Historic 1850's Hotel Transformed Into A Sensational Single Family Residence

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Entire home

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

Exceptional

5 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 10343.7 sq m

Popular amenities

Beach view

Parking available

Washer

Barbecue grill

Kitchen

Dryer

Explore the area

Eagle River, MI

The Jampot
4 min drive
Eagle Harbor Lighthouse
11 min drive
Mount Bohemia
22 min drive
Hancock, MI (CMX-Houghton County Memorial)
33 min drive

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1 - 2nd Floor Front

1 Queen Bed and 1 King Bed

Bedroom 2 - 2nd Floor Front

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3 - 2nd Floor Middle

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4 - 2nd Floor Rear

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 5 - 3rd Floor Front

1 Queen Bed

5 bathrooms

Bathroom 1 - First Floor

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2 - 2nd Floor Front

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3 - 2nd Floor Middle

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4 - 2nd Floor Rear

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 5 - 3rd Floor Front

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen

Dining

Exterior

About this property

Built in the 1850's as a hotel and Keweenaw County's first jail, the 'Big House' (and it is truly big at 3700 sq ft), has been carefully renovated into a single family residence that sleeps 10. First floor consists of a large sun porch with lake views, two ample living rooms filled with oversize sofas and chairs for lounging. An enormous gourmet kitchen comes complete with Viking stove, granite countertops, quality cooking equipments, spices, and a table with seating for ten. The large center island magnetically draws laughter and conversation around food preparation. The substantial mudroom completes the first floor with cubbies, hooks and plenty of space to put adventure gear away after a day outdoors. The second floor houses three bedroom suites -- one with two conjoining rooms with king and queen beds plus bath w/shower, one with a queen and single with bath w/shower, and one with a full and bath w/shower. The third floor suite has a queen and bath w/shower and the first jail in Keweenaw County! Hardy heart pine doors with hand wrought iron decorates the holding cell once used for boisterous miners and seafarers back in the copper boom. The Big House is steps away from miles of sandy Lake Superior beach, top notch dining at the Fitz, Eagle River Falls, Eagle River Museum, and the Keweenaw County Courthouse.

Property manager

Virginia Cole

Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

Outdoor space

Beach view

Similar properties

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Outdoor space

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No fireworks allowed in/on property

Please respect our neighbors - quiet time after 10pm

No camping on property or in adjacent parking area called the "Meadow"

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 required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Eagle River

Located in Mohawk, this holiday home is in a rural area. Copper Country Firefighters History Museum and Coppertown USA Mining Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include The Jampot and Into the Woods Mini Golf & Gardens. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Eagle River, MI

What's nearby

The Jampot - 4 min drive
Eagle Harbor Lighthouse - 11 min drive
Mount Bohemia - 22 min drive
Keweenaw National Historical Park Headquarters - 22 min drive
Michigan Technological University - 44 min drive

Getting around

Hancock, MI (CMX-Houghton County Memorial) - 33 min drive

Restaurants

‪Fitzgerald's Restaurant - ‬3 min walk
‪Jampot - ‬4 min drive
‪Cliff View Bar & Cabins - ‬5 min drive
‪Vansville Bar - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic 1850's Hotel Transformed Into A Sensational Single Family Residence pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Historic 1850's Hotel Transformed Into A Sensational Single Family Residence?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic 1850's Hotel Transformed Into A Sensational Single Family Residence?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Historic 1850's Hotel Transformed Into A Sensational Single Family Residence located?

This family-friendly Mohawk holiday home is located in a rural location, 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Lake Superior, and within 9 mi (15 km) of The Jampot and Eagle Harbor Lighthouse. Jacob's Falls and Delaware Mine are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Exceptional

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

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

8.0/10

Eco-friendliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Kelli S.

22 Sept 2024

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

Beautiful place in a beautiful location

We were stationed up in the area back in the 70s. Our parents have both passed within the past few years, and we just thought that we would all like to get back to a place that meant so much to them. Beautiful weather, just a great weekend. Only downside was conditions were not right to see the Northern Lights.

