Entire home

the "LAKE HOUSE" - PONTOON INCLUDED

Photo gallery for the "LAKE HOUSE" - PONTOON INCLUDED

A campfire on a sandy beach with a wooden dock and chairs, overlooking a calm lake with a sunset in the background.
A park with a grassy area, trees, and a body of water in the background.
A two-story house with a red roof, a balcony, and a stone foundation.
A kitchen with a central island, bar stools, a stainless steel refrigerator, and pendant lighting.
A kitchen with a central island, wooden cabinets, and pendant lighting.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
Located on the beach, this vacation home accommodates 14 guests with 5 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. It offers boat access for water activities and features a porch, deck, and balcony for outdoor enjoyment. Families can explore Barlow Lake and Historic Bowens Mills, while sports enthusiasts can enjoy the tennis court. The property is pet-friendly.

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Balcony
    A rare find - enjoy views from the balcony.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
5 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 14

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Onsite parking available
  • Dog-friendly
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning

Explore the area

View map
Middleville, MI
  • Place, Barlow Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Historic Bowens Mills
    ‪13 min walk‬
  • Place, Cobb Lake
    ‪3 min drive‬
  • Airport, Grand Rapids, MI (GRR-Gerald R. Ford Intl.)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Where you'll sleep

5 bedrooms (sleeps 14)

Bedroom 1 (Main Floor)

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2, south bedroom

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3, North Bedroom

1 Queen Bed and 1 Double Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Single Bed and 1 Double Bed

Bedroom 5, East bedroom

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1, contains wash/dryer

Towels provided · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Bathroom 3,

Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bidet · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

the "LAKE HOUSE" - PONTOON INCLUDED

- History and Progress hold hands at the Briggs /Lewis Homestead, established in 1865. Begin Making your Lifetime Memories at our "Lake House"

- 5 bedrooms 2-1/2 baths - Sleeps 15 - Spacious, Convenient, and stocked with all the creature comforts, including linens.
- Private Dock and Beach
- Firepit
- 3 kayaks, a paddle boat, a rowboat, various life preservers, and PONTOON
provided for your fun!
- Fully equipped Kitchen and Outdoor Grill
- Washer/Dry
- High-speed WiFi- for Working Remotely or Streaming Movies


Perfect for SUMMER VACATIONS, holiday getaways, family gatherings, romantic long weekends, girls retreats, guys' bro-cation or simply recharging in a peaceful setting.

We can't wait to welcome you for a memory making Michigan Summer stay!

- We are located on the south end of beautiful 187 BARLOW LAKE, located in Middleville, Michigan, approximately 25 minutes south of Grand Rapids. And we are Pet Friendly (up to 2, each for an additional Fee: $250/ per Pet)

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House Rules

Check in after 2:30 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
Perfect for weddings/reunion up to 125 guests
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 23 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Max of two pets and the pet fee of $250 is per pet
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Additional Pet = $250.00 per pet

Important information

You need to know

Property # 811477vb
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, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 99
Note from host: Perfect for weddings/reunion up to 125 guests
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 deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Middleville

Located in Middleville, this holiday home is near theme parks and on the beach. Yankee Springs Golf Course and Grimsby Hollow Meadery are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Yankee Springs Recreation Area and Heath Road Preserve. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and snowmobiling.
Map
Middleville, MI

What's nearby

  • Barlow Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Historic Bowens Mills - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Cobb Lake - 3 min drive - 1.5 km
  • Gun Lake - 6 min drive - 6.4 km
  • Gun Lake Casino - 15 min drive - 19.6 km

Getting around

  • Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) - 30 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Russo’s Pizzeria Bar & Grille at Gun Lake - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Judd's Bar And Grille - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Lakeside Pizzeria & Grill - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Riverdog Tavern - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Bay Pointe Bar & Grille - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is the "LAKE HOUSE" - PONTOON INCLUDED pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at the "LAKE HOUSE" - PONTOON INCLUDED?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at the "LAKE HOUSE" - PONTOON INCLUDED?

