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Lakefront Cottage on Portage Lake and the Huron River Chain of Lakes

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Property grounds
Exterior
Smart TV, books
Exterior
Interior

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 7102 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available
  • Air conditioning
  • Free WiFi

About this property

Entire place

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

Lakefront Cottage on Portage Lake and the Huron River Chain of Lakes

Your affordable lakeside oasis awaits you and your family! Enjoy luxury vinyl flooring on the main level, a new kitchen with a breakfast bar, and wonderful light and bright colors to give you that waterfront escape from the stresses of every day. The home boasts three bedrooms, one bath on Portage Lake on the Huron River chain of lakes. Enjoy spectacular views from the lower and upper decks on the lakeside. 4 Kayaks and 2 standup paddleboards are available for your use at no additional charge on a first come, first served basis. The Upper Level offers sleeping for 8 with two private bedrooms and a spacious airy open sleeping area at the top of the stairs while the lower main level offers a kitchen, dining and living area as well as the bathroom. Shared docking is available for one (1) boat! Pontoons are available for rental at nearby Wonderland West Marina. The home is fully furnished and ready for you and your family to make new memories at the lake. This home is perfect for kids who love to swim - the water is 2-3 feet deep for almost 400 feet off the shoreline - perfect for swimming or working on your stand up paddle board skills! You'll want to reserve your spot for the 1st week of July and enjoy the magnificent fireworks right from the end of your dock. There are wonderful restaurants nearby and the city of Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan, is just 20 minutes away.

Other things to note:
Our owners are committed to your stay being the very best that it can be with little to no interference.

Property manager

Amy Bennett

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

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

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Service animals only (pets not allowed)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas

Services and conveniences

  • Meal delivery service

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near an outlet shopping mall
  • Near the marina
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming 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: 1,100 square feet

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  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)
Note from host: Small dogs are allowed with a $250 deposit

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Note from host: Please speak with the owner regarding details
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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property
Lakefront On Portage Pinckney
Lakefront Cottage on Portage Lake
Lakefront Cottage on Portage Lake Pinckney
Lakefront Cottage on Portage Lake Private vacation home

About the neighborhood

Map
Pinckney, MI

What's nearby

  • Pinckney State Recreation Area - 6 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Whispering Pines - 7 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Legacy Center Sports Complex - 20 min drive - 19.4 km
  • University of Michigan - 23 min drive - 28.0 km
  • Michigan Stadium - 24 min drive - 26.9 km

Getting around

  • Ann Arbor Station - 22 min drive
  • Ann Arbor, MI (ARB-Ann Arbor Municipal) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Zukey Lake Tavern - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Hamburg Coney Restaura - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Frosty's Icecreamery - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lakefront Cottage on Portage Lake and the Huron River Chain of Lakes pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

What time is check-in at Lakefront Cottage on Portage Lake and the Huron River Chain of Lakes?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lakefront Cottage on Portage Lake and the Huron River Chain of Lakes?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lakefront Cottage on Portage Lake and the Huron River Chain of Lakes located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Huron River and Hudson Mills Metropark. Arise Dog Park and Pinckney State Recreation Area are also within 3 mi (5 km).

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Lakefront Cottage on Portage Lake and the Huron River Chain of Lakes Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 60 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 60 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 60 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 60 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 60 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Suzanna P.

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

Nice quiet place on the Lake

My family met here for some summer fun on a lake we grew up on. Just what we needed
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

6/10 Okay

James M.

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

A

A
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cassie K.

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

Great get away but still close to home!

We enjoyed the location and property. Daniel was very accommodating and easy to contact.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

eden b.

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

Great long weekend getaway

Clean, Cozy cottage, great location. Thank you for having us, our family had a great time.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Amanda K.

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

Fall weekend

Adorable cottage in a great location. Quick, easy access to Ann Arbor and nearby is the cute little town of Dexter. Property owner is super responsive and helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terry P., Louisville, Kentucky

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

Another great stay!

Thoroughly enjoyed our stay on beautiful Portage Lake! Very clean, well cared for cottage. Loved the kayaks, paddle boards and hanging out on the dock!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Peggy D., Loudon, Tennessee

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

Great cottage on Portage Lake.

We loved staying at the cottage. Great time for a family trip. The water is wonderful. It’s like being in Northern Michigan!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Molly R.

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

Perfect house for a family

We had a wonderful time on the lake! The house had everything we needed to make memories with the kids. Thank you for allowing us to enjoy your cottage!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

William B.

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

Great Lake House

Fantastic location on the water. Loved the cottage. Took my mom, daughter and grandson. All had a great time.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Terry P.

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

Wonderful cottage!