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

ROXANNE K.

20 Sept 2024

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

Girls Trip 2024

This house is exactly as described and more. It is truly so well appointed when she says just bring food and personal items she means it!! The beach is a short beautiful walk to Lake Superior where the Eagle River meet. Better than lovely.

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane C.

8 Sept 2024

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

Wonderful Stay for our Aurora-Seeking Group

Our group of 60-something girlfriends stayed for the long weekend. Our main purpose was to see the Northern Lights and we did, one night! Some viewed them from the beach and some from the back yard. We saw the most amazing sunsets from the beach, too. "The Big House" exceeded our expectations. We were greeted with fresh flowers everywhere, coffee and french toast makings in the kitchen, beach chairs and towels, firewood, and all was very clean and organized. Beds are comfy, kitchen well stocked for cooking meals, and there were multiple areas to gather for puzzles, games, or just sitting. It was fun to learn the history of the house. Eagle River is a quiet community with a fantastic restaurant (Fitzgerald's, where we enjoyed Sunday brunch). The museum and waterfall here are also worth a visit. It's centrally located for Copper Country cruising. In short, we highly recommend this place and we hope to return!

Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy A.

1 Sept 2024

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

Great stay at the Big House

Fourth stay at the Big House. It’s perfect as always. The house has everything needed for our group of 10 to stay and play in the area. Thanks again for the great memories!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lauren K.

30 June 2024

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

Perfect!

This was the best vacation rental! The location is perfect, the house is extremely comfortable and the sunsets were amazing. Highly reccomend staying here.

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

joel b.

23 June 2024

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

Wonderful

Great Place Great Stay

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

James L.

14 June 2024

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

Awesome Big House memories

The Big House exceeded our expectations! The kitchen is equipped better than anywhere we have been. Great living spaces and comfortable bedrooms. We had great experiences in the surrounding areas! Super vacation.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jason P.

28 Feb 2024

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

Great Location

The sunsets over the lake are amazing, one of the best in the area. Short walk to the Fitz. Clean, comfy beds, and well maintained. Loved the fresh flowers, and local treats when we arrived. Our group has stayed here annually for 7 years, and hope to continue for many more.

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joe K.

23 Oct 2023

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

Big House

Fourth year at this property. Always clean and well organized.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michelle H.

4 Oct 2023

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

Awesome Property

We just loved staying here. The host was very informative and we had the best time. The view is absolutely gorgeous. Also, the amenities that were provided were above and beyond. It made us feel like we were at home.

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julia H.

7 Sept 2023

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

Perfect get away with family

Great 4 days with siblings and spouses. We all loved this historic home and Eagle River. We enjoyed being so close to Lake Superior and watching as it changed from calm to white capped. We also loved Monks trail, Brockway mountain drive and numerous waterfalls. The Big House had everything for a perfect gathering. The host was very helpful and responded quickly to a few questions. Very thankful that we found this house!

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dana M.

10 July 2023

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

Perfect Location

This house was the perfect location for our family trip, right in the middle of all of our activities. The boys were able to enjoy fishing right outside the door and just a walk to the lake. The historic home was very clean and the kitchen was graciously stocked with everything you could possibly need to cook.

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark W.

29 May 2023

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

Wedding weekend

The best property I have ever stayed at, clean well stocked kitchen just cannot say enough good things about this property.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve A.

3 Mar 2023

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

2023 snowmobile ride

Excellent property highly recommend

Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sherrie B.

20 Feb 2023

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

Accommodations

Great house for a group of 10 adults for snowmobiling weekend. Clean, comfortable, well priced.

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

David S., Grand Rapids, MI

13 Feb 2023

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

Ski vacation

Very nice facility, well appointed and within reasonable distance to local attractions. One of the best properties we have stayed multiple times!

Stayed 8 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Beth L.

