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Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

9.8

Exceptional

8 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 28446 sq m

Popular amenities

Washer

Barbecue grill

Outdoor space

Kitchen

Fireplace

Dryer

Explore the area

Newaygo, MI

Newaygo State Park35 min drive
Michigan's Adventure56 min drive
Muskegon, MI (MKG-Muskegon County)60 min drive
Lake Express Ferry Terminal61 min drive

Most relevant reviews

10/10 Excellent

This place was huge. Multi-floors, lot of bedrooms, bathrooms. Enjoyed every bit of it. Highly recommended.

Abhishek J.

Feb 5, 2024

Rooms & beds

8 bedrooms (sleeps 28)

Lower Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Lower Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Lower Bedroom 3

1 Double Futon

Main Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Main Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Main Bedroom 3

1 Single Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Main Bedroom 4

1 Double Bed

Upper Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Upper Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Upper Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

4 bathrooms

Lower Bath 1

Toilet · Shower only

Main Bath 1

Toilet · Shower only

Main Bath 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Upper Bath 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Balcony

Separate dining area

Outdoor play area

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Huge lake house. 3 levels. 9 bedrooms. Great for groups. Large beach. Fire pit.

Built in 1908, Brooks Lodge is an historic, three-story, landmark, all seasons vacation home located on the north side of Brooks Lake in Newaygo, Michigan. Located about one hour north of Grand Rapids, Brooks Lodge offers vacationers a spacious, accommodating, and relaxing environment available by the week or for shorter term stays. Brooks Lodge is the perfect place to unwind, reconnect, and renew.

During your stay, enjoy 110 feet of sandy beach front, fishing docks, and shallow wading area. Grab a lounge chair and head to one of three spacious wood decks that offer panoramic lake views. Or hop on a paddle boat or canoe for a lake excursion. Enjoy your evenings around the fire pit overlooking the lake and watching the sunset.

Inside, is a fully furnished, 100+ year-old home that features a stone fireplace, hard wood floors, fully stocked kitchens, spiral staircases, ceramic tiled halls and baths, and ample living space for large groups, families, and retreats. Accommodates approximately 20-25 people. No pets or smoking, please.

Looking for a summer rental and wondering why the summer is blocked off? In 2005 we started as a summer rental through word of mouth. During the summer we book Brooks Lodge by the week, not by the night. Most families are repeat guests and are booking 1-2 years in advance. Because of this, we block off the entire summer. However, as we have weeks available, we will open them up on VRBO. If you have a particular week(s) in mind, please let us know and we'll check our summer schedule to see if we can open that week and book you.

Property manager

Ryan & Jennifer Dornbush

Premier Host

Languages

English, French, Spanish

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Lake view

The Old Dam Inn is located on a wide channel leading to four beautiful lakes.

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 21

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

We are not a party house. Events upon approval.

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No smoking inside. Please pick up butts outside.

Upon leaving, please wash all dishes. Please remove bedding and throw towels in the tubs/showers. Thank you!

If you are aware that something is broken or not functioning properly, please, let us know so that we can take care of it.

Upon leaving, please wash all dishes and stack in cupboards. There are dishwashers on the main and lower levels.

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: We are not a party house. Events upon approval.

Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip

Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Newaygo

Located in Newaygo, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Pilgrim's Run Golf Club and Waters Edge Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Huron-Manistee National Forest and Englewright Lake. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and ice skating.

Newaygo, MI

What's nearby

Pilgrim's Run Golf Club - 24 min drive
Newaygo State Park - 35 min drive
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - 55 min drive
Michigan's Adventure - 56 min drive
Lake Express Ferry Terminal - 61 min drive

Getting around

Muskegon, MI (MKG-Muskegon County) - 61 min drive

Restaurants

‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
‪Driftwood Bar & Grill - ‬23 min drive
‪Hilltop Express - ‬10 min drive
‪Burger King - ‬6 min drive
‪Tiny's Tasty Treats - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Huge lake house. 3 levels. 9 bedrooms. Great for groups. Large beach. Fire pit. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Huge lake house. 3 levels. 9 bedrooms. Great for groups. Large beach. Fire pit. ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Huge lake house. 3 levels. 9 bedrooms. Great for groups. Large beach. Fire pit. ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Huge lake house. 3 levels. 9 bedrooms. Great for groups. Large beach. Fire pit. located?

