Cozy Cottage -2-Bedroom- on Amazing 910 Acre Big Star Lake!

Beautiful spot.

Unfortunately the pictures of this property make it look better than it actually is. The entire place is dirty and in need of an extensive cleaning. The shower stall is stained from iron in the water and just generally old and dirty. Towels were provided but were dingy and stained. The bathroom fan was so covered in dirt we would not risk turning it on. The stove top burners are rusted out and look unsafe so we never even thought about turning it on for fear of risks The second bedroom has twin bunk beds which was not indicated anywhere in the description (it is now after our communication with the host). When informed we could use the pull out couch as an alternative sleeping space, we uncovered it and opened it to find multiple stains, tears and spider nests underneath. The couch and the cottage in general were smelly… partly age, partly the condition it is inTo say we were disappointed was an understatement This property has great potential and it appears that some improvements are being made but in the meantime it is not a pleasant place to stayAfter conversation with the host and communication with VRBO, a partial refund was received. Rent with caution

Hosts were very helpful and easy to work w/ as they stay next door. The cottage is nice and definitely cozy, good for 4 adults and a couple kiddos. The cottage was not the cleanest but fine as we spent most of our time outdoors. The internet was out and the tv did not work. Other than that we had a great time at big star lake.

Nothing fancy but a great little cottage at an even better location. The lake was great for the grandkids as the lake stays shallow for quite a distance from shore. The next door neighbor was great and let the grandkids use his dock, swim platform, kayaks and kid toys/floats. The TV was out when we arrived and within a couple hours a new one was there. WiFi wasn’t the greatest but didn’t rent it to watch TV constantly. Used my phones hotspot to cover that.

Looking for a place by the water to relax after finishing a Master's Degree, this cute cottage fit the bill. This location is also perfect for taking day trips to hiking destinations (Sleeping Bear Dunes, Ludington State Park). The property manager was very responsive regarding concerns.

I was fishing most of time but the shower was hot and the bed was comfortable

Overall if you want a quiet, relaxing cottage by the water and you aren’t super finicky about the below listed issues, it’s a great retreat. I would go again. But I’m laidback about stuff. Hubby not so much… This is definitely off the beaten path. At least a half hour to any fast food or meijer or Walmart. Make sure you are well stocked on the essentials. There are a few very small stores about 15 minutes away (think family dollar and plumbs). Also be very well stocked on drinking water as the water is the color of very weak coffee and has a strong odor. You will smell like a lake out of the shower. I packed extra plastic plates and silverware and paper towels as well. The main area was fairly clean. The couch with a pullout is pretty beat, the linens old and some stains but seemed clean. Someone else’s underwear were under the bed (did not check if they were dirty or clean ?) as was someone else’s headband in the bathroom. The beach chairs were rough. Two had cracks and the screen door fell off. Can’t recall if the loft is listed as a sleeping area but it was absolutely littered with dead bugs, spiderwebs and some used looking linens in the eaves. That part actually pushed my limits of chill. Of course with children they wanted to climb up but I encouraged them not to due to the dead bugs and spiders. It has a air mattress so I assume it is counted as sleeping space ?‍♀️ ? and the shower curtain also pushed my boundaries. I don’t think a frat house curtain could be dirtier and more mildewy. Host seems to live next door. The WiFi is from the neighboring house so it works but doesn’t stream the best. We ran several devices and were even able to do some remote video calls for work although we had to park close to the neighbor and sit in the car to do so. It was not crazy expensive and it was the ONLY place available so I am not complaining. I simply cataloging so future guests know what to expect. It’s cute, close to the water, doesn’t stink, there’s a sandy beach with some rocks near the shore. Water seemed pretty clean and the kayaks and paddleboat were a bonus. Overall if they cleaned the corners this would easily be a five star quiet retreat.

Slight water leak.

My husband and 2 young kids had a great time at this little 2 bedroom cottage! Overall our stay was pretty good. The lake was beautiful and beach area was really nice with a fire pit for relaxing fires. The only complaints would be that the cottage needs a really good deep cleaning. The decor on the walls showed layers of dust on them, the sheets needed to be replaced as they were worn/stained, and the windows look like they hadn’t been cleaned since the winter. Also, the bathroom pump scared us half to death the first time we flushed the toilet! With some love this cottage could be really great as the size and location were great!

The cottage is small but cozy. Perfect for 2 people. I wouldn't put more than 4 people in it. Beautiful lake setting. Neighbors very close all around. I think it would be noisy in the summer. Cottage could use beach towels, kitchen towels and dish clothes, more plates, bowls etc. It is minimal on kitchen utensils and wear. Kitchen appliances are fine.. Nice coffee pot.. it was nice not to have to buy paper products.. Beds are comfy. It would be great if the loft mattress was something other than a blow up mattress. The sofa needs cleaning but all other furniture is nice. Outdoor furniture,fire pit, beach are great. I'd bring my own pillows next time. The cleaning fee seems a bit much for the size.of the place. All in all we'd rent this little gem again. It's not fancy but its comfy and has the basics.