Entire home

Little Blue Bungalow: Leaf-Peeping & Lake Views – Fall Perfection Starts Here

Lakefront cottage with kitchen and furnished lanai

Photo gallery for Little Blue Bungalow: Leaf-Peeping & Lake Views – Fall Perfection Starts Here

view across the lake
New sea wall and firepit area
Living area
Living area
wifi and cable

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 574.3 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Banks Lake
  • Place, Thomas Lake
  • Place, Little Blue Lake
  • Airport, Grand Rapids, MI (GRR-Gerald R. Ford Intl.)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Bedroom 2

1 Single Bunk Bed

Master

1 Queen Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Little Blue Bungalow: Leaf-Peeping & Lake Views – Fall Perfection Starts Here

LITTLE BLUE BUNGALOW
SLEEPS: 5
BEDROOMS: 2
BATHROOMS: 1
*LAKEFRONT (Horseshoe Lake, outside of Grand Rapids)
*SWIMMING ON PROPERTY
*2 KAYAKS INCLUDED (From Memorial Day to Labor Day)

This classic, old-school cottage is fun for small families, hunters, and fisherman. Located on the popular all-sports Horseshoe Lake about an hour east of Grand Rapids, the Little Blue Bungalow sleeps 5 guests in 2 bedrooms and has 1 bathroom. With a 24ft. private dock, you are able to bring your water vessels and dock them in view. And no worries trying to find a public launch, a private boat launch is just steps away. However, the property does come with 2 kayaks and a swimming raft! Although this property is located on Horseshoe Lake, you can access all 5 connecting lakes via waterway with a flat boat, canoe, or kayak, make a day's adventure for boaters!

Having a 3-seasoned screened-in porch with furniture allows you to enjoy the view in comfort. This home wouldn't be complete without a fire pit, charcoal grill, and picnic table to embrace the lake front views. In addition, the Little Blue Bungalow comes with a full kitchen, washer/dryer, water toys, board games, books, Wi-Fi, and a smart TV including Netflix and Hulu.

When it comes to suitability for multi-generational families, the area inside the cabin is absolutely ideal since it is a ranch setting, with just a few steps to reach the door facing the driveway. Still, if you want to walk down to the water's edge/ dock there is a significant incline. While there are small steps leading down to the water, there is NOT a railing. Please use caution. This walkway isn't suitable for anyone with balance concerns.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A/C: There is an AC unit by the Master bedroom which circulates nicely throughout the home. In addition, there are also portable fans throughout the home.

Animals: Birds, Squirrels, and Deer are most common.

ATV/Snowmobiles: Allowed. Must be transported to nearby trails.

Bathroom: There is a ¾ bathroom, which has a walk-in shower, toilet and sink (no bathtub)

Beach/Swimming: 75-foot lake front. You can swim into the lake right from the property.

Bedroom Configuration:

Master Bedroom = 1 Queen bed

2nd Bedroom = 1 Full bed with Bunk (sleeping 3)

Boats: (SEASONAL) 2 kayaks are provided! A swimming raft is available for your use! Basic life-jackets are also provided. (From Memorial Day to Labor Day)

Bugs: Typical flies, mosquitoes, spiders, and ants.

Cable/Satellite TVs: a smart TV including Netflix and Hulu

Cell phone service: Good with most carriers

Coffee Maker: Traditional coffee pot/carafe style. Bring your own coffee.

Distances (approximately):

* Grand Rapids: 47 minutes
* Grand Haven (Lake Michigan): 1 hour 4 minutes

* Lansing: 1 hour 30 minutes
* Milestone Barn (Wedding Reception site): 1 hour
* Traverse City: 2 hours 23 minutes (131 miles)

Dock: New 24ft. roll-out private dock for your use.

Fire Pit: Yes. Wood is provided.

Fishing: Bring your poles. Great fishing, either off the dock or at local holes.

Fishing License: You can purchase your fishing license online at http://www.mdnr-elicense.com/Welcome/Default.aspx

Grill: Propane gas grill - New in 2023

Game: Please enjoy yard Yahtzee during your stay!

Grocery Store: Approximate 10-minute drive into Greenville, MI.

Handicap Accessible: Must be able to navigate stairs and uneven terrain to enjoy this home and surrounding property.

Heat: Fireplace is the main source of heat. There is no furnace. A space heater is also provided!

Hunting: This property has WONDERFUL hunting grounds within minutes from the home. Turkey, pheasant, and deer are the most popular things hunted in this neck of the woods.

Internet: Wi-Fi included in your stay

Linens: Yes, we provide you with basic sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. If you are particular about the thread count of your sheets, let us know, and we will make sure we leave a bed open for your sheets.

Parking: Can park 4 cars comfortably.

Pets: Not allowed

Privacy: Lake property with other homes in view.

Smoking: No smoking allowed of any kind, on the property. Due to the close proximity of the neighbors, it is strictly prohibited.

