Re-imagined Charlevoix Michigan Mushroom House, a thatched romantic getaway!

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Chalet

Spiral Staircase featured in Wizard of Boulder Park and Local News Stories

Private, Romantic, hobbit-style getaway in The Thatched Chalet

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

9.8

Exceptional

1 bedroom1+ bathroomSleeps 4

Popular amenities

Pet-friendly

Fireplace

Kitchen

Barbecue grill

Air conditioning

Free WiFi

Explore the area

Charlevoix, MI

Mushroom House1 min walk
Beaver Island Boat Company Ferry Terminal6 min walk
Lake Chalevoix Depot Beach4 min drive
Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional)55 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Living Room

1 Queen Bed

Master Bedroom

1 King Bed

The Loft

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Main Level Bath

Toilet

Master Bath- Lower Level

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

The Chalet is a cozy retreat on the shores of Lake Michigan... And is part of a more expansive property anchored by The Thatch House

Set back behind the main house , The Chalet is entirely separate with no access from the main house. With its own private entrance, The Chalet offers a "secret hideaway" made for the romantic at heart.... Perfect for honeymooners from Castle Farms, anniversary celebrations, romantic birthday getaways, and so much more!

A spiral staircase leads to the secluded couple's bedroom on the lower level, while the children can play and sleep on the level above, in the loft (not suitable for very young children as the access is by library-type ladder)

The kitchen and living area offer rustic charm, being handmade by "unknown small mystical craftsmen" working late at night by candle light. It is said that if one sits quietly on a moonlit night, these magical gnomes can be spotted checking on the Chalet to make certain that everything is still in perfect condition....

The charming Chalet can be enjoyed as a romantic getaway for a couple who will find their master suite downstairs and a living area and compact kitchen above, or for family visitors, there is the awesome carpeted loft area with two twin beds. The main floor also has a queen size sleeper sofa if you need it, along with a powder room.

During the day, walk to the white sandy beach, just steps from your door, to enjoy the beautiful lake, or walk 3 or 4 minutes into town for shopping and restaurants. You can walk to the beautiful Charlevoix marina/park in a few minutes. It all adds up to a very relaxing stay.

For those interested in lengthy exercise sessions, there are beautiful walking paths and bike trails and even 2 fitness centers nearby. The Chalet's close proximity to the beach makes it ideal for those who enjoy water sports. During the summer months paddle boards are rented right at the shore.

Property manager

Barbara Clayton

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Pet-friendly

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Half House in Charlevoix the Beautiful !!

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Great in the loft for older children.

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit one pet total)

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

ZERO TOLERANCE

There is a 2 night minimum booking requirement

If you decide to use the loft, you must climb a ladder so it is not appropriate for older adults or toddler children

There are winding open riser steps to the main level - older adults/toddlers may find this challenging

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

We should mention

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

About the area

Charlevoix

Located in Charlevoix, this chalet is in the city centre and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and North Point Nature Preserve, while North Seas Gallery and Charlevoix Circle of Arts are cultural highlights. Ready for a night out? Consider Castle Farms and Lavender Hill Farm. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

Charlevoix, MI

What's nearby

Mushroom House - 1 min walk
Beaver Island Boat Company Ferry Terminal - 6 min walk
Charlevoix Beach - 1 min drive
Lake Chalevoix Depot Beach - 4 min drive
Castle Farms - 6 min drive

Getting around

Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional) - 56 min drive

Restaurants

‪Dairy Grille - ‬15 min walk
‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
‪Bridge Street Tap Room - ‬6 min walk
‪The Landing Restaurant - ‬10 min drive
‪Bier's Inwood Brewery - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Re-imagined Charlevoix Michigan Mushroom House, a thatched romantic getaway! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Re-imagined Charlevoix Michigan Mushroom House, a thatched romantic getaway!?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Re-imagined Charlevoix Michigan Mushroom House, a thatched romantic getaway!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Re-imagined Charlevoix Michigan Mushroom House, a thatched romantic getaway! located?

Located in the heart of Charlevoix, this chalet is steps away from Mushroom House and Lake Michigan. Beaver Island Boat Company Ferry Terminal and Charlevoix Circle of Arts are also within 10 minutes.

9.8

Exceptional

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

Learn more

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Tim S.

26 Sept 2023

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

Unique

Great location, very clean, unique and memorable. We will return.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cara E.

1 Apr 2023

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

Great place

Loved the Chalet. This os the second mushroom house we've stayed in and loved both.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather B., Wyandotte, MI

12 Mar 2023

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

ADORABLE & UNIQUE!

My husband and I (and 1 yr old shitzu) stayed 2 nights in the Mushroom House. We enjoyed every single moment in this super clean, unique, beautiful home. We felt as if we were in a storybook fairytale elfin village! Even the floors are heated! Beds are comfy, (all furniture was comfortable.) We will definitely go back, probably for an anniversary, since this was a honeymoon stay. Love love love this place!

Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rita M.

16 Jan 2023

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

Lovely property, great location and wonderful, attentive hosts.

