Entire home

Tranquil haven with a roomy deck and stunning panoramic lake views.

Lakefront holiday home with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Tranquil haven with a roomy deck and stunning panoramic lake views.

Fenced area, back yard
Hot air balloons flying over the lake.
Minimal steps to access the home.
Newly updated and fully stocked kitchen. Plenty of amenities available.
Kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6223.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View map
Howell, MI
  • Place, Howell's MainStreet Winery
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Tanger Outlets Howell
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Place, Mt Brighton Ski Area
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Airport, Flint, MI (FNT-Bishop Intl.)
    ‪43 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Common area 1

1 Double Murphy Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Tranquil haven with a roomy deck and stunning panoramic lake views.

Welcome to Your Serene Lakeside Sanctuary on Earl Lake

Step into a peaceful retreat filled with natural light, comfort, and charm—your serene sanctuary awaits. This thoughtfully appointed home is designed for relaxation and connection, offering stunning views of Earl Lake and every amenity you need for a memorable getaway. Whether you’re sipping a fresh cup of coffee at sunrise or unwinding with a glass of wine as the sun sets over the water, this tranquil setting is sure to refresh your spirit.

The heart of the home is the spacious deck, overlooking beautiful Earl Lake. Here, you can bask in the warmth of the Michigan sun, breathe in the fresh lake air, and take in picture-perfect views that stretch from sunrise to sunset. Whether you’re enjoying a slow morning, hosting a laid-back lunch, or gathering for a magical evening under the stars, the deck provides a welcoming outdoor living space for every part of the day.

Cozy Corners & Outdoor Comforts

For those who prefer a shady nook and a quiet read, the charming courtyard offers a peaceful hideaway. Settle in with your favorite book and a warm beverage, with the gentle glow of the chiminea nearby. When the mood calls for more open-air lounging, head to the cozy gazebo with sectional seating or stretch out in the backyard lounge area, where comfort and calm are always in generous supply.

The outdoor living area has been designed for both fun and relaxation. Catch the morning news or an afternoon sports game on the outdoor TV, all while enjoying the breeze from the deck. The home’s peaceful ambiance extends into the finished basement, where there’s ample room to relax, watch movies, or let the kids dive into games and entertainment, giving everyone a chance to unwind.

Fun for All Ages, All Seasons

This is a property that truly celebrates every season. Gather friends or family for a lively game of cornhole or a round of giant Connect Four under the charming pergola. As the evening winds down, roast marshmallows and share stories around the fire pit, making memories that last long after your stay.

Cooking outdoors is a breeze thanks to the flat-top grill—ideal for preparing breakfast, lunch, or dinner with a view. The backyard also features lightweight fencing, perfect for keeping your four-legged family members safe and contained while they enjoy their time outside.

In the winter months, Earl Lake becomes a quiet wonderland. Try your hand at ice fishing, or glide across the frozen lake on skates during snow-covered days. It’s a year-round retreat that offers something special in every season.

Recreation, Relaxation & Local Charm

Looking to explore? You’re just minutes away from the best that the area has to offer. Enjoy easy access to historic downtown Howell and the vibrant charm of Brighton. Indulge in delicious meals at nearby restaurants and breweries, taste your way through a local winery, or hit the greens at the nearby golf course. For those who love to shop, a downtown shopping stroll or a trip to the outlet mall is just a short drive away.

Summer travelers can enjoy the public beach or splash pad at the nearby Metro Park—just 30 minutes from your doorstep. For a dose of holiday magic any time of year, plan a visit to the world-famous Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, only about an hour away.

Lake Life, Your Way

Water lovers will be thrilled with the easy access to Earl Lake, a quiet, all-sports lake that’s perfect for paddling, floating, or fishing. Kayaks and paddleboards are available for your use, along with a paddleboat and a rowboat—just steps from the backyard. (Beach access is conveniently located just two lots down.) Behind the home, a spacious park area is ideal for tossing a ball, playing frisbee, or simply enjoying a bit of open space.

A Personal Touch

The owners live nearby and are happy to assist with any questions or needs during your stay, ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience from beginning to end.

Important Notes:

No third-party bookings or unregistered guests without prior notification. Max persons on property is eight without prior permission.
Minimum rental age is 25
Trip Insurance Recommended: While we understand that unexpected events can occur—such as travel delays, illness, or personal emergencies—please be aware that hosts are unable to issue refunds or reschedule bookings outside the platform’s refundable window. For peace of mind, we strongly recommend purchasing trip insurance when booking. The platform offers travel protection during checkout for your convenience.