Check-in begins at 2:30 PM.

What time is check-out at the "LAKE HOUSE" - PONTOON INCLUDED?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is the "LAKE HOUSE" - PONTOON INCLUDED located?

Nestled on the beach, this Middleville holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Barlow Lake and Historic Bowens Mills. Yankee Springs Golf Course and Cobb Lake are also within 1 mile (2 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 66 out of 76 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 76 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 76 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 76 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 76 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Charming rustic farmhouse with plenty of room. Several decks for enjoying the outdoors, the lake was crystal clear and the fishing was great, we caught lots of very nice sized bluegills, some perch and a few very large bass.Stargazing was outstanding we saw lots of shooting stars. It was a great Labor Day weekend!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Sept 2026
Thrilled you all wnjoywd our Lake house, came back when u can stay longer!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Absolutely amazing. Your own beach, swim dock and pontoon to cruise the lake. Great charm, warm and welcoming. Couldn’t ask for anything else!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The host was amazing. We had issues with the air conditioning and she had the repair man there within the hour and offered to go out and buy four widow air conditioners if it could not be fixed.
Stayed 9 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 8 Sept 2026
Thank you for your review and for taking such great care of our lake house. The cleaning lady thought it had already been cleaned- which it had!!! Come back when you can- would love to have you andany thank yous for help with the new paddleboat!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Location, Beautiful Home, Great communication
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Very comfortable. Great location on the lake.

Nice for a family vacation. Comfortable, relaxing.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Sept 2022
So glad you enjoyed our place. Come back when you can! Until then, stay safe and enjoy the upcomig holidays, Ellie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great for family get together

Easy check in Very responsive host Room for everyone Nice lake Use of the pontoon was a big plus
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great property, great home . The water was perfect for the smaller kiddos. It was great for fishing and swimming. We liked that the beach area had shallow water then got gradually deeper.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 22 Aug 2025
Thank you for taking such great care of our LakeHouse and come back as soon as yoi can!!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great property

House was perfect for our group with a large property good for the kids!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Oct 2024
Anne, Thank you for taking such great care of our Lake House and for leaving it spotless! Really enjoyed having you and your family too! Come back when you can. Enjoy the rest of fall, its going fast, and the holidays. Ellie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The kitchen was well stocked with pots, pans, dishes and utensils. It was extremely accommodating!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Aug 2025
Thank you for taking such great care of our Lake House and cleaning the place before you left wow! Please consider another stay as soon as you can swing it! Enjoy the rest of summer - going too fast! Ellie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Wonderful Vacation House

A beautiful house on a beautiful lake. We had a great time and can't wait to go back!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This property is a gem. It’s a wonderful farmhouse with a massive lawn and wonderful lake access.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Amazing family get away

We had an awesome time Lake House with our two little families. The property is well kept and a perfect weekend getaway. The lake is beautiful and the sandy beach area is well maintained. Ellie was a super responsive host and made she we had everything we needed! I definitely recommend this spot:)
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family fun

We had a wonderful time!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 July 2022
So glad you enjoyed your time at our lake house, come back when you can stay longer, enjoy the rest of your summer and stay safe. Ellie and thanks for taking such great care of our lakehouse
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Amazing

What a great place to stay. Barlow Lake is an amazing place to visit and this home was equally amazing. We loved everything about it!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 6 July 2021
Bob, thrilled to have hosted you and your amazing family at our Lake House. And thank you for taking such great care of her! come back again when you can and contact us directly! Thanks so, Ellie 616-634-5618
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Time for a Family Gathering!

We celebrated a Wedding Shower with our family and had a great time, Ellie was an excellent host! The outdoor patio/pontoon/row boat were all an added bonus.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 June 2024
Thrilled you enjoyed our Lake House. Please come back again when you can and enjoy the remaining days of summer! Ellie
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lake House

Ellie was awesome. Place was great.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lake front getaway

This was the perfect lakefront getaway for our family- we had a local wedding to attend at long lake and it was perfectly positioned. We loved using the beach and the owner thought of every detail!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lakehouse

The place was exactly as described. House was nice, up to date kitchen, plenty of beds. Beach access was great, nice area to swim, kayak and pontoon boat.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 21 Aug 2024
Jeff and family, thrilled to have crossed paths with you at our Lake House and thank you for taking such great care of her during your stay. Come back when you can. Enjoy what is left of summer, its going fast. Ellie
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Pitsch Stay

This is a great old house with lots of character. Alot of great memories made.the lake and beach areckean.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

4th of July family lake trip

Nice lake atmosphere with a large home that works well for 12 people.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 5 July 2023
Adam, So glad you all enjoyed your stay at our Lake House. And thank you so for taking such great care of her! come back again when you can. Enjoy the rest of summer too, its going fast!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Property

Had a great week and everything went smoothly
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 June 2023
Come back to our lake house as soon as you can and thank you for taking such great care of her!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Middleville Lake House property

Great property for our children & grandchildren. Plenty of indoor & outdoor space for large families. Everyone had a great time. Excellent beach area for small children.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 31 July 2021
Thrilled you and your beautiful family enjoyed our Lake House, thank you for taking such great care of her and please come back again soon!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful home

Property was excellent. Ellie was so great to work with. I used as my wedding venue and it was the most magical day ever.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 7 Sept 2022
Allison, it was such a pleasure having you and your family and friends at the lake house especially for your wedding! I hope minimally you make our place your anniversary get away. Please keep in touch, and all the best to you and your Love and Love!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Family Vacation Property

We really enjoyed our stay. We cruised the lake on the pontoon boat and caught a lot of pan fish. The water was nice and we did some swimming, wading and boating. Large beautiful backyard. The house was very cozy and met all our needs. Thanks again Ellie and John.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Relaxing stay at this unique lake house

We had a wonderful long weekend stay at this quaint, beautifully restored landmark, not far from Grand Rapids. The owner, Ellie, took good care of us, answered all our needs and even took us on a boat ride before leaving us alone for the weekend. The place was very clean and the kitchen well stocked for cooking. The pontoon boat was a nice bonus for us too!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 12 June 2022
Jean, Gosh what a pleasure to host you and your family and thrilled about your new arrival. Give a call when you would like to visit again. Stay safe, Ellie

About the host

Hosted by Louise \"Ellie\" Johnson

Host profile image
Great, Great, Great Grand daughter to original settlers Naomi and Gladeon Briggs; the house is actually two homes. The original home was built in 1857, and the east side of the house was a home located on the north end of Barlow Lake. This house built in 1867 and attached to the original homestead by dragging the structure with a team of horses across the frozen waters of Barlow Lake during a cold January day.

Why they chose this property

Begin Making your Memories Now- Centennial Homestead with private beach, PONTOON INCLUDED. We are located on the south end of beautiful spring fed Barlow Lake, approximately 25 minutes south of Grand Rapids. 5 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, sleeps 12-14 comfortably; not including our full size Amish built baby crib. Bring your suit, the water is warm, or bring your own boat! Ideal location for winter activities, ice fishing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling; also the Gun Lake Casino and Tanger Outlet Mall are only minutes away. HOLD YOUR WEDDING HERE for an additional fee, (Max 125 guests) or perfect lodging for wedding guests from Bowens Mill Weddings for a Lifetime, a mere 500 yards away. Enjoy your Christmas, New Years, and other holiday celebrations; light the fireplace and enjoy the fall and winter seasons. Please contact Ellie to begin making your Memories at the LAKE HOUSE!n Fury family members are welcome for an additional fee of $250/per pet, max of two.

Languages:

English

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