Entire home

Private Lakefront, Dog Friendly w/HOT TUB Home!SWIM/SKI/RELAX!

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Property grounds - Private Lakefront, Dog Friendly w/HOT TUB Home!SWIM/SKI/RELAX! (Central Lake)
Outdoor dining - Private Lakefront, Dog Friendly w/HOT TUB Home!SWIM/SKI/RELAX! (Central Lake)
Exterior - Private Lakefront, Dog Friendly w/HOT TUB Home!SWIM/SKI/RELAX! (Central Lake)
4 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi - Private Lakefront, Dog Friendly w/HOT TUB Home!SWIM/SKI/RELAX! (Central Lake)
Outdoor dining - Private Lakefront, Dog Friendly w/HOT TUB Home!SWIM/SKI/RELAX! (Central Lake)
Nestled on over 2 acres of private land, The Unsalted Mermaid offers an unforgettable Northern Michigan vacation. Enjoy fishing off the private dock, swimming in the hard sandy bottom water, kayaking with Loons or paddle boarding on Intermediate Lake's 9 miles of shoreline and unwind by a nightly bonfire.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 15232 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Private Lakefront, Dog Friendly w/HOT TUB Home!SWIM/SKI/RELAX!

The Unsalted Mermaid is sure to bring you, your family and friends an unforgettable Northern Michigan vacation! This home sits on over 2 acres of private land, leading to 100ft of your own private lakefront on all-sports Intermediate Lake equipped with a 7 person hot tub!
The home boosts 2500 sqft+ , 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. Enjoy fishing off the dock, swimming in the hard sandy bottom water, kayaking, boating, and s'mores by the lakeside fire pit. Winter months offer skiing;15 minutes to Shanty Creek,great ice fishing and hot tub soaking!

This large family home has ample space for three families (15 guests) to enjoy a Northern Michigan retreat. The main floor features a king size master bedroom, full bath, large living room complete with fireplace, fully stocked large kitchen, dining area and laundry room. Walk out the sliders onto the covered deck that overlooks Intermediate Lake and a beautiful deep lot with mature trees surrounding both sides of the property, providing natural privacy.
The walk-out level provides an additional family room, two bedrooms and full bath. One bedroom has two queen beds while the other bedroom has a queen and full bed. The slider leads out to another porch area, equipped with plenty of seating, bbq, and fire pit(s). Take a stroll down the dock and enjoy sunbathing, kayaking (provided), boating (rentals available on the lake) and swimming in the hard, sandy bottom shores of Intermediate Lake.
The upper floor of the home features a very large loft like bedroom consisting of a full bed, queen/single bunk, twin daybed and a twin bunk bed.

Guests will access the home using a keypad. the code will be given within 24hrs of arrival.
There is ample space on the property for cars, boats, jet ski- whatever it is you may want to bring to make this your perfect vacation!

I am a phone call or text away at all times during your stay. I like to give all my guests their space! Unless you request me to be present at the property, I wont be there.

This is a private home located on Intermediate Lake. The home is in Central Lake, a charming Northern Michigan town. Central Lake is a few miles from Bellaire-home of Shorts Brewery and many other small town boutiques, restaurants, taverns and wineries. The home is located within 45 mins of Traverse City, Petoskey, Charlevoix and Elk Rapids. You are able to boat, dock and walk to downtown Central Lake where you will find a tavern, distillery, fudge/ice cream shop, grocery store, pizza shop boutique and BachMann's! Torch Lake is also minutes away with several boat launches and rentals.

The lake house sits directly across from the Intermediate Lake sandbar and Recreation Point.

Intermediate Lake is part of Michigan's Upper Chain O' Lakes. This location allows you to explore both the Upper and Lower Chain O' Lakes. Though they are not connected , boat launches are within minutes to explore the lower chain.

This home sits on 100ft of private frontage on Intermediate Lake. Intermediate Lake is a 1500+ acre all sports lake spanning nine miles. Intermediate Lake is part of Northern Michigan's Upper Chain of Lakes. The lake is great for boating, jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, fishing or just relaxing and listening to the loons over your morning coffee. The frontage has very shallow water while gradually getting deeper, catering to both young children and adults.

The Unsalted Mermaid is located in the heart of wine country, minutes to Short's Brewery, Shanty Creek Golf and Ski Resort, quick drive to Torch Lake, Traverse City, Charlevoix, Petoskey, Elk Rapids and Lake Michigan Beaches.

My family and I have been enjoying Intermediate Lake for over twelve years! My children have been able to swim in the lake most years from Memorial Day thru September.

The cottage is nestled on a two acre partially wooded lot. We do our best to keep insects, mice and other small pesky critters out of the cottage, but some may sneak in now and then. Guests accept that this is part of nature in Northern Michigan and will let me know immediately if they encounter problems that need attention so that I can quickly resolve them.

