Entire home

The Boathouse on Waukazoo! Beach, Bars, Brewery all within a block!

Photo gallery for The Boathouse on Waukazoo! Beach, Bars, Brewery all within a block!

Exterior
Exterior
Outdoor dining
Living area
Private kitchen

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 10176.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

Map
Northport, MI
  • Willowbrook Mill
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Peterson Park
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Christmas Cove Beach
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪49 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Downstairs BR 1

1 Queen Bed

Downstairs BR 2 (kids room)

2 Single Beds

Upstairs BR 1

1 King Bed and 1 Single Bed

Upstairs BR 2

1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Downstairs Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Upstairs Bath

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Boathouse on Waukazoo! Beach, Bars, Brewery all within a block!

Charming historic downtown Northport home built in 1908. View of the bay from the front porch. Less than a block to the public beach, park, marina, bars, restaurants and brewery! Four bedrooms include two downstairs and two up. Jack and Jill full bathroom upstairs. Large fully equipped kitchen. Washer and dryer. Smart TV with wireless internet. Huge lot with lots of parking. Front porch and side patio for enjoying the summer nights.

Northport is at the tip of the Little Finger and is close to all that Leelanau County has to offer including; winery and cidery tours, breweries, Fish Town in Leland, shopping in Suttons Bay, boating and fishing in the bays and the inland lakes. Hiking trails lead to hidden beaches. Ten minutes to the north is the Leelanau State Park and the historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse.

More photos to come....

Please note that this house has steps at all entries and may be difficult for those with mobility challenges.

Property manager

Mary Ellen Philbin
Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed
$200 non-refundable deposit.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Check in for 7 day stays must begin and end on Saturday. All summer stays have 7 day minimum.
Pets defined as dogs only. Limited to one large or two medium to small dogs.

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
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

A car is not required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Northport

Northport is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Northport, MI

What's nearby

  • Willowbrook Mill - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Peterson Park - 8 min drive - 5.3 km
  • Christmas Cove Beach - 10 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Leelanau Sands Casino - 12 min drive - 13.6 km
  • Grand Traverse Bay - 43 min drive - 48.5 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Northport Brewing - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Leelanau Wine Cellars - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Knot Just A Bar - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Fischer's Happy Hour Tavern - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪New Bohemian Cafe - ‬2 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The Boathouse on Waukazoo! Beach, Bars, Brewery all within a block! pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Boathouse on Waukazoo! Beach, Bars, Brewery all within a block!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Boathouse on Waukazoo! Beach, Bars, Brewery all within a block!?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Boathouse on Waukazoo! Beach, Bars, Brewery all within a block! located?

Situated in Northport, this holiday home is within 1 mi (2 km) of Willowbrook Mill and Lake Michigan. Christmas Cove Farms and Good Neighbor Organic Vineyard and Winery are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 39 out of 43 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 43 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 43 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 43 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 43 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Beth K.

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

Another perfect stay at the Boathouse!

This was our second stay at the Boathouse and it was just as great as the first. The home is equipped with most anything you’d need for a long stay. The proximity to downtown restaurants and shops (and Barb’s Bakery!) make it the perfect place to stay for an up north getaway. We can’t wait to rebook and come back for a third time!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Molly R.

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

Lovely Location

We really enjoyed our stay at the Boathouse. It's an interesting house and property which character and charm. The location is in town Northport which makes it a short walk to everything from the grocery store to quaint shops to the beautiful bay to local restaurants. It was a great trip!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary S.

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

Our week at The Boathouse

We had a great week at The Boathouse with our family. There is so much to do in Northport as well as the entire Leelanau Peninsula. Our 5 grandchildren enjoyed The Boathouse and exploring Northport. Our host, Mary Ellen, was very organized and communicated with me when I had a question.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kelle P.

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

Beautiful Northport

Northport is my new favorite place in Leelanua Peninsula. Would definitely stay at the Boathouse again
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anthony S.

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

Relaxing week near the lake

We had a group of 10 stay the week of July 4th. We were able to walk to downtown Northport to enjoy the Mitten, Barb's and the fireworks on the 4th. The house was well equipped -- especially the air conditioners and laundry -- to meet our family's needs. We'll definitely consider staying here again on our next trip to Northport.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marissa R.