Very clean, very easy check in. Well stocked, plenty of cooking utensils. Almost new, Weber gas grill on back porch. Loved the dock and the location on Portage Lake.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Darlene C., Michigan

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

Perfect little getaway

This house was perfect for our weekday vacation. It has everything we needed and the view from the backyard was great. Our dog took full advantage of the dock for hours of fetch. Location was perfect for a visit to both Sandhill Crane and Chateau Aeronatique wineries. It was a very relaxing trip and we appreciate the use of your home.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sally V.

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

Good stay on lake

We enjoyed our time at the lake. The dock and paddle boat are fantastic and the welcome binder had good recs for the area. Only minor suggestion would be to get heavier blinds/drapes in bedrooms to keep rooms a bit darker.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Angie M.

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

Quick weekend

The property space was well utilized for optimal space. The owners were responsive to questions. Nice weekend to spend with family!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie M.

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

Wonderful getaway!

We were in Michigan for a tournament for my daughter. We found this property and wanted to take advantage of the lake! The rental came with paddle boards, kayaks, and an aqua cycle. We took advantage of those and being able to fish and have fires. The owner was so helpful. We would definitely stay again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

jane a.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Portage Lake Cottage

Property had the following issues: No dishwasher No washer/dryer No electric socket in bathroom Bathroom sink did not drain All furniture dated and worn Shower very small, mold Water smells
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Melissa H., Grand Rapids, MI

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

Relaxing Stay

My family really enjoyed relaxing by the lake for a long weekend before school started up again. The lake was beautiful, and we enjoyed the kayaks and paddleboards. Previous tenants apparently absconded with the life jackets, but the owner had more delivered very quickly. Traffic was a bit busy on the weekend, as the dock is near the marina, but more peaceful on the weekday. The house has the charms and quirks of an old building (like needing to duck coming down the stairs), but it is well maintained and we stayed cool with the A/C. The only slight negative of the experience was that the grill badly needed cleaning, but that was a minor blip.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Kellie G.

Liked: Check-in, location

Summer get away

It is a cute little cottage. New owners took possession 2 days prior to our arrival and therefore cottage was not up to the standards of pervious reviews. Cobwebs in every room, light bulb burned out w no replacement, toilet clogged (they did fix right away), not a single spice, minimal utensils, they did not provide the items listed in the VRBO listing. No screens on many windows upstairs where it was over 90 degrees. Outside of house in desperate need of power washing. Advertised sandy beach had algae and algae plums every where (not anyone's fault but not a sandy beach) Owner apologetic and accommodating for first few calls but left vm when we couldn't find a toaster, spatula, light bulb & didn't call back. Might sound petty but day after day it got old. I have never given a poor review but this place was not what was advertised. I hope they step up for future renters. I spoke w owner about a discount due to above and she was arguing over spatula at the same that she was aware that I was placing my mom in HOSPICE. I expressed this was rediculas and ended the call. Just sad that this was my moms last cottage experience. Again, my first unfavorable review ever.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl C.

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

Great family place on the lake

If you’re looking for a luxury, high end vacation this isn’t the place. But if you want a clean, roomy space on a lake for a family with young kids this is it. The house is older but well maintained. It is right on the lake. We enjoyed using the kayaks and paddle boat. The lake is very shallow for a long way out so swimming for children is great, not so much for adults, but still refreshing. We enjoyed the campfires at night, making s’mores and reminiscing with our adult children. We rented a pontoon boat for the day and had a great time exploring the chain of lakes. Our dog was happy that she was able to come too and didn’t have to be boarded. For us the only drawbacks were that there was only one bathroom (for 5 adults) and there really aren’t three bedrooms, just two bedrooms and an open space with beds, which is probably fine for a family with kids but not so much for 3 couples. The hosts were very responsive to our emails and were frequently around as they have a place next door. The water from the tap is iron water but they provided a water cooler for drinking water. The neighbors were also very friendly and helpful. Would recommend it, especially for a family with kids.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

6/10 Okay

Kent V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy

Disappointment

First of all I gave this a 3 instead of 2 rating because Jeanne (the host) was very nice and there was no problem with owners living next door as was mentioned in a negative review earlier. No problem sharing dock or kayaks, paddle boat etc. Cottage was small but very well equipped with linens, kitchen utensils, and clean. But with that said I think people should be aware of the following. *We didn’t realize all bedrooms were upstairs and that were NOT private rooms. If in one room, you have to go thru middle room to get downstairs (not private). If in room with lake view (twin beds) no air conditioning if you shut the door (which doesn't close). Gets very warm even with windows open. No closets and only 1 dresser for all rooms. No electrical outlets in bathroom. *SAFETY ISSUES that need to be addressed. The OPEN stairs have no guard rail on open side, very dangerous for small kids, as well as older adults going down to bathroom in middle of night. You couldn’t put a gate at top of stairs because of side railing being too wide a small child could easily fall thru. Also very unsturdy. needs to be secured better. There is a huge gap on both sides of railing on upstairs deck (another safety issue). So Because of the safety issues we had to scramble to find another place for the 2 families that were going to stay with us Our main mission was to have all families together at one place so this was a huge disappointment. We did talk to Jeanne & husband regarding the safety issues and they did compensate us for a portion of the rental (which was appreciated). We rented this place because of the pictures and great reviews but can’t believe we are the only family that had a problem. Until the issues above are addressed I would find another property, definitely not worth the money.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2021

