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The Bunkalow: A Lakefront Compound with Lifts for your Speed Boat & Pontoon Boat

Photo gallery for The Bunkalow: A Lakefront Compound with Lifts for your Speed Boat & Pontoon Boat

View of the Bunkalow Compound
Photo taken on May 16, 2019.
Clockwise: The Boathouse Suite, the Bungalow Cottage and the Bunkhouse
The lounge overlooking the lake and huge yard
Lots of seating for dining outside on the huge deck

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 13174.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Ludington, MI
  • Hamlin Lake
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry
    ‪25 min drive‬
  • Ludington State Park
    ‪56 min drive‬
  • Ludington, MI (LDM)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 13)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bunk Bed

Bedroom 3

+1
1 Double Futon and 4 Single Bunk Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5

1 Double Futon

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Spaces

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

About this property

The Bunkalow: A Lakefront Compound with Lifts for your Speed Boat & Pontoon Boat

BUNKALOW.NET
The Bunkalow Compound is arguably located at the most prime location on all of Hamlin Lake, on the point jutting into Upper Hamlin along it's south shore at the mouth of Indian Pete's Bayou. Only a 4-minute drive to Barnharts Resort & Marina (2 minutes by boat!), 7-minutes drive to Hamlin Grocery (a classic little country store), and only a 17-minute drive to House of Flavors in Downtown Ludington.

We continue to improve the property. In 2021 we completely remodeled the primary bathroom in the main Bungalow cottage, and we added a sink to the kitchenette counter in the Bunkhouse. In 2019 we added air conditioning units in the main cottage and the bunkhouse. And in the two years prior we added 1) the Boathouse Suite, which can double as a bedroom/sleeping quarters, 2) all new deck furniture, including a lounge setting with couch, love seat, chair and tables, 3) 10 new Adirondack Chairs surrounding the fire-pit, 4) four new chaise lounges for sun worshipers, 5) bar level seating with a view over the lake from the main deck, 6) and attractive new metal roofs to all three buildings.

THE MAIN BUNGALOW COTTAGE: Sleeps up to 5 with two on a queen size bed on the lake side, and three on a full/single bunk bed in the back room. It has two bathrooms with a shower in one and a washer/dryer in the other. The kitchen has been recently upgraded. It also has a 48-inch TV with Charter Cable and all channels, plus a landline phone for free calling within the U.S.

THE BUNKHOUSE: Sleeps up to 8 persons with 2 on a queen size bed on the loft, 4 on single bunks on the ground floor, and 2 on a full size pullout sofa. Please note that the max number of persons allowed sleeping on the property is 13. It has one bathroom (no shower) on the ground floor. We have also added a private deck shower that I personally use every time I shower at the property! (Check our reviews - everyone seems to love the deck shower). It has a 60-inch TV with Charter Cable and all channels and surround sound.

THE BOATHOUSE SUITE: New in 2017, and configured with a large deck and 4 chaise lounges just off the lawn, it includes a 9-piece, cushy sectional lounge and a Smart TV with WIFI, perfect for teens to hang out. It can even double as a sleeping room, though it is not provided with linens. We recommend you bring sleeping bags and arrange the sectionals into a big square bed! A very fun new room!

BOAT LIFT, PONTOON LIFT, & SEAWALL W CLEATS FOR YOUR WATERCRAFT: Don't bother to trailer your watercraft each day. Feel free to use our boat lift (up to 20ft) and/or pontoon lift (up to 25 ft) and/or seawall with room and cleats and rubber bumpers for three boats.

OTHER BUNKALOW AMENITIES: The main bungalow has a roomy and open floor plan with a HUGE deck overlooking the HUGE yard and HUGE Lake. Free high speed wireless internet, unlimited long-distance phone, and top 100 channels of Charter cable TV with DVRs on each TV (except the Boathouse, which only has wifi and a smart TV - no Charter or DVR).

