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Fully furnished log home in one of northern Wisconsin's last wilderness areas

Lakefront holiday home with fitness centre and Hot tub

Photo gallery for Fully furnished log home in one of northern Wisconsin's last wilderness areas

Lakeside deck
Front entrance
Lakeside
Walkway to fire pit; seating for 8+
View to the lake from our dock

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms3+ bathroomsSleeps 12622.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue grill
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View map
Mercer, WI
  • Place, Indianhead Mountain
    ‪38 min drive‬
  • Place, Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort
    ‪45 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake of the Falls
    ‪50 min drive‬
  • Airport, Ironwood, MI (IWD-Gogebic County)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Queen Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

+1
1 Queen Bed, 1 Double Bed, 1 Double Futon and 2 Single Beds

3 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Jetted bathtub

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Fully furnished log home in one of northern Wisconsin's last wilderness areas

I warmly welcome you to my home located in the midst of Northern Wisconsin's last remote wilderness area. This home is centrally located between Manitowish Waters, WI, Mercer, WI, Hurley, WI, and Wakefield, MI. My home is a 6700 sq. ft. custom built log home from lodge pole pines from western British Columbia.

The location is on a tranquil crystal clear lake and is within a scenic 20-minute drive to all the major ski hills in the Hurley/Ironwood/Wakefield area, have direct access to hundreds of miles of snowmobile/ATV trails, and near many breathtaking waterfalls (APRIL AND MAY ARE THE BEST WATERFALL VIEWING TIMES). I’m excited for you to enjoy your stay at this special place. As for things to do, the list is endless.

This home is designed for a relaxing retreat, a couples getaway, fun with friends, family gatherings, special events, or for recreation such as fishing, kayaking, canoeing, road biking, mountain biking, fat tire biking, hiking, downhill skiing, world class cross-country skiing (skate and classic), snowshoeing, ATVing, snowmobiling, and waterfall hunting. It is within minutes to miles of groomed world class cross-country trails, walking trails, bike trails (connecting to neighboring towns/cities), and fabulous 5 star fine restaurants.

HOUSE DESCRIPTION:
- 6,700 sq. ft. finished
- Remote/quiet setting on a crystal clear motorized lake w/musky, largemouth bass, and panfish (boat landing on the lake)
-1st master bedroom on main level (queen bed, view to lake, gas fireplace, full bathroom w/Kohler steam shower, and walk-in closet)
- 2nd master bedroom on upper level (queen bed, view to lake, gas ignited wood fireplace, full bathroom w/Kohler whirlpool tub/shower, and walk-in closet)
- 3rd master bedroom on upper level (queen bed, view to lake, full bathroom w/private hallway to bathroom, and full closet)
- 4th bedroom (queen bed/loft above one of the upper level bedrooms)
- Towels, hand towels, washcloths, toilet paper & hand soap supplied; some beach towels provided
- Main level living room (view to lake, gas ignited wood fireplace, and Firestick access for streaming channels)
- Firewood supplied
- Gourmet kitchen w/dining area: Viking stove w/a VentAHood and warming shelf, 2nd KitchenAid double wall oven/microwave, SubZero refrigerator with ice maker, KitchenAid dishwasher, Keurig, traditional coffee maker, KitchenAid traditional coffee maker, French press (starter coffee supplied), KitchenAid standing mixer with attachments, 4 slice toaster, stock pots, griddle, cast iron pots and pans, baking sheets, muffin tin, pizza stone, lasagne pan, mixing bowls, measuring cups, serving platters, blender, crock pot, egg steamer, large selection of knives & utensils (kitchen fully stocked w/use of all cookware/dishes/glasses/wine glasses, spices/baking/cooking items, dishwasher detergent, dish soap, hand towels, kitchen cloths, paper towels, napkins, paper plates, plastic wrap & foil)
-High chair and Pack 'N Play
- Indoor 2nd dining room on main level (w/wet bar, built in gas grill w/a VentAHood, beverage center & Fire TV Stick for Streaming)
-Free internet and landline phone
-Record player with Bluetooth/speakers
- Laundry room on main level w/brand new washer and dryer (laundry soap & dryer sheets supplied)
- Furnished fitness room in lower level (NordicTrack ski machine, elliptical machine, free weights, circuit weight machine & yoga/ballet barre w/wall mirror)
-Tournament quality ping pong table
- Extra beds and sitting area w/dining table in lower level (1 queen, 1 full, 2 twins & 1 futon)
- Upper level library/sitting area (w/view to lake)
- Upper level great room with view to lake and DVD player
- Attached 2 car garage and available detached 2 car garage
- ½ bath off kitchen
- Standby 20Kw Kohler generator (you will never be without power)
- Outdoor fire pit with grill (firewood supplied)
- Gas grill (propane supplied)
- Gas fire table (propane supplied)
- Deck seating for 14 people
- Spacious dock w/ladder to lake and several chairs for seating
- Boat dock
- Boat launch/landing on lake (unimproved but spacious to launch most boats)
- Lakeside storage shed
- Various fishing rods and tackle for beginners
- Crystal clear lake with sandy shoreline access; great for wading
- Reservations include use of our kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, lily pad/floating raft, life jackets, beach towels, etc.
-23' pontoon available for rent dockside-life jackets and fuel included (inquire with owner)

