Private Vacation Home
Unique getaway near Huron National Forest, Lake Huron, and Harrisville Marina.
Harrisville, Michigan, United States
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. brbrEnjoy 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!brbrSeveral 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. brbrTo 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. brbrIn 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! brbrNow 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 projectbrbrThis is also a relaxing retreat place for writers, poets, photographers, quilters, and hunters.brbrThis 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.brbrThis 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.brbrCuriously, 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.brbrThe 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.brbrThe 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.brbrCozy, modest bedrooms, with high-quality bedding, each accommodate 2 guests and are as described below:brbr- Master Bedroom has a queen-size bed with new mattresses, a large dresser, and a closet.br- First Guest Bedroom has a queen-size bed and bureau (see the update note in the next paragraph).br- Second Guest Bedroom has 2 twin beds - all new mattresses - a dresser, and a small closet. brbrBEDROOM UPDATE: brWe continually work hard to provide our guests with comfortable and high-quality appointments. To that end, we are excited to share the following news: br- 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. br- First Guest Bedroom double bed has been replaced with a comfortable Queen size bed (with new mattresses), and vintage maple wood furniture. brbrLIVING ROOMbrThe living room has brand new furniture, plus an antique desk - circa 1920brbrBATHROOMbrThere 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.brbrRECENT IMPROVEMENTS AND UPDATESbr- 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).br- New roof installation.br- New drilled well (landscaping pending line settling).br- New, elongated toilet installed.br- Air conditioner window unit installed in the dining room.br- ROKU device provided.br- Full size, stainless steel refrigerator, and matching appliances.br- Dishwasherbr- Oak dining set with matching chairs.br- A water softener is scheduled for installation in November 2021.br- A Speed Queen stacked washer and dryer is scheduled for installation (conveniently located for easy use) in November 2021.brbrBecause 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!brbrEnjoy 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.brbrThere 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.brbrMotor home parking can be available (self-contained only, separate extra fee required, please contact me for more information).brbrBeautifully scenic and paved country roads invite you to walk the "4-mile square", or ride your bike even further. brbrThis is a country getaway at its best, far away from traffic, city lights, and urban hustle! The pace is slow and uncomplicated here.brbrThe 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. brbrThere 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!brbrWhile 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!brbrI 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.brbrOther nice nearby towns (within about 10 to 45 minutes or less) include Lincoln, Alpena, Oscoda, Hubbard Lake, Tawas, Mio, and Glennie.brbrINTERNETbrWiFi 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.brbrGuests have access to the entire living space.brbrThe first-floor entry room is also available for use for coats, footwear, and luggage.brbrI 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.brbrPlease note, there are neighbors nearby.brbrThis is a rural area. Walking and bicycling on country roads is a favorite pastime, and the surrounding roads are mostly paved.brbrWe 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.brbrHuron National Forest is just a few miles away.brbrBe 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!brbrPET NOTESbrTo 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. brbrWe 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.brbrLinks to detailed area brochures are provided to guests at the time of booking.brbr
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