House

Unique getaway near Huron National Forest, Lake Huron, and Harrisville Marina.

Unique getaway near Huron National Forest, Lake Huron, and Harrisville Marina.

Photo gallery for Unique getaway near Huron National Forest, Lake Huron, and Harrisville Marina.

Untouched photo taken w/ an iPhone 6Splus. Stunning sunset & unobstructed view.
The Old Country Church is located in a documented Michigan ghost town.
The Church is on the forgotten corner of Sixth and Main Street.
Front entrance.
Welcome basket of snacks.

Overview of Unique getaway near Huron National Forest, Lake Huron, and Harrisville Marina.

9.0 out of 10 Wonderful
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6139 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Check out the area

Harrisville, MI
  • Popular LocationLakewood Shores Resort - The Gailes Golf Course32 min drive
  • Popular LocationLakewood Shores Resort - Serradella Golf Course32 min drive
  • Popular LocationLakewood Shores Resort - Blackshire Golf Course37 min drive
  • AirportEast Tawas, MI (ECA-Iosco County)42 min drive

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

Bedroom 2

Bedroom 3

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Unique getaway near Huron National Forest, Lake Huron, and Harrisville Marina.

Minutes from beaches on Lake Huron's shore, and Huron National Forest with its 330 miles of trails and excellent hunting. Come set up your own getaway home base at the unique Old Country Church.

Enjoy this central location for the many activities which Northeast Michigan is famous for. From self-guided Lighthouse tours to fishing abundant area trout streams and lakes, boating and canoeing along the Au Sable River, swimming or picnicking at the pristine public parks and beaches of Lake Huron - and so much more - the Old Country Church is a perfect vacation home-base for the places and adventures that are waiting for you to explore in Michigan's great north country!

Several golf courses are also located close by, about 10 to 15 minutes away, including Greenbush Golf Course, Springport Golf Course, and Lakewood Shores Golf Course.

To start, bring your fishing pole and fish off the bridge in the east branch of the Pine River which is just a quick walk down the road.

In 2021, the Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit was held nearby in Oscoda, Michigan on July 17 and 18. The weather was great and it was a pleasure to host 6 guests who participated and get a close-up look at their amazing fishing boats!

Now that Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport is ready to launch Michigan's first horizontal launch spaceport, we look forward to welcoming guests for short or long term stays who will be working on the project

This is also a relaxing retreat place for writers, poets, photographers, quilters, and hunters.

This 125-year-old church has been simply and comfortably renovated into a unique country getaway and has a large yard with shady apple and pine trees.

This space is uniquely located in a documented Michigan ghost town, which was once a productive lumbering town until the early 1900's when the local post office finally closed due to the dramatic decrease in population once lumbering interests were exhausted. The Old Country Church is one of the last 4 remaining original buildings in this ghost town. It was built from the lumber which was milled right here in this area in the 1800s. Slight blade marks can still be seen on some of the boards of the newly restored and refinished original hardwood floors.

Curiously, Fifth and Sixth Street (which still host street signs) mark roads that gently lead to nowhere and fade away into fields of forgotten memories. It is on one of those streets that the Old Country Church is located, there on the left-behind corner of Sixth and Main.

The kitchen, located on the former "altar" area, is equipped with a stainless steel stove and refrigerator. It has new appliances, a Kitchenaide mixer, microwave, quality pots and pans, matching dish wear, bake wear, coffee maker, coffee grinder, teapot, toaster, blender, matching cutlery, and a variety of utensils for a complete kitchen.

The living room has comfortable brand new couches and a bookshelf with a variety of titles for your reading pleasure. There is also a smart TV, and ROKU.

Cozy, modest bedrooms, with high-quality bedding, each accommodate 2 guests and are as described below:

- Master Bedroom has a queen-size bed with new mattresses, a large dresser, and a closet.
- First Guest Bedroom has a queen-size bed and bureau (see the update note in the next paragraph).
- Second Guest Bedroom has 2 twin beds - all new mattresses - a dresser, and a small closet.

BEDROOM UPDATE:
We continually work hard to provide our guests with comfortable and high-quality appointments. To that end, we are excited to share the following news:
- In late August 2021, the Master Bed Room was made over to feature a complete set of exquisite, vintage, Ethan Allen bedroom furniture in solid cherry wood.
- First Guest Bedroom double bed has been replaced with a comfortable Queen size bed (with new mattresses), and vintage maple wood furniture.

LIVING ROOM
The living room has brand new furniture, plus an antique desk - circa 1920

BATHROOM
There is one shared bathroom. It is modern and has a shower and a bathtub, and a new elongated toilet. High-quality, matching towels, hand towels, and washcloths are provided. Bring your own toiletries.

