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Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge

Photo gallery for Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge

Lakeside shared firepit
Relax by the lake
Private entrance off deck
View of lake from deck
Cottage from the lake

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 1% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Scenic water view
    Relax and unwind with top-rated water views, offering a scenic experience.
  • Sledding nearby
    A rare find — snowy slopes for sledding are just minutes away.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 3

Popular amenities

  • Onsite parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue
  • Deck or patio
  • Free Wi-Fi

Explore the area

View map
Free Soil, MI
  • Place, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Hamlin Lake
    ‪19 min walk‬
  • Place, Ludington Waterfront Park
    ‪40 min drive‬
  • Airport, Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)
    ‪37 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 3)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge

Come enjoy our cottage nestled in the Manistee National Forest on the north shore, sunny side, of upper Hamlin Lake. The cottage has well maintained furnishings and is very neat, CLEAN and disinfected between guests. The last 5 miles are a gravel road. You will enjoy a panoramic view of the entire upper lake and awesome sunsets over the dunes right from shore. Docks come out mid September, but you can tie to breakwall. Hiking, wine tasting, wildlife viewing and other fun activities are waiting just for you! There is also a lakeside firepit for your enjoyment on those cool nights and lots of stars to see. Lake Michigan is minutes away for even more fall adventures. NO PETS. NO CHILDREN UNDER 16 YEARS OF AGE. If you would like or are ready for peaceful, quiet surroundings, this is the place for you. This cottage sleeps 3, who are at least 16 years old, and is fully equipped for your every need. It all awaits you at The Shadows on Hamlin Lake. We live on the property, adjacent to this cottage which is approximately 200 feet from the waters edge.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
Children 16 yrs of age and up welcome with parents
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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
Ashtray provided for outside smoking

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights
Leave bed unmade
Leave key on kitchen table
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 236973vb
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

About the area

Free Soil

Located in Free Soil, this cottage is on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Ludington Waterfront Park. Douglas Park and Amber Elk Ranch are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and snowmobiling.
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Map
Free Soil, MI

What's nearby

  • Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Hamlin Lake - 19 min walk - 1.7 km
  • Little River Casino - 38 min drive - 41.0 km
  • Ludington Waterfront Park - 40 min drive - 50.4 km
  • S.S. Badger: Lake Michigan Carferry - 43 min drive - 49.6 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Perch At Hobby Crest - ‬44 min drive
  • ‪Barnhart's Marina Resort - ‬43 min drive
  • ‪Goodtime Charlie's - ‬35 min drive
  • ‪Ma and Pa's Gluten Free Cafe & Mini Golf - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Pirate's Pub - Hamlin Lake - ‬43 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Upper Hamlin Lake Cottage 200 ft from waters edge located?

Situated on a lake, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of Huron-Manistee National Forest, Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness and Hamlin Lake. Nordhouse Lake is 1.7 mi (2.8 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. 204 out of 207 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 207 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 207 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 207 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 207 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Host Deb was such a pleasure to rent from. Everything was exactly as stated in description and photos. Deb supplies a set of instructions how to get to the cabin and you definitely want to follow those. Easy peasy! Everything was great and definitely will be back! Thanks Deb!!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robin B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cabin was spotless. Very relaxing stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay was wonderful. Beautiful location. Our hosts were wonderful.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Wyatt R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Everything was very cleanly and well maintained. The direct access to the lake was very nice too!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We came up early October for a fishing weekend getaway. The house was great, the accommodations were great, and the property was beautiful! Deb and Mark were very hospitable even told us some good fishing spots. We will be coming back!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Renee S.

Wonderful place to stay!

My family recently stayed here for a few days and we had a wonderful time. The owners are very kind and welcoming and we had a wonderful time exploring the woods and enjoying the beautiful lake view.
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
The lake and the woods are always exciting, no matter what the age. Summer especially is a great time to explore the woods and the water. There are many opportunities for boating, swimming, skiing, and just laying around on the dunes or shore. Just wait until you see the summer sunsets over the dunes!! Breathtaking.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chris R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice place to stay, and very quiet! Willing to do what they can to help you…. They let us borrow their kayaks, but we’re unable to use them do too wind and weather. I will stay there again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were thoroughly impressed by the property's private location in the woods, offering a beautiful view of the lake. The hosts were incredibly friendly and responsive. We highly recommend this property and intend to book again in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Barb B.

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

Peaceful place to stay

My husband and I enjoyed our stay. It is so peaceful and quiet and a great getaway!
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

TAMMY W.

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

We loved it

This was a great place to stay. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sherri H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Deb went above and beyond and guided us in.
Might be a black squirrel in there.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Sept 2025
Gps isnt always accurate in the woods! So, glad you had signal and called me. We do provude turn by turn directions on the vrbo site for your next visit.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

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

Great stay!

Owner was very responsive and accommodating! Loved the location and the view!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Anna M.

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

Wonderful!

Super clean and cozy. Nice area, great communication with host.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 May 2025
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay in our cottage. Next time the weather will be better;) there is so much to do, hiking in the woods, rent a boat from local marina, eat at barbharts on the lake, lake michigan....never ending. See you next time.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eric C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage is very well keep and the owners are especially helpful and friendly. It's peaceful and the lakefront is clear with a nice dock. The kitchen is nicely stocked. This cottage has an elevated covered balcony that we enjoyed in the evening and mornings.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 11 Aug 2025
We are so glad you enjoyed your stay. Beautiful weather for using your boat on the lake.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Thomas P.

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

Quiet relaxing and clean

Was just a weekend trip I have no complaints
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paula T.

Very clean and owners very accommodating.

We enjoyed our stay. Beautiful view of lake.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
So glad you enjoyed your stay. Spring in michigan is never predictable weather wise. Always nice to have a campfire and fish, just can't say fish will bite, but anytime spent by the lake is good time!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark B.

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

Great place to stay

Great place very clean and well maintained. Off the beaten path however so make sure you have everything you need before you leave the US10/31 area.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 May 2021
Yes, the cottage is "off the beaten path", in the Manistee National forest amongst trees, a gravel road, 2 tracks, and abundant nature. But only 20 minutes from Ludington or Manistee. No streetlights or honking horns, just honking geese! We recommend getting groceries before coming out, but some like to see what is here first and don't mind the extra driving without big city traffic. Our cottage is not a driveby. It is a destination. Once here, most do not leave, using the cottage as a home base for boating, fishing, hiking, biking, etc....
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Denny K.

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

Private lake cabin

Very enjoyable - we like the quiet privacy
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heidi P.

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

Great place

Clean and quiet. Great place to relax
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lydia L.

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

Weekend getaway

Very clean and the host was very helpful.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 15 June 2022
So glad you got here and got some hiking in before the rain. Gps sure had you lost. Glad we could be of help you fondyour way through the forest
Verified

10/10 Excellent

David R.

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

scenic, quite, fantastic stay

A very well cared for, very well equipped, and beautiful cabin. Our stay was one of the most enjoyable that we have had. I would recommend this cabin to anyone.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Peter W.

Great spot with easy access to lake

Nice and secluded with all the comforts of home
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
Glad you enjoyed your stay. Look forward to next year and more fish!!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

JENNIFER W.

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

Weekend trip

Property was super clean and the host was very informative and helpful. We had a great time and will be back again.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bradley K.

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

Beautiful lake setting

We had a great time at the Shadows...very well equipped, maintained, and tidy. We'll definitely be back and highly recommend this retreat!
Stayed 2 nights in Feb 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
So glad you enjoyed your stay at our cottage and even caught some fish! We had great weather, ice good. And no additional snow! Summer has even more to do, fishing, boating, walking in the woods or on the dunes....looking forward to seeing you again.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Nancy L.

Relaxing time away!

The cottage was everything advertised: clean, comfortable and charming. We especially enjoyed the view of the lake. Mark and Debbie are great hosts, and we hope to stay here again!
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Mar 2020
So glad you enjoyed your stay at our cottage. There are many beautiful things yo enjoy, eagles soaring, wilderness trails, nature at its finest. Hope you come back and enjoy it all soon.

About the host

Hosted by Deb Hulst

Host profile image
I was raised on Hamlin Lake and have always loved it here. Our family came to the cottage for every family vacation, enjoying the wildlife, fishing, swimming, walks in the woods, climbing trees, feeding the swans, enjoying a glass of wine by the fire,and the list goes on and on. Now it is time to share this with others. We moved to the lake in 2000 and now live on the property year round. Your cottage is approximately 200' from the lakeshore.

Why they chose this property

Grandma and Grandpa wanted to get out of the City of Chicago in the 1930's. They summered on the North Shore of Upper Hamlin Lake several times and realized that this is where they wanted to live. When this property became available in the 1930's they jumped on it. We added the vacation rental in 2005, only beginning the rental of it in the spring of 2009.

What makes this property unique

We enjoy watching the hummingbirds in the morning, sitting on the front porch with our cup of coffee. The lake always offers beauty and entertainment, whether it be fishing, boating, skiing, tubing, or just riding in the pontoon boat to the dunes. Living on the lake year round is awesome. All seasons are fun and exciting! Snowmobiling right out our backdoor....who could ask for more! We take our winter vacation in places where it is warm, but the sunsets never come close to the beautiful colors right here in Michigan. Icefishing, too, is great on Hamlin Lake!

Languages:

English

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