n 1963, John and Helen Vala loaded up their six children and their Springer Spaniel, Babs, into their station wagon and headed north 325 miles to a cottage on Grandview Beach right on the shores of Mullett Lake. That first visit to Grandview Beach was magical for our family, and my parents purchased that quaint two-bedroom cottage shortly after. The cottage has been in the family ever since. John and Helen named the place Vala’s Villa as a tongue and cheek title for the very modest summer home. We spent entire summers here; leaving the day school got out and heading back down to Detroit on Labor Day weekend. We treasure the memories of those days: being on the water sunup to sundown, boating, fishing, biking, hiking, swimming, and socializing with all the other families on the beach amidst the beautiful backdrop of pristine waters, grand trees, and bountiful birds and forest creatures.

The quaint two bedroom cottage is now an updated four-bedroom summer home. After countless cherished memories made by a big family and our friends, I am now the proud owner of Vala’s Villa with my sister and daughter. Our two families cannot utilize the cottage to the extent we would like, and we would love to share this wonderful space with other families looking to experience the joys of Northern Michigan. We hope during your stay that you experience the same magic here as our family has over the years.