Escape to this serene hilltop cottage with sweeping views of Crystal Lake, just six minutes from downtown Frankfort. Rustic yet comfortable, it keeps its original charm while offering a few modern touches so you can truly unwind in nature.
Inside, enjoy an open living area with the original fieldstone fireplace and large windows framing the view. Cozy bedroom has a new queen Tempur-Pedic mattress and A/C. Outside, you will find a NEW HOT TUB with an incredible view overlooking Crystal Lake!
GUEST INTERACTION:
We have a local property manager that is available to answer any questions or address any issues.
NEIGHBORHOOD:
Crystal Lake is one of the most scenic and popular inland lakes in Michigan. The water is truly crystal clear. The lake is very popular for boating, sailing, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Public boat access (down our quiet back road is just a 5-minute drive from the cottage (Lobb Rd). The new DNR boat launch is a 7-minute drive from the cottage. Public swimming access (at Bellows Beach) is only a 10-minute drive from the cottage.
Just a few miles away, downtown Frankfort offers the best of small-town Lake Michigan charm. Stroll down historic Main Street to explore local shops and galleries, enjoy a meal at one of the many inviting restaurants, or catch a film at the beautifully restored Garden Theater. Frankfort’s public beach is known for its soft, sugar sand—perfect for summer beach days, swimming, and long walks along the gorgeous shoreline. Don’t miss a sunset stroll out to the iconic Frankfort Lighthouse at the end of the pier.
The cottage is also only about a 1-hour drive west from downtown Traverse City. Traverse City is the business, arts, recreation, entertainment, dining, and shopping hub of all of Northern Michigan and it provides a vast variety of "bigger city" things to see and do.
GUEST ACCESS:
Guests have private access to the cottage, the large screened porch, the fire pit area, and the open field for lawn games is reserved for this cottage. The unfinished attic and basement are not accessible.
You’ll share the hilltop clearing with four other family homes — The two-track driveway is shared with the other homes.
Parking is easy with a circular drive and extra space for a boat trailer.
THE SPACE:
Above Crystal Lake is a beautiful 1-story 1-bedroom 1-bathroom cottage with a lovely living room and fireplace. The house also offers a kitchen, dining room, and a porch, all with great views of Crystal Lake! There is a brand new hot tub in front of the cottage, overlooking Crystal Lake. The bedroom has a window A/C for comfort in the summer and there is a sofa bed in the living room if needed.
Guests love the spacious screened porch — perfect for morning coffee, reading, or watching the sunrise and moonrise over the lake. Step outside to enjoy a fire under a truly dark night sky — on clear nights, you can see the Milky Way. The highlight of our summers here has always been the Perseid meteor shower, known for its bright and frequent meteors. The shower is active from mid-July to late August.
Boaters will appreciate the circle drive, plenty of parking for your boat, and close access to local boat launches.
This spot is ideal for night sky photographers, writers, artists, and anyone craving a tranquil retreat.
Come, slow down, soak in the view, and make your own memories at Above Crystal Lake.
TRANSIT:
You will need your own means of transportation to for this location.
PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
Above Crystal Lake is one of five family homes on The Hill, a beloved retreat since the early 1900s. You’ll have privacy but share a serene clearing with four other family cottages. At times, the proximity to the other cottages can feel intimate. The cottage directly to the east is also available to rent. If you’re traveling with friends or family, the cottages make a great pair. Due to the tranquility of the Hill and the proximity of the other cottages. We do not allow parties or outdoor noise, or activities that could keep the neighbors awake.
There’s an open field for lawn games with a beautiful view — we provide bocce, yard dice, and croquet.
This is a historic, rustic cottage surrounded by the serenity of nature: while we do our best to keep bugs and spiders outside, they’re part of life in a place like this.
All pets are strictly prohibited at this property.
The home does not have central air conditioning, but there is a window A/C unit in bedroom to keep the bedroom cool if needed.
