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Unwind at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!"

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Let Hilltop Cottage be your home base while enjoying northern Michigan.
Front room
Dining Room, seats 6+
Dining room, deck entry
Dining Room, seats 6+

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8105.9 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Grayling, MI
  • AuSable Artisan Village
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Au Sable River
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Hartwick Pines State Park
    ‪23 min drive‬
  • Roscommon County – Blodgett Memorial Airport (HTL)
    ‪33 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Downstairs Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Upstairs bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area

About this property

Unwind at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!"

Come enjoy the spacious Hilltop Cottage located near the gorgeous Lake Margrethe! Conveniently located 2 walking blocks from the waters edge and close to snowmobile and ORV trails, this cottage has everything needed for a great up-north getaway. Snowmobile trails are less than a 1/4 mile away! Snowmobile from the front door to the trails, or from the trailhead nearby. Road end lake access, as well as 1.2 miles from the only public boat launch and state park on the lake.

Located on a secluded road end, this cottage allows privacy for all group types. This cottage is set up for your convenience. Rental includes towels, bedding, kitchen equipment, etc. for a simple stay away from home.
All three queen size beds are Sealy Posturepedic pillow tops, making for an amazing night of sleep!

We are working on remodeling the 1970's era finished downstairs with new furniture. It currently has one bedroom (with queen bed) and 1 bathroom. There is also a pool table, foosball table, air hockey, and table tennis. A small bar (sadly not stocked) is also located downstairs. We find that many guest enjoy hanging out down there after a full day of play. The downstairs is a walkout, and is also a great space to enter from the backyard and leave snowmobile suits and gear.

Guest have access to the entire house and yard. Fire pit area in the back yard with some fire wood supplied (enough to start your fire). Large picnic table located out there year-round. No separate seating provided out there during the winter mounts. 8 chairs provided during summer months, but stored up near house. Grill on the back deck May-October.

Property manager

Brenda Challender
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
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
$50/pet refundable deposit. Limit 2 dogs
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking outside only
-Typically boats and trailers will need to be backed in to the lower driveway (15-20 yards from front door) and cars/trucks can park near entry.
-Parking on site available day of checkout if not leaving the area immediately, we know a full vacation day is enjoyed!
Monthly stays are considered. Deposits increase to $800, and cleaning fees increase to $200. If interested in a monthly rental, please contact us for

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

Grayling

Located in Grayling, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Hartwick Pines State Park and Huron-Manistee National Forest, while Crawford County Historical Museum and AuSable Artisan Village are cultural highlights. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Grayling, MI

What's nearby

  • AuSable Artisan Village - 9 min drive - 8.6 km
  • Wakeley Lake - 10 min drive - 9.2 km
  • Grayling Hospital - 11 min drive - 9.5 km
  • Au Sable River - 19 min drive - 10.7 km
  • Hartwick Pines State Park - 23 min drive - 16.7 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 67 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Paddle Hard Brewing - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Tinker's Junction - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Westside Diner - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Unwind at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!" pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Unwind at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!"?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Unwind at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!"?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Unwind at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!" located?

Located on a lake, this family-friendly holiday home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Hanson Hills Recreation Area, Wakeley Lake, and Rayburn Property Trail. Grayling Country Club and Crawford County Historical Museum are also within 6 miles (10 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. 80 out of 92 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 11 out of 92 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 92 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 92 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 92 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

bob r.

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

For storm damge

Excellent place to stay no matter the reason
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

lacey b.

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

Ice fishing and snowmobiling

3 couples got together for this weekend getaway and the house was great! Half of us went fishing on lake margrethe and half stayed back crocheting and cooking. The kitchen was well stocked. We had a wonderful time and would return!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zach J.

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

Great Northwood Getaway

Great layout for multifamily groups, with plenty of space. The downstairs space gave everyone a chance to spread out and socialize. Beautiful location that is excellent for any season, and close to tons of family-friendly outdoor activities. Conveniently located for easy access to Graying and the outdoors.Brenda was a great host who always took our calls and gave us a very clean and comfortable stay.If coming in the winter make sure to have all-wheel drive. The approach to the property can be just a bit steep for lesser-equipped vehicles.We look forward to coming back!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Crystal W.

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

Great location for snowmobiling!

Great cabin close to snowmobile trails. Map provided was very helpful with local seasonal roads to get to trails. Kids love the game room in the basement. After fresh snowfall, the hill can make it tricky to park the truck and trailer in the dark. In the morning, we were able to move it around in daylight after it was plowed. Great stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy K.

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

Fall Colors

We enjoyed the property very close to ORV trails and nice location for other adventures
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frederick G.

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

Fishing trip

Had a great time , did some fishing , played cards , we have been fishing for many years with the same group of guys , we enjoy this house and its location , THANK YOU
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christina S.

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

Very nice stay…not handicap accessible!

This was a great property and location!! Literally right near an amazing beach for littles! My 2 year old had a blast playing in the very shallow water. The house was great - rooms were very nice. House stocked great. Now…people should note that this house is not accessible. My mom broke her hip a month before the trip, AFTER we booked the house. Hence - still a five star review because we didn’t know that she was going to fall before the trip. But her walker was not able to fit the doorway for the bathroom, and it was hard to push on the very plush carpet. Just want people to be aware of this. The house and location were seriously amazing!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

kassandra b.

