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MN Lake Home Sanctuary - Scenic, Surreal, Spiritual, ... NE Brainerd-area Lakes

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Property grounds
Property grounds
access road
at end of our driveway
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8223.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Beach view
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Pine River, MN
  • Hay Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Blackwater Lake
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Little Boy Lake
    ‪38 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Queen Beds and 2 Single Beds

Living Room 1

1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

LL Bath

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Shampoo

Main Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

MN Lake Home Sanctuary - Scenic, Surreal, Spiritual, ... NE Brainerd-area Lakes

Experience your own slice of watery heaven with comfortable accommodations, modern amenities, and fascinating nature / wildlife for small (2 - 8) gatherings of family, friends, neighbors, work colleagues, church, clubs, and other weary world travelers. 3 Bedrooms incl. large Loft / 2 Baths with beautiful tile and stone / Large modern Kitchen space / Another separate dining area / 2 large decks (1 covered w/custom wooden bar and 1 w/screened gazebo) / Almost Heaven 6-person sauna installed fall 2019 / Digital and Audio Amenities / Game room w/professional pool table and dartboard. Scenic, unobstructed, south-facing Lake Views - completely uninhabited / Finished lower level / Large, attached 2-car heated Garage / Air conditioning and humidity control for the rare day when needed / In-floor radiant heat / Newly built 2017. Kitchen and amenities include SS Appliances, gas grill + Blackstone + Smoker, home theater, game room, stereo, internet, utility room w/new washer and dryer. Private beach area with large dock and boatlift, 2 kayaks and 1 canoe on beautiful, deep, clear lake with adequate fishing opportunities for all. Pontoon rental w/delivery available through Wheeler Marine. Backs up to 1000 acres of state forest land with winding trails following stands of large pine, oak, and aspen trees. Wildlife galore (deer, eagles, loons, bear, wild turkey, cats, coyote, ...). 150 miles from MSP, 40 mts NE Brainerd on Hay Lake which connects with Hand Lake and Lake Ada. Nearby destinations include: Harriett Club, Long Pine Store, Pine River, Hackensack, Backus, Longville, Outing, Walker / Leech Lake, Cross Lake, Gull Lake, Lake Itasca - source of Mississippi River, Paul Bunyan and Heartland Trails, and more. Many scenic bicycling, boating, hiking, golfing, ATV-riding, and cruising opportunities. Fantastic snowmobiling destination in the Winter - 4-wheel drive required. Optional Housekeeping and related services.

Property manager

Kirk Allan Mahlen c/o Excellent Ventures
Premier Host

Languages

Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
For sure w/supervision
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Events

No events allowed
Guests are requested to discuss with owners.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Safe, Outside, No Butts on Ground, Ash Tray
Please be neat and clean. Report any breakage, damage, issues, etc. Be sure to have a fun and relaxing stay.

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
Note from host: Guests are requested to discuss with owners.
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Pine River

Located in Pine River, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the beach. Paul Bunyan Scenic Byway is a local attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Deep Portage Conservation Reserve and Mule Lake Wildlife Management Area. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Pine River, MN

What's nearby

  • Hay Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Lake Ada - 11 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Blackwater Lake - 24 min drive - 18.8 km
  • Wabedo Lake - 28 min drive - 21.4 km
  • Little Boy Lake - 38 min drive - 25.8 km

Getting around

  • Duluth, MN (DLH-Duluth Intl.) - 178 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Harriet Club - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Mule Lake Corral - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪BC's Corral On Mule Lake - ‬23 min drive
  • ‪Wabedo Inn - ‬37 min drive
  • ‪Mcguire's Inn On Woman Lake - ‬32 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is MN Lake Home Sanctuary - Scenic, Surreal, Spiritual, ... NE Brainerd-area Lakes pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-out at MN Lake Home Sanctuary - Scenic, Surreal, Spiritual, ... NE Brainerd-area Lakes ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is MN Lake Home Sanctuary - Scenic, Surreal, Spiritual, ... NE Brainerd-area Lakes located?

Offering ski-in/ski-out access, this holiday home in Pine River is on a lake, steps from Hay Lake and close to winter activities, such as cross-country skiing and sledging. Lake Ada and Lake Hattie are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 41 out of 43 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 43 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 43 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Polly F.

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

Great family place

This was a great property and very well maintained. They had everything we needed and it's felt very cozy and comfy. We would be very happy to stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dana H.

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

Family Vacation

Our family had a wonderful stay at this beautiful cabin. There was plenty of room for all of us. We enjoyed the firepit, pool table, swimming off the dock, and as the weather was a bit cool, the sauna came in handy! We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

frank n.

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

5th stay

We love this cabin and the lake !! This was our fifth stay and we hope to stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Great place for a relaxing getaway

My friends and I had a great experience here and loved the serene & scenic atmosphere and well-equipped property. Would recommend for anyone looking to just get away for a while in a beautiful environment, for a group looking to meet up and enjoy a quiet lake, and anyone in between.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

H. K., Bayfield, Colorado, United States

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

Great Getaway

Our family enjoyed this well-loved family cabin. This cabin has everything you need to have a great time. We hope to return soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

frank n.

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

6th Stay

This is the 6th trip to this property for us. Obviously we love it! We hope to return next year. Very nice house and well maintained. Frank
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Meghan T.

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

Wonderful Weekend

We were extremely pleased with the accommodations and how well stocked the house was. It was very nice to not have to provide TP, paper towels, and the spices . The check out process was very simplistic and a great weekwas had by all of us! Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

frank n.

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

The Getaway

My wife and I have been vacationing at this house for four years and absolutely love it!!!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrew G.

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

Great quiet spot on lake

Place was clean and well kept prior to our arrival. Having comforts of home like tv/netflix were great, to sit and watch tv after fishing at night. Most of our time was spent either in the lake or on the large back deck. Very quiet area, pleanty of day naps were had. Highly recommended if you can get a chance, already booked our trip for next year. Owner was always available to get a hold of if we needed anything and is for accomodating.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike S.

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

Quick Get Away

Decided to come up to Minnesota for a quick fishing trip. House was in a nice secluded spot and was amazing had any and all amenities needed provided. Was an amazing property that is laid out great would definitely recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nicole H.

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

Beyond pleased with rental

I cannot wait to book another trip back here! The house was beyond clean and well furnished. They also allowed dogs! It was the best getaway home we could have asked for. The lake is so clear! Beautiful view with crazy cool nature! So many blue Jays to see in the morning as you’re out on the deck enjoying coffee watching the calm lake and sunrise! Kirk and Kathy were so quick to respond and so kind. Wheeler Marine was great as well! Having the pontoon was awesome! The only thing we would have changed is staying longer. We need a full week plus next time! Looking forward to making more wonderful memories at this beautiful home!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

MONA T.

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

Loon Paradise

Our week long family vacation was spectacular in this gorgeous lake home! The Mahlens have created a home with such a family atmosphere and very tasteful furnishings. The home is very open and spacious with morning sunlight and cheery surroundings and plenty of room. We had all the comforts of home that anyone could possibly need and more. The peacefulness during the week was a treasure and to hear the calls of the loons were the best part of our stay! We enjoyed kayaking and fishing in the clean, clear water of Hay Lake followed by cocktails on the large deck in the evening and ended the night with a bonfire. On the rainy days, a little nook in the loft was perfect to snuggle in & read a book. We saw a multitude of wildlife daily to include deer, turtles, mink and so many different species of birds visited. This property is an excellent getaway for families or groups, and I would highly recommend it!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Tim O.

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

Hay Lake Retreat

This is a new, comfortable and stylish A frame cabin. It was perfect for our immediate family of 5 (from Upstate NY) and grandma and auntie (from the Twin Cities). There are views of lake from all 3 floors. There is central A/C plus a separate humidity control when you don't want the cold air from the A/C but also don't want the humidity from outside. The loft provided an excellent space for the kids to sleep and hang out - as did the basement game room. The cabin isn't right on top of the lake but rather sits back some, so there is a usable back yard for outdoor games. My teens played a lot of frisbee there. Wonderful family room with more than adequate seating. One great find was the Tripoli game that my family often played when we were children. The game provided hours of enjoyment and it was fun to teach to our children. We canoed, kayaked and swam whenever the weather permitted. Do note that the road the house is located on is a small dirt road (about 2 miles off main road). We don't own a 4 wheel drive, so we found it a bit bumpy but the lovely location and home were well worth the journey!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Henry M.

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

Amazing fishing

Between 4 boats we caught well over 200 bass/pike in one day. Not a lot of size but an amazing clear water lake that would be a lot of fun for kids or novice anglers. Cabin was amazing and we are already looking to book for next year
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay H.

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

Super lakeside retreat!

Very well-appointed cabin with everything we needed. Perfect views and access to the lake. Easy check-in and check-out. Great for families!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Joshua C.

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

Summer vacation

Amazing place, Amazing view, Amazing host
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Craig & Donna F., Farmington, MN

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

Hay Lake '22

My family enjoyed our second getaway at Hay Lake. The property has everything that we needed with plenty of sleeping spaces, gorgeous lake views and a decent swimming beach. Very peaceful and quiet.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K.

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

Family getaway

Place is really clean and nice. Has great views of the lake! Had a great time with family for the weekend!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Natalie H., Chaska

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

Lovely Property

We had a wonderful stay. All the comforts of home but with the north woods cabin feel Beautiful views. Definitely will stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

frank n.

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

Hay Lake House

This was the 3rd time we have rented this property and will do it again!! Very clean and it comes with a lake!!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jason D.

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

Beautiful lake home

Perfect for our family of 8! The well-appointed home had everything we needed and plenty of extras to enjoy! Great beach for swimming and amazing fishing on quiet Hay Lake.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

David M.

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

The Miller Stay

We had a terrific experience staying at this beautiful lake home! They thought of everything. There wasn’t a thing we needed, that wasn’t available to us. The home was very clean and the deck was a wonderful place to enjoy a view of the lake. If we plan to do this in the future, we would definitely consider coming back here!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Craig & Donna F., Farmington, MN

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

Perfect family getaway

Our family spent two weeks here in July 2021. The cabin was well equipped with everything we needed. We enjoyed swimming in the lake, fishing from the dock and our son’s boat, campfire desserts, watching loons, hummingbirds, eagles and deer. The hosts were fantastic and quick to respond when we lost power during a storm. Had a great dinner at Bites in Pine River. We would highly recommend this rental. Note to the hosts, you should update the photos to show the upgraded furniture in the living room. The only negative for me with bad knees was all the stairs and having to walk down to the lake but appreciate the handrail that was installed.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Wendy P.

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

Awesome Lake Getaway

Another great stay at Hay Lake! Awesome place and Kirk is great to work with. We hope to be back again soon...My family loves it!!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Shane T.

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

Wonderful Lake Location and Atmosphere

One of the nicest cabins we have rented. Plenty of things to do. Definitely God's Country!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021

About the host

Hosted by Kirk Allan Mahlen c/o Excellent Ventures

Host profile image
My wife and I have 2 children and live in Eden Prairie, MN. She works with Insurance Claims and I work with Healthcare IT. We enjoy travel, working with the International Youth Exchange, and have too many other hobbies to list.

Why they chose this property

We have been vacationing and visiting this area in every season for many years with our children and close family friends who also have homes on this particular lake and in the area. When the property came up for sale we were able to purchase it with plans for a vacation rental. Unfortunately, we had to tear down the original cabin (where the fire pit is today) and build a new home. One of our favorite areas anywhere in the world. We opted for a more secluded, "off the grid" kind of location versus busier and more commercialized settings.

What makes this property unique

Beautiful lake views (no development whatsoever across the lake). Eagles. Singing loons. Occasional bears. Clear water. Private beach and dock. Good fishing. Great water sports. All the comforts of home. Private. Friendly people. Awesome weather. Star-filled night skies like nowhere else. Local attractions if you're willing to drive. Whatever you want to make of it.

Languages:

Spanish

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests