the cabin
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Floor Plan
the deck is larger than is shown here.
Finding the right place...
Finding the right place to stay is a critical step in planning the ultimate family vacation. There are a wide range of accommodations available to Northwoods vacationers, and if you don't ask the right questions you might have an inaccurate preconception of the place you will call home during your visit to the Northwoods. If you are new to the task of picking a place to stay in the Northwoods, or if you just want some additional pointers, read our advice below. The time you invest now finding the right place will pay off in the long run.
Atmosphere: Residential versus Vacation. Do you want to stay in a place with the look and feel of a Northwoods vacation spot, or are you OK with more of a residential setting? Some rental properties have a look and feel of a typical year-around home, with a fenced yard, grass lawn and neighbors down both sides of the street that are permanent residents. Our property definitely falls in the vacation category. There are permanent residents nearby, but most of the lake homes are vacation properties and the atmosphere is definitely not residential.
Setting: Resort versus Isolated. These two extremes offer much different experiences. The resort setting is a collection of cabins that the resort owner rents out. That means that you will be sharing the grounds with other vacationers. Depending on the number of units and the size of the resort, you might be one of many. Some resort settings resemble a mini-community with restaurant, convenient store, group activities, video arcade, etc. The other extreme is a rental unit nestled deep in the woods far from any neighbors where you are more likely to see a bear than another person. Our cabin falls somewhere in the middle -- it's not a resort. It is on common grounds, but the other four cabins are not rented out. Its a quiet setting but you will see neighbors here and there.
Condition: Are brochure pictures recent? How many renters do you get per year? Do you rent to large groups? Do you stay there yourself? If you want to stay away from places that show lots of wear and tear from too much traffic over the years, and that feel more like a public building than a cozy home, you might want to ask questions like these. Red flags should go up when pictures are years out of date, or of a different unit. Units that accommodate large groups are often subject to more wear and tear. If the owners stay in the unit when they vacation there, that's a good indication that the unit is in good condition. We purchased our cabin in 1997 and began renting in 1998. It is still our "home away from home" and we take pride in keeping it in tip-top shape and clean for every guest.
Type of Unit: Executive/Luxury Home, Cottage, Cabin, Authentic Log Cabin, Condo? There are many types of rental units and it is important to understand the differences. Our "Cabin" is actually classified as a "Condo" due to the fact that there are four other cabins situated on common grounds sharing beach front, parking, docks and well/septic. It is more like a house than a cabin in the traditional sense, in that inside, there's everything you would have in a typical home. Do not expect a Log Cabin or Executive/Luxury home, because it is neither. Rather, think of it as a small home or cottage with a Northwoods ambiance.
Details: Sand beach with swimming? Steep inclines? Linens? Shower/Tub? Distance from town? Views? Rules? Pets? Smoking? These are all good questions. If you don't see answers to these and other questions on our site, feel free to email or call.