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

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A white house with a red roof, surrounded by tall grass and trees.
A cozy living room with a wooden ceiling, a blue sofa with star patterns, a round coffee table, and a flag on the wall.
A room with wooden ceiling beams, a yellow wall, and a flag.
A kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island, a microwave, a stove, and a refrigerator.
A cozy living room with a blue sofa, wooden staircase, and a kitchen area with wooden cabinets.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12204 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Arcadia, MI
  • Place, Upper Herring Lake
    ‪1 min drive‬
  • Place, Lower Herring Lake
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Inspiration Point
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Room options

About the area

Arcadia

At this holiday home you'll be within a 5-minute walk of Upper Herring Lake and 3.7 km (2.3 mi) from Lake Michigan. Highlights at this holiday home include a kitchen, a washing machine and free WiFi. .You can enjoy Smart televisions with a DVD player, and home features 2 bathrooms, a balcony and a sofa bed. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A living room, a dining area and a TV are also available. .This pet-friendly holiday home offers a games room, a garden and barbecues. Additionally, you'll find laundry facilities. .Attractions within a 30-minute drive of this Arcadia holiday home include Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Crystal Mountain.
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What's nearby

  • Upper Herring Lake - 1 min drive - 0.4 km
  • Lower Herring Lake - 4 min drive - 2.9 km
  • Green Point Dunes Nature Preserve - 6 min drive - 7.6 km
  • Inspiration Point - 7 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Arcadia Area Historical Museum - 9 min drive - 12.2 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 34 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪A&W Restaurant - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Chestnut Hills Golf Course - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪MT Plate Diner - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Upriver Pizza - ‬16 min drive

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 Kayaks and Game Room

- We never charge Host, Cleaning or Pet (up to 2 dogs) fees!

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.

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)
Full dock with moorings for additional boats (mid-May through November 1)
Fire pit with chairs
Rope hammock and chaise lounges

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.

RENTAL AGREEMENT: By booking, the guest accepts the Rental Agreement shown under “House rules and rental agreement” during checkout.

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  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
5.0 out of 5, Exceptional, 52 reviews
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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
  • Up to 453 kg per pet

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

  • Bicycle parking
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Garden
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Some LED lighting used
  • Unit size: 2,200 square feet
  • Water-efficient showers

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

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

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 to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
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 (weight limit: 999 lb per pet)
    • 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

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
Long-term renters welcome
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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that 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
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. Long-term renters welcome. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a deadbolt lock in all accommodation.

Property is also known as

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

Frequently asked questions

Are there any beaches close to Schoolhouse-Style Lakefront Near Crystal Mountain with Kayaks and Game Room?

The closest beach to Schoolhouse-Style Lakefront Near Crystal Mountain with Kayaks and Game Room is Frankfort Beach (10.7 km).

Does Schoolhouse-Style Lakefront Near Crystal Mountain with Kayaks and Game Room have a pool?

No, this holiday home doesn't have a pool.

Is Schoolhouse-Style Lakefront Near Crystal Mountain with Kayaks and Game Room family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as an arcade, laundry facilities and children's books, it's no surprise that Schoolhouse-Style Lakefront Near Crystal Mountain with Kayaks and Game Room is a winner with our family travellers.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Schoolhouse-Style Lakefront Near Crystal Mountain with Kayaks and Game Room?

No, Schoolhouse-Style Lakefront Near Crystal Mountain with Kayaks and Game Room does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Schoolhouse-Style Lakefront Near Crystal Mountain with Kayaks and Game Room?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 10:00 AM.

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 56 out of 60 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 60 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 60 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 60 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 60 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was a great stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location and we loved the pool table!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
House is great for a getaway, so close to skiing and Frankfort!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location close to beautiful Elberta beach.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice, fun, and unique home! Very convenient for our day trips to Crystal Mountain!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent stay for our group. We had two familes with kids ranging in age from a baby to a teenager and we all had things to do and our own spaces we felt comfortable in. Our stay was short but we hope to be back another time. Kids were all so sad our last night knowing we would bave to leave in the morning and there wouldn't be much time to play before leaving. Communication was great with the host as well with our questions!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice quiet location. Beautiful scenery. Very nice place.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place. Loved the area. Clean and happy the dog could come.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lizzie was very easy to work with and was always quick to respond. The Schoolhouse is awesome and had everything we needed. We stayed in the winter, and the ice fishing was great. Highly recommend this property.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic space. We hope to return again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful stay!

We wanted a family-friendly place for a getaway. The schoolhouse cottage was perfect! Great location, just like photos, fun features like movies, pool/ping pong table, swing set, and a telescope, very comfortable and inviting. We’d love to stay again!
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Fabulous location

We really loved the location and access to all the small towns. We enjoyed the peace and quiet and the use of boat, kayaks, and dock. Would love to come again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Absolutely wonderful winter getaway

GREAT! Hope to be back soon.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Close to Crystal Mt

Great stay close to Crystal Mt. Wonderful host! Great with communication throughout the visit.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great week!

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

10/10 Excellent

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

Family fishing trip

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

10/10 Excellent

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

School House Vacation

Wonderful property with plenty of room for our group. Lake Perch were plentiful, and delicious. Exciting to hear the wildlife at dark and enjoyed the peacefulness of the surrounding county side by day.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

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