Snowmobiles: a person (resident and nonresident) that operates a snowmobile in Michigan is required to purchase a snowmobile trail permit. The trail permit enables snowmobilers to ride state-designated trails and thousands more miles of public roads and on public lands (where authorized). It is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. State-designated trails are open Dec. 1-March 31 and grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground.
- Michigan DNR Snowmobile Trail System – The Pine River Trail is nearby and connects to the state trail system, accessible within 10-15 minutes
- Flat River State Game Area – A popular area for snowmobiling, approximately 15-20 minutes away.
- Baldwin/Big Rapids Trail – Approximately 20-25 minutes away
- Newaygo County Snowmobile Trails – About 30 minutes away
**Guests must trailer to trails from property**

Space: The lot is 180ft. deep and has 75ft. of waterfront

Closest Grocery Store: There is a grocery store approximately 10 minute drive into Greenville, MI. Meijer is there.

Towels: Yes, we provide towels. Please bring your own beach towels to take to the water.

Washer and dryer: Yes. Detergent is provided.

Water: This cottage has simple well water. It is hard water. There is NO water softener. There is a lot of iron in the water as a result. It may have a sulfur smell, like eggs. You may prefer to bring your own bottled water, as some guests find the taste in the cottage water to be too strong.

Winter Activities:
* Snowmobiling – The Pine River Trail and Newaygo County Snowmobile Trails are nearby (10-30 minutes away) **Must trailer to trails**
* Cross-Country Skiing – Trails at Riverside Park in Greenville, about 15 minutes away.
* Ice Fishing on Gun Lake – A popular winter activity, about 20 minutes away.
* Downhill Skiing at Cannonsburg Ski Area – About 35-40 minutes away, offering skiing and snowboarding.
* Sledding at Local Parks – Several parks in the area, including in Greenville, offer great sledding hills.

Wood: Wood for the firepit is provided.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 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, service animals permitted
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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

About the area

Gowen

Located in Gowen, this cottage is on the waterfront. Cedar Springs Shopping Plaza and Rockford Shopping District are worth checking out if shopping is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Brower Lake Nature Reserve and Woodbeck Lake. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Gowen, MI

What's nearby

  • Woodbeck Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Banks Lake - 17 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Thomas Lake - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Little Blue Lake - 6 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Cannonsburg Ski Area - 24 min drive - 34.8 km

Getting around

  • Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Halfway Diner - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Little Blue Bungalow: Leaf-Peeping & Lake Views – Fall Perfection Starts Here pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at Little Blue Bungalow: Leaf-Peeping & Lake Views – Fall Perfection Starts Here?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Little Blue Bungalow: Leaf-Peeping & Lake Views – Fall Perfection Starts Here?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Little Blue Bungalow: Leaf-Peeping & Lake Views – Fall Perfection Starts Here?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Little Blue Bungalow: Leaf-Peeping & Lake Views – Fall Perfection Starts Here located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 1 mile (2 km) of Woodbeck Lake and Banks Lake. Thomas Lake and Saugage Lake are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 51 out of 67 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 14 out of 67 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 67 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 67 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 67 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Kathy T.

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

Nice location

Beautiful location on a nice chain of lakes.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

mike k.

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

Great getaway

Loved everything about our stay. It was just what we needed.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jaroslaw M.

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

Relaxing

Great relaxing spot with top notch management service
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary G.

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

Peaceful

The enclosed back porch looks over Horseshoe Lake and the view is beautiful. Location is close to Greenville so there are plenty of restaurant options. Great location and great cottage.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

J Jevin V.

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

Love it

This was our second time at the Blue Bungalow, and love the Greenville area. Plan on staying again next summer.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ivan F.

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

Blue Bungalow

Very well equipped and nicely maintained property ideal lake life fun for the whole family.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Christine C.

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

Family holiday Getaway

The cottage is very cute and clean. Perfect size for 3 adults. We used the kayaks and fire pit. The 3 season room was the main reason we rented the property. We enjoyed the property very much we we rented
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Janet O., South Bend

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

Very comfortable and pleasant. Perfect for two people and two dogs 🐶.

Freshwater Rental is very easy to rent through. Very attentive and responsive. One small hiccup on our arrival and it was resolved within 10 minutes (if that).
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Joan B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Host was great with detailed communication so we could access the property easily. The location had everything we needed for our short stay, and will be great when we decide to have longer stays in the area! We love the little blue bungalow! It is easy to get to, but out of the way of noisy roads and traffic, and it is close to my daughter's home. We will be returning when we make our next trip to the area, for certain! Loved the whole experience! Thank you so much!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Anna B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great swimming area!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Claudette S.

