Nestled in Houghton Lake, Michigan, Mallard Duck Retreat offers a cozy haven within walking distance of the largest inland lake. This charming cottage features a private backyard perfect for relaxing and entertaining, complete with two decks and a unique outdoor fire pit. With Smart TVs in every room including Roku and high-speed WiFi 300 Mbps mesh system, you can unwind after exploring the nearby trail head or kayaking on the lake.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6
Popular amenities
Kitchen
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.
Mallard Duck Retreat at the Lake
Summary: Enjoy Northern Michigan at Mallard Duck Retreat in Houghton Lake, Michigan! Welcome, this cozy cottage is within walking distance of the largest inland lake in Michigan on a quiet street with lake-end access. The retreat is perfectly set up for guests to enjoy outdoor activities. We are calling all lake lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This home has a true cottage atmosphere. The highlight of the space is the private backyard perfect for relaxing, entertaining, libations, and stargazing.
The Space: The Mallard Duck Retreat has 2 bedrooms and sleeper sofa (bedding and pillows in primary bedroom closet) in the main cottage AND has super sweet bunkhouse in the backyard complete with heat/AC that can sleep 5 comfortably- perfect for the kiddos.
While the home is equipped to host up to 5 adults and 5 children (bunkhouse beds), we think a perfect group size is 4-6 people in the main home. We’re happy to host all 10, but keep in mind it will be little bit cozier and will be utilizing the bunkhouse for sleeping.
There is one full bathroom (small shower/no bath) complete with all your toiletry needs and other grooming essentials. The living room has a couch with a chaise and converts into a full-size bed to sleep two extra guests. The living room is completed with 65-inch TV with Roku on a built-in fireplace for extra heat and ambiance and for those cold winter nights. The full-sized kitchen is equipped with all major appliances and a sweet coffee station.
Is that a cloud you’re sleeping on? Nope, that’s the just memory foam mattress in the primary bedroom and for the traditionalist there is a standard mattress in the second bedroom. We also have different types of pillows for different needs. Thoughtfulness and comfort were indeed placed on providing a peaceful sleep in the retreat.
The cottage is situated on two lots with a fenced-in backyard and very private. The backyard boasts two deck and sweet bunkhouse and porch. There is a gas grill available for all your BBQ needs. Check out the pictures of the unique outdoor fire pit… can we say S’mores and libations! Firewood is available in the garage.
Guest Access: -- Double Lot – Perfect for Entertaining -- Large Garage – lots of space for toy storage -- Ample Parking -- RV Parking Available with Electrical Hookup (Additional Cost) -- Bunkhouse: Sleeps 5 –dedicated area for the children (ladder/loft/. bunkbed = fall risk) OR a secluded work space (mesh wifi) complete with MiniSplit Heating & Cooling -- Full Kitchen -- 2 Outdoor Decks for Entertaining -- Close Access to Trail Head -- Lake End Access -- Kayaks Available for Use (2) & Bicycles -- Smart TVs in every room (including bunkhouse) complete with Roku -- Mesh System: High Speed Wifi 300 Mbps -- Central Heating -- Laundromat less than 0.5 miles away -- Mid Term Stays Allowed – Weekly & Monthly Discounts -- Full-Size Mirror and Makeup Mirror -- Unique private outdoor firepit (wood available upon request) -- Outdoor BBQ Grill -- Seasonal AC Unit for those hot summer nights -- Easy Keyless Self Check-In /Smart Lock -- Spacious backyard situated on 2 lots
The Neighborhood: Houghton Lake, Michigan, United States
The cottage is in the heart of Houghton Lake, MI with a short walk down the street to the lake with lake access. Enjoy the views of the lake from the front deck.
The cottage is on a road across the street from Camping World and you can literally walk to Bucilli’s Pizza... yum. The cottage is a short drive from Walmart with grocery store pickup and Family Fare with Door Dash.
There are also many great local spots to get a meal and beverages within walking distance.
The Mallard Duck Retreat is conveniently located less than ½ mile from the trail head perfect you ORV'ers :)
Getting Around: There is enough parking on the long-driveway, deep garage and a second lot that can accommodate four vehicles and extra parking for an RV, travel trailer, etc.
Other Things to Note: Sure, eating at all the great restaurants in town is fun, but sometimes we need a home cooked meal. The home comes with a full dining table and chairs. Prepare meals in a fully equipped kitchen with plenty of plate ware, pots/pans, complimentary coffee bar (tea, decaf, regular, flavorings), spice racks, microwave, toaster, kettle, and brita water pitcher (cottage has well water).
The decks have tables and seating with lounge seating to enjoy that lake air. There are additional camping chairs, beach blankets, kayaks (2), life jackets, and several outdoor games like Giant Jenga and bocci ball to enjoy. There is also a gas grill available for use.
Furthermore, we have compiled a list of things to do and places to go such as golf courses, marinas, hiking trails, snowmobile trails, beaches, restaurants and bars, and more.
Camera disclosure: For the security of our guests and maintaining the safety of our home we have two outdoor cameras that face the driveway and one facing second lot and are actively recording with the sound turned off.
If you have any questions we didn’t answer, please don’t hesitate to ask. We would be happy to provide you with any information that we can make your stay a memorable 5 star stay.
We treat our guests like friends so don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks for reading, we’re happy to have you. Kindly, Clint & Steph
Interaction with Guests: I will be available via phone/texting throughout your stay for any needs/questions/concerns.
We treat our guests like friends, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks for reading, we’re happy to have you.
Property amenities
Kitchen
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Stovetop
Toaster
Bedrooms
2 bedrooms
Sofa bed
Bathroom
1 bathroom
Shower
Entertainment
TV
Outdoor areas
Gas grill
Porch/lanai
Comfort
Heating
Pets
No pets allowed
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoking not allowed
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Rules
House Expectations:
Check-In: 4PM - 1AM
Check-Out: 10AM
No smoking
No parties or events whatsoever
No Pets allowed (except for service animals)
Pets
Pets not allowed
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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
Property is also known as
63f7a9afcce6260037f42bcc
About the neighborhood
MI, Houghton Lake
What's nearby
Houghton Lake - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
White Deer Country Club - 4 min drive - 3.7 km
Pineview Highlands Golf Course - 5 min drive - 4.4 km
Roscommon Township Hall - 13 min drive - 12.7 km
South Higgins Lake State Park - 25 min drive - 21.9 km
Restaurants
McDonald's - 2 min drive
Taco Bell - 12 min walk
MJ's Eatery - 10 min drive
Frog Tiki bar - 7 min drive
Mj’s Burritos - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Mallard Duck Retreat at the Lake pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
What time is check-in at Mallard Duck Retreat at the Lake?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Mallard Duck Retreat at the Lake?
Check-out is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Mallard Duck Retreat at the Lake located?
Situated in Prudenville, this vacation home is 0.4 mi (0.7 km) from Houghton Lake and within 3 mi (5 km) of White Deer Country Club and Houghton Lake Public Library. Pineview Highlands Golf Course and Denton Township Park are also within 3 mi (5 km).
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