RECENT IMPROVEMENTS AND UPDATES
- Internet service became available in our area for the very first time in early 2021. We are now able to offer Internet connection through Frontier Communications (approximately 250 Mpbs download/upload).
- New roof installation.
- New drilled well (landscaping pending line settling).
- New, elongated toilet installed.
- Air conditioner window unit installed in the dining room.
- ROKU device provided.
- Full size, stainless steel refrigerator, and matching appliances.
- Dishwasher
- Oak dining set with matching chairs.
- A water softener is scheduled for installation in November 2021.
- A Speed Queen stacked washer and dryer is scheduled for installation (conveniently located for easy use) in November 2021.

Because this place is nestled so near to thousands of acres of National Forest land, the surrounding countryside is burgeoning with wildlife. Guests enjoy bird sightings that include cranes, wild turkeys, geese, hawks, owls, and Bald Eagles - just to name a few. Herds of deer can be seen both near and far away. At night, the spectacular and nearly unobstructed views of northern and western skies resemble a dark sky park, and it is not uncommon to see the northern lights. Coyotes are also frequently heard howling at night in the distance, and that becomes the perfect time for telling stories outdoors around the fire ring!

Enjoy the use of the large fire ring with a grill top which allows you to build a fire and grill to perfection. Grilling utensils provided. Wood is provided daily and included in your stay. Extra wood is available to purchase. A picnic table and yard furniture are also available for you to relax with and enjoy.

There is parking for up to 6 guest vehicles and also plenty of space for guests to park their fishing boats, snowmobiles, or ATVs. Again, parking is a guest-only amenity.

Motor home parking can be available (self-contained only, separate extra fee required, please contact me for more information).

Beautifully scenic and paved country roads invite you to walk the "4-mile square", or ride your bike even further.

This is a country getaway at its best, far away from traffic, city lights, and urban hustle! The pace is slow and uncomplicated here.

The Old Country Church is located just a few miles from Huron National Forest, and 10 miles from the city of Harrisville, Lake Huron, Harrisville State Park, and beautiful Harrisville Harbor.

There are many outdoor activities within a short ride - swimming, boating, hunting, hiking, Michigan's very first Quilt Trail, seasonal Farmers Markets, bird-watching (the habitat of the rare Kirkland Warbler is located only about 45 minutes away!), biking, apple picking, antiquing, or a visit to Amish country - just to name a few. And, on Labor Day weekend, the city of Harrisville hosts the 2nd largest craft show in the state of Michigan!

While you are here, don't forget to visit Iargo Springs, and Lumbermen's Monument, located in Oscoda, Michigan. It is definitely worth the drive to get there!

I also highly recommend that you check out Oscoda Canoe Rental, and take a canoe, kayak, or tubing trip down the AuSable River. They are a great company, and it is an amazing experience that you and your family are sure to enjoy. I personally make time to take my family "tubing" several times a month during the summer.

Other nice nearby towns (within about 10 to 45 minutes or less) include Lincoln, Alpena, Oscoda, Hubbard Lake, Tawas, Mio, and Glennie.

INTERNET
WiFi internet connection (approximately 250 Mpbs download/upload) is available through Frontier Communications - speed may vary. Cell phone service through Verizon works fairly well here, and guests have told me that Alltel service works well in this area too, but I do not have personal experience with that company.

Guests have access to the entire living space.

The first-floor entry room is also available for use for coats, footwear, and luggage.

I want you to be comfortable and to enjoy your stay. If you need assistance with anything, please let me know. Most of the time, there is someone available to visit with you personally - I live right nearby as do several members of my family who live near the Old Country Church - so, we are always in sight! Also, you will have my phone number when you book this space so please call me directly if you have any questions.

Please note, there are neighbors nearby.

This is a rural area. Walking and bicycling on country roads is a favorite pastime, and the surrounding roads are mostly paved.

We are located about 10 miles west of Lake Huron and the charming little city of downtown Harrisville. Oscoda is located approximately 25 minutes south, and Alpena is located approximately 40 minutes north.

Huron National Forest is just a few miles away.

Be mindful of the fact that while the address is listed as being "Harrisville", the Old Country Church is not located in Harrisville proper. Remember, the Old Country Church really is in a ghost town, and over 100 years ago, Harrisville picked up the postal route in the early 1900s when the post office here closed. So, the Old Country Church is actually located about 10 miles west of Harrisville - but don't let the location confuse you!

PET NOTES
To ensure that the quality of the furniture, the beds, and the overall space of the Old Country Church is carefully preserved for the enjoyment and benefit of all present and future guests, we do not allow dogs, cats, or any other animals at this time.

We appreciate the understanding of our wonderful and thoughtful guests as we continue to preserve and improve this historic building, now known as Old Country Church.

Links to detailed area brochures are provided to guests at the time of booking.

Property manager

John Parsons

Amenities

Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed
I must be notified in advance and approve plans.

