Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge

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Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 367.4 sq m

Popular amenities

Parking available
Barbecue grill
Kitchen
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Free WiFi

Explore the area

Free Soil, MI

Hamlin Lake
‪13 min walk‬
Ludington State Park
‪14 min drive‬
S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry
‪49 min drive‬
Ludington, MI (LDM)
‪34 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Garden

Dining area

About this property

Come enjoy our cottage nestled in the Manistee National Forest on the sunny north shore of upper Hamlin Lake. The cottage is only 13 years old with like new furnishings and is very neat, CLEAN, and disinfected after/before each guest. You will enjoy a panoramic view of the entire upper lake and awesome sunsets over the dunes right from shore. Fishing is great right off the 40 foot dock which is also available to tie up your boat. Boating, swimming, skiing, hiking, wine tasting, and other fun activities are waiting just for you! There is also a shared lakeside firepit for your use. Lake Michigan is minutes away for an afternoon picnic or swim. Golfing at some of the state's finest courses is close by. Or, for those who like more physical activity, bring your bikes for riding on the miles of trails in the National Forest. If you prefer peace and quiet, bring a good book to read while sipping on your favorite beverage in a provided lounge chair by the lake! If you are looking for 2 cottages in close proximity, this cottage sleeps 2-3 and The Shadows 2 on Hamlin Lake sleeps 2 comfortably! (See separate VRBO listing #367496) Great for friends and/or families who like to vacation together but sleep/stay in different quarters. It all awaits you at The Shadows on Hamlin Lake. We live on the property, adjacent to this cottage which is approximately 200 feet from the waters edge. The last 5 miles of your journey to our cottage will be on a gravel road where you will see only nature at it’s finest, no houses or street lights. Age requirement for staying at our cottages is 16 years and up.

Property manager

Deb Hulst

Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

Parking available

Barbecue grill

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Kitchen
Pet-friendly
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Children 16 yrs of age and up welcome with parents

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Ashtray provided for outside smoking

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

This property does not have any lifts

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Free Soil

Located in Free Soil, this cottage is on a lake. Manistee National Golf Course and Hemlock Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Douglas Park and Amber Elk Ranch. West Michigan Fairgrounds and Sandcastles Children's Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Free Soil, MI

What's nearby

Hamlin Lake - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
Ludington State Park - 14 min drive - 5.3 km
Ludington Waterfront Park - 49 min drive - 36.4 km
S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry - 49 min drive - 36.9 km
Big Sable Point Lighthouse - 53 min drive - 40.0 km

Getting around

Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

‪Barnhart's Resort & Marina - ‬43 min drive
‪Boathouse Grill - ‬30 min drive
‪Ma and Pa's Gluten Free Cafe & Mini Golf - ‬20 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge located?

Situated on a lake, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Huron-Manistee National Forest, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness and Hamlin Lake. Nordhouse Lake is 1.7 mi (2.8 km) away.

Exceptional

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

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Noel H.

6 Apr 2025

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

Peaceful Lakeside Cabin Retreat—Perfect for Two

Charming 1-bedroom, 1-bath rustic apartment-style cabin—perfect for a solo getaway or a couple’s retreat. The space is clean, cozy, and simply furnished, with comfortable seating and a relaxing atmosphere. The private balcony offers a lovely view of the lake, making it an ideal spot for morning coffee or a quiet evening.The kitchen comes stocked with essential cookware, dishes, and glassware, but you’ll need to bring all your own ingredients aside from salt and pepper. The bathroom is spacious, though the shower itself is on the smaller side. Note that the rental is not handicap accessible.The location is fantastic—just a 5-minute drive and 30-minute hike to the dunes and beach. The nearby national forest adds to the peaceful, nature-filled experience. The host was extremely communicative and helpful, always available when needed but respectful of privacy. Firewood isn’t provided, so be sure to bring your own if you plan on enjoying the fire pit.Overall, a quiet and scenic escape for one or two guests. Highly recommended—I’ll definitely be booking again.

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Brandi E.

20 Nov 2024

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

Absolutely beautiful!

This was an absolutely beautiful stay! Wish the weather has been better but the cottage and setting were stunning. No detail forgotten. There was even a cart available to gather firewood from the property. These hosts are A+

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

28 Oct 2024

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

Just the the two of us.

We had a great stay. The property owner was very responsive and helpful. The area is beautiful and the house was super clean. I hope we can come back again.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ryan H.

21 Oct 2024

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

Peace in the woods/lake view

Very nice house. Super clean and had everything we needed. Love the lake view! It was very cool to see 2 foxes the first morning. The sunset was beautiful as well.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Angel T.

22 Sept 2024

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

Serene and relaxingI

Nestled in the woods, but the cottage itself self has a beautiful view of the lake. Our nightly bonfires with the sun setting off the water was amazing. The property owner was very attentive and informative. My boyfriend and I look forward to returning soon.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike P.

9 Sept 2024

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

Quiet Lakeside Getaway

My wife and I both thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The property is perfect for a quiet weekend getaway. The sunsets over Lake Hamlin were gorgeous. You can also easily spend time in downtown Ludington or visit the state park easily. Both are only a short drive away

Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mohamed A.

8 Sept 2024

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

Nice and quite peaceful cottage

The cottage directions is a must. DO NOT FOLLOW GPS, it will take you to a labyrinth in the woods!! The cottage was clean and cozy, my self and my wife enjoyed the stay of relaxation and the cozy cottage.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

David J.

26 Aug 2024

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

Great place for two people with a boat

Cabin was clean, comfortable, well equipped and everything worked. Bed was comfortable. Beautiful lake front. They had a dock for our boat. We enjoyed our stay. Note, it is a long drive to town so make sure you stock up before going out to the cabin. There is great hiking at the end of Nurnberg road. Hike out to lake Michigan! It is awesome!

Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Denny K.

15 Aug 2024

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

Private lake cabin

Very enjoyable - we like the quiet privacy

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Barbara M.

6 Aug 2024

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

Beautiful

Beautiful property, great hosts, a bit too remote for us

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

mike b.

19 June 2024

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

True Lake Front

Even without our pontoon boat it would've been a lovely stay. Squeaky clean 1/1 cottage on beautiful (BIG!) Hamlin Lake with wonderful hosts Deb and Mark. We're foodies and the kitchen was not lacking, plus the weber LP grill was brand new. Dock was perfect for our boat. Please do NOT trust your google maps or waze. Read Deb's easy to follow directions on reaching the place. We shall return!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn R.

25 May 2024

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

Peaceful cabin

A last minute trip and found this little jewel of a cabin. The setting is a glorious lake front property; pick your spot to relax in the shade or sun, or on one of the two docks. If the weather and water were warm this would be a wonderful place for swimming/floating in the lake. The cabin is great for two people (queen bed though, a king-sized bed would be perfect!). A larger deck at the entrance with four chairs/table and a smaller deck off the living room that overlooks the lake and also the owner's home (off to the left, did not see the owners much, we still felt we had privacy). There is a second cabin on the property right at the lake, but isn't visible from the deck. 3 fishermen stayed in that cabin and we didn't see/hear them much at all. Owners are so helpful, super nice. The area was expecting possible thunderstorms/tornadoes and they were very attentive, making sure they could alert us overnight to get us to the basement/garage. This is a somewhat remote location (which we wanted). The directions were exceptional - you are in a forested area, about 5 1/2 miles of graded gravel road to get to the property. Easy to drive in car/SUV/van. Location is so wonderfully quiet and peaceful. Water filtration system for the cabin is great - water tasted fine, great water pressure in shower. Super clean, no bugs. A red fox visits the cabin/deck; we don't feed wildlife, but it was looking for handouts. Photos are accurate. Exceptional hosts. Would stay again.

Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bart S.

18 May 2024

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

CLEAN AND CUTE

THE PROPERTY WAS EXACTLY LIKE THE PROPERT OWNER WAS VERY GRACIOUS AND THE STAY WAS A DELIGHT.

Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dan F.

24 Apr 2024

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

Very clean

Great view of the lake. Weather was crummy or we would have used the lake access for kayak and fishing. Everything was perfectly clean. Great communication with the host. We cooked using the oven multiple times and we're generally lazy around the cottage. The ONLY downside for US might be a plus for OTHERS: the bed is quite firm. We slept very poorly. Everything else was wonderful. As long as you can handle a firm bed you will love this place!

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

JENNIFER W.

24 Mar 2024

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

Weekend trip

Property was super clean and the host was very informative and helpful. We had a great time and will be back again.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

13 Mar 2024

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

Great stay!

Owner was very responsive and accommodating! Loved the location and the view!

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kathy S.

21 Feb 2024

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

Valentines Day Getaway

We had a perfect weekend. The cottage was cozy and clean, and the setting was perfect. Our hosts were so sweet and accommodating. We plan to return as often as we can!

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

23 Oct 2023

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

Charming cottage tucked away

It was good to arrive in the daytime, the cottage is in the woods, and the driveway winds through them. However, the directions were spot on, no problem. The drive takes you through a long canopy of trees; the fall leaves were spectacular! The setting is beautiful: in a forest, on a lake, very peaceful and quiet. The cottage is immaculately clean, well appointed, and the has a nice view of the lake from the balcony. It is about a 30 minute drive to the small towns of Ludington and Manistee, both of which are chasing and have Michigan lakefronts with lighthouses. Our host was communicated well and was very attentive to any needs. I highly recommend this cottage.

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gabriel M.

15 Oct 2023

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

Beautiful little get away!

Enjoyed the quiet stay. Walks in the woods. Wonderful.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Marcia S.

9 Oct 2023

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

Remote Location - Wonderful

Very nice and clean cottage out in the forest away from everyone. We had a wonderful time and were able to relax. We will definitely go back but will plan a longer stay.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lisa P.

4 Oct 2023

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

Cozy Cottage

My husband and I took a weekend trip to the Ludington area, but wanted a quiet place to stay outside of the city. This was the perfect fit! The cottage is VERY clean and we loved how it was right on the water. Deb was one of the best hosts we have had. We are already looking forward to the next time we visit.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shannon W.

3 Oct 2023

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

Peaceful

Quaint cottage. Steps away from the lake. Property butts up to the lake so you can sit at the lake with a great view. Provided with full kitchen.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Huston F.

2 Oct 2023

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

Shadows on Upper Hamlin

Great rental. Off the beaten path but worth the little extra effort. Well maintained rentals and grounds in a great spot to watch the sun go down over the dunes each evening. Deb and Mark Hulst are caring hosts that look to your every need while staying at one of their two rental cabins. Hosts also live on the grounds and are accessible if needed.

Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jerome A.

27 Sept 2023

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

Nice and relaxing

I a quiet place to relax and get away from the city

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barb B.

4 Sept 2023

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

Peaceful place to stay

My husband and I enjoyed our stay. It is so peaceful and quiet and a great getaway!

Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2023

About the host

Hosted by Deb Hulst

I was raised on Hamlin Lake and have always loved it here. Our family came to the cottage for every family vacation, enjoying the wildlife, fishing, swimming, walks in the woods, climbing trees, feeding the swans, enjoying a glass of wine by the fire,and the list goes on and on. Now it is time to share this with others. We moved to the lake in 2000 and now live on the property year round. Your cottage is approximately 200' from the lakeshore.

Why they chose this property

Grandma and Grandpa wanted to get out of the City of Chicago in the 1930's. They summered on the North Shore of Upper Hamlin Lake several times and realized that this is where they wanted to live. When this property became available in the 1930's they jumped on it. We added the vacation rental in 2005, only beginning the rental of it in the spring of 2009.

What makes this property unique

We enjoy watching the hummingbirds in the morning, sitting on the front porch with our cup of coffee. The lake always offers beauty and entertainment, whether it be fishing, boating, skiing, tubing, or just riding in the pontoon boat to the dunes. Living on the lake year round is awesome. All seasons are fun and exciting! Snowmobiling right out our backdoor....who could ask for more! We take our winter vacation in places where it is warm, but the sunsets never come close to the beautiful colors right here in Michigan. Icefishing, too, is great on Hamlin Lake!

Languages:

English

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Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge

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Reviews

Popular amenities

Explore the area

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

About this property