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

Back at the Boathous

4th time we've stayed at the Boathouse, so you could say we love love it. Mary Ellen is a fantastic host. Our dog knows the dog across the street. Everything in walking distance. Dine in. Patio dining. Take out. Groceries. Ice cream. Pizza. Brewery. Bakery. Beach. Leelanau County is a gem and Northport is a great town. Walkable. Minutes to Suttons Bay. Short drive to Leland. Beaches. Love the Boathouse - beds comfy, bathrooms refreshed, layout great. We will be back. Pet friendly.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anna B.

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

Wonderful

We had a lovely winter stay! Charming house in the center of town.
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alfred D.

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

Attending a Wedding

The property was a great fit, with a full bath upstairs and downstairs, perfect for a diverse family of adults, elementary age kids, grandmother and grandfather. Ample kitchen for making our breakfasts, lunches and watching movies in the evening, and accessibility to a quaint town.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

8/10 Good

Jane N., La Porte, IN

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Conveniently located

Conveniently located to downtown Northport and surrounding areas for bike riding. Our week concluded with the Uncaged Festival in Northport which was really nice.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sarkis K.

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

Northport trip

We had a great stay. This house is conveniently locate near sleeping bear dunes, Glenn Arbor and Suttons Bay. Within walking distance to downtown Northport. Very convenient for going out for dinner and drinks at night. Great house with a lot of character. Plenty of beds and bedrooms for me and my family. Comfortable beds and furniture. We would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Nancy P.

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

Great location close to everything

Great communication from owner, nice & comfy.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

User K., Ohio

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Best Location

We loved the outside areas and the porch swing. There is plenty of parking. It is an old house and has had hodge podged not well done modifications. The outside is attractive. The bathrooms and beds were clean. We asked for more towels and the owner accommodated. The cleanliness of the house is not good. Nice furnishings, but the furniture in the living room is very dirty as are the rugs and the floors. I did mention this to the owner, but she had no comment.
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marissa R., Chesterton, IN USA

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

Back at the Boathouse on Waukazoo

Loved getting back to Northport, and the Boathouse on Waukazoo. The Mitten Brewing, NPG, Barb's Bakery, The Big Hot Woody, New Bohemian Cafe, The Tribune, The Bay Theatre in Suttons Bay [GOTG3, IYKYK], 30+ miles of walking and beaches with Newton, Roman Wheel Pizza, ice cream in Suttons Bay, The Grand Traverse Lighthouse, Peterson Park, Gill's Pier/Onomonee Road Beach. All the dogs [Alphonse, Humphrey, Max, Gabriel, Henri, Ruger AND Mystic!!!]. The family of 41 from Ohio. The family from Kentucky. The Friday Farmers Market. Bardenhagen strawberries. Perfect weather. And perfect location, hosts, and stay. Thank you, Mary Ellen - we cherish our time at the Boathouse ❤️❤️❤️🐾🐾🐾🏖🏖🏖
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maureen M.

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

Northport aka a little piece of Heaven!

This was our first trip to Northport having travelled there for a wedding at Willowbrook Mill. The property was perfect! Everything was within walking distance and the cottage itself was comfortable and cozy. We look forward to spending time here again!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Beth K.

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

The Boathouse in the Fall

We had the absolute best time staying at the Boathouse. It was myself, my husband, sister, brother in law, niece, and mom. Plenty of bedrooms throughout and a nice open living space. The kitchen was fully stocked and had everything you could need. The house was in a very walkable area. Just a one block walk will get you to downtown- with a grocery store, shops and restaurants. One block in the other direction will get you to an awesome waterfront park with a marina and beach and playground. I can’t say enough great things about the house and location. The proximity to Sutton’s Bay and Traverse City is excellent. We were able to hit some of favorite places in those towns and then head back to Northport within about 40 minutes tops. The Boathouse is now a favorite and we will for sure be making a return visit!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

doug t.

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

Upnorth vacation

Great experience. House was old but in great condition.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Vicky S., Fort Lauderdale, Florida

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

Great cottage!

Wonderful cozy cottage in a great location in Northport. We had everything we needed and more. The owners are wonderful and easy to communicate. Will definitely return.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Julie R.

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

Fun stay in Northport!

We absolutely loved staying in Northport. Mary Ellen was an excellent host always on top of communication and quick to respond to questions. The house was very charming and perfectly set up for our group of six. The location was great in walking distance to the beach, shops and restaurants. Parking was easy too. I really loved being able to bring our two dogs. We enjoyed playing cards at the dining room table, preparing meals in the spacious kitchen and making smores by the firepit. My only suggestions would be new mattresses upstairs and more towels. Thanks for sharing your home with us!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Erin P.