4/10 Poor

rachel l., Okemos MI

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

Owners Felt More Like Roommates

In general the place was nice. It was clean and we appreciated the effort that was made to ensure we could keep the house cool (especially the upstairs, which we imagine could get very hot). No real complaints with the house, but… (and this is weird for us as this is our first bad experience with VRBO) As it turned out, the owners were staying in the next house. This also wouldn’t have been a problem except for the following: • Throughout the vacation we had the family running through the property we rented and using the equipment (paddleboards, mini-pontoon) that we were allowed access to in the rental. Sitting by the fire with family and friends and having the owners walking within arm’s length is not what we envisioned. This also didn’t really make you feel welcome to use the equipment when the reality is, you’re sharing it with the owners. • While we were trying to use the grill, and our family was still outside (around 6:30pm), they decided to spray the yard for mosquitos, and then asked us not to walk on it (yes, that is for our health/safety, but really? During dinner?) They also sprayed the tree immediately behind the grill as we were grilling. • Speaking of the grill, when we arrived the smell of propane was overwhelming. As it turns out they installed a new propane tank the day before but didn’t close the valve and it leaked to near empty. • And then… the parking issue. We had a couple of surprise guests on Friday night and they parked in the driveway (making 5 total cars). Dan and my husband talked and it was understood that the people were leaving soon. That wasn’t good enough for Jeanne, as not long after my husband and Dan talked, Jeanne came storming out of her house and yelled at my teenage daughter about the cars, threatening to have them towed. Ummmm, didn’t my husband and Dan just talk about that? Hey, we understand the 3 car limit in the driveway and had already established plans to have people park at a Park-n-Ride in Pinckney and give them rides in for Father’s Day. We acknowledged the guests parking on Friday night resulting in 5 cars and discussed it with them. But nothing will excuse Jeanne for coming out and yelling and threatening my teenage daughter, especially when the adult renters were present. In our opinion… don’t rent here. Not worth it… so many better places on that lake, probably with nicer, less invasive people.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

2/10 Terrible

Amy K.

Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy N., Washington DC metro area

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

Cozy lake stay

My brother and I shared this cottage on a football weekend and not only was it conveniently located, we found it to be warm and welcoming in every way. It was clean, comfortable and the lake view was absolutely serene. The hosts were very responsive and we both agreed we would come for a return visit! The only downside is that there is only one bathroom and it is downstairs from the bedrooms so if you have to get up during the night you need to navigate the stairs. May be tough for elderly guests or someone with mobility concerns.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ed and Marion B.

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

Clean fresh comfortable cottage with lake view

We were three women who shared this cottage for a little family reunion and were delighted with the cleanliness and freshness of the home. The beds were very comfortable to sleep on and though the weather was chilly we could easily heat the living areas and bedrooms and there were plenty of extra blankets. The whole cottage is spic and span, the kitchen tidy and the bathroom was fine for our needs. The owner was very welcoming and instantly responsive to answer questions for us. In short, this is a lovely cottage with welcoming and responsive owners. It came with a delightful looking paddle boat and kayaks and paddle boards that would be so much fun in the summer months. As we were there in late September at a chilly time, we talked about coming back to enjoy the waterfront and outdoor space even more.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary M.

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

Great place! Beautiful lake close to Michigan Stadium

A friend and I spent the weekend here so we could easily get to/from Ann Arbor for the football game. It was a real value and easy drive to the game. We enjoyed being on the waterfront. Just be aware if you have mobility issues that the bathroom is on the main floor and the bedrooms are all upstairs. But the stairs have handrails on both sides and are easy to navigate (being tall, I did have to duck slightly).
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Constance H.

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

Amazing

Beautiful house, great hosts, plenty of things to do in the area. The kayaks and paddle boards were very fun to have the use of throughout our stay. The hosts are wonderful, answered all of our questions and were readily available if needed. The house is beautiful and comfortable and right on the lake. Even though our visit was cut short for a family emergency, we enjoyed our stay tremendously. Thank you to our hosts and we will definitely try to get back there when we can.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022