24 Reviews of Property 308563 in Northport, Michigan

I literally just got home from a week at this cozy, comfortable, spacious house nestled in the Michigan woods. Everyone said they had a fantastic time, and the homey feel of the property was a huge part of that.
Some highlights:
-our very own fire pit, which we used nightly
-the complimentary paddle boats (2 2-seaters), kayak (also a 2-seater) and floaties -the front porch room where you're surrounded by forest
-the friendly caretaker/neighbor Al who took our recycling for us (thanks, Al!)
-the high-quality mattresses
-the hot tub which fits 8 people comfortably
-space for many a volleyball game (BYO net and ball, but poles are in place)

Some things to know:
-While this house is waterfront, and there is a sandy area, there is not what I would consider a proper beach. In other words, if you want to lay in the sun all day and have water lap at your toes, you may be slightly disappointed. There's basically a sandy patch, then a rock area, then a dock you walk across to access the water. On the plus side, the owners provide plenty of different sized water shoes you can throw on to go out into the shallow (and I mean VERY shallow, for the first 15 or 20 yards out), rock-studded water.
-I went with 18 friends in total, though people switched off throughout the week so we only had 14 at any given time. While there were sleeping accommodations enough for more, we all agreed that many more than 14 would have felt a bit crowded, maybe in part because we were all adults.
-The dining area only seats about 10 or 11, with an additional smaller table that we ended up temporarily moving next to the bigger one so everyone could sit together.
-The kitchen was extremely well stocked, though you may want to bring your own special chef's knife if you are serious about cooking. Also, the layout is a little narrow (the fridge is right across from the sink with little space in between). This mostly worked out fine, though, since we ended up using the downstairs fridge for backup beverages and snacks to minimize traffic.
-The nearest grocery store requires a bit of driving. The good one is about 15 minutes away, which isn't bad, but just something to be aware of.

All told, this is just a lovely place to stay, and reasonably priced for the amenities offered. I would definitely go back with a group of friends or a large family for a week away from the city!

I just returned home from our group's weekend stay at Roby's Retreat and couldn't wait to write a review on the house. This house was PERFECT for our girlfriends' wine tasting weekend. At first, we looked for hotels to stay in during our visit to the Traverse City area, but nothing quite fit. I started looking for other options and when I came across Roby's Retreat, I had a feeling I had found our home away from home for the weekend. Not to mention, it was cheaper per person to rent the house than it would have been to stay in individual hotel rooms - and I feel there were many, many more benefits to staying at the house. (And you cannot beat the view and location!)

There is great gathering space on the main and lower level, allowing our entire group to hang out
together. The house was very well equipped, the furnishings very comfortable, and everything was very clean. Everyone in the group loved this cottage and a few were even interested in possibly renting the home during the summer with their families.

What you read in the description and see in the photos accurately reflect the home. If you're looking for a cozy and homey cottage on the lake for a large group, this is it. There really could not have been a better place to stay for this event. The ladies can't wait for next year!

We rented this house this summer and we just had a blast there. We were a group of 14 adults and 5 kids. The house is very well maintained inside and outside the kids and adults had lot of fun with paddle boat and kayak. There is a volleyball net outside, and sand toys. We wish we planned to stay for one more day. Great house and the owner is a great communicator and very nice to interact with!

We had a group of 21 in for Memorial Day weekend, 2011, and can't wait to go back! Everyone in our group couldn't stop talking about what a great house and great location it was! Everything you can imagine or need is there - very well appointed!!

The house is about 26 miles away from downtown Traverse City, but nicely away from everything. Very quiet. :)

Our family spent a wonderful week at Roby's
Retreat. The house is very comfortable, the view on
the bay beautiful and the possibilities for young
and old to enjoy themselves numerous. Living
ourselves in Michigan, we were eager to show our
relatives from California and Europe the best
Michigan has to offer during our family reunion...
we succeeded!

A great place! The location, of course, is a great start, but only the start. We slept all 18 of us very comfortably. Everything necessary was supplied.A very comfy and nice place. The screened porch was great and the hot tub a wonderful addition. We couldn't have enjoyed our stay more. The fire pit was enjoyed two out of our three nights at your place and we hope our singing wasn't too loud, but we were having fun. The kids loved the paddle boat too.

Just a short note to say hi and let you know the clan really enjoyed our week together at Roby's Retreat in early August. Thanks for making it available. It is a lovely place in a beautiful area! The weather wasn't great but it didn't stop us from having a great time. I hope we can do it again.
-E.C. August, 2004

Just wanted to let you know that we all loved Roby's Retreat.... what a beautiful place! Somehow - despite all the beautiful pictures - you have to be there to really appreciate it. The screened in porch was especially nice since we all love to play cards and this enabled us to do that in the fresh air without the added "benefit" of bugs! We really lucked out on the weather too......Thanks again PV for such a great getaway!
-A.B. August, 2004