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Dock
  • Firepit
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • 3 steps to reach entrance
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Handrails in stairways
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Thin carpet in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Boat
  • Foosball table
  • Kayak
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,500 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove leftover food and drinks and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Two small dogs are okay. Please follow pet rules!

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Property is also known as

orp5b57754x

About the neighborhood

Located in Central Lake, this vacation home is on the waterfront. Short's Brewing Company and The Chief Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Torch Lake and Lake Michigan. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching. Visit our Central Lake travel guide
View more Vacation Homes in Central Lake
Map
MI, Central Lake

What's nearby

  • The drop off at Torch Lake in northern Michigan; Shutterstock ID 748887706; purchase_order: SP-1269 HA 2018 Batch 1; Order: ; client: ; other:
    Torch Lake
    15 min drive - 14.9 km
  • In my much younger and foolish days, I would downhill ski at Caberfae (Cadillac, MI) and Snow Snake (Harrison, MI).
    Boyne Mountain
    38 min drive - 42.7 km
  • Aerial view of Petoskey and Little Traverse Bay, Michigan
    Traverse City Beach
    54 min drive - 68.7 km
  • Pie is Life!
    Front Street
    61 min drive - 73.8 km
  • Intermediate Lake
    5 min walk - 0.5 km

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
    57 min drive

Restaurants

  • Short's Brewing Company
    14 min drive
  • McDonald's
    9 min drive
  • M88 Morning Grind
    13 min drive
  • Shanty Creek Resorts
    14 min drive
  • Toonies Fish & Steakhouse
    14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Large Private Lakefront Home w/HOT TUB. SWIM/BOAT/SKI/RELAX! Open year-round! pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Large Private Lakefront Home w/HOT TUB. SWIM/BOAT/SKI/RELAX! Open year-round! ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Large Private Lakefront Home w/HOT TUB. SWIM/BOAT/SKI/RELAX! Open year-round! ?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Large Private Lakefront Home w/HOT TUB. SWIM/BOAT/SKI/RELAX! Open year-round! located?

Situated on the waterfront, this vacation home is 0.6 mi (1 km) from Intermediate Lake and within 6 mi (10 km) of Short's Brewing Company and Beals Lake. The Chief Golf Course and Lake Bellaire are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Private Lakefront, Dog Friendly w/HOT TUB Home!SWIM/SKI/RELAX! Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 19 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

John M.

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

Great stay

We had 6 adults and 3 kids that all enjoyed our stay. The house was as advertised. The location is perfect to enjoy boating, hiking, biking, and much more.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura P.

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

Great gathering spot

Three families from three states enjoyed the location of this lovely home on Intermediate Lake. Peaceful location with lovely views and nice lake access. Very responsive owner. Definitely recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shannon S.

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

Fabulous ski getaway!

We had a great time at the Unsalted Mermaid! 3 families from school enjoyed the spacious home, played games, explored the outside space with walkie talkies, had a cool kids-only bunk room, each parent had their own bedroom, and it was less than 20 minutes from skiing and tubing at Schuss Mountain. Everyone is counting down the days until we can return.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jake B.

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

Great place to stay for a big group

This VRBO was perfect for our group! There was plenty of room and the sleeping situation was the best I’ve had for a group over 10 people. The only thing I would knock on it is the trip down to the lake. If you prepare to head down though you can be set by the water for hours. The view on the lake at sunset was the highlight of the property! Would 100% recommend!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather M.

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

Amazing!

We just spent a week at the Unsalted Mermaid. It is a very special spot for sure. We celebrated the 4th of July with family. The home is very accommodating. We had everything we needed. The lake and surrounding nature is beautiful. We kayaked, paddle boarded, swam and rented a pontoon to enjoy Intermediate Lake. We enjoyed fires and fireworks. Family members went in to Bellaire, Central Lake, Elk Rapids, Charlevoix and Traverse City during our stay…such a great location!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eric S.

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

Family vacation

House and property were as advertised. Tracey was very responsive to any needs. The lake itself was not very crowded, which made it great for watersports. The distance from the lake was not an issue for us due to elevated walkway. The only negative for me was that the bass fishing was very difficult, as it appeared the lake was sprayed for weeds, which can't be controlled by Tracey! The kids loved the zip line and seeing deer and turkey often. Overall, it was great for 3 generations from age 2 to 65 and we would love to return!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sonali B.

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

Exactly as listing depicts!

