House

Quiet Retreat in the woods, near Empire Beach

Quiet Retreat in the woods, near Empire Beach

Photo gallery for Quiet Retreat in the woods, near Empire Beach

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.
Photo by John Finn
Photo by John Finn

Overview of Quiet Retreat in the woods, near Empire Beach

Reviews
10 out of 10 Exceptional
1 bedroom1+ bathroomSleeps 4111 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Outdoor space
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

empire, MI
  • Popular LocationSleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore13 min drive
  • Popular LocationGlen Lake13 min drive
  • Popular LocationSleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum25 min drive
  • AirportTraverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)41 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Quiet Retreat in the woods, near Empire Beach

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

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Outdoor space
Barbecue grill

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

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

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the area

Empire

Located in Empire, this vacation 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 water skiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with mountain biking and hiking.

What's nearby

  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 13 min drive
  • Glen Lake - 13 min drive
  • Little Glen Lake - 14 min drive
  • Empire Bluff Trail - 17 min drive
  • Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum - 25 min drive

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 93 out of 94 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 94 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 94 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 94 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 94 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Katherine L.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

About the host

Hosted by Hughthir White

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