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Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Please monitor kids for safety reasons
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 3 total)
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Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
$500 fee for smoking/vaping of any kind indoors

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Only the amount of guests noted at booking on property without approval
Blink cameras are on the exterior of the property. Only entrances active at stay.

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
Long-term renters welcome
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 and a first aid kit

About the area

Howell

Located in Howell, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Howell's MainStreet Winery and Mt Brighton Ski Area are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Brighton State Recreation Area and Island Lake State Recreation Area. With kayaking and swimming nearby, you'll find plenty of adventures in the water.
Map
Howell, MI

What's nearby

  • Howell's MainStreet Winery - 4 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Tanger Outlets Howell - 9 min drive - 14.3 km
  • Mt Brighton Ski Area - 9 min drive - 12.9 km
  • Brighton Center for Specialty Care - 10 min drive - 14.7 km
  • The Majestic at Lake Walden - 20 min drive - 34.4 km

Getting around

  • Pontiac, MI (PTK-Oakland County Intl.) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Buffalo Wild Wings - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Corattis Pizzaria Bar And Bocce - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Applebee's Grill + Bar - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Tranquil haven with a roomy deck and stunning panoramic lake views. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 3 total).

What time is check-in at Tranquil haven with a roomy deck and stunning panoramic lake views.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Tranquil haven with a roomy deck and stunning panoramic lake views.?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Tranquil haven with a roomy deck and stunning panoramic lake views. located?

This family-friendly Howell holiday home is located on the waterfront, 1.9 mi (3 km) from Howell's MainStreet Winery, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Tanger Outlets Howell and East Crooked Lake. Brighton State Recreation Area and Brighton Center for Specialty Care are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 44 out of 45 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 45 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 45 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 45 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 45 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

PAUL M.

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

Lake stay in Michigan

Host responds immediately for any questions. They do more than enough to make the rental stand out in quality attitude and amenities. A rare case where pets welcome is an understatement.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Clara H.

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

Heavenly Spot

This was an immaculate property, and we would love to see it during flowering time. We were made to feel very welcome and were so pleased with the personal touch of the property. The hosts left many extras for us, and we were delighted with the warmth of the decorations in the house.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth W.

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

Perfection

Thank you for an incredible stay. The interior design is on point. The attention to detail has not gone unnoticed. We had the best family vacation ever.
Stayed 1 night in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane K.

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

The jaw-dropping Dragonfly Inn

This is an amazing property that looks like a professional decorator decorated inside and out. The decorations are awesome and the thoughtful touches are too numerous to mention. This home is on a pretty lake and there are fishing poles, worms, a paddle boat, many outdoor sitting areas and fenced in area for the pooch. The kitchen is stocked and the basement has toys for kids and adults. Best place to stay around Howell, MI.
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tonya H.

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

Family vacation

We had an amazing family vacation here. I cannot express how perfect this home is. They have thought and provided everything. Welcome basket for us and our dogs were a welcome surprise. All the outdoor activities (paddle boards, kayaks, and small boat) were amazing. Kids loved fishing off the dock. The host were easy to reach and quick to respond. We will be staying here again in the future!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amber J.

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

Final Review...

After another month in the Dragonfly Cottage, I have nothing but praise to give. Dawn and Tim were so very kind and easy to work with. The cottage is very cute and well maintained. There is no detail that was forgotten. My family and I were very comfortable at the cottage. We were very glad to return home after a long repair process, but we will all miss this place!
Stayed 27 nights in Feb 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amber J.

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

Adorable Cottage with EVERYTHING you need to feel at HOME!

Dawn and her husband were extremely gracious and allowed us to rent Dragonfly Cottage for two months while our home in Brighton was under construction after some water damage. The cottage is exactly as pictured. No detail has been forgotten. The cottage has everything you need and more. The property is very welcoming and cozy. We were very comfortable during our stay! It felt like a second home to us. We only wish we stayed during warmer weather to take advantage of the lovely outdoor areas and the kayaks! Highly recommend!
Stayed 28 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Danielle N.

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

The most magical rainy weekend!

We had a lovely stay at the Dragonfly Cottage. The hosts were quick to communicated and literally thought of EVERYTHING you could ever need while staying there. The only disappointing part of our stay was that it rained most of the time we were there so we didn't get to enjoy the outdoors area as much as we would have liked as it was a gorgeous setting. But it was okay because we had so much fun playing darts and games in the refinished basement. The pictures really don't do this place justice. The beds were comfortable and I honestly cannot say enough about this property. We will likely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristin Z.