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Please do not smoke indoors.

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
Note from host: I must be notified in advance and approve plans.
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the area

Harrisville

Located in Harrisville, this vacation home is in a rural area. Lakewood Shores Resort - Blackshire Golf Course and Lakewood Shores Resort - The Gailes Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Huron and Huron-Manistee National Forest. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Harrisville State Park - 16 min drive
  • Harrisville State Park Beach - 18 min drive
  • Lakewood Shores Resort - The Gailes Golf Course - 32 min drive
  • Lakewood Shores Resort - Serradella Golf Course - 32 min drive
  • Lakewood Shores Resort - Blackshire Golf Course - 37 min drive

Getting around

  • Alpena, MI (APN-Alpena County Regional) - 58 min drive

Restaurants

  • Backwoods Bistro - 13 min drive
  • Iron Skillet - 13 min drive
  • Northern Michigan Golf Carts - 13 min drive
  • Mikado Tavern - 10 min drive
  • Durfees Village Restaurant - 13 min drive

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

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

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.0/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Andrea L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family visit
The old church was a great place to stay. We all enjoyed the peace and quiet.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

6/10 Okay

Jesse T.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Old church
The property was close to a graduation party we were going to. The area is nice but dogs barking in the distance was annoying. Also the property shares a driveway with a home set back behind the church. We felt like we were not as secluded as I would have liked. Well water did smell stronger than most houses with a well. No instructions on what to do with trash during our stay. Overall the place was decent and it is unique.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Pauly P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice place.
It was all we could ask for.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Frank C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Work house
Very quite for us seeing that we had to work a night shift. Loved the remodel of the old church. Will stay again.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2021
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Glenn M.

It was a nce quiet house in the country. We stayed four nights and really enjoyed it.
The house was clean and well accessoried for cooking and dining. We enjoyed the fire pit on several evenings.

About the host

Hosted by John Parsons

Host profile image
My name is John, and I am delighted to welcome you to the Old Country Church.

I was born just 1/4 mile west of the Old Country Church at our family home. During the summer months as a boy, I walked past (and admired) the Old Country Church several times a week with my older siblings to go fishing and tubing in the Pine River which is just about 2 blocks past the church building to the east. The Pine River was always a great place to trout fish, and still is!

After high school, I went to college, worked in the oil industry in North Dakota, and I joined the Navy Reserves and did a tour of duty. I really enjoy being a reservist, and I am proud of being a part of the U. S. Military.

I moved back here to Alcona County and purchased a farm of my own just 1/4 mile to the east of the Old Country Church. It is at my farm where guests of the Old Country Church can take nature walks on 80 acres of rolling fields and forest.

In early 2016, I had the opportunity to acquire the Old Country Church and with the help of my family, I worked on renovations throughout the spring and summer months. All of the rooms (walls and ceilings) have a fresh coat of high quality Valspar paint, and all of the floors have been sanded and refinished. I really appreciate my sister, Hannah, who took time off from her job as an RN to travel here from NC to help out and polyurethane all of the floors - nice job!

Anyway, I had a new hot water heater, gas stove and refrigerator installed, plus, nearly all of the ceiling light fixtures are now newly replaced.

The picnic table in the yard was built by a local craftsman, and because I enjoy grilling over a bed of nice hardwood coals, I figured that my guests would too, so I put in a fire ring with a grill for the best cook-out experience possible.

I have to admit, I love this area. It is beautiful and serene, and there is a great deal to do here, and an incredible number of things to see and places to visit.

Why they chose this property

This Old Country Church is a part of my earliest childhood memories. I knew the man who lived here when I was growing up. As a teenager, I worked for him on a number of different projects. He has since passed away, but I remember him fondly, and I am glad for the opportunity to carry on with the preservation work that he started on this church building.

I also love history. And this is a historical place because of being located in a documented Michigan ghost town. This area was once a part of Michigan's vast lumbering industry, and this church was built from the lumber that was milled right here in this little bygone town. There are historical pictures and other items of interest to commemorate those bygone days.

I am grateful to own a tiny piece of American history, in this place, and I am pleased to share it with others.

What makes this property unique

I am inspired by imagining the pioneers who settled here and built this special place. This church was entirely constructed from the hand-sawed and hand-hewn trees that grew here, and the laborers were men, and their families, who shared their American dream to work hard and carve out lives for themselves right here in what was once the wilds of one of the forests of Michigan. Their craftsmanship was primitive but solid, plain but noble, and their intentions were earnest and sincere. Their lives were a part of the vivid tapestry of the great American experience, and they built this church as a commitment to, and an expression of, their faith. I really respect that.

The views to the north west are sweeping and beautiful and the sunsets are breathtaking. Wildlife is abundant and howling coyotes are often near.
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