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

Perfect stay

Everything about this stay was perfect and easy going. Highly recommend staying here and the game room was a huge bonus. Only down fall was the oven which is very old and could be updated But still worked decently
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sherry S.

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

Family Vacation

The property was beautiful, the house was very nice. Kitchen could use a little updating, but was functional. We really enjoyed our stay. It would be nice to maybe let guest know what day is garbage pick up.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Genevieve B.

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

Family vacation

We loved our stay here! Great location! Close to necessities and nice for day trips. We loved the gaming tables in the basement. All in all, a great place!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darla L.

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

Comfortable and clean

Our family of 7 enjoyed spreading out in this well stocked, clean, cabin vibe setting. The new kitchen was great. The pool table was a highlight. The lake was a blast!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Tenishia G.

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

Nice home with plenty of room

Enjoyed the game room downstairs. Plenty of parking for our 2 big trailers. Has easy trail access
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Naida A.

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

Hilltop Cottage

We very much enjoyed our stay. Beds very comfortable and we had everything our family of six adults and one dog needed for our week long stay. We especially appreciated the "quietness" of the area and being on a private road with no traffic.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kevin H.

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

Guys Sxs/Atv Weekend

Place was just as described. Was close to the trailhead and worked out perfectly for what we needed for a long weekend of riding. Had a great time and plan to come back in the future.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole F.

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

Amazingly relaxing

We had such an amazing time. The house was warm and cozy. Our boys had a great time in the basement with all the games, mostly the pool table. So much so if we went and did something they couldn't wait to get back at it. We all had a fantastic time and will definitely stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa T.

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

Fun winter getaway

Quiet location (in the winter at least). It was great having the games in the basement and being able to bring our dog. Great water pressure, warm house, comfy beds. Hostess was very responsive as well. Would definitely keep on our list of houses to return to.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly S.

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

Family Weekend

The cottage was just as described- cozy, clean. A great base location for our winter activities vacation.
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Blondie B.

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

Great place

This home was clean, spacious, and set up with two different entrance/exits if some of your party wanted to come and go without bothering anyone else. Tons of movies downstairs although I would have liked to have had some type of regular cable down there as well for football, hockey, or whatever sports teams were playing. We ended up getting snowed in for an extra day and it was no problem adding on that extra day. The property manager was very polite and easy to get ahold of as we lost power one day because of the weather and they had a crew out of fix it within an hour! Home has everything you could possibly want. The kitchen was stocked with everything you need to cook all your meals. Washer and dryer was also included. This home could sleep 10 very comfortably. 3 bed one full bath upstairs and 1 bedroom full bath downstairs plus a pull out couch. I forgot to mention the pool table, along with air hockey and ping pong table. It's centrally located in beautiful Grayling close to town which has very quaint restaurants and cute little shops for souvenirs. Close to the trails for summer and winter play on the machines. We will definitely stay many more times and I highly recommend this beautiful place for a vacation, retreat or just a long weekend! Super comfy
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kacy H.

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

Winter Retreat

We loved the home it was perfect including the basement. Was a cozy stay inside since the weather did not cooperate.
Stayed 12 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kenny B.

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

Great as always

Prime location for all activities. Quiet and relaxing.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tina A.

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

Great hosts!

Great location with great neighbors. Very impressed with the wonderful communication, response time and kindess of the hosts!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl B., Clarklake, MI 49234

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

Home away from home

This was our third stay at Hilltop Cottage. Every time we have really enjoyed ourselves. The owners are very friendly. Very clean and the beds are comfortable. A great home away from home!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ken V.

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

Paddle trip

House was very clean, comfy and well stocked. If there were pets, they must have been goldfish!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

shawn c.

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

Great place

Great location, great host.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Leanna W., Indiana, United States

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

Great get away

This property was just as it is listed. Game room was awesome for our kids ages 7-15. We SO appreciated the covered, dry fire wood and cardboard fire starters. No rental we’ve stayed in has ever provided firewood. We did have to go buy an igniter, but no big deal. The only thing we didn’t like, were the showers. We are a tall family. They guys are 6’3”. I am 5’8”. The kids are small. But, the shower head upstairs is adjustable but stripped out. So it wouldn’t stay up. We managed, no big deal. Overall, a great stay!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

About the host

Hosted by Brenda Challender

Host profile image
We grew up downstate near Lansing, but have spent many weekends and vacations in Grayling at our place nearby. Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter there is always something that we love to do up there! We love traveling in general, whether it be around the US or the world.

Why they chose this property

The property is close to the lake, but far enough off to not be overcrowded. There is a nice size backyard for outdoor games and fires. It is also adjacent to a large wooded area that is absolutely gorgeous to sit on the deck and look out over. Its at the top of the hill, so the deck looks down and over the ravine. Lots of deer, two foxes, and other various creatures are seen in there regularly.

What makes this property unique

We like the seclusion of being on the private road, but a quick walk to the lake and a very quick ride to the snowmobile trails, ORV trails, and everything else to do in the area. Located just outside of town, it is close enough to Grayling to do everything you want to!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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