NEARBY AMENITIES: Barnharts Resort & Marina is 0.5 miles by boat (1.1 mile by car) includes fuel for your boat, boat rentals, and a great restaurant with an island vibe and live weekend music. Wilson Park Boat Launch is just 0.5 miles away. The Shagway Arts Barn (less than a mile) hosts regular weekend art shows combined with live music. The "Dunes" beachfront and Ludington State Park (~ 2 miles by boat) are favorite places for pontoon/boat hangout with shallow sand for sunny day water lounging. Lower Hamlin Grocery (4 miles south of cottage). Downtown Ludington (9 miles south of cottage). Excellent Mountain Biking Trails - Call the bike shops in town for details. Excellent Fishing on Hamlin Lake - Cast your reel from our swing seat!

- Charter Fishing on Lake Michigan
- Ludington Skate Plaza (skateboarding & inline skating)
- Silver Lake Sand Dunes (20 miles south of Ludington)
- Historic SS Badger Car Ferry (Cross Lake Michigan to Wisconsin)
- Historic White Pine Village
- Sand Castles Children's Museum
- Disc Golf
- Horseback Riding (Neigh Haven Stables (3 miles) 4716 N Beaune Rd, Ludington. Indian Ridge Riding Stables, 1525 S. Poplar Road, Custer, MI 49405, Phone: (231) 757-4514)

Property manager

Andrew Murray

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking inside forfeits deposit.
Rentals during prime summer weeks are Sunday to Sunday. Prime time starts the Sunday before Memorial Day and ends the Sunday after Labor Day.
Tenants must be respectful of our neighbors at all times. Please do not make noise outside beyond 10pm.
Tenants must place trash in blue trash bins on Thursday evening for trash pickup early (6:30am) each Friday morning.

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

About the area

Ludington

Located in Ludington, this cottage is on the beach. Port of Ludington Maritime Museum and Historic White Pine Village are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include North Breakwater Light and Big Sable Point Lighthouse. West Michigan Fairgrounds and Sandcastles Children's Museum are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling.
Map
Ludington, MI

What's nearby

  • Hamlin Lake - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
  • S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry - 25 min drive - 17.2 km
  • Ludington Waterfront Park - 25 min drive - 18.2 km
  • Big Sable Point Lighthouse - 28 min drive - 21.9 km
  • Ludington State Park - 56 min drive - 30.3 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Stix Bar - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Barnhart's Resort & Marina - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Dj's Dairy Creme and Snack Bar - ‬21 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Bunkalow: A Lakefront Compound with Lifts for your Speed Boat & Pontoon Boat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

Where is The Bunkalow: A Lakefront Compound with Lifts for your Speed Boat & Pontoon Boat located?

Nestled on the beach, this Ludington cottage is 0.2 mi (0.3 km) from Hamlin Lake and 1.3 mi (2 km) from Wilson Hill Park. Hemlock Golf Club and Victory Memorial Park are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 82 out of 102 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 102 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 102 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 102 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 102 reviews

9.4/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Tammy R.

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

Perfect Family Vacation!!

Everything about our stay was wonderful! The location, the property both inside and out, communication with the property owner and manager. We loved it so much we already booked for next year! It was everything we needed thank you for sharing it with us!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

David B.

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

Always a great spot!

Great time, great property and great spot on the lake.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Adam D.

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

July 2024

The Bunkalow was great. The location in the water was a big hit with our group. If you want to relax in an outdoor atmosphere, this is a terrific choice.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason P.

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

Amazing!

Couldn't have asked for a better place to enjoy Hamlin Lake. Great property, great accomodations, plenty of space, and great communication from the property owner and manager. Would definitely stay again and recommend to anyone looking to enjoy Hamlin Lake. The boat lift was especially useful for our Pontoon. Emphatic 5 stars!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy M.

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

2023 Family Vacay

Great property for our family group of 12.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Rhonda K.

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

Yearly Family Vacation

This was our 3rd time staying here. The spacious yard and large deck is what keeps us coming back. This year they added a new large dock great for sun bathing and fishing.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

David B.

Really Great Place

We had a wonderful time and the place was great. All of our family enjoyed it and there was plenty of space. We also liked the location on Upper Hamlin. I'd recommend this place to anyone.

10/10 Excellent

Karen D.

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

Great Vacation!