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

Excellent location on great lake system

Pros: *Excellent location A chain of lakes fun to explore by boat, fishing excellent*3 season porch is fabulous, very comfortable furniture, day time and night time views, hot afternoon sun-no shades - windows hadn't been washed in long time*Check-in simple*Interior clean, freshly painted and new floor coverings*Dock is great, stable and in good condition - water drops off well for tying up small to large boatsCons:1. Sleeping was a challenge during our August visit with day temps in the 90s and nights in 80s. With bedroom window screen badly bent out of shape we were unable to open window to circulate air into the bedroom unless via air conditioning unit. Unit is old school window mount right alongside the bed and very loud wa wa wa wa noise. Note: as explained in the listing - bdrm ac unit does good job cooling the cottage except for the second bedroom. Couch on 3 season porch excellent sleeping for 1 person.2. deferred maintenance to exterior grounds - whole area was mowed, but thats it. weeds encroached in sand, flowerbeds (some long term) onto steps and sea wall. Wet Debris in the sandy area in front of the boat house.Overall, just as described - basic, no frills cabin on an awesome lake location. Owner not kidding when describing water - bring your own for coffee (or other beverages involving ice or water) cooking, and if you dye your hair - shampooing!We'd stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

michael s.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great little lake house! Listing was accurate!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Heather J.

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

Cozy Cottage

Relaxing stay and a beautiful location.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ray B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great little cottage. Very relaxing
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Amber M.

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

Little Blue Bungalo

We had a shirt, sweet visit. The cabin was cozy and we were close to our friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

cynthia s.

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

Peaceful and pretty

Very quite enjoyable cottage. Loved sitting in the sunroom looking at the lake and watching the sun set.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bill W.

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

Great place

Having lived on the chain of lakes when I was younger, this cottage was the ideal spot to go visit again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bruce & Lisa B.

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

Beautiful scenery

My son had a baseball tournament in Grand Rapids. We loved staying at the house on the lake. It was beautiful and relaxing. My boys enjoyed kayaking.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Vicki N.

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

The Blue Bungalow

The house was nice and cozy, and we had a good time. We really enjoyed kayaking the different lakes, and we look forward to going back again. The cons of this rental would be that the water is dark/weedy and you can't see into it. There was a swimming raft on the property, which did not have a ladder attached to it. I am not sure how someone could even climb onto said raft.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica M.

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

Great cottage

We were in town to close out a family’s estate and this cottage was a great retreat to recharge. The 3 season room was a peaceful spot to drink my coffee each morning.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Samantha T.

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

Peaceful

It was a really nice stay for a quick weekend away. All the amenities you need for a home away from home were included. The only suggestion is the washer in the bedroom needed to be cleaned. It made the room smell like mildew. The shower head needs to be updated as it has red and orange rust coming out of it and have the water looked at. We are used to well water, but it seemed like it needed to be checked. All and all we had a nice time and enjoyed the water and mini beach area.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

cynthia s.

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

Great view and a fireplace on cool days

Great alternative to 10 days in a hotel. Having washer/dryer was really helpful. We were helping a family member with a project and wanted to have space of our own. Worked out perfectly
Stayed 9 nights in Apr 2023

8/10 Good

Taylor K.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Nice cozy cottage

It was a beautiful place, very cozy.
Stayed 4 nights in Mar 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cathy L., Lansing, MI

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family reunion/ 4th of July

When I booked this property I was so happy because it was so close to all my family that was coming from Florida, Spain, etc. I ended up having emergency surgery 2 weeks before which put me on a walker and could not even really get in the lake but my family enjoyed it in the living room was relaxing and I did get to see a lake every morning and I was so happy. Thank you so much for everything. I'm sorry that the coffee filters and the coffee got packed (I didn't realize it until my daughter-in-law said. Omg! I thought they were your trash bags and coffee and filters!) It was a beautiful time. Thank you so much for having us
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2022

2/10 Terrible

Richard F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Never Again.

The home was clean. The check in process was simple. The lake was fun for fishing, kayaking, and my son to play in. We had a great breakfast at a small place in Greenville (Margo’s). However that’s where the good ends. The water from the faucets, sink, shower smelled awful. It was like it was filtered through dead fish guts. Imagine trying to shower in a small, enclosed, place with warm/steamy fish water. The lawn was very poorly maintained. The grass was very long, the bushes/weeds along walkways were over grown. The stairway going down the hill towards the water was very unsafe for small children and/or elderly. The grills were very dirty and in poor condition. We needed up going into town to purchase our own grill to use. The queen bed in the first bedroom was very uncomfortable. There is sand the entire length of the yard down a long the water that is not pictured. The sand was awful. Tons of flies, bees, and ants. No matter how hard you tried to keep the home clean you drug sand through the home. There was a very strong weed smell the whole weekend when outside coming from one of the neighboring homes. I would not recommend this location.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2022

About the host

Hosted by Freshwater Vacation Rentals

Host profile image
Freshwater Vacation Rentals
• Established in 2005
If you are looking for a vacation rental, you have come to the right spot! We specialize in vacation rentals throughout Michigan. From your own private island to a lodge big enough to host your family reunion or a relaxing getaway on one of the Great Lakes. If you feel like a social vacation where you have neighbors to enjoy the evening fires together, to remote places where you won't see another soul, give us a call and we'll find the right place for you.
Our philosophy
We work hard so you don't have to. Our goal is for guests have a wonderful vacation experience and assist our owners in maximizing their investment. We started this business 13 years ago, with the purchase of Republic Island, and added the Rapid River Lodge. We have a unique perspective, as we are both owners and property managers. We love the business and are enjoying it as it grows.

Languages:

English, Spanish, Danish, Croatian

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests