Quiet Retreat in the woods, near Empire Beach

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Entire home

Welcome to Hughthir's Artist Retreat!
Photo by John Finn, 2015

Main-floor Kitchen. Lots of counter-space, gas stove.
Photo by John Finn.

View of Kitchen/Dining Rooms and Living Room in background. Photo by John Finn.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location
Host

1 bedroom1+ bathroomSleeps 4111 sq m

Popular amenities

Kitchen

Barbecue grill

Washer

Outdoor space

Check out the area

empire, MI

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore13 min drive
Glen Lake13 min drive
Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum25 min drive
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)41 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio

Kitchen

Garden

Dining Area

About this property

Our retreat is located on 120 acres of beautiful wooded land in Leelanau county. To arrive you drive on a well maintained two track through a lovely woods. When you step out of your car, you truly understand the notion of 'getting away.'

House is a 1200 sq ft timber frame,mortice and tenon frame, with stress skin panels. Custom made cabinets. House is a simple yet elegant design.

The kitchen is nicely equipped, with a nice collection of cook books. Also a nice collection of reading books. A good place for quiet contemplation.

The house comfortably sleeps four guests.

There is good hiking right out the front door!

We are located 9 miles to Empire Beach, and 18 miles from Traverse City.

This region is renowned for its natural beauty, the spectacular sand beaches of Lake Michigan, the vineyards and cherry orchards of Leelanau County. The closest golf course is four miles away. Empire is the gateway to the 70,000 acre national park, Sleeping Bear Dunes. No shortage of skiing, hiking, beach combing, canoeing, fishing and peace and quiet.

We are located only twenty minutes to Traverse City, which offers many fine dining possibilities as well as the newly renovated State Theater, home of the Traverse City Film Festival.

An additional timber framed guest cabin is available, a stones throw from the house. For an additional $75 you may have use of this cabin.

There is a cordwood sauna also available. It is wood fired. You can take advantage of a nice hot sauna by arranging with your host, for an additional rate of $60.

If you are looking for the peace and quiet of the woods, this is an ideal place to be.

Property manager

Hughthir White

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Find out more

Amenities

Kitchen

Washer

Outdoor space

Barbecue grill

I finally got a red door, front of house

Kitchen

Washer

Dryer

Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.

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

On-site 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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Empire

Located in Empire, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan. Discover the area's water adventures with scuba diving and waterskiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with horse riding and cycling.

View more Holiday homes in Empire

empire, MI

What's nearby

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 13 min drive
Glen Lake - 13 min drive
Little Glen Lake - 14 min drive
Crystal River - 21 min drive
Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum - 25 min drive

Getting around

Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 41 min drive

Restaurants

Papa J's Pizzeria - 16 min drive
Peg Town Station - 11 min drive
La Becasse Restaurant - 8 min drive
Broomstack Kitchen And Taphouse - 12 min drive
Food For Thought - 17 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Quiet Retreat in the woods, near Empire Beach pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Quiet Retreat in the woods, near Empire Beach?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Quiet Retreat in the woods, near Empire Beach?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Quiet Retreat in the woods, near Empire Beach located?

Situated on a lake, this holiday home is within 9 miles (15 km) of Glen Lake, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Bright Lake. Little Glen Lake and Philip A. Hart Visitor Center are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Katherine L., Grand Rapids, Michigan

8 Oct 2023

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

Five Star Rave

Our family Fall Getaway in Hughthir’s lovely place was one of THE BEST experiences we’ve had in a VRBO—setting, property, home feng sui, convenient location (between our beloved Empire and the activity of Traverse City) and Hughthir’s hospitality ALL converged for this “rave review”.!

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shannon D.

5 Jun 2023

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

Perfection!

Our second visit was even better than the first! From the peaceful surroundings with lots of wildlife to Hughthir’s excellent ability to be available but not intrusive to the feeling of peace one gets when immersed in architectural greatness this place doesn’t disappoint.

Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ellen W.

6 Nov 2022

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

Quiet Getaway

Beautiful cabin in lovely surroundings. Hughthir has crafted an amazing cabin, which he graciously shares with the rest of us. All other reviewers have eloquently and accurately described this charming cabin and attuned host. Our stay was a welcome balm during a difficult year.

Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jason S., Madison, VA

28 Sept 2022

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

Another lovely stay

Uniquely comfortable and charming house sited adjacent to a small lake is a wonderful and relaxingly calm place to stay. Hughthir is a relaxed, but prompt and attentive host.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lanie S.

19 Jul 2022

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

Cabin in the woods

The online pictures do not do justice to this home. We absolutely loved our stay and can’t wait to go back next year. Everything about this home is perfect and provides the perfect spot for a relaxing vacation.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022