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Retreat in the woods, off the grid, 8 miles to empire beach

Overview Photos Map Calendar Rates Amenities Reviews (6)
 
 
 
Empire house rental - House in Summer
House in Summer
  • Empire house rental - House in Summer
    Mosaic tiled upstairs bath
    Kitchen
    Downstairs
    Upstairs
    Downstairs
  • Empire house rental - guest cabin
    guest cabin, cordwood sauna
    guest cabin, timber frame
    guest cabin, cordwood
    House in March
    House in Winter
 
Empire house rental - House in Summer

House in Summer

Mosaic tiled upstairs bath

Mosaic tiled upstairs bath

Kitchen

Kitchen

Downstairs

Downstairs

Upstairs

Upstairs

Downstairs

Downstairs

guest cabin

guest cabin

guest cabin, cordwood sauna

guest cabin, cordwood sauna

guest cabin, timber frame

guest cabin, timber frame

guest cabin, cordwood

guest cabin, cordwood

House in March

House in March

House in Winter

House in Winter

Per night (USD) $160 - $175
Per week $950 - $1,100
  • Bedrooms1
  • Sleeps4
  • 1 Bathroom, 
  • 1 Half Bath

Photos and Description of the Empire vacation house rental
1 bedrooms, 1 full bath, 1 half bath, sleeps 4

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, completely off the grid. We produce all our electricity using solar panels and wind generation. This retreat being 'off the grid' allows guests to experience living in an energy sustainable fashion, and requires a sensitivity to moderate energy use and a basic understanding of how alternative energy actually works. Guests will be given a simple explanation of how to monitor energy use versus energy gain. 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. Please inquire for details.

If you are looking for the peace and quiet of the woods, this is an ideal place to be. It is also a wonderful spot to experience off the grid, sustainable energy living.

More Details
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Overview Photos Map Calendar Rates Amenities Reviews (6)
Empire house rental - House in Summer

House in Summer

Mosaic tiled upstairs bath

Mosaic tiled upstairs bath

Kitchen

Kitchen

Downstairs

Downstairs

Upstairs

Upstairs

Downstairs

Downstairs

guest cabin

guest cabin

guest cabin, cordwood sauna

guest cabin, cordwood sauna

guest cabin, timber frame

guest cabin, timber frame

guest cabin, cordwood

guest cabin, cordwood

House in March

House in March

House in Winter

House in Winter

Overview Photos Map Calendar Rates Amenities Reviews (6)
Nearest Beach : beach at 8 Miles
Car: necessary
Overview Photos Map Calendar Rates Amenities Reviews (6)
Available
  
Unavailable
Special Offer
Updated:
May 6, 2013
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Go to the next month.
Changeover Day: sunday
Overview Photos Map Calendar Rates Amenities Reviews (6)

Rental Rates for this vacation house rental in Empire, Michigan

Rental Basis:
Per property
Rental rates quoted in:
US Dollar
Convert Currency
Rate Period Nightly Weekend Night Weekend Weekly Monthly Event Minimum Stay
 
off-peak
Apr 1 2013 - Jun 14 2013
$160
$160
$950
2 Nights
 
 
peak
Jun 15 2013 - Sep 15 2013
$175
$175
$1,100
2 Nights
 

Additional information about rental rates

Tax Rate 6.0%

Payment is usually accepted in the quoted currency (US Dollar) unless the currency and the amount is specifically agreed in advance with the owner / advertiser.

Notes

  • This retreat offers the option to rent the guest cabin for an additional $90:00 a night. Ideal for two couples who share the main house for meals and bath facilities, and then have completely private sleeping quarters. The guest cabin has a wood fired sauna which can be fired up for an additional fee. The guest cabin has no plumbing, but a port-a-potty is available. The guest cabin is a stones throw from main house, yet nicely private.


    Property is not available to rent from November to May.
  • Tax is additional.
Overview Photos Map Calendar Rates Amenities Reviews (6)

Accommodation and Amenities for this vacation house rental in Empire, Michigan

Property Type:
  • house
Floor Area:
  • 1200 sq. ft.
Location Type:
  • Lake
  • Rural
Theme:
  • Away From It All
  • Adventure
General:
  • Wood Stove
  • Local Maps
  • Internet
  • Alarm Clock
  • Telephone
  • Toilet Paper
Kitchen:
  • Refrigerator
  • Coffee Maker
  • Cooking Utensils
  • Coffee Grinder
  • Stove
  • Toaster
  • Blender
  • Pantry Items
  • Oven
  • Freezer
Dining:
  • Dining Area
  • seating for 6 people
Bathrooms:
  • 1 Bathroom, 
  • 1 Half Bath
  • Bathroom 1 - toilet , tub
    Bathroom 2 - toilet
Bedrooms:
  • 1 Bedroom, Sleeps 4
  • Bedroom 1 - 1 queen
    Bedroom 2 - 2 twin/ single
  • House has one master bedroom with queen bed. Two single sleeping options on main floor.
Entertainment:
  • Piano
  • Radio
  • Books
  • Stereo
  • Toys
Outside:
  • Lawn / Garden
  • Wood Deck
  • Binoculars
  • Outdoor Grill
  • Large Cooler
  • Beach Towels
Suitability:
  • non smoking only
  • unsuitable for elderly or infirm
  • pets not allowed
  • children welcome
Pool / Spa:
  • Sauna
Onsite Services:
  • Massage
Attractions:
  • cinemas
  • winery tours
  • library
  • restaurants
  • recreation center
  • museums
  • live theater
  • coin laundry
  • pond
Leisure Activities:
  • horseback riding
  • gambling casinos
  • bird watching
  • scenic drives
  • sight seeing
  • beachcombing
  • walking
Local Services & Businesses:
  • medical services
  • hospital
  • groceries
  • massage therapist
Sports & Adventure Activities:
  • sailing
  • swimming
  • pier fishing
  • wind-surfing
  • water skiing
  • golf
  • fishing
  • freshwater fishing
  • mountain biking
  • golf privileges optional
  • scuba diving or snorkeling
  • skiing
  • fly fishing
  • tennis
  • hiking
  • cycling
Overview Photos Map Calendar Rates Amenities Reviews (6)

Reviews for this vacation house rental in Empire, Michigan

Retreat in the woods, off the grid, 8 miles to empire beach
average rating of 5.0 based on 6 reviews
business
Retreat in the woods, off the grid, 8 miles to empire beach
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p235456
+1 231-326-5984
Empire Sleeping Bear Dunes
St. Clair Shores, MI
5

A Picture Is Worth A 1000 Words? Not this time!

5 of 5
Submitted: April 9, 2009 Stayed: April 2009
Way to go Hughthir! We were wondering when you would decide that you should let the world know about this gem of yours. Folks, you can be assured that my wife Kathie and I are looking over our schedule for this summer ... and the fall ... to see when we can get the time away to enjoy this opportunity. I can tell you this from our many visits to the property over the past few years: This home and setting are magnificent, and extremely well priced for what you will be getting for your money. From the moment you pull off the road onto the two-track back into the woods you start to feel the serenity of nature at its best. Don't pass this one up folks. Take it from a city boy who is stuck in the hussle and bussle of the work-world WAY too much: This is it! And I can promise that once you do rent Hughthir's place you will ABSOLUTELY want to come back again and again. And that's just the way it really is!
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Pet-friendly, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Young Children, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 3/3
business
Retreat in the woods, off the grid, 8 miles to empire beach
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p235456
+1 231-326-5984
Empire Sleeping Bear Dunes
5

Forest Retreat

5 of 5
Submitted: July 27, 2011 Stayed: July 2011
This is a beautiful, wooded home which you will never want to leave! Our family had such a great time. If you like to explore the forest and revel in nature, this is a great choice for a vacation home. The owner is a great host, and is helpful but also very respectful of privacy. We can't wait to visit this green house next year! Thanks - the kids say this was the best vacation ever.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children, People with Disabilities, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
Retreat in the woods, off the grid, 8 miles to empire beach
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p235456
+1 231-326-5984
Empire Sleeping Bear Dunes
Cincinnati, Ohio
5

Great place to relax and forget about it all

5 of 5
Submitted: July 13, 2010 Stayed: July 2010
We loved the house, it's simply but beautifully constructed and very well appointed for a rental cabin. There were plenty of interesting books to read, and the kitchen was very well supplied with everything we needed for cooking. Being 'off the grid' was not a problem at all, the house has a simple yet very elegant solar/wind system that was more than for lights and everything else we needed. The owner is an excellent guy who is more than happy to go the extra mile to make his guests feel comfortable and at home. If you're vacationing in the area, this place is a bargain and just far away enough from all the madness in Traverse City (but not too far to make it inconvenient to get there), and very close to some of the best beaches on Lake Michigan. You won't be disappointed!
Recommended for:  Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
Retreat in the woods, off the grid, 8 miles to empire beach
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p235456
+1 231-326-5984
Empire Sleeping Bear Dunes
Fenton, MI
5

Off the grid

5 of 5
Submitted: November 10, 2009 Stayed: October 2009
The home is better than the pictures. My wife and I took our three kids for a 3 day weekend and loved every minute. We were inside more than we liked due to rain, but we didn't feel hemmed in. In fact the fire, book, and nap did us well.

Hughthir is a wonderful host and has a real gem worth seeing and staying at. It was the best up north weekend I have had in many years.
Recommended for:  Adventure Seekers
Helpful votes: 1/1
business
Retreat in the woods, off the grid, 8 miles to empire beach
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p235456
+1 231-326-5984
Empire Sleeping Bear Dunes
New York
5

Charming retreat in the woods

5 of 5
Submitted: August 19, 2009 Stayed: June 2009
This property is clean, comfortable and quiet. Off the grid does not mean primitive! It is located in a beautiful meadow between the happening town of Traverse City, Michigan, near the music arts camp Interlochen, and the incredible dune coastline of Empire. The proprietor is friendly, nearby, but not imposing. A small, spring fed lake and acres of woods make hiking, canoeing, and nature watching ideal activities. You may not get to town! A beautiful summer retreat, but may also be fun in the winter season!
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Adventure Seekers, Girls Getaway, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Romantic Getaway
Helpful votes: 1/1
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Payment Methods
Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
Contact the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.

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