Loved it! We enjoyed the house so much, and the lake is incredible! Both houses were spacious and very comfortable, and the boat house was an added bonus! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

John L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Great Location

Great location. Home is in need of updating. Waterfront was not kid friendly. Good fishing. Quiet neighborhood.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Megan V.

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

Great experience!

The property was great for our large family. The separate hangout and sleeping spaces were great and the yard was fantastic for yard games and hanging out. we enjoyed many fires overlooking the beautiful lake. We often took our boats to the dunes as the swimming was better there and that worked well!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Phil E., Holland

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

Always a pleasure

Even though the weather did not cooperate, it was a good week at Bunkalow. We didn’t get to fish as much as usual, but we made up for it with fellowship. Bunkalow is well equipped for groups.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Scott R.

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

Family on the Lake

The property on Hamlin lake was perfect for our family. Everything that we could want was there and we will likely return. Our only regret is that we chose a week early in June and the weather was horrendous. It’s always iffy this close to Lake Michigan so we advise trying to secure a higher percentage of a sure thing and attempt, and he stays in Ludington From mid June through early August
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

8/10 Good

Virginia Q.

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

Bunkalow

The various options for sleeping and activities offered at the location was exceptional. There were games, canoe, fishing boat and outdoor games offered. The lawn and lakefront footage was large and gorgeous. The kitchen was well stocked with pans and all that was needed. There was a large gathering area with a variety of seating to allow for all to get together in and outside. The amount of options for seating outside on the deck were amazing. The firepit had lots of chairs to enjoy conversation while relaxing. The dock and lift were excellent and sturdy. What a gem to have at a lake! The were a great supply of towels and a washer and dryer to accommodate any needs. Having a shower in the restroom inside and one outside allowed for options depending on the needs of those staying. There were directions for the property on the fridge which were helpful. A book (binder) would be great to have specifics for using the TV , where to purchase firewood and any other suggestions for a wonderful stay would be a great addition. The 2 separate buildings for sleeping arrangements were a positive addition for when you have a combination of families and bedtime routines. Overall-a great facility for a combined family vacation! (We were the first of the season and the owner will be doing a deep clean for future visitors).
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

George S.

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

Great Vacation Rental

This property has one of the best outdoor setting properties out of 200 rentals in my life time. It has really high quality outdoor furniture, two umbrellas, and plenty of room for cornhole, bocce ball or freisbe. Great outdoor lighting as well so you can find it if you do night boat cruises. His place can accommodate 5 boats as well with an electric lift for pontoons. The best part was I asked if he had refrigerator in any houses other then the main house and he said no.... He put one in at my request great customer service. I asked if he had adequate lights on the deck and he added Edison lights. He is one of the best communicators almost instant after a text and he aims to please his clientele. One last thing never buy wood from a gas station for 5 dollars a bundle regarding bonfires. He offers a service that brings three times the wood at 1/3 the price and they put it right next to the bonfire with a cover over it in case of rain. Andrew is many cuts above as a host. Thank you Andrew for the exceptional vacation rental top notch!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Keely M.

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

Great spot!!

We have been looking at the property for years and finally got to try it. It is on the perfect spot on the lake and place is awesome! We will definitely be back for sure! Helpful for future visitors: if you like to be cold when you sleep bring an extra fan. Bunk house very comfortable (where we slept). Parents thought bedroom off kitchen was a little warm but again it’s a lake house and we like to be cold :). Overall amazing place though!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

peggy k., Whitehouse, Ohio

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

Memories

The house and setup was amazing! We had plenty of room for our children and grandchildren! The setting was perfect! Enjoyed morning coffee on the deck watching the sunrise over the lake! Andrew was very helpful getting us information to prepare for our vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristina T.