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

Great Cottage, Great Location

We had a group of 8 people and 2 dogs and this house fit our needs perfectly! It was in a great location that allowed us to just walk into town and down to the beach. It was also a great location to be able to explore all of the peninsula and not have to drive very far to get anywhere. We would definitely love to stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carrie P.

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

Great week at the boathouse!

We had a great week at the boathouse. Myself, my husband, our 3 girls and their 3 friends (ages 11-17) all loved the house. There was plenty of room (we probably could have squeezed in another 3 girls!), beds were comfy, AC and ceiling fans kept us all cool, and the welcome bottle of wine was appreciated! Northport is our favorite up north town, and the location was perfect, the girls could walk down to the beach/park or to the shops/restaurants. And still close enough for day trips to sleeping bear and traverse city. Porch swing and fire pit were great when we were just hanging out at the house. Would love to stay here again sometime!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rose H., Northwood, Ohio

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

House is a block away from shops, restaurants, beach and marina!

Process very easy! This is the second time we’ve used this property. Whole family loves this place!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

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

Amazing

This was such an enjoyable place and I am so glad I found it. Northport is such a quaint area. So peaceful. The house was immaculate and comfortable. The layout was perfect for our group of 8. Plenty of sleeping room. And you didn’t get the sense that there were beds squeezed into odd places. The beds were very comfortable. The kitchen was well equipped for everything needed to cook meals. Plenty of utensils. Bathrooms had towels for everyone. We brought along our own beach towels, because we like to have enough to lay out. And I brought along my own hair products but I always do. There’s a small supermarket in town for supplies. And we absolutely loved the fire pit. Sat out there every night. Never once used the TV set. A great place to air out with all the comforts of home. Definitely a keeper. We got really lucky with the weather too. If I didn’t have to get back to work I’d have requested additional days.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Larry M.

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

We vacationed the week prior to our daughters wedding in Northport. It’s an adorable small town.

The property was perfect for a relaxing week. We used the fire pit and barbecue for a few of our extended family members in town. When rain put a kink in our wedding photo plans the adorable curb appeal provided a perfect backdrop. The rooms are spacious and the closet space was amazing and perfect for the wedding dress and bridesmaids gowns. The owner was very helpful and quick to respond to any questions. Walking distance to town and the beach was perfect. I have to add the ample parking couldn’t have been better since we towed a trailer of wedding decor!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristen H., St. Louis

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

Excellent stay

I booked the boathouse for my painters, who came from Traverse City to work on my home in Northport. The guys were very pleased with the accomodations, Mary Ellen was extremely friendly and easy to work with, and it was a very good experience. Thank you so much!
Stayed 10 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Katharine M.

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

Perfect Location

We really enjoyed our stay here for a family wedding. The house was in the perfect location with shops and restaurants within walking distance. The beds are very comfortable. The owners are very responsive and kind. I would recommend coming when it is still light outside because the outside lighting is dark outside. We would stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

About the host

Hosted by Mary Ellen Philbin

Host profile image
Pat and I (Mary Ellen) live and work in Orlando, Florida. We both grew up in Michigan and have visited family often over the years. I grew up in Suttons Bay which is just south of Northport. I, and my Florida born kids, have visited Leelanau County every year since they were born (nearly 30 years). We now have kids and grand kids in Traverse City! The whole family loves Leelanau County and feel like we belong there! So, we bought our own little piece of paradise! Since we are still working, we are willing to share our happy place with you! We hope you enjoy it and if we can do anything to make your stay more comfortable, we will do our very best!

Why they chose this property

The Boathouse was built in 1908. It has all of the good and some of the challenging that comes with a house this old. This house is not easily accessible to people with mobility issues. The front entrance has two sets of stairs. The back entrance is not paved and is slightly uphill. Inside it has very high ceilings and nice roomy spaces. We love the character of the house. In the winter there is a beautiful view of the bay from the front and side porches. In summer the view is there but a bit more elusive due to the lush trees and bushes. On the top of the list of pros about the Boathouse is it's location! Less than a city block to the public beach, the public park and the marina. The road to the beach is not busy so you can let the kids come and go safely.
Downtown is literally two houses away! Groceries, bakery, restaurants, bowling alley and brewery all within steps. Can't beat this when traveling with a young family or a fun adult get away...

What makes this property unique

For us the unique beauty of the place is that we are close to family and friends. The people of Leelanau County are truly welcoming.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests