?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Charming Cottage Retreat - Your Home Away from Home! located?

Situated on a lake, this cottage is within 16 mi (25 km) of Au Sable River, Grandview Golf Club, and Hartwick Pines State Park. Timber Wolf Golf Club and Big Bradford Lake are also within 20 mi (32 km).

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Reviews

Charming Cottage Retreat - Your Home Away from Home! Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.6

Cleanliness

10

Location

10

Eco-friendliness

10

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 33 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 2 out of 33 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Heather J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time at the yellow cottage! Will definitely be back another time to enjoy Blue Lake!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

john m.

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

Nice cottage

Nice place to stay, would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy U.

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

Mini vacay

We had a great time. Place was nice. We enjoyed having the lake right in front to us.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christopher H.

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

Perfect get away

A nice trip up north to a neat little cottage. Enjoyed listening to the loons and watching a bald eagle.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

tracy c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
As always, a wonderful stay at Tina's cottage on Blue Lake. This is our third stay and I cannot say enough great things about the cottage, location, host and Blue Lake. All around, 5 stars!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jillian N.

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

Anniversary Weekend

This was a wonderful property to stay at! Very clean and peaceful. The neighborhood was quiet and the lake was absolutely gorgeous. We had a great time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Lesley C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This Yellow cottage overlooking the Blue Lake is absolutely lovely. It is comfortable, adequately stocked with towels, sheets, a well organized kitchen and wonderful views of the lake while inside the cottage. There was good water pressure and plenty hot water. The stacked washer/dryer was so convenient for small loads. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Yellow cottage, a peaceful place for sure! I definitely hope to return.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Stacy F.

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

Love this charming cottage!

Everything was perfect! The house was clean and comfortable, had everything needed and stayed so nice and cool even on the 95 degrees day! the view from the window and front porch was exactly what my mother was hoping for after a day of shopping and touring or spending the day on the lake. Fabulous hosts and a wonderful home!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Francine A.

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

Very nice cabin and location

Enjoyable!!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Debbie A.

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

Great place and location

Very clean, great location in a quiet neighborhood across the street from the beach. Had everything we needed for our weekend stay. Would definitely stay here again and recommend to others.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda S.

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

Perfect stay

Cabin was great, everything you could need. Granddaughters loved the lake, very clear water. Would definitely recommend staying. Host and all the neighbors we very friendly.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jake G.

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

Great place on Blue Lake

Loved the location. Great swimming area steps away from front door. We will be back.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dennis B.

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

Good Fishing

Nice northern lake, quiet and clean area.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Samantha W.

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

Beautiful little place

My husband, in laws and I had a lovely stay. The cabin is located in a perfect spot and very cozy. The neighbors were all very friendly and even let us use their kayak to stroll around the lake. It was a nice and quiet short get away!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jenny S.

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

Relaxing Waterfront Cabin

This cabin is conveniently located right near the water and provides beautiful views to enjoy from outside or inside. The beds are confortable, indoor seating and appliances are ample, and everything was well maintained and clean.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Excellent place

We loved this cottage. Very clean, updated, large kitchen for a small cabin, beautiful view. My only update to the listing would be that it sleeps 5 rather than 6.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

tracy c.

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

Our second stay at the Blue Lake Cottage

We had another amazing stay at the cottage on Blue Lake. Beautiful views of the lake right from the porch and a wonderful swim area right outside. The cottage is cozy and offers everything we need. It was a perfect retreat. Highly recommend this spot for anyone looking to unwind in a picturesque location!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cortney B.

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

Beautiful lake, clean and comfortable cabin

Both blue Lakes are gorgeous and a perfect weekend getaway. Amazing for kayaking, floating, and fishing. The cabin was quaint, clean, and very comfortable. Everything was easy from scheduling to check in/out. Would stay again!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Joshua R.

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

Great stay

We enjoyed our time here. It’s a cozy, updated cottage next to the lake. Tina was responsive and helpful. We’d like to come back.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

2/10 Terrible

Nick K.

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

Great

great
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

4th of July

House was really cute. Lake was very clear and beautiful. We had a great time.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary M.

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

Fun at the Yellow Cottage

Very nice and clean, with an amazing location. Owner responded immediately.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy B.

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

Relaxing!

As described
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kate and Rocky O.

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

Cottage with a View!

We were delighted with our short stay at the Blue Lake Yellow Cottage. The cottage is just steps away from the water, and we wish we'd been there on a warmer fall day to enjoy the lake in our canoe! It is pet and family friendly, and once we got the wi-fi back up and running, we had great connectivity. Perfect spot for a quick get-away.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicole Z.

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

Blue Lake beauty

The cottage and area itself are just beautiful. As if it were taken straight from a story book. We stayed over Labor Day weekend and it was the perfect end to our summer. Tina really has thought of everything and is such an attentive host. You can tell great care has been taken in maintaining the cottage and providing guests with a memorable stay. We truly loved everything about our stay and can't wait to book again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023