barefoot manor in Charlevoix

A lovely, classic N Michigan (BEACHfront) cottage

ahlrenter (Madison, WI)
Review submitted: January 22, 2012   Date of arrival: July 2, 2011

Our family stayed here for a week in July '11, and have just booked another stay for that same week in July '12. The Hawkins' property is a classic northern Michigan getaway. This is a lovely deal for true waterfront, featuring undulating dunes leading to the lake out the back that our kids, nieces and nephews (ages 6 through 17) enjoyed all day, every day we were there. The adults visited in the ample-seating living room looking out on the water or on the deck right outside. Great seating for dining (kitchen and dining tables also overlook the lake). Lots of sleeping options, plenty of bedding and towels, and an available washer & dryer. Big front yard for kids' ball play -- and/or numerous cars to park. And the owner could not be nicer, not to mention the next door neighbor/owner. This is not fancy -- it is modest but very comfortable, a dear family home that we feel lucky to have found, and to have shared with us. I encourage you to give it a try. As I said, we're definitely coming back.

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers

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Helpful votes: 3 / 3

Back to basics

Scottg8 (grand rapids, mi)
Review submitted: January 21, 2012   Date of arrival: August 13, 2011

Wonderful cottage. Not fancy, but very comfortable with excellent views of the lake. The lack of tv and telephone was a welcome respite from our digital life. Great evenings playing cards with friends and watching the sunset. Awesome watching the storms cross the lake. The decor is a bit dated, (think 70's style), but clean and in good conditon. Great value. Can't wait to go again!

Recommended for: age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, sight seeing

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Helpful votes: 2 / 2

Musty, cold stay.

NDuq23 (Grand Rapids, Michigan)
Review submitted: June 27, 2011   Date of arrival: June 19, 2011

Gorgeous setting, view and home. However, be wary as this home has no heat for cold evenings or rainy days, and no other modern amenities such as land line telephone, cell service, radio or television. There is also only one shower for the entire three story home. Probably the scariest part of this home is that it is so moldy in the basement that every person staying in the cottage was suffering from sinus and breathing problems. The smell is worse than the average lake cottage and will only make your stay more uncomfortable. Highly recommend trying another cottage or staying at the many wonderful hotels in Charlevoix, especially for those with allergies or asthma.

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Helpful votes: 10 / 11