This family-friendly Newaygo holiday home is located on the waterfront, 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Huron-Manistee National Forest, and within 16 mi (25 km) of Arboretum Park and Englewright Lake. Fremont Lake Park and Pilgrim's Run Golf Club are also within 16 miles (25 km).

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Syed H.

31 May 2024

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

Great place for quality time with family and friends

Thanks for offering the place. We gad a great time with a large group. Definitely would book again.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

16 May 2024

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

Siblings Weekend

Spend the weekend with nine of my siblings and their spouses. Great time was had by all. enjoyed the seventeen of us being under one roof. Will return again.

Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelly E.

15 May 2024

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

Four day peaceful getaway

This was a lovely, vintage home with so many charming aspects. Plenty of room to spread out people and find little nooks to read and relax. Lots of deck space overlooking the quiet lake. Well-stocked with anything you can think of. Only bummer was I the kayak wasn't ready to use (no paddle situation). Location was great, and I loved the mature trees, fire pit, dock, etc. Lots to do for a big family in the summer, so will definitely be back.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Justin K.

23 Apr 2024

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

Beautiful Stay

Arriving with an entire debate team is never easy. Check in and stay were effortless. Wonderful vacation home, beautiful views. Sick VHS collection

Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly H.

8 Apr 2024

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

Drum corp perfect

This property was perfect for our weekend. Plenty of room for everyone. Great cooking space to cook for everyone, excellent bonding opportunities. Just wonderful!

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Abhishek J.

5 Feb 2024

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

Great place for a large group

This place was huge. Multi-floors, lot of bedrooms, bathrooms. Enjoyed every bit of it. Highly recommended.

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Constance J.

24 Jan 2024

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

Friends Christmas

We had a total if 17 people in our group. There was plenty if room and no one ever felt crowded. We had a wonderful timeand loved the vuews, even in the winter. We will definitely be back in the future!

Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

7 Nov 2023

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

Love it!

Highly recommend!

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer F.

7 Nov 2023

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

A great day

I think I can speak for all of us when I say that it was a great stay and a really cool house! We packed all the housewares things that we thought we needed, but they had everything for us. Thank you for having us!

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

Dan and Marji V.

25 Sept 2023

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Great place to stay for a whole lot of people

The best thing about this property is that it can sleep a whole slew of people. Nine bedrooms over three floors. A huge outdoor picnic table on one of the decks will seat probably 16 or so people easily. There are other eating places too, but none that can accommodate that many people all together. It's a great place for people to stay who don't really like each other. Three floors, each with its own kitchen area mean that nobody actually has to interact with the other people in the house if they don't want to. There's a lot of room to spread out and avoid each other if that's your goal. :) The beach is great for swimming or sunning. A big patio area with a firepit has room for a whole bunch of people to gather together as well. Lots of parking also makes it ideal for a large group gathering.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sydney R.

17 Sept 2023

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

Great Get Away

Was able to have a great get together with long time friends. This place looked better than the photos! The place was super clean and owners were super nice and friendly. Would love to stay here again!

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen K.

28 Aug 2023

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

Outstanding Vacation

Spent a week at Brooks Lodge and it was fabulous! It accommodated our growing family very well. We were greeted immediately upon arrival and given a tour. The lodge was clean, very well stocked with everything you can think of. Owners immediately responded to our questions and had a full tank of propane delivered within a few minutes of our request. We plan on returning in the years to come.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mick & Mj M., Omaha, Nebraska

23 May 2023

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

Family Reunion win!

We loved staying at this house, it fit us all comfortably together (20, plus infants) and it had all the cooking supplies, beds, chairs, etc.. we needed for our group! The one sad thing was out of our 4 day stay, we only got 2 days on the lake...on day 2 the Brooks Lake Agriculture sprayed herbicide/anti-bacterial chemicals on the lake...this was unexpected and sad, as it shortened our boating and playing in the water. Not the hosts fault! Just a sad coincidence. Otherwise the hosts were wonderful, the house was great and the property was fun for old and young. (not the nicest furniture, appliances, etc...but great for our group, as there was no fear of 'breaking' something or ruining anything with the little ones around! But clean!) One last recommendation is to bring black out curtains! None of the windows had curtains, just light blinds, and it was VERY bright to sleep in the rooms.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pamyla B.

9 Apr 2023

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

Celebrating a 50th Birthday

My husband’s goal was to go on a fishing trip with our friends. We could never find a property close enough to home that checked all of the boxes until now!! Great property perfect for our group and for fishing! Property was clean and the perfect place for our group to unwind and celebrate.

Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Namira A., Detroit, MI

10 Feb 2023

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

Clean, spacious, and responsive

We loved how much space there was at this lovely, clean house. Plenty of fridges, plenty of beds and bathrooms, and plenty of parking. The lake was lovely, even in the middle of February. When we reached out about an issue with the upstairs beds, they were quick to brainstorm a solution, respond, AND to check up on us after to make sure the solution worked for us. They are very receptive to feedback and we felt well taken care of in this property.

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth S.

2 Jan 2023

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

Perfect for large groups! Would stay again!

We had a perfect stay - love this place and would stay again! We had an extended family get together that we only do every other year and have multiple families and generations get together and this place was perfect with the many bedrooms and the levels for folks to spread out and get privacy when privacy is needed and be together in living spaces when wanting to be together. The multiple kitchens and living spaces worked out well and kitchens had everything we needed to be able to cook large meals for our extended group. We had up through 82 yrs old and the main level was perfect for our family members that have issues climbing stairs. Kids loved the secret door :) Would stay again!

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

James H., Coopersville

18 Dec 2022

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

VERY Comfortable!

What a relaxing space for family to gather at and it has amazing character! Who knew bookcases were so cool! 😎 Thanks for letting my family stay here, we had a great time.

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Donald S.

11 Nov 2022

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

A great place to have a family reunion. Beautiful lake good fishing. Very large place that can host

We had a very good experience with this place. We have rented many other places over the last 10 years. This place would probably be rated by me as one of the top places to stay for a large family get together.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Taylor S.

6 Oct 2022

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

Girls Weekend

We had a wonderful time in your home. Almost so big we got lost! :) thank you!

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Terry C.

30 Sept 2022

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

Large group get away.

Best place we’ve ever found for a 14 person lodging. Older but clean and in great condition.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

RITA F.

29 Sept 2022

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

very clean and roomy

We had a great time. It was a very nice house and there was plenty of room for our family group of 11. The kitchens were well stocked.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Margaret S.

16 Sept 2022

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

Relaxing Ladies retreat weekend in Newago

Our group of 20 ladies had an amazingly relaxing weekend in Newago at this beautiful home on the lake. We enjoyed using the kitchen that was well stocked with the essentials for cooking. We also enjoyed the wonderful water front with paddle boats, a canoe and kayak. We had great bonfire time around the bonfire pit with lots of comfortable seating provided. Thank you for a great weekend! We would love to come again!!

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Debra s.

19 Aug 2022

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

Wonderful week

This was a great place to stay. It is fully equipped with many kitchen supplies, as well as games, puzzles, etc. so there is always something to do if the weather keeps you indoors.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl W.

11 June 2022

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

Great experience

This property was perfect for our needs. Large, airy space for groups of people who also want smaller family units for privacy or a bit of downtime. The house is clearly a quirky large vacation home that was developed over a long period of time, adding to the charm. Lots of balconies. Great kitchens for feeding groups. Places to swim, fish, kayak, and walk in the woods.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Abby W.

6 June 2022

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

Even better in person

Great house & property for a large group or multiple families. Pictures don’t do it justice. Very cool house, tons of space right on a beautiful lake. Would definitely stay again!

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

About the host

Hosted by Ryan & Jennifer Dornbush

Since 2005, we have been sharing this rustic home and beautiful lake setting with hundreds of guests who have gathered here for family reunions, weekend getaways, church groups, and even birthday parties and weddings!

Brooks Lodge is not only a vacation rental, but our personal home that our family retreats to regularly throughout the year. We ask that you please treat it with love and care so that many more can enjoy this beautiful setting for years to come.

Why they chose this property

We were born and bred in West Michigan but after high school moved to Chicago and then onto various locations around the country. We always wanted a place to "come back home to" in Michigan. Brooks Lake was the natural choice since Ryan's family had owned a cottage on Brooks Lake since the 70s, and I grew up not far from the lake. We had always admired this amazing home and when it came up for sale, we made our move! Since 2005, Brooks Lodge has become our home away from home. We are grateful to be able to not only make our own memories here, but see other families and groups create lasting memories here, as well.

What makes this property unique

Serene. Calming. Stunning views of the lake. Family and kid friendly. A hundred feet of beach and lake access. Great for retreats and getaways anytime of the year. The perfect getaway from it all home!