Fabulous trip- gorgeous property and hosts!

Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jo D.

12 July 2022

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

Thatch House Chalet

This is a very interesting and fun property to visit. It was well appointed and well equipped (including an outside grill) and the property managers were superb in every way. The garden and sitting areas outside provided additional and private space plus were photo beautiful. If you add that this property is convenient and in walking distance to everything in Charlevoix: beach, shops , and restaurants then it checks all boxes.

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dari B.

25 June 2022

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

Wonderful Property

Historic, clean and a short walk to downtown and the beach. We loved our stay.

Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jill H.

9 June 2022

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

Relaxed and Refreshed

We absolutely loved the entire experience we had at "The Chalet"!!! From the moment of our arrival, to the last minute of our check out, we were able to make great lasting memories. It was so nice to leave feeling relaxed and refreshed. Thank you for your kindness and generosity in allowing us to stay at your home and for being such a wonderful host. Our experience was complete tranquility!!!

Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathy and Tony K.

27 May 2022

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

A lovely touch of a past time!

The Chalet was a unique and enchanting place to stay near the city of Charlevoix. We loved the rustic charm, winding staircase and views of the trees so close to the windows!

Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie A.

25 Nov 2021

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

Charlevoix thanksgiving!

We drove our car not 1 time for our entire stay. Walking distance to the lake, a lighthouse and town. The cottage was as cool as the pictures. Awesome atmosphere. The space was a little tight, but we adjusted. Super responsive host when we had questions. Everything was easy and unique. The town felt like our own…pretty quiet leading up to Thanksgiving. Perfect location!

Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Margaret M.

15 Sept 2021

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

Surprise birthday and anniversary!

Loved! Loved! Loved this beautiful quaint home. It exceeded my expectations. Barbara was wonderful to work with as this was a surprise for my husbands birthday and a celebration of our 46th anniversary. We would love to come back next year when we return to Michigan.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

rob b.

30 Aug 2021

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

Awesome

A very unique property at a desirable location . Highly recommend!

Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Ilene T., Ann Arbor, Michigan USA

16 June 2021

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

Hidden gem in a great location

We loved the whimsy, the creativity, the lofty living area, the quiet bedroom sanctuary, and all the personal amenities of our Chalet. Located in the heart of town, we walked to dinner, to breakfast, and to the beach. Lastly, it was the perfect playground for our welcomed cat who joined us for our holiday.

Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Deb L.

6 June 2021

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

Magical!

Amazing experience

10/10 Excellent

Greg S.

25 Apr 2021

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

Amazing place!

The chalet is amazing. It is rustic and yet refined. Just a few blocks walk to downtown and literally across the street from the beach. There is plenty to do or nothing at all, depending on the desires of your trip. The property is arguably the best earl young house even though I think it's basically been rebuilt. It captures that mushroom house spirit but is likely what earl would have built in this century. The chalet has some fun idiosyncrasies. This is 100% not criticism as per my five star rating across the board. These oddities make the stay all the more unique. The spiral stairs are a marvel but should be traveled slowly after some wine. The kitchen does not have an oven, but has a toaster oven and a two burner electric stove top. Perfect for making breakfast for two. You should be eating the rest of your meals out anyway. If you aren't when on vacation, you should think about your life! There is no dining room table, just a crazy awesome solid wood island with bar stools. Curiosily, none of the windows open. If you want a bit of fresh air you just crack the lower and upper doors for a bit of cross breeze. The heated floors are wonderful in the morning as well. This was a refreshing property to stay at from just the average home with every amenity you have at your home. As is this would be an challenging property to live in, but that is the point. It was clearly purpose built to create an experience for the short term traveler. Don't hesitate to stay and cheers!

Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

28 Mar 2021

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

Fairytale Surprise Birthday

I surprised my husband with a trip to The Chalet for his 50th birthday. It was a beautiful, romantic, dreamy place to stay. It is perfectly cozy and a real fairytale. The heated floors were warm for the chilly March weather. I recommend The Chalet to anyone looking for a romantic hideaway.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Angela G., Traverse City

23 Mar 2021

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

A quick get away

I had always wondered about the mushroom houses of Charlevoix and was excited when I found out you could rent them. It did not disappoint. Although fully renovated, it was done in good taste and style.

Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Valerie H.

20 Mar 2021

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

Extraordinary experience!

Staying at the mushroom house was a wonderful experience and very fun! Like in every town in Northern Michigan there are special gems that are part of the towns history and charm. The mushroom house exceeded our expectations. We have drove by for many years admiring the mushroom houses in Charlevoix. Although we live in Northern Michigan my husband and I enjoy taking up north road trips and we stay at VRBO‘s in different parts of Northern Michigan to enjoy all these hidden gems and remarkable historical areas and homes. The love for northern Michigan is very evident in these charming up north towns. How wonderful that there are people who care about continuing and preserving the special gems of Northern Michigan. It is truly a labor of love and financial investment. It is fun to be a part of the experience... it was a great experience and everything we needed to feel at home was there. Thank you.

Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

18 July 2020

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

Outstanding Stay!!!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay here, and would highly recommend this chalet. The location is fantastic. It’s within walking distance of restaurants, shops, ice cream, etc. It is also very close to the beach where we were able to enjoy the most beautiful sunsets! Check-in was easy, and this rental was very clean. It was truly a wonderful stay at such a unique place!

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Sarah G.

14 Apr 2020

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

Cozy getaway!

Beautiful serene weekend!

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

20 Aug 2019

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

Unique & Charming Chalet

The Chalet was one of the most unique properties that we've rented. The location was superb--just a few blocks from downtown. This was an easy walk to restaurants, shopping etc...

Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Scott B.

12 Mar 2019

Great place for a romantic getaway

A charming well appointed and comfortable space.

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019

10/10 Excellent

Carol W., Saint John, Indiana

12 Aug 2018

Can't wait to come back

The chalet is beautiful. Steps from the beach and town. So peaceful!

Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Sonja B.

27 Feb 2018

Beautiful

Lovely Getaway! House was Magical, warm, cozy and wonderful. Walking distance to town. Can’t wait to return!

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Scott M.

12 Oct 2017

Beautiful

We enjoyed our stay very much. Beautiful area, beautiful home away from home with unique rustic decor. So happy we found it and were able to spend a few days!

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2017

This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

5 Oct 2017

Warm, cozy and surrounded by fun!

We had a great time at the Chalet! It was a really fun place to stay with everything we need for an up north get away. The neighborhood was just lovely and it being blocks from down town and not even a block from the beach was awesome! We spent time just hanging out in the Chalet but also walking the trails by the shore and discovering fantastic new places to eat. We really found out that we like the Charlevoix area a lot. We will be coming back to the Chalet!

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2017

About the host

Hosted by Barbara Clayton

Dear Guests,

My "Mushroom House ensemble" consists of 4 distinct properties, all "rescued" Earl Young houses. Earl Young is the famous eccentric builder/architect who lined the Park Avenue stretch in front of Michigan Beach Park with his wonderful creations.

The main house of my "mushroom house compound". is called The Thatch House (304 Park Ave). It was Earl Young's first home that he built for himself and his family. Part of this property was an old carriage house behind the main house. Both properties were in deplorable shape. Most potential buyers assumed they needed to be torn down, but I fell in love with them, and with the spirit of Earl Young that's on display along this beautiful stretch of Park Avenue. I bought the house and carriage house in 2013. Inspired, I also bought "Applecore" (8003 Mt McSauba Rd), a "Mushroom House" designed and built by Earl Young's daughter Virginia. This beautiful house sat empty for 9 years. The cottage (305 Clinton St), which shares the grounds with the main house on Park Ave, was also added to complete the collection.
I vowed to restore these properties. The house on Park Avenue was a special case, and I knew that with this property I would be going beyond, way beyond, merely restoring it. "Re-imagining" was a word used often in the extensive media coverage the building of this house generated—its iconic thatch roof has now become somewhat of a tourist attraction. For the carriage house I saw potential for use as a charming "chalet". It now shares the thatch roof of the main house—although it's otherwise separate, with its own private entrances.

My accountants told me I was crazy. And I knew they were right, but I did it anyway. It was a labor of love. That's why I didn't spare time nor expense to turn these properties into the best they could be. I wanted to do justice to the spirit of Earl Young and I hope I gave the people of Charlevoix and its visitors something to enjoy and be proud of...

Michael Seitz.

Why they chose this property

Dear Guests,
Welcome to Charlevoix! This tiniest Mushroom House is SO much fun - romantic, cozy, curious - distinctive. It is a lovely little house. I am the booking manager and it is a joy to talk about this property. Children love it, honeymooners love it, young-at-heart couples love it - it's just delightful. The owner is a world traveller, and he has a team of professionals helping him manage these properties. Please call me if you have booking or financial questions, and call Treasure at 346-459-0630 if you have any house questions during your stay. You know that old saying , "Love what you do and you'll never work a day in your life", well, we're there! We'd love to have you stay at The Chalet - please visit our website mushroomhouses.com and email me for any new things happening at the Mushroom Houses. And, thanks!

What makes this property unique

This is a romantic lover's hideaway... No matter your age, it is a honeymoon experience...

Your feelings will be touched by the unique warm charm of the old world hobbit home retreat... Snuggle in this completely renovated Chalet and enjoy the beautiful rustic charm and cozy atmosphere. The Chalet has air conditioning for hot summers and underfloor heating for those cold winter months... Perfect as a Ski Chalet for couples or families looking to hit the slopes!

This is truly a one of a kind.... Google it....nothing quite like this exists in the world....from the delicately balanced but "oh so solid" spiral staircase, to the high thatch roof enveloping you....

The beach is only 100 yards away, with spectacular evening sunsets....the water is pristine and a tropical turquoise blue ...
Charlevoix town, just a few blocks away, bustles with energy and lively excitement.... With round lake as a breathtaking back drop.

The only thing missing is....YOU.