Skip to main content
Chalet

Heron House - Premier Ausable River Destination

Photo gallery for Heron House - Premier Ausable River Destination

Exterior
Property grounds
Property grounds
Property grounds
Property grounds

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Fireplace
    A rare find - cosy up in front of a warm, inviting fireplace.
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue
  • Air-conditioning
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Kitchen
  • Pet-friendly

Explore the area

View map
Lovells, MI
  • Place, West Twin Lake
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Place, Hartwick Pines State Park
    ‪18 min drive‬
  • Place, Au Sable River
    ‪22 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Master

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Heron House - Premier Ausable River Destination

Heron House

Steps from the north branch of the Ausable River, the Heron House is well known for its wide stretches and scenic splendor, quality fly fishing and friendly surroundings.

The river running in front of the cottage has a rich history. A hundred years ago, the world's foremost titans of industry would fish here and relax in the meadows alongside these most famous Michigan waters.

The clean, classically decorated chalet offers a warm, and cozy feel. The large attached summer room and covered porch provide a great place to entertain if an afternoon shower comes calling and the propane grill is perfect for cookouts. High speed internet offers further remote conveniences.

The fishing is great in the day and throughout the evening and night. Gaylord, Grayling and Lewiston all offer great entertainment options and are within a half hour drive on paved country roads.

The Heron House Chalet is located less than a mile downstream from Lovells. Come and make memories!

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

Exterior
Your perfect getaway in the heart of Northern Michigan...
Grayling
  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Pet-friendly
10.0 out of 10, Exceptional, (23 reviews)
Your perfect getaway in the heart of Northern Michigan...

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
default

Events

No events allowed
default

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
Do not leave pets unattended in cottage.
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights, lock the doors and return the keys
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No RV's, campers, or tents allowed in the yard.
Report any damage immediately. We understand that accidents can happen and just want to be made aware of them ASAP.
Do not leave pets unattended for long periods of time unless they have their own kennel and will not bark as to disturb the neighbors.

Important information

You need to know

Property # 846522vb
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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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

Grayling

Located in Grayling, this chalet is on the waterfront. Garland and Michaywe Pines Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit AuSable Artisan Village and Otsego County Sportsplex. Gaylord Discovery Center and Bavarian Falls Park are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with water tubing, power boating and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hunting.
View more Chalets in GraylingOpens in a new window
Map
Lovells, MI

What's nearby

  • West Twin Lake - 15 min drive - 18.8 km
  • Hartwick Pines State Park - 18 min drive - 22.5 km
  • Little Bear Lake - 21 min drive - 23.0 km
  • Au Sable River - 22 min drive - 27.4 km
  • Garland - 24 min drive - 27.9 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 89 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lovell's Riverside Tavern - ‬11 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Heron House - Premier Ausable River Destination pet-friendly?

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

How much is parking at Heron House - Premier Ausable River Destination?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Heron House - Premier Ausable River Destination?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Heron House - Premier Ausable River Destination?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Heron House - Premier Ausable River Destination located?

Situated on the waterfront, this chalet is 8.8 mi (14.2 km) from West Twin Lake and 9.1 mi (14.7 km) from Hartwick Pines State Park. Little Bear Lake and Guthrie Lake are also within 16 miles (25 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 80 out of 94 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 9 out of 94 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 4 out of 94 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 94 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 94 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

allen y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location for the “up north experience “.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Colin D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Really nice spot, we had a great time at Heron house!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

River K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place and exactly what we were looking for!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location! Great Neighbors!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Aug 2025
Thanks so much for coming! Yes, great neighbors!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelley S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful property. Peaceful setting, great river, and a fabulous spot for an afternoon nap.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Aug 2025
We agree! Best nap spot ever! Thanks for coming.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John R.

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

Great Location

Wonderful location. Clean property. Well stocked.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Aug 2025
Thanks for coming! We're happy you enjoyed everything and chose our cottage for making wonderful memories.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Justin A.

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

Great stay on the river

Great place, clean, convenient, and beautiful property. Plenty of brook trout and tons of stuff to do outside. Will stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

John S. H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Right on the river. Middle of shotgun alley.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lawrence W.

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

Great property and location

Excellent
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Michelle S.

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

Lovely Place for a Getaway

We thoroughly enjoyed our time a Heron House. Very cozy and quiet. Great access to the river. We would definitely book again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William F.

clean and comfortable

We enjoyed the clean and comfortable cottage. Great location on the river. We would love to go back and stay longer next time.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2018
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Samantha H.

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

perfect spot for tubbing

Blast from the past and cozy
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nancy B.

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

A++

What a great place to stay on a beautiful stretch of the river!! Just what we needed! Definitely will stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessie N.

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

A perfect stay!

For a flyfishing Dad with 5 young children it was absolutely perfect. Too much to say, it could not have been any better.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Renee B.

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

Loved this place!

Great location, amazing hosts. Could not have felt more welcomed by our hosts or the neighbors. Beautiful property right on the Au Sable. Walked right out to great fishing and relaxed in a very comfortable home.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Donald P.

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

Fun

Location was great. Neighbors were all awesome. Great times.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jessie N.

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

I love the heron house

A truly amazing getaway. A++
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

fred l.

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

Peaceful

Quiet and peaceful! Nice river. Relaxing place.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

nick h.

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

Perfect place to unwind and relax!

Perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Robert B.

Great experience

The cottage was clean and comfortable and the location and access to the Ausable was perfect. We had an amazing time. Highly recommended.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Mar 2020
Thank you so much! You were great guests, too! :) We are so happy you enjoyed it and hope to see you again! Kerby and April
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Erica J.

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

Weekend stay in Lovell

Perfect place for a weekend getaway. Located right on riverfront property so great if you like to fish. The host was very responsive and able to answer any questions. Grayling military base is located nearby so tov may hear some testing going on if they are doing any explosive drills.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

Tanya H.

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

Family trip

Great communication, we had to make changes and it was very easy. The place was great for what we needed, lots of fishing and relaxing. Very close to a store and bar/restaurant. Everything you need is there; all dishes, towels and bedding. Be sure to get firewood. The dock to the water is much older than photos show and has quite a bit of overgrown brush but still accessible.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Well over priced

My wife and I have tried numerous different river front properties between Grayling and Mio area. This trip was a special occasion, so we decided to pay a higher price to get a nicer place, so we rented this house (Monday - Thursday no weekend days). The house turned out to be much less desirable than the much cheaper places we've been staying at. Based on the other rentals we've stayed at in the area, it's my opinion, this property is very over priced .
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 20 Aug 2022
We’re sorry to hear you were disappointed, we never heard from you after accommodating you with an early check-in. We trust you were able to review the pictures, description and four years of reviews, accurately depicting the property, prior to your reservation. Our prices reflect the local market we serve, with our properties being near the middle of that range. Anybody reading your review can attempt to verify for themselves your claims about much cheaper and better properties in the area on the “flies only” stretch of the Ausable river.
Verified

6/10 Okay

Jackie G.

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

Over priced for what they offer

If you don't mind "roughing it" and don't mind staying in a unclean home during your stay, this is the place for you! Here are the pros and cons of our stay:Prosgreat communication during booking River is right out the back door and nice to swim inCons:there is NOT central air conditioning. it's a portable air conditioner with a vent out of the window in the living roomGrill only worked on a small areaHouse was dirty Dishes were dirty and had bugs in them. Had to wash everything before use. dish towels smelled so bad, they were unusable. Deck was filthy.Refrigerator was leaking all over our food and the floor. Had to be cleaned up several timesBathroom sink has bad clog. Took 1 hour to go downShower was super tiny.We have rented many northern Michigan homes but won't be renting this house again. It should be priced around 150/night
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Aug 2025
In this case, we'll let our reputation stand. Any complaints by our guests are handled promptly during their stay. Thanks to all guests, past, current and future.
Verified

4/10 Poor

John B.

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

Disappointed

I have not rented a vacation home in Michigan before so I wasn't sure what to expect. The property is nicely located but when we went inside everything was very well used and grundy. The plates in the cupboard were dripping wet, there was a musty smell throughout the house, spider webs on the overhead fan and an earwig in the bed and the bathroom toilet seems to leak water a bit and the sink was very slow draining. I expected more for the price. If this is typical of VRBO rentals in Michigan we will not be renting again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2021
That was a joyless review, John. We appreciated it anyway. We're happy you survived the Heron House! ;-)

About the host

Hosted by Kerby and April Sides

Host profile image
Tell us how we can improve our siteShare feedback

Go further with the Stayz app

  • Easily message your host
  • Access, share and manage your trip
  • Earn OneKeyCash on holiday rentals
Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app
QR code to download the app