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

Perfect location for family vacation

My immediate family and I spent 8 amazing days on this property! It was the perfect size to accommodate all 11 of us. Being right on the water is our happy place and this priority was speeder for that! Fishing and boating were amazing and we loved spending time at the sand bar by the dunes right around the corner. We will be back!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brent S., Rockford, MI

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

Memories made

Second time renting this property. Great yard and location on upper Hamlin. We go with a family group and everyone had a great time. We had an issue with the boat lift and the bunkhouse water heater when we checked in after 4 PM but the owner was quick to respond and had people out to address the problems the following morning. Looking forward to a return trip if it fits into our schedule next summer.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jodi G., San Francisco areA

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

great family vacation

We rented this property and my sister's family rented up the road at Grace Cottages as they have a pet which can't stay at this property. The two locations were fantastic. This property was well stocked and every day was a joy!
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mike W.

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

Great stay!

Had a fantastic weekend stay! We had all of the amenities we could ask for and the boat lift was the icing on the cake. Would definitely book again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy S.

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

Great location

This property has a great location. There is plenty of space for a large family and the kids to bring some friends along. If you have a boat, the is a large seawall that you can tie off to and a boat lift (I didn’t try the boat lifts). We were able to easily come and go (on the boat). There was ample parking for large vehicles and a boat trailer. The cabin was located about a 10-15 min drive from most stores and restaurants. There is a party store that makes food and has bait only 5 mins away. (They have most everything you’ll need) The cabin was clean and spacious. The only negative is if you are bringing a large group, there is only (1) indoor shower (there is an outdoor shower attached to exterior of garage). There are also 2 half baths. Only 1 indoor shower was not an issue for me, but could be for a large group. I really enjoyed this home and will certainly rent it again in the future!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joe G.

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

Relaxing stay on Hamlin Lake

We really enjoyed our stay and the owner was very responsive. The location is great and trips to stores in Ludington didn't take very long. Easy route to the city as well. Many nice eateries downtown and a small restaurant on the lake as well. Lots of space overall and accommodated the 7 of us just fine. I sent a list of a few items for recommended repairs at the end of the season as we left and he appreciated the information. We are very likely to return. :)
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Melissa D.

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

Great stay and great communication

We had a wonderful family stay at this amazing property! It has a great location, large lot and a fantastic lake. The property is good for multiple families and children. We were even there during the storms that came through Michigan and the property manager was so communicative and helpful during the whole process. It was such a great vacation and we would not hesitate to stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Bruce C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Great location, lots of fun

Great place, but needed some upkeep, upon our arrival the screen doors had holes and kept falling off the door frame. Try to contact property manager Kevin to inform him of the damaged, but never returned my call.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jodi G., San Francisco areA

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

Amazing time

We had a great time and the property was so relaxing. The house was by far stocked better than anyplace we’ve ever stayed which was really nice. The location is great and near some smaller houses that allow pets. The bungalow does not and some of our family have a dog so it was nice to have them stay just down the road from us. There are a variety of these smaller rentals nearby giving a large groups a lot of options to be flexible and stay together. The water wasn’t too weedy which was also great. The teenagers lived the out buildings which were perfect for kids and teens stocked with a fridge tv and lots of games.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

About the host

Hosted by Andrew Murray

Host profile image
Our family loves Ludington and Hamlin Lake! We live in Mountain View, CA (Silicon Valley) but have had the Bunkalow paradise retreat to return to since 2009. We usually stay 2-5 weeks per year, and we ALWAYS feel that the stay was too short. My daughter loves to ride horses at the nearby Neigh Haven Stables. My wife loves to hike at the Nordhouse Dunes. And especially like to ride my mountain bike and road bike with friends on the endless trails and good roads nearby.

Why they chose this property

It's a lakefront compound on the best part of Hamlin Lake. Huge deck overlooking the yard and lake. Huge yard for family games. Fire pit right next to the lake. Park your fishing or ski boat on our Master Lift boat lift, and park your pontoon boat on our pontoon lift. Parking for 6+ cars.

What makes this property unique

Water, water, everywhere. What's really cool about Hamlin Lake is that it borders Lake Michigan and Ludington State Park, which means you can boat to the Park and walk to the sandy white beaches on Lake Michigan. Or, you can drive 10 minutes by car and be on the beach. Also, Hamlin Lake is divided into two distinct regions, Upper and Lower, which typically means that if the water is too rough from wind on one part of the lake, you can go to the other part of the lake and it will be much calmer.

Languages:

English