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Glen Arbor Barnhouse on the Crystal River, short walk to town & Lake Michigan.

Photo gallery for Glen Arbor Barnhouse on the Crystal River, short walk to town & Lake Michigan.

Exterior
Exterior
Exterior
Living area
Interior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 8204.4 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Glen Arbor, MI
  • Place, Crystal River
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Glen Lake
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪46 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bunkroom

2 Single Bunk Beds

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

The "Nest"

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Main floor half bathroom

Toilet

Master Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Upstairs full bathroom.

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area

About this property

Glen Arbor Barnhouse on the Crystal River, short walk to town & Lake Michigan.

Get back to basics at the Glen Arbor Barnhouse located on the pristine Crystal River. The private drive takes you along the slough of the Crystal River where you might catch sight of the abundant wildlife. Take a short walk down the road and you’ll find the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan which offer breathtaking views of North and South Manitou Islands and beautiful sunsets. A short trip to town offers abundant shopping and restaurants. The centralized location of the Barnhouse between Sleeping Bear Dunes and Traverse City ensures access to all the area has to offer.

The unique layout of the barnhouse lends itself to incredible character. It has recently been remodeled with modern updates but still keeping with the rustic nature of its surroundings. There are three open floors which wind around a central fireplace. The main floor includes a dining room and kitchen with quartz counter-tops, two sinks, and a second beverage refrigerator. It also includes the master bedroom suite, laundry room, and a half bath. The charming living room contains a sleeper sofa (queen) with a cozy gas fireplace. The second floor includes a bunk room (2 twins and 2 fulls), a full bathroom, and an open game room containing 2 CordaRoy's convertible bean bags (2 fulls). The third floor bedroom or “Birds Nest” (queen) offers spectacular views of the surroundings.


The Barnhouse is surrounded by a boardwalk, giving easy access to the back deck which is equipped with a patio table and chairs for outdoor lounging. There is also a gas grill for barbecuing and a wooded side lot for bonfires and games. Enjoy the Crystal River by wading in the shallow water, fishing off the dock, or kayaking (4 kayaks) down the river. Enjoy the peacefulness and beauty of Northern Michigan while staying at the Glen Arbor Barnhouse.


Area Attractions: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail, Alligator Hill Trail, Empire Bluffs, Pyramid Point, Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, Sleeping Bear Point Trail, Glen Haven, Glen Lake, Charter Fishing, Wine tasting, Bike and Kayak rental available in Glen Arbor, multiple local restaurants and shopping, Port Oneida Historic District, Leland or “Fishtown” (north), Empire (south)


Firewood available, 2 TV's, High Speed Internet, Linens and towels, HE Washer/Dryer, 4 Kayaks

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Water view

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please no animals allowed No fireworks allowed No hunting on the property
Please no shoes worn in the house. Guests are allowed a maximum of 2 cars.

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 deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Glen Arbor

Located in Glen Arbor, this holiday home is in the city centre and on a river. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Kayaking and fishing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with mountain biking nearby.
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Map
Glen Arbor, MI

What's nearby

  • Crystal River - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Glen Lake - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum - 9 min drive - 7.3 km
  • Front Street - 38 min drive - 59.6 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cherry Republic - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪The Mill - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪The Foothills Cafe - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Art's Tavern - ‬19 min walk
  • ‪River Club Glen Arbor - ‬17 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Glen Arbor Barnhouse on the Crystal River, short walk to town & Lake Michigan. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Glen Arbor Barnhouse on the Crystal River, short walk to town & Lake Michigan. ?

As of 28 Mar 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Glen Arbor Barnhouse on the Crystal River, short walk to town & Lake Michigan. on 31 Oct 2026 start from AU$364, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Glen Arbor Barnhouse on the Crystal River, short walk to town & Lake Michigan. ?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Glen Arbor Barnhouse on the Crystal River, short walk to town & Lake Michigan. ?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Glen Arbor Barnhouse on the Crystal River, short walk to town & Lake Michigan. ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Glen Arbor Barnhouse on the Crystal River, short walk to town & Lake Michigan. located?

Located in the heart of Glen Arbor, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Crystal River and Lake Michigan. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is 0.8 mi (1.3 km) away.

Reviews

10

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. 34 out of 36 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 36 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 36 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 36 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 36 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great House for my family of 6. We came up to see the fall colors, visit some wineries in Sutton’s Bay and hike Sleeping Bear Dunes. The Barnhouse was in a great location and had everything we needed for a fantastic long weekend! Eric was a great host and check in/out was easy!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Charles K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The barnhouse was perfect for our stay. The property is beautiful, and the home is as advertised. Glen Arbor is amazing, and it was so nice to be so close to town! Definitely will be back Chuck K
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We loved this property even more beautiful than the pictures. Ye
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl Z.

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

Favorite Glen Arbor Location

Great time as always, can't wait to return!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eric J.

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

Fantastic getaway

We loved our trip to Glen Arbor. The farmhouse was the perfect mix of luxury in a natural/woodsy environment. We got out on the kayak almost every day after lunch. Definitely worth the trip.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Phillip M.

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

Great house close to everything!

This is a great, unique family house with everything you need in a great location very close to beach, Glen Arbor, and Sleeping Bear Dunes! Newly renovated and spotless. Great hosts who are very responsive without being intrusive! We will definitely rent again and hope to return to the area again soon!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher D.

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

Great house, great location!

We were looking for a easy get away for our family during COVID. This property met and exceeded our needs. We were able to kayak, fish, have a campfire on property while Lake Michigan and Glen Arbor are short walks away. The house itself is unique and cozy.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Merrie Jo A.

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

Glen Arbor vacay

What a beautiful home in which to enjoy Glen Arbor! Every little detail was perfect. Our check-in was easy, the amenities were fabulous, and we couldn’t have asked for a better house to stay at while we enjoyed the beach. The sunsets were breathtaking at the end of Bay Lane every night. Thank you Eric and family for a wonderful vacation home for our family!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Timothy C.

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

Michigan spring break

Booked this property last-minute. Absolutely gorgeous and unique architecture. Perfect COVID getaway, huge yard , fire pit , woods , river. Spotless and top of the line. Kids loved the bunk room. Quick drive to Sleeping Bear. Will be coming back to enjoy summer / fall here!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elaine P.

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

Great property, especially great for outdoor activities

My husband and I rented the Barnhouse for two weeks in July. The house is spacious, easily accommodated us plus our son and daughter in law who joined us for a week, plus guests who came to visit for several days, plus a couple of sleepovers with grandkids. The amenities included a fire pit, four kayaks, river frontage and a dock plus Adirondack chairs overlooking the river. There is a large outdoor dining table and umbrella with 10 wicker type chairs. We routinely sat 12 people for cookouts and gatherings. The inside of the Barnhouse has been beautifully constructed with stunning views that include soaring windows and oversize doors to coordinate. The Barnhouse inside amenities are excellent, it is well stocked and comfortable - you will enjoy your stay!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary E.

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

Beautiful home. Great location

This home is fantastic. It is well appointed and architecturally interesting. Our kids loved the bunk room! We enjoyed the outdoor spaces just as much as the indoor spaces. The oversized deck, fire pit, kayaks and dock on the river provided lots of entertainment for our kids. The location is ideal. Walking distance or a very short drive to so much-kayaking the river, Lake Michigan beach, downtown Glen Arbor, biking trail to sleeping bear dunes, plenty of hiking trails, Glen Lake, etc. We hope to book again for another vacation Up North.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Betty D.

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

Loved every minute

We like it so much we rented this wonderful home for next year. Everything was perfect. My only suggestion would be to have an earlier check in time. Eric was so gracious and willing to take my calls to answer any questions I might have had. Betty
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Mj G.

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

Excellent Location!

We stayed for a week with our two teens and my daughter joined us with her husband for a few days. Then my two teens each had a friend join them for the rest of the trip. You can’t beat this location. Quiet and peaceful but a very short walk to Glen Arbor or to the glorious beach. The area reminds me of what East Hampton and Sag Harbor were like 30 years ago. Pristine and stunning. We loved the back deck and the dock area along the Creek. Note that there is no AC, which would be totally fine if not for humidity, which makes the entire house damp and musty inside. Also note that the water is on a septic system/not city water. The location is unbeatable and our hosts were helpful!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This home was lovely, in an amazing location! Great for families with kids 3 and up and stocked with everything you need to enjoy the woods and the water. Very clean and well appointed. Owners were very responsive. Walk to the beach...it's rocky so bring watershoes, but the water and the views are incredible! Be sure to visit the beach at North Bar Lake and Good Harbor Bay! We also enjoyed the Platte River Beach about 35 min away. Great for hunting fossils and Petoskey stones!Lots of stairs in the house, so if travelling with a toddler, keep that in mind. There was a baby gate provided, but we could have used 2. The rooms are a little small to fit a playpen, but you can do it. Also there is no bathtub. We had an 18 month old, and still had a great stay, but we had to adjust a little, and if you're prepared, it's still great!A final note, the lack of A/C isn't really an issue, except on really hot days when the upstairs bedroom can get toasty. The owners provide plenty of fans. We found it helpful to close all the windows and blinds during the day when you're out and about on the hot days and then open the windows at night when it's cool.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tara E.

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

Happy to be back!

This was our second time renting this beautiful home, and we made more wonderful memories! The location is great - removed from any hustle and bustle, right on the Crystal River, and surrounded by nature (chipmunks, deer, and squirrels a-plenty!). The home is very well-stocked for all seasons. The fireplace is a delight and warms the whole home. The kitchen is ready for any meal to be cooked, and there is a whole closet full of fans, bedding, and pillows so you can tweak your comfort zone. This time, we enjoyed the firepit (though we did have to buy firewood - there were only rounds on the property and the rain took care of any smaller rounds that might have been useful), biking, hiking, kayaking, dune-climbing, family board games, movies, chartered fishing, and the local park for tennis. Thank you again!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kurt B.

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

The best place in Glen Arbor

My wife and I stayed here with our 2 young kids (baby and toddler) we loved the house and location. The house was clean, well furnished and stocked with everything we needed. The location on the crystal river was so nice and fun for our kids too, easy 1 min drive into town for food etc. We will stay here again for sure.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tara E.

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

A perfect week in a beautiful home

The photos of this home don't do it justice. It is absolutely stunning. It was everything we could have wanted in a vacation home and more. The whole place was spotless with all the comforts of home, check-in was easy, the beds were comfy, and there were directions laid out for everything so there was little to question. Eric was quick to answer any questions that I did have about local kayaking conditions/tips, and I have no doubt he (and Marcy) would have been on top of anything else that might have cropped up. We cooked in all week because the kitchen was well equipped, enjoyed the on-site kayaks, utilized the firepit for s'mores, and spent a night or two in front of the indoor fireplace on their cozy couches/chairs watching a movie. Being there at the time of year we were, leaving the windows open at night allowed cool air to circulate for a solid night's sleep. However, there is a whole closet full of fans and extra blankets for those who run cooler or warmer. These hosts thought of everything, and I want to thank them for a wonderful vacation :) We hope to be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shanna A.

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

Beautiful home! Fantastic location.

Unfortunately we had to cut our stay short however the home did not disappoint. Home had all the amenities and comforts of home. The privacy was also very nice. Enjoyed sitting by the river drinking my morning coffee.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather M.

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

Such a great place!

We have stayed at several different homes in the Glen Arbor area over the years and this was by far the best! Everything about the house was adorable. Loved the layout, the doors and shutters (you have to see them in real life to get it!), the location, the cleanliness, etc. It was just perfect! Eric was immediately responsive to any questions we had and was very nice. We would absolutely stay here again in the future. Thank you for sharing your home with us!
Verified

6/10 Okay

Maria S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Charm minus comfort

I so wanted to love this property. The photos and the 5 star reviews convinced me to book it. The home is very cute. Unique layout and character. But we didn’t sleep the entire week. The home was so uncomfortably hot. We read that it didn’t need air conditioning because of its location in the trees, which sounds reasonable. But after a week of temps in the 80s and high humidity, we may as well have gone camping. We used the fans in the home and opened the windows, but I ended up on the couch every night because the master bedroom was so stuffy and the bed wasn’t very comfortable. The only other bummers were on-again, off-again hot water, (the owner was very responsive and sent the plumber right away. The plumber couldn’t find an issue, but we found that some showers turned cold out of nowhere), and loss of power on the last morning that set us packing and getting ready in the dark. There was a lot of outdoor space though which was great. And the kayaks were a bonus. I can’t say we’ll go back there again. I certainly wouldn’t pay those prices again for 7 hot and sleepless nights.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark A.

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

The owner was great and we all loved the house.

This is a fantastic place to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael R.

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

GLen Arbor2021

House was clean large and on Crystal River which was great for fishing and wading . Amazing kitchen and up to date laundry which needed for grandkids. Also close to town and short drive to Fishtown. Only issue we had was door lock which owner was quick to help resolve.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erika M.

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

Perfect Family Getaway

Glen Arbor Barnhouse is a beautiful home in an even more beautiful location. Our family felt right at home enjoying the perfectly appointed bedrooms, cozy living spaces, and incredible surrounding property. The booking process was organized and Eric was very responsive answering any questions we had and provided suggestions of how to make our stay even better. We look forward to our return to the Glen Arbor Barnhouse.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jean v.

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

Lux Camping Vibes

Eric was great to work with, he answered all questions quickly and check in was super easy. Loved being on the river. The house was very fun and would stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Courtney T.

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

Beautiful home, well appointed

Lovely lovely property. Spotlessly clean, well appointed and wonderful location.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020

About the host

Hosted by Eric and Marcy Elliott

Host profile image
Our family loves Glen Arbor and the Northern Michigan experience. There are so many unique things to do without having to travel far. It's our hope that you will create incredible lifelong family memories and that you will enjoy the "slowed" down pace of being "up north".

Why they chose this property

We think that you will love the quiet, peaceful setting that this property offers without being more than a short walk to town. You will literally feel like you are miles away from the hustle and bustle of life. Being able to have fun in the Crystal River or spending time on Lake Michigan's beach are just a couple of the many activities your family will enjoy with this property.

What makes this property unique

New remodeled and updated property.
Very private setting on the Crystal River.
Just a short walk to towon.
Public Lake Michigan beach just 1/4 mile from property.
Lots of character and charm making the property very unique.
High efficiency washer/dryer.
Large backyard deck.
Firepit for bonfires.

Languages:

English

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