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Private Waterfront - Basford & Big Star Lake

Beachfront cottage for sun and fun

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Exterior
Property grounds
Property grounds
Dining
Property grounds

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 123000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Washer

Explore the area

View in a map
Baldwin, MI
  • Place, Basford Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Big Star Lake
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Cecilia Lake
    ‪3 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Baldwin

This cottage places you next to Huron-Manistee National Forest and Basford Lake. The cottage includes a kitchen, a fireplace, and a balcony.
View more Cottages in BaldwinOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Basford Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Big Star Lake - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Duck Lake - 11 min walk - 0.6 miles
  • Cecilia Lake - 3 min drive - 1.2 miles
  • Gifford Lake - 3 min drive - 1.1 miles

Restaurants

  • ‪Marquette Trails Restuarant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪876 - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Dairy Queen - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Debbie's Sportsman's Lounge - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Northern Exposure Cafe - ‬15 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Private Waterfront - Basford & Big Star Lake

Welcome to one of the most desirable, all-season properties on a beautiful, private lake located in the heart of the Manistee National Forest. Featuring 4 large Bedrooms & 2 Full baths. Soak up the sun on 100 feet of private, sugar-sand beach with a long dock for lake fun. Enjoy fishing, hiking, biking, ATV and snowmobile trails, world class trout streams. Paddle boats, 2 Kayaks, 2 Paddle Boards, and swim raft – Fun for the whole family! Ping-pong, Air Hockey, corn hole, horseshoes, massive fire pit, NEW grill, resort beach chairs and hammock, and tons of parking. Truly a Vacation getaway with all the comforts of home! Enjoy the best Northern Michigan has to offer with spacious & private accommodations and make life long memories at Basford Lake House. 2 Acre Private Setting in the middle of all the activities.
Basford Lake - Trolling Motors Only & Big Star Lake (across the street) is All Sports. We have special deeded access to Big Star via an 8' wide easement nearby.

King Bed, 2 Queen Beds, Twin over Full Bunk, Twin over Twin Bunk, & Twin Bed

Provided: Some Firewood, Coffee, Detergent, Body Wash, Toilet Paper, Linens, Towels, Cable, Internet, Kayaks, Tubes, Paddleboats, etc. (Can Purchase Additional Firewood on-site with advance notice).
The cottage is air-conditioned and features a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, and a balcony, and there's space to spread out with 4 bedrooms. Guests can enjoy a Smart TV and stay connected with free WiFi. The bathroom offers a jetted tub and hair dryers. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a fireplace, and a coffee maker.

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Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Kitchen island
  • Kitchenette
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Jetted bathtub
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Office

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • 2 pets total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Designated smoking areas
  • Note from host: Smoking Fines for smoking inside

Services and conveniences

  • Phone

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Arcade/game room
  • Boat
  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 3,000 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs only
  • 2 total (50 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Restrictions apply
  • For more information, guests can reach out to the property at the number on the booking confirmation
  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Note from host: Pets = House Trained & No Chewing (puppies)

Children and extra beds

  • Note from host: Perfect for Children

Events

Events allowed: family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings
All Events must be approved by Owner

Smoking

Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Smoking Fines for smoking inside

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 20
Note from host: All Events must be approved by Owner
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 25

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Parties and events (including family gatherings, birthday parties and weddings) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 20.
  • Note from host: All Events must be approved by Owner
  • Onsite safety features include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock.

Property is also known as

Private Waterfront Basford Big Star Lake
New! Private Waterfront Basford Big Star Lake

Frequently asked questions

What can I see around this cottage?

This cottage is located in Baldwin, just steps from Huron-Manistee National Forest and Basford Lake, and within a short walk of Big Star Lake. You'll also find Cecilia Lake and Duck Lake less than a mile away.

Is there parking available at this cottage?

Yes, there is a garage.

Is this cottage adjacent to a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

What amenities will couples enjoy at Private Waterfront - Basford & Big Star Lake?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this beachfront cottage include a fireplace and a jetted bathtub in each accommodation with some featuring beach views.

Does Private Waterfront - Basford & Big Star Lake have a hot tub?

No, but all accommodations at this cottage have jetted bathtubs.

Does this cottage provide breakfast?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this cottage allow pets to stay for free?

Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cottage.

Does this cottage have connecting rooms?

No, this cottage doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

Are there rooms with balconies at Private Waterfront - Basford & Big Star Lake?

Yes, every accommodation at Private Waterfront - Basford & Big Star Lake comes with a balcony with some featuring beach views.

Reviews

Private Waterfront - Basford & Big Star Lake Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 40 out of 44 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 44 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 44 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Corrie W.

Liked: Cleanliness

It was a great stay! The kids all had a blast!

It was a great stay! The kids all had a blast! There was so much for them to do; kayak, paddle board, paddle boat (the rudder was broken so the kids just used oars), fishing (we brought our own poles, but I saw one or two in the shed), catching turtles at the end of the dock, catching frogs on the beach, and swimming. The beach was very nice, however the path from the house to the beach was a bit treacherous. The house was clean. The beds comfortable. The showers small (the water pressure was excellent, but the temperature bounced from hot to cold). There was a tv in almost every room. The kids loved the air hockey table! Out of our 4 night stay, we left the house once for ice cream. It was a great place to just be.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Marc B.

Nice lake

First the host is easy to communicate with and accommodating. The lake is beautiful and will keep everyone entertained. However our weekend was full of storms leading to more time inside. We had a family of 9. 7 adults and two older teens. There wasn’t enough comfortable seating inside to be together. The showers are incredibly small and not the cleanest. The entire cabin was not the cleanest we have been to. But easy to make do. The biggest issue was the temperature control. My mother in law has lupus and needs it to be cooler for her. We did get the host to allow us to control the thermostat. However we quickly realized the lack of vents. We had to position fans to more evenly distribute the air. The bed in the downstairs single room is insanely uncomfortable. It dips in every direction and the window has no cover so it’s incredibly bright very early! The pontoon was a blast. Lots of turtles to be seen. Dishes left something to be desired. Bring your own pans as I wish I had. Grill worked great! Kids had fun playing games as well. Good time was had but we wouldn’t repeat visit.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kathy D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Christmas Break Vacation

We really enjoyed our stay. There was lots of room for all 12 of us. The large downstairs bedroom with the TV and lots of floor space was great for the older kids and the sunroom area was perfect for the little ones. The air hockey was a hit and we even had a tournament. The kitchen was nicely stocked with lots of cooking and baking pans and serving bowls. There was plenty of table service, cups and glasses for all of us. The communication with the property owner was very timely. I would recommend this home to anyone.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Yvette M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful!

The property was very clean and well maintained. Pictures were accurate. The family had a great time!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Monica S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice place

This was a nice place for the family to stay. Large beach was nice, water toys wonderful. House was nice, only downside was the showers were really small and the water would run from extremes of hot to cold out of the blue.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Daniel R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful

Stayed here with extended family, adult kids and grand kids.Everything was great, time with family with plenty to do for everyone with the lake, beach, games, and just relaxing. the hosts were great with communication, flexibility, and friendliness. Looking forward already to staying again.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Missee F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family get away 2023

We like to spend a week in the woods once a year with our children and grands. This spot was perfect. The house had plenty of space. The beach was perfect and private. The lake was calm and quiet. We hardly saw another soul. The bathroom showers are small and the water pressure is weak - hey, you’re in the middle of no where. It certainly didn’t ruin the trip, but worth mentioning. If a luxury spa type stay is what you’re looking for, this might not be the house. We LOVED it and highly recommend to anyone looking to get away!!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Barbara P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Barb

Had a great time. Internet is a little spotting. GPS kept getting us to go down dead ends. So check map before you leave house. Emergency care is not close. Hopefully no one will need it. We did and had to drive to big rapids. We took kayak trip on pere marquette very pretty worth the trip. Kids loved the pingpong and air hockey.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Beckie W.

Lake home

First our host was very quick to answer all concerns. The house is very clean. The house is not set up so you can visit with your party. There is very little comfortable seating. The beautiful tub is not usable the hot and cold water is very finicky. The showers are VERY SMALL. The weather turned cold and we were stuck inside, we couldn't hang out together. The house is very disjointed. The host was very kind. Make sure you bring some warm clothes.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Ellen C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely cottage!

This cottage is a gem! Clean and cute, comfortable spaces for our family of 10. A quiet little lake that doesn’t have speed boats, just pontoon boats. Our grandkids loved the beach and paddle boats. A little bit of advice, write down your code to get in before you go, because cell service is not great. There is Wi-Fi once you are in the cottage. The owners are great and very helpful. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristina F.

Liked: Cleanliness

Nice, spacious get away!!

Great place!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Asta S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful house

The house is really beautiful and cozy. Thank you for letting us enjoy it!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

8/10 Good

Talice J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Winter Experience

Host were actively engaged in ensuring our experience was the best, and they were prompt with taking action when a issue arose. A treadmill investment would be most favorable as well as working fire places. Overall great place, customer service and perfect place to be if you want a magical winter wonderland experience. Thanks for sharing your home with us, the internet connection was the best, it was exactly what we needed. We were allotted the time to reconnect, make memories and bond once again. Great place; will be sharing with friends and family far and near!!!! Talice
Stayed 5 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

kim c.

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic private retreat on Labor day week 2022

This lakeside home has everything you could want. Sandy beach, private setting, fire pit, all beach and water toys, wade in lake, and even a small pontoon boat. We loved it. Basement walk out level bedrooms, bathroom, games rooms, for some guests for their privacy. Main level bedrooms, bathroom, and kitchen were great. We had perfect weather every day. But in case there would have been rain, we could have enjoyed the game room more. Thanks to Michelle and family for the use of their wonderful property. We hope to come back again.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

D W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location for hunt camp!

Everything about this location was perfect. Very clean, a lot of stuff to do, great location just perfect for 8 grown men. I would recommend this place to anyone just all around great place and great host.
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrew C.

Liked: Cleanliness

great house great location

Our group really enjoyed this roomy and the great views. Very comfortable and easy for 5 of us to relax and enjoy!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer J.

Liked: Cleanliness

1st annual family vacation (grown children)

This is the type of rental where you never wanna leave. It’s home away from home with a beautiful view and much to do!!! ♥️
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rob D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Large house in a QUIET location

This is close enough to be near restaurants and ice cream - but far enough away that you don’t hear much of anything. It’s a non-motorized lake so the water is quiet too… The house was clean, LARGE, and well stocked. Communications with the owner went great - and all worked as planned… The only note I’d add is for younger kids - since this is a trolling motor lake only, and the water level seems low, the swimming area near shore doesn’t offer a lot of room in the water until you get into weeds and a leafy bottom. The water itself is fine, and it has a nice swim raft for older kids too. We spent a lot of time with the kayaks and SUP. Not a show stopper by any stretch, but something to note. We’re thankful for the opportunity to get away before school starts and glad we found this place!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Paige W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family vacay

The property owner was great! Flexible and quick to respond. There is plenty of wildlife to see around the property and plenty to do. The only thing my family wanted to note, was that the beach area was a little mucky underfoot, but that isn’t something the property owner. An control and it is pretty normal for a small lake.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Loved the home and lake!

The lake is peaceful and quiet. The home was very clean, well kept and so many fun things for the kids to do even on raining days. We loved all the space, boat rental for fishing. We very much enjoyed our stay and would recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Theresa M.

Liked: Cleanliness

Getaway from the city

The cottage was excellent. Michelle was a great host and very responsive to the concerns we had. There was no reception for us around the property (wifi available in the cottage), make sure to download the map before getting there.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Stephen R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful Summer Getaway

My family stayed for a week and honestly can’t wait to go back. We had ages ranging from 15 to 71 and there was plenty for everyone to do. From relaxing on the balcony to swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, or paddle boats. Inside you have a game room with card table, board games, ping pong, and air hockey table. Michelle is fantastic. Very quick to respond to any questions we had. She has a beautiful home and if you have the opportunity to book a stay you should not hesitate.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

cindy d.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great family vacation!

It was a beautiful cottage. It held all ton of us very comfortably. And had all the comforts of home. The children and the adults loved all the water toys and we were in the water endless hours every day. Thank you for letting us use your beautiful home.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Meagan A.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect getaway!

Just book it!! We had 2 families stay at the property (4 adults and 4 kids ages 7, 6, 5 and 5) and it was everything we could have asked for! We even would have had room for another family to stay with us. Michelle is great with communication and was so easy to work with. The house was clean with plenty of space and was stocked with all the necessities and lots of extra additions (soaps, laundry stuff, games, movies, coffee, spices, puzzles, etc). The outdoor area was also amazing! The beach and water were perfect for the kids and adults! We also loved the hammock, fire pit and playing croquet out front and bags on the beach! The water toys/activities that were included also made for lots of fun memories! If you’re looking for a great place to get away and make some memories this is the place for you! We all loved it! Hint…Google maps takes you right to the house, Waze will get you lost :)
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jeffrey W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Summer Vacationing in Baldwin

The cottage was perfect for our family vacation! We loved the swimming, paddle boards, kayaks, & paddle boats. The sandy beach was great. Loved the house, which was clean and had everything we needed; plus the ping pong table and air hockey were also a lot of fun. Michelle was very responsive and accommodating. We hope to be able to return. We were grateful to be able to rent this gem. Thank you.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022