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

Peaceful Retreat at the lake

Check in was easy with a previously discussed code. House was very clean. The kitchen completely stocked with all of the kitchenware you need. There were also keurig pods, saran wrap, laundry detergent and soap and shampoo etc . There were plenty of cozy spots to relax, more than any other house we have stayed at. We had one small problem and the owner fixed it immediately. The beds were very comfortable. My family loved the dart game in the basement. We spent many hours playing. Between ping pong, games, puzzles and magazines there was plenty of amusement. We did not take out the paddle boat or the kayaks. We did sit in the Adirondack chairs by the water and watch the ducks swim. The neighborhood is very quiet. Even though there are next door neighbors, the way the house is situated it feels very private. The screen house was comfortable and I spent time there every day. We enjoyed driving to the neighboring town of Brighton with it’s quaint downtown. Also the Sunday farm market in downtown Howell was nice. It took us about 40 min to get to Ann Arbor. It was an easy drive There were multiple highway exits nearby that were closed which didn’t help. I would stay there again and definitely recommend it to anyone.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amy C.

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

Wish I could give it 6 stars

We stayed here for our 30th wedding anniversary with our two small dogs. The home and property are so lovely. Wonderfully decorated and clean inside, with beautiful flowers and landscaping outside. The hosts really thought of everything, and the house is incredibly well stocked. The special, thoughtful touches really made us feel welcome. We loved having a fenced area for our dogs so we could enjoy the backyard without keeping them on leash. So many places say they are "dog friendly" but this one REALLY IS! The host provided clear information about things like "where to find the doggie towels," where to deposit dog waste and they put "dog covers" on the white couch - Loved that! They made it so easy for us to just relax and enjoy our stay with our fur-babies.There are kayaks and a boat available to use. The hosts provide human life jackets in all sizes. We planned ahead and packed life jackets for our dogs so we could all enjoy a tour of the lake together. The motor was very quiet and had enough of a charge to let us get all around the lake. Very peaceful lake. We enjoyed seeing swans, a heron, and ducks.Thank you, Dawn, for helping make our anniversary so special!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steve R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect doesn’t even begin to describe our stay. Not only was the home clean, it’s been beautifully remodeled and had everything my family and I could possibly need. From their amazing coffee bar to all of activities available for our kids (and myself) to entertain themselves. I travel on business often and I’ve stayed at quite a few vacation rentals. Never have I seen a host go so above and beyond for their guests. Tim and Dawn put so much thought and care to ensure we had an incredible stay and I can’t not wait to come back to the Dragonfly Inn.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendelin K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was an incredible place to stay. From the welcome baskets to the outdoor spaces. Our young children loved the small beach with sand toys and large trees providing shade. We cook most meals and they had every cooking tool you would need. There is so much to do that we did not even discover half of the amenities within the house. Would stay here again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Denise S.

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

Family Weekend Trip

We truly enjoyed our stay and the house far exceeded our expectations. The host was very responsive and made sure our stay was relaxing and stress free. The house is well stocked and just as described in the listing. My only regret is that we didn’t stay longer. Will definitely be staying here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly J.

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

Relaxing

This was our second time staying at the cottage and we were so impressed, Tim and Dawn have continued to update the cottage with great thought and detail. It's welcoming from the moment you walk in the door, with a peaceful relaxing feel. The cottage was clean and well stocked with just about anything you could need. There is plenty to do inside and outside of the cottage, no manner the weather. We very much enjoyed sitting on the deck looking out at the water in the morning/evenings. We had a couple of questions during our stay, Dawn very quickly responded and assisted us. Thank you again for helping us to have a wonderful stay!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

William B.

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

Wow! Stunning

Wow! What a perfect property! Tucked away in a quiet neighborhood on a lake, there is a ton of outdoor space to enjoy. From the pergola to fire pit to kayaks, the outdoor space cannot be beat. Inside, the home is incredibly well appointed. The owners thought of every last detail to make our stay perfect. Comfortable furniture and beds alongside a stunning design. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we discovered the finished lower flower with endless games including darts, billiards, and even an arcade game. One of the absolute best vacation rentals we have ever stayed at. Owners were super responsive. We will be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jessica T.

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

Perfect getaway!!