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 26
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Children are welcome but MUST be supervised.
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Responsible events only w/max # guests under 15qty
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
Must be well behaved dogs ($300 per dog per week)
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking allowed outside; guests must remove litter

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15
Note from host: Responsible events only w/max # guests under 15qty
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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Mercer

Located in Mercer, this holiday home is in a rural area and on the waterfront. North Lakeland Discovery Center is a local attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Gogebic County Forest and Frog Lake And Pines State Natural Area. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Mercer, WI

What's nearby

  • Presque Isle Lake - 26 min drive - 26.4 km
  • Grand Portage Lake - 36 min drive - 40.9 km
  • Indianhead Mountain - 38 min drive - 36.9 km
  • Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort - 45 min drive - 49.3 km
  • Lake of the Falls - 50 min drive - 54.6 km

Getting around

  • Ironwood, MI (IWD-Gogebic County) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Fisher Lake Inn - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪The FLI - ‬31 min drive
  • ‪The Island View - ‬32 min drive
  • ‪Island View Lodge - ‬35 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Fully furnished log home in one of northern Wisconsin's last wilderness areas pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Fully furnished log home in one of northern Wisconsin's last wilderness areas?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fully furnished log home in one of northern Wisconsin's last wilderness areas?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Fully furnished log home in one of northern Wisconsin's last wilderness areas located?

This family-friendly Mercer holiday home is located on the waterfront, 0.9 mi (1.4 km) from Gogebic County Forest, and within 12 mi (20 km) of Ottawa National Forest and Carow Park. Grand Portage Lake and Mercer Depot Museum are also within 12 miles (20 km).

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. 107 out of 109 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 109 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 109 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 109 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 109 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sara L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful house on the cleanest lake I’ve ever seen. Very private. Tammy is very responsive and the house has everything you could need. There are a lot of stairs to the lake which could be an issue if you aren’t very mobile.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Denise S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property met our needs. A little warm in the house on the hotter days as cabin did not have A/C. Boat did not work, however, Tammy reimbursed us the rental fee. Unfortunately, the family was not able to fish. Overall, we enjoyed our time at the cabin.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Terri Anne U.

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

Last Wilderness Retreat

Loved everything about our stay! House was cozy, clean and top notch. Definitely hoping to come again! Highly recommend.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2019

10/10 Excellent

John W.

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

Great Getaway

Stayed here August 2020 with several college friends. The place is a beautiful log cabin. The lake is great (crystal clear water). Very secluded area.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Michael G.

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

Snowmobile Stay

Very nice house and property. Highly recommend it
Stayed 4 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christine K.

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

Winter Weekend Getaway

Gorgeous log cabin, warm and inviting atmosphere. Thirty minute drive to ski at Powderhorn. Pretty view with many windows and deck overlooking the lake. Would love to come back in the summer!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mike W.

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

Best house we have ever rented!

Tammy is an amazing host! We have never stayed at a house that has this many amenities. Beautiful property and so well cared for! We were pleased that the property was sprayed for mosquitos. Thank you for allowing us to stay there, we will definitely be back!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

autumn a.

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

Fabulous place for our family retreat!

The place was beautiful! The lake is very private - it seemed like our own most days; Having the pontoon boat and other water toys was worth the investment. Tammy made the house very welcoming! It is such a lovely place with terrific spaces for viewing the lake, playing games, eating and cooking together. We loved it and would definitely recommend it!
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mike W.

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

Second time renting- home is always perfect~

This is our second time renting from Tammy and we will definitely rent from her again. Tammy has gone above and beyond to make sure you will not be missing anything during your stay. The home is gorgeous and well taken care of! Thank you again for allowing us to stay at your home!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

David B.

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

Spectacular house on a wonderful quiet lake

First, the house is just as spectacular in person as it appears in the photos. Second, the lake was perfect - quiet (we stayed over the busiest week of the year and never was more than one other boat on the lake), clear, good fishing right off the pier (every day we caught at least 3 sizable bass, although none quite big enough to keep), and it was big enough to allow for Tammy's pontoon boat. But may most impressive was the owner. We've rented many houses, and Tammy's responsiveness, fairness, and over-the-top attention to detail were exceptional.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Peggy M.

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

Excellent Stay!!

Hi Tammy, Thank you so much for offering your beautiful home to us. You have made our visit seem like we are part of your extended family and not people you have never met. From the minute we walked in, we loved it! Your home is so very cool and perfectly decorated for being in the Wilderness. The furniture including beds are solid and super comfortable. My family rents homes on almost every vacation and your home is now on the top of the list. It is extremely clean with no worries of any bugs or critters, and the kitchen is awesome to cook in. We skied every day and came home to cooking and relaxing around a the huge fire. The house is big enough for everyone to enjoy what they want, whether playing cards, reading, family time together or just private time. There is a place for everyone. We thank you again and hope to be back with a few more people to enjoy this spectacular place!
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mindaugas P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Tammy was on top of it everything you need replaying so fast wow .Very cozy clean home beautiful property really recommending you can fined in the house anything you need Thank you
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

jill m.

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

Remote relaxation

What a wonderful log cabin. Every amenity. Spotlessly clean. Exactly as described. Clearly owners take pride in their hidden gem.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Michael S.

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

Snowmobile trip

Amazing home!! Everything you could need was there! Highly recommend.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

chloe o.

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

five stars says it all

lovely!!!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dorothy S.

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

Family trip

Beautiful setting, and lovely log home. Being able to look out and and enjoy the view of lake was very relaxing. Grandkids loved to be able to fish on the dock and out of pontoon. Kayaks and paddle boards were in excellent condition and fun to take out on the calm lake. Ping pong in downstairs was enjoyed. Thank you Tammy for being a fantastic host.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff S.

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

Family Vacation

Our family has vacationed at this beautiful property for several years. That is the best recommendation I can give.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristine Y.

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

Wonderful!

Wonderful property and host!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

alyssa t.

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

Absolutely stunning!

This is by far the best vrbo we have ever had! Tammy was super sweet! The log cabin was so beautiful and the decor was absolutely amazing! She has everything you could ever need! The little details were just wonderful. So so happy we stayed here. Caught a lot of fish even right off the pier! We really would love to come back! It is truly a little slice of heaven!
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Steve P.

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

Fantastic house with an awesome view!

We loved staying here, the views of the changing trees and lake was fantastic. The host was very accommodating to us, very responsive to our questions. Recommend to anyone needing a place away from it all!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Labor Day Weekend Family Vacation

The stay was great. Very nice, large cabin. Very peaceful. Great place for families!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tania B.

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

Mercer Family Vacation

We had an absolutely wonderful time staying here for our family vacation. So peaceful!! This is our second time staying here and will continue our family vacations at this wonderful place.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jeff S.

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

Wonderful Vacation

Another great week at this beautiful home on a quiet lake. The entire family loves staying here. Tammy is very accommodating and easy to work with. She even added baby gates for our 1 year old granddaughter. Thanks again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brad B.

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

Way beyond expectations!

Pictures don’t do this property justice. When you drive in you know you’ve arrived somewhere special. This real log home is not only beautiful but decorated to the nines. The owner had several personal messages for us and welcome gifts, including wine. We had butterflies in our stomach like we have just checked into a 5 star hotel. Just when you think it couldn’t get any better you step out onto the huge deck with stairs leading down to the water. The Loons were singing and a feeling of home swept over us. The owner, Tammy, is the consummate host and she went out of her way to ensure our stay was special and worry free. To say the house and overall experience were way beyond our expectations would be a huge understatement. Thank you, Tammy for sharing your home and hospitality with us.
Stayed 9 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen G.

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

Lovely cabin nestled in the woods and on a private lake with an amazing view!

We love everything about this beautiful and immaculately clean cabin. The lake is so beautiful and we fully appreciated the pontoon which is available to rent at a very reasonable price. The cabin was fully stocked with the basics and then some! The little chipmunks that came up to us on the back deck were adorable. We had some rain and after which there was the most beautiful rainbow we could see over Tammy’s cabin from the pontoon boat. Amazing! Memories made and time spent together priceless.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Tammy Waterhouse

Host profile image
Owner Tammy Waterhouse lives in Chetek, WI. Tammy and her late husband spent many summers at their home in Kodiak, Alaska fishing halibut and salmon and hunting moose and sheep in British Columbia, Canada. Tammy is a business owner, special education teacher and a private pilot. Both Tammy and her husband loved spending as much time as they could in northern Wisconsin relaxing by the lake, hiking, hunting for waterfalls, and fishing.

For more photos and information visit our website: lastwildernessretreat.com

Why they chose this property

Tammy and Gary were inspired to purchase this property as it is located in such a pristine untouched part of Northern Wisconsin. Tammy's late father, Rollie Bessett, founder and former owner of Rollie and Helen's Musky Shop in Minocqua, WI spent many years in this area near the Gile Flowage where he retired. Iron County is an outdoor lovers paradise. We are excited to share the Northwoods experience with you from our home.

What makes this property unique

This is the log home up north everyone dreams of!!! This fully furnished home can be used as a place to relax, a romantic getaway, family gatherings, a place for friends to get together, special events, or for recreations such as viewing breathtaking waterfalls, fishing trips, kayaking, biking, hiking, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, ATVing, and snowmobiling. The lodge is in the heart of Iron County snow country where guests can access 500 miles of snowmobile trails (250 miles of ATV trails) leaving right from the driveway. The upper two levels of the home have breathtaking views of a beautiful clear pristine lake. Enjoy the scenery and wildlife with a cup of coffee on the large deck or snuggled in front of one of three fireplaces. This is a very private tranquil setting, a place where you can get away from the hectic everyday life and truly relax and enjoy life's simple pleasures. Guests will want to come back to experience what each season has to offer up here. It's an amazing place!!!

Languages:

English

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