29 Jan 2023

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

Awesome family weekend

We stayed here to enjoy the snow! We had 6 adults and 3 kids 12, 15 & 18. We had so much room here! The large mudroom was especially helpful to store & dry all our winter outdoor gear. The kitchen is really big and has everything you need and more. Lots of dishes and all the pots/pans we needed. There was still plenty of room to store the food we brought too. The beds were very comfortable and it was nice to have a bathroom for every bedroom. We ate dinner one night at Fitz's, was an easy walk, even in the snow. Highly recommend the food and the private room dining. There is a deer feeding park in town so be careful driving as there are a lot of deer wandering around town. We also enjoyed cross country skiing and snow shoeing at Kewenaw Mountain lodge in Copper Harbor and the kids love skiing at Mount Bohemia, each of those is about a 30min drive. The owner gave us all the information we needed for the house and was very prompt in answering questions. We would definitely stay here again!

Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kelly W.

16 Oct 2022

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

Clean, well equipped & cheerful

We really enjoyed staying at the big house. Even though it was a rainy weekend, we felt warm & cozy inside. There was plenty of room to spread out as we had 3 generations & cooking all together in the well equipped kitchen was fun for us all. We especially loved the fresh flowers, cheerful artwork, comfortable furniture & uniqueness of this home.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gary P., Crystal Michigan

14 Oct 2022

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

Wonderful trip

Our group stayed here once before. We love the area. The house is great. VERY clean. Well furnished. We plan to return in the future

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Nick B., Bloomfield Hills, MI

19 Sept 2022

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

3rd stay

We've stayed here 3 times and the house/accommodations never disappoint. Fantastic location and host, highly recommended!

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amy A.

28 Aug 2022

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

Always lovely!

This is the third time we have stayed in this house. It is always really clean and welcoming upon our arrival. Jan is great to work with and the house is fully stocked with everything we could need. We cook a lot of our meals in and the kitchen is great, overall with a lot of room for the group to get together or spread out as needed. Bedrooms are all very comfortable and stocked with plenty of towels. Eagle River is perfect for watching the amazing Sunsets over Lake Superior each night. Thanks again for another great year!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

28 Aug 2022

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

Beautiful home and location

I would love to stay again.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lisa P., Grand Blanc, MI

14 Aug 2022

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

Beautiful Home

We just loved the Big House. It was probably the cleanest VRBO we’ve ever stayed in. The kitchen was beautiful and fully stocked with all the essentials. Beds were very comfortable and the home was tastefully decorated. Thanks for an awesome week in Eagle River!!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bradd S.

2 Aug 2022

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

Wonderfully relaxing

We have stayed here multiple times and the experience never fails to impress.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amanda H.

16 July 2022

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

The BEST House!!

We loved this house!!! There were 4 adults and 6 teenagers. There were plenty of beds and bathrooms. The walk to Lake Superior is short. I would give the house 10 stars, if I could. It was amazing.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Virginia Cole

Bud and Jan Cole, a brother/sister team, hail from six generations of UP natives and lovers. Both share a passion for the history, pristine natural beauty and people of the Keweenaw Peninsula. Together, they work to restore historic properties to their full potential. Incorporating old world charm with contemporary sensibility, their projects showcase a clean, eclectic style. Their appreciation of the area translates into a willingness to guide you to splendid trails and back country, historic venues full of fact and legend, and a easy place to enjoy a meal with friends and family at the end of the day.

Why they chose this property

The Cole family spent summer vacations on Eagle River's shores. Fond memories birthed a desire to invest in the community. The Big House offered an opportunity to preserve part of Eagle River's history while providing a venue for new families and friends to create special memories.

What makes this property unique

The Big House is absolutely unique in its history and presentation. Built in the 1850's by the Long brothers along with adjacent pub, the structure was originally a rough hewn log hotel for miners and seafarers run by the Coles great, great aunt and uncle. The house shares East Main Street Eagle River with six other early structures, making it one of the only intact venues from the 1860's copper boom. The partners wanted to preserve the building's character and continue its legacy as a gathering place for family and friends.