Perfect getaway for a girls weekend. Tons of shopping and restaurants nearby, the house is absolutely amazing! Beautifully decorated, lots of games and puzzles and amenities included! The scenery and neighborhood are so peaceful! Dawn was wonderful and we will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jillian P.

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

Amazing family-friendly getaway!

Absolutely wowed by this vacation home! Visiting from Chicago with two little ones and our dogs is a lot of work and Dawn and Tim made it so easy and seamless for us to enjoy our trip. They went above and beyond to not only equip the home with things we might need for the day to day with our 2 year old and our infant, they went so far as to surprise us with extra goodies for ourselves and our kids. Not to mention how incredibly adorable the place was decorated for Christmas and how easy it was to check in and check out, plus being able to communicate any questions to Dawn and Tim. We will absolutely be back! Totally loved this place!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane K.

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

Always wonderful

I have stayed here multiple times now and every time is an excellent experience. My company has had me stay in Howell for the greater part of two months and I always try to stay at the Firefly Inn. The home is comfortable & relaxing and the owners are thoughtful and quick to communicate. I can not recommend this property enough.
Stayed 10 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shonda W.

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

Most Welcoming Place We’ve Ever Stayed

First, the host welcome gifts were wonderful and catered to us. Far above anywhere else we’ve stayed before. We really enjoyed the coffee bar and snacks. The whole property is decorated beautifully and made to be cozy. The outdoor covered patio with the TV was a great place to kick back and watch football while also watching our older teens enjoy the fishing row boat, paddle boat and kayaks. The teens also enjoyed the basement games. We hiked at the Brighton Recreation area and did some shopping at the Tanger Outlets, but we mainly enjoyed just relaxing at the house. Would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

vanbev

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

Wonderful Experience!

We had a reunion of sorts to see a friend’s wedding and we needed a place to gather and catch up. This was one of the best Vrbo experiences I have had and I travel often. Location was quiet but convenient to what we needed. The thoughtfulness of the host was way above board! We had a welcome gift basket, food, champagne and water by the nightstands! Totally unexpected. :) The outdoor area was wonderful as well. We truly loved this stay and already decided to plan this again for next year! Highly recommend!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Joanne M.

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

Exceeded all expectations

We couldn’t have asked for more. The hosts were more than accommodating. We were truly wowed with all the extras. A dog crate, bed and welcome basket was provided for our dog. Also a great place to stay with a toddler with a toy chest full of toys. The kitchen was fully stocked with everything you would need and more. By far the best VRBO we have stayed in.
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michele G.

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

A truly amazing place!

I can't rave about Dragonfly Cottage at the Lake enough to do it justice. It's beautiful - very well decorated inside and outside. Outstanding communication with the hosts. They live close to the cottage and are very responsive with information and suggestions. You can tell they have put a great deal of love and caring into the place. We enjoyed the kayaks, fishing, recreation room, cooking out, sitting around an open fire (or the gas fireplace in the living room and the one on the front patio). Honestly, they have thought of EVERYTHING to make your stay outstanding. In fact, our family has already reserved the cottage for a week next summer (it was a 100% vote to visit again soon). One added plus - it is close to stores, restaurants, etc.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa V.

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

Perfection with every detail

This was truly one of the most cozy and comfortable homes to stay in, every detail was thought of from the amount of blankets and towels to every thing needed to cook dinner from scratch. The mattresses are dreamy and serenity created with all of the outdoor comforts and decor. We even arrived late at night and they left us snacks and cinnamon rolls from a bakery to quickly heat up in the morning, They responded quickly to questions and checked periodically for questions with gadgets. Lastly, they left toys for both our dogs and kids and even checked on the size of our dogs to have an appropriate bed size for them. I would recommend this property to any e and will definitely co e back ourselves!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michelle H.

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

Wonderful stay

The house and location were beautiful and the hosts were responsive to any questions we had. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Connie C.

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

Best home we've rented yet!

Our family of 5 stayed at Dragonfly cottage for a weekend in October. Dawn is a gracious host, quick to respond, and is very intentional providing a relaxing, comfortable 'at home' stay - regardless of how long you stay for! The cottage had everything we needed, and even the things we didn’t know we needed. Super clean, spacious, and filled with many ways to entertain the family. We’ve rented many homes over the last 13 years, and everyone in the family commented "this is the best one we’ve ever rented - hands down". Next time we come to this area, Dragonfly Cottage is the place we want to stay! Thanks, Dawn!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

About the host

Hosted by Dawn Condon

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests