Hilltop Log Lodge: Views, Waterfrontage in Wine Country in Traverse City

Hilltop Log Lodge is one of the more expensive rentals in the Traverse City area, as the owners have created something out-of-the-ordinary for its guests. The intent is to put together a special experience in a rustic yet refined lodge environment.
Lodge Amenities: Besides the spectacular views over West Bay, Power Island, Old Mission and Traverse City, there is the spaciousness of 8000 square feet and the uniqueness of this hand-built lodge. Inside this hilltop fortress of a home and underneath the massive, handpeeled timbers of its roof structure, all has been outfitted with plush towels, great bedding, handmade furnishings, and original artwork. Four of its five bedrooms are suites (each with a private bath) providing comfort and solitude for groups, couples, and families. There are numerous sitting rooms, lofts, and a den for quiet reading, relaxing and movies. The sound system throughout the house joins the guests together wherever they may be inside - as well as on the lawn and the bayside porch. There are hundreds of CDs in the house collection as well as I-Pod hookup. The giant High Definition plasma TV in the Game Room has become the spot for some guests to watch movies or sports, while enjoying pool or ping-pong without disturbing the rest of the lodge. Others prefer to retreat to the quieter, tucked-away office to check email, although WI-FI provides coverage to most areas in the lodge.
Accommodations: A maximum of 14 people can be lodged comfortably in the 5 bedrooms (there is one king suite, three queen bedroom suites, one bedroom with a queen bed and one twin bed, a loft with two twin hickory beds and a den with a twin hickory bed). 
The Kitchen: This space is designed for entertaining with a professional gas range and double ovens, all overseen by a curved granite bar for guests to sit and enjoy a glass of wine while dinner is prepared. There is a second dishwasher in the pantry near the greatroom, and this space doubles as the coffee bar and upstairs wine bar. For convenience, the cupboards are stocked with basic foodstuffs, and there is a full set of good knives, a wok and quality cookware to use on the Viking range. With a shelf of cookbooks to peruse, it is time to try something new in this fun kitchen... grilling pizza is one thing that we have enjoyed this year. A powerful gas grill stands just outside adjacent to the kitchen.
Dining at the Lodge: The evening meal is best served on snow-white dinnerware sitting at the handmade, expansive cottonwood table in the greatroom. Linen napkins, candles, subtle lighting, a crackling wood fire, chilled music, a moonlight view over the bay all combine to make the evening meal here a most memorable experience. There are other tables inside and outside on the covered bayside porch for the informal times. Full sets of glassware stock both the upstairs pantry as well as the lower bar in the game room.
Morning at the Lodge: This is the best of times. The sun rises over the the bay and tints the log beams to an orange hue. This quiet perch, secluded from the breezes and with sunlight reflecting off the water down below, warms up first and is perfect for early morning coffee. Guests can linger on the porch swing watching the birds awaken among the treetops, all accompanied by the sound of seagulls or an occasional eagle down below over the bay. In the pantry all is set for perfect coffee with a French Press as well as two standard coffeemakers.
Evening at the Lodge: Many guests enjoy lounging on the south lawn watching the reflected light over the bay and Old Mission Peninsula. Others prefer the entry porch, just sitting on the limestone steps catching the last of the sun as it sets behind the trees and meadows to the west.
The Setting: Treetop privacy and an expansive bay view highlight this distinguished property. In addition, there is over 200' of private water frontage and a dock, making this a most significant combined waterfront/view property in the Grand Traverse area. The lodge sits on 5 very private acres with unobstructed views across 10 miles of Grand Traverse Bay to the twinkling lights of Traverse City in the evening. Leelanau is Michigan Wine Country, and Hilltop Log Lodge is at the heart of it, with 5 wineries within walking/biking distance.
The Waterfront: The public boat launch at the bottom of the hill is quite handy for those who want to fish or ski the crystal waters of West Bay and keep their boat trailered. Following the winding path down the hill to the waterfront, there is swimming and occasional fishing off the dock. The beach is rocky and the dock long; this is the lee side of the bay. Kayaks fit perfectly here in the shallow waters among the reeds and rocks of West Grand Traverse Bay. It takes about an hour to kayak to Power Island.
A Special Time at the Lodge: If there is something unique or special required for a guest visit, the owners will arrange a caterer, a chef, decorations for a holiday, shopping, tour and concierge service, as well as cleaning. This is an ideal place for a significant birthday dinner, a pre-wedding party or just a place to escape. Larger parties need pre-approval.
The website features more photos to give a perspective of the property, the rooms of the lodge, and of course, the extraordinary views. Please call or email Richard or Jeff for the address or for any questions.

Washer/Dryer, Linens Provided, Garage, Off Street Parking, Parking for
RV/Boat/Trailer, Gas
Fireplace, 2 Wood Fireplaces
Beds: 1 King Bed in suite, 3 Queen Beds in suites, in other rooms 1 Queen and 4 Twin/Single Beds, 
Entertainment: Cable TV, DVD, VCR, CD Player, Stereo System, Music
Library, Steam Shower, Pool Table, Ping
Pong/Table Tennis, Wireless Internet
Kitchen: Full Kitchen, Cooking Utensils Provided, Refrigerator, 2
Dishwashers Microwave, Ice Maker,
Catering Available
Outdoor Features: Beach, Dock, Deck, Lawn, 2 Balconies, Gas BBQ Grill,
Outdoor Shower
Other Amenities: Awesome views, trail to lakefront and dock
Pet Friendly: Companion animals are allowed, if pre-arranged.
Smoking Not Allowed inside lodge

Golf, Tennis, Shopping, Sightseeing, Restaurants, Kayaking, Sailing,
Boating, Waterskiing,
Parasailing, Jet Skiing, Swimming, Snorkeling/Diving, Windsurfing,
Biking, Mountain Biking, Cross
Country Skiing, Downhill/Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Snowmobiling,
Sledding/Tubing, Wildlife
Viewing, Hiking, Fishing, Hunting, Fitness Center/Gym, Health/Beauty
Spa, Racquetball, Basketball
Court, Antiquing, Cinemas/Movie Theaters, Live Theatre, Museums,
Miniature golf, Shuffleboard,
Horseback Riding, Hot Air Ballooning
Other Activities: This property is located between Traverse City and
Suttons Bay, the heart of the popular
Michigan Wine Country: Ciccone Vineyards, Willow Vineyards are a short
walk up the hill, followed by Mawby Vineyards. The expansive Black Star Farms and Shady Lane Cellars are a short bike ride from the lodge. The Leelanau Trail is less than a mile away for leisurely biking into Traverse City or Suttons Bay.

June, July and August:  (One Week Minimum)  $7,200.00
September through May:  $ 5,800/week.  $950/night (3 Night Minimum)

6% Michigan Tax additional.  Refundable $500 damage and security deposit requested.  Lodge has 14 person maximum.

PETS ALLOWED upon approval (2 pet maximum, please) 

Note to Couples, smaller groups and our past guests.  Please email us for a custom quote