We had a great time at the unsalted mermaid. The best part of the house was all the amenities it offered. With the lake, kayaks, games, and volleyball court, there was plenty to do and keep everyone amused for an extended family vacation. The kitchen was well stocked, and there were plenty of beds for all 14 of us to sleep comfortably. The house was represented well in the listing, and the pictures do the house justice. We loved that there were chairs everywhere so that we did not have to move extra chairs downstairs or to the dock. There were a few chairs that were broken down by the dock. But it wasn’t a big deal as there were so many other chairs to use. We really appreciated that there was already a wood pile there to build a fire so we didn’t even have to run out and find wood. Temperature in the upstairs room was definitely an issue as we could not cool the house more without freezing out the downstairs. Tracey did provide multiple fans and we were able to keep the room cooler with windows open as the temperature went into the 50s at night. However, I could see how it would be difficult to sleep up there when it’s a particularly hot week. Overall, we loved the lake and had a fantastic family vacation there. We would absolutely stay again. Thank you, Tracey, for taking care of the property so well, and for all the communication so that our check-in and checkout could go smoothly.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dirk H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing time! The views and property were both great. It was nice and quiet inside when some but others were awake, beds were comfy, all the amenities we could need! Thank you for the stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa C.

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

Family Vacay

The Unsalted Mermaid was exactly as described and my entire family had a great time over the July 4th weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

jeff f.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thank you so much for allowing us to stay in this lovely home. Great location for everything from golf to boating, which is what we do. Great communication and just awesome people, and this coming from a Buckeye.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steven C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was one of the best vacations we ever had. The house was perfect for all my grand babies and kids. I think Intermediate Lake is a hidden Gem and the Unsalted Mermaid the icing on the cake. The host Tracey kept us well informed, accessible and just awesome to deal with. We have already booked for next year and the entire family can't wait. It was comfortable, loads of fun for all ages. I don't think the TV even came on except to watch the Lions
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

brant t.

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

Unsalted mermaid

Had a great stay. Tracey was fantastic with communication.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brandon D.

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

A+ experience

Communication was awesome, place was as advertised and zero complaints. A+ experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amber M.

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

Beautiful

We loved this property. The house was huge. The bedrooms were big as well. Loved the view . Kayaking was fun as well! Loved how many chairs there were. Also they provided the wood. Will definitely be back!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa K.

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

Absolutely Wonderful Experience!

The Unsalted Mermaid surpassed all our expectations. We came for a family trip and had the best time ever. The home is beautiful and spacious. The lake has a sandy bottom and we kayaked every day. Tracey helped us get in touch with a place to rent a pontoon boat at well. We would book again in a heartbeat! Communication was spectacular, easy check in and check out. Thank you for helping us make some beautiful family memories in Northern Michigan!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen K.

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

A wonderful family vacation

The Unsalted Mermaid was, quoting my 6 yr old grandson, "The Best Cabin Ever"!!! The cabin was very clean and so well stocked with even more than we needed....even sippy cups for the baby. There was space for all. The kitchen was well appointed. Tons of (comfie) beds. And the full size washer/dryer was a huge bonus. What we really loved was the covered deck outside the main floor slider door.....it was completely safe for both the kids and the dogs, allowing us all to gather around the large table for meals and for the kids to play safely. The lake was shallow for a long way out and the dock was great. No sand for beach toys at the lake front, but the sand at the beach volleyball court and the zip line kept the grandsons busy. Tracey was a great host....very responsive and great communication.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

8/10 Good

John L.

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

July 8-15 2023

Most all enjoyed the stay. AC worked good on the main floor. Lower level was very cold. Upstairs bedroom was not very cool. We brought our own window AC for that room.Need to obtain a window room AC. Thermostat only on the main floor. Nice to have campfire provided. Washer and Dryer worked great. Extra small frig in lower level was an added bonus. One lounge chair on upper deck was broke. Metal stools around counter in kitchen were loose. We tighted up two of them. The fourth stool was broke(missing bolt on bottom leg).Two lights over the dining room table were burned out as well as the outdoor light on the lower deck. Bathroom tub in main floor was not draining well. Would appreciated a wall clock on main floor. TVs and Internet worked fine.There was a small leak in the water line dispenser on the frig in the kitchen. Numerous night lights out on deck to water. Swim area was great. Diaappointed no fishing off the dock especially for the kids) By the way fishing was terrible on the lake during the week. Grill worked great. Could use some new chairs around table on upper deck. Some were sagging. Looks like a little TLC needed around the place. Someone should case the place in between rentals for minor repairs. Lawn mowing should be done after guests check out. Lawn was being cut one evening during our dinner time. Was not fond of the walk to the dock on the water. Most of us would like to return rent again perhaps.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katherine B.

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

Love this lake

The house was really nice and comfortable. So light and bright. We love this lake and will be back again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Enjoyed our time

We did have a fantastic time while there. The Unsalted Mermaid was clean and had plenty of room. Nice private area. The lake was beautiful, water crystal clear. Would have like more of a sandy beach. Nice to have the two fire pits close to the house and by the water. Kayaking was nice and across the lake was the sand bar. We would recommend trying to find something to put down in place of the wood chips.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022