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The Bunkalow: A Lakefront Compound with Lifts for your Speed Boat & Pontoon Boat

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January 2025
February 2025

Photo gallery for The Bunkalow: A Lakefront Compound with Lifts for your Speed Boat & Pontoon Boat

Marina
Terrace/patio
Exterior
Interior
Interior

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 13174 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer

Explore the area

Map
Ludington, MI
  • Hamlin Lake
    3 min walk
  • Wilson Hill Park
    4 min drive
  • Hemlock Golf Club
    19 min drive
  • Ludington, MI (LDM)
    23 min drive

Room options

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About this property

Entire place

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

The Bunkalow: A Lakefront Compound with Lifts for your Speed Boat & Pontoon Boat

BUNKALOW.NET
The Bunkalow Compound is arguably located at the most prime location on all of Hamlin Lake, on the point jutting into Upper Hamlin along it's south shore at the mouth of Indian Pete's Bayou. Only a 4-minute drive to Barnharts Resort & Marina (2 minutes by boat!), 7-minutes drive to Hamlin Grocery (a classic little country store), and only a 17-minute drive to House of Flavors in Downtown Ludington.

We continue to improve the property. In 2021 we completely remodeled the primary bathroom in the main Bungalow cottage, and we added a sink to the kitchenette counter in the Bunkhouse. In 2019 we added air conditioning units in the main cottage and the bunkhouse. And in the two years prior we added 1) the Boathouse Suite, which can double as a bedroom/sleeping quarters, 2) all new deck furniture, including a lounge setting with couch, love seat, chair and tables, 3) 10 new Adirondack Chairs surrounding the fire-pit, 4) four new chaise lounges for sun worshipers, 5) bar level seating with a view over the lake from the main deck, 6) and attractive new metal roofs to all three buildings.

THE MAIN BUNGALOW COTTAGE: Sleeps up to 5 with two on a queen size bed on the lake side, and three on a full/single bunk bed in the back room. It has two bathrooms with a shower in one and a washer/dryer in the other. The kitchen has been recently upgraded. It also has a 48-inch TV with Charter Cable and all channels, plus a landline phone for free calling within the U.S.

THE BUNKHOUSE: Sleeps up to 8 persons with 2 on a queen size bed on the loft, 4 on single bunks on the ground floor, and 2 on a full size pullout sofa. Please note that the max number of persons allowed sleeping on the property is 13. It has one bathroom (no shower) on the ground floor. We have also added a private deck shower that I personally use every time I shower at the property! (Check our reviews - everyone seems to love the deck shower). It has a 60-inch TV with Charter Cable and all channels and surround sound.

THE BOATHOUSE SUITE: New in 2017, and configured with a large deck and 4 chaise lounges just off the lawn, it includes a 9-piece, cushy sectional lounge and a Smart TV with WIFI, perfect for teens to hang out. It can even double as a sleeping room, though it is not provided with linens. We recommend you bring sleeping bags and arrange the sectionals into a big square bed! A very fun new room!

BOAT LIFT, PONTOON LIFT, & SEAWALL W CLEATS FOR YOUR WATERCRAFT: Don't bother to trailer your watercraft each day. Feel free to use our boat lift (up to 20ft) and/or pontoon lift (up to 25 ft) and/or seawall with room and cleats and rubber bumpers for three boats.

OTHER BUNKALOW AMENITIES: The main bungalow has a roomy and open floor plan with a HUGE deck overlooking the HUGE yard and HUGE Lake. Free high speed wireless internet, unlimited long-distance phone, and top 100 channels of Charter cable TV with DVRs on each TV (except the Boathouse, which only has wifi and a smart TV - no Charter or DVR).

NEARBY AMENITIES: Barnharts Resort & Marina is 0.5 miles by boat (1.1 mile by car) includes fuel for your boat, boat rentals, and a great restaurant with an island vibe and live weekend music. Wilson Park Boat Launch is just 0.5 miles away. The Shagway Arts Barn (less than a mile) hosts regular weekend art shows combined with live music. The "Dunes" beachfront and Ludington State Park (~ 2 miles by boat) are favorite places for pontoon/boat hangout with shallow sand for sunny day water lounging. Lower Hamlin Grocery (4 miles south of cottage). Downtown Ludington (9 miles south of cottage). Excellent Mountain Biking Trails - Call the bike shops in town for details. Excellent Fishing on Hamlin Lake - Cast your reel from our swing seat!

- Charter Fishing on Lake Michigan
- Ludington Skate Plaza (skateboarding & inline skating)
- Silver Lake Sand Dunes (20 miles south of Ludington)
- Historic SS Badger Car Ferry (Cross Lake Michigan to Wisconsin)
- Historic White Pine Village
- Sand Castles Children's Museum
- Disc Golf
- Horseback Riding (Neigh Haven Stables (3 miles) 4716 N Beaune Rd, Ludington. Indian Ridge Riding Stables, 1525 S. Poplar Road, Custer, MI 49405, Phone: (231) 757-4514)
During your stay at this cottage, you're just a quick walk from Hamlin Lake. A water park is available. The cottage offers free WiFi and a kitchen.
  • Air-conditioned cottage with kitchen, washing machine, and 2.5 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Splash around at the water park
  • Onsite recreation includes a playground
  • Just a 3-minute walk from Hamlin Lake and a 4-minute drive from Wilson Hill Park
This cottage offers its guests a water park. This cottage also features barbecue grills and a garden.

This Ludington cottage is smoke free.

Property manager

Andrew Murray

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach sunloungers

Ski

  • Close to skiing

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Coffee grinder
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Toaster
  • Electric kettle

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Shampoo
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • DVD player
  • Video library
  • Stereo
  • Music library

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer
  • Near a laundromat

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: Smoking inside forfeits deposit.

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • On the lake
  • On the waterfront
  • Near a hospital
  • Near a zoo

Things to do

  • Water park
  • Water sports equipment
  • Kayaking on site
  • Waterskiing nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Marina nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 1876 sq ft (174 sq m)

Policies

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions. You will also receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account which will enable you to manage your booking.

Property is also known as

Bunkalow Lakefront Compound Lifts Your Speed Boat Pontoon Boat
Bunkalow Lakefront Compound Lifts Your Speed Boat Pontoon Boat

The Bunkalow: A Lakefront Compound with Lifts for your Speed Boat & Pontoon Boat Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 82 out of 102 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 19 out of 102 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 102 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 102 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 102 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jason P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing!
Couldn't have asked for a better place to enjoy Hamlin Lake. Great property, great accomodations, plenty of space, and great communication from the property owner and manager. Would definitely stay again and recommend to anyone looking to enjoy Hamlin Lake. The boat lift was especially useful for our Pontoon. Emphatic 5 stars!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Adam D.

Liked: Cleanliness
July 2024
The Bunkalow was great. The location in the water was a big hit with our group. If you want to relax in an outdoor atmosphere, this is a terrific choice.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

8/10 Good

Virginia Q.

Bunkalow
The various options for sleeping and activities offered at the location was exceptional. There were games, canoe, fishing boat and outdoor games offered. The lawn and lakefront footage was large and gorgeous. The kitchen was well stocked with pans and all that was needed. There was a large gathering area with a variety of seating to allow for all to get together in and outside. The amount of options for seating outside on the deck were amazing. The firepit had lots of chairs to enjoy conversation while relaxing. The dock and lift were excellent and sturdy. What a gem to have at a lake! The were a great supply of towels and a washer and dryer to accommodate any needs. Having a shower in the restroom inside and one outside allowed for options depending on the needs of those staying. There were directions for the property on the fridge which were helpful. A book (binder) would be great to have specifics for using the TV , where to purchase firewood and any other suggestions for a wonderful stay would be a great addition. The 2 separate buildings for sleeping arrangements were a positive addition for when you have a combination of families and bedtime routines. Overall-a great facility for a combined family vacation! (We were the first of the season and the owner will be doing a deep clean for future visitors).
Stayed 7 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Rhonda K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Yearly Family Vacation
This was our 3rd time staying here. The spacious yard and large deck is what keeps us coming back. This year they added a new large dock great for sun bathing and fishing.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Judy M.

Liked: Cleanliness
2023 Family Vacay
Great property for our family group of 12.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Vacation!
Loved it! We enjoyed the house so much, and the lake is incredible! Both houses were spacious and very comfortable, and the boat house was an added bonus! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Always a great spot!
Great time, great property and great spot on the lake.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

6/10 Okay

John L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Location
Great location. Home is in need of updating. Waterfront was not kid friendly. Good fishing. Quiet neighborhood.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Scott R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family on the Lake
The property on Hamlin lake was perfect for our family. Everything that we could want was there and we will likely return. Our only regret is that we chose a week early in June and the weather was horrendous. It’s always iffy this close to Lake Michigan so we advise trying to secure a higher percentage of a sure thing and attempt, and he stays in Ludington From mid June through early August
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

George S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Vacation Rental
This property has one of the best outdoor setting properties out of 200 rentals in my life time. It has really high quality outdoor furniture, two umbrellas, and plenty of room for cornhole, bocce ball or freisbe. Great outdoor lighting as well so you can find it if you do night boat cruises. His place can accommodate 5 boats as well with an electric lift for pontoons. The best part was I asked if he had refrigerator in any houses other then the main house and he said no.... He put one in at my request great customer service. I asked if he had adequate lights on the deck and he added Edison lights. He is one of the best communicators almost instant after a text and he aims to please his clientele. One last thing never buy wood from a gas station for 5 dollars a bundle regarding bonfires. He offers a service that brings three times the wood at 1/3 the price and they put it right next to the bonfire with a cover over it in case of rain. Andrew is many cuts above as a host. Thank you Andrew for the exceptional vacation rental top notch!!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Keely M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great spot!!
We have been looking at the property for years and finally got to try it. It is on the perfect spot on the lake and place is awesome! We will definitely be back for sure! Helpful for future visitors: if you like to be cold when you sleep bring an extra fan. Bunk house very comfortable (where we slept). Parents thought bedroom off kitchen was a little warm but again it’s a lake house and we like to be cold :). Overall amazing place though!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

peggy k., Whitehouse, Ohio

Liked: Cleanliness
Memories
The house and setup was amazing! We had plenty of room for our children and grandchildren! The setting was perfect! Enjoyed morning coffee on the deck watching the sunrise over the lake! Andrew was very helpful getting us information to prepare for our vacation!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kristina T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect location for family vacation
My immediate family and I spent 8 amazing days on this property! It was the perfect size to accommodate all 11 of us. Being right on the water is our happy place and this priority was speeder for that! Fishing and boating were amazing and we loved spending time at the sand bar by the dunes right around the corner. We will be back!
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Brent S., Rockford, MI

Liked: Cleanliness
Memories made
Second time renting this property. Great yard and location on upper Hamlin. We go with a family group and everyone had a great time. We had an issue with the boat lift and the bunkhouse water heater when we checked in after 4 PM but the owner was quick to respond and had people out to address the problems the following morning. Looking forward to a return trip if it fits into our schedule next summer.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jodi G., San Francisco areA

Liked: Cleanliness
great family vacation
We rented this property and my sister's family rented up the road at Grace Cottages as they have a pet which can't stay at this property. The two locations were fantastic. This property was well stocked and every day was a joy!
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mike W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay!
Had a fantastic weekend stay! We had all of the amenities we could ask for and the boat lift was the icing on the cake. Would definitely book again!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location
This property has a great location. There is plenty of space for a large family and the kids to bring some friends along. If you have a boat, the is a large seawall that you can tie off to and a boat lift (I didn’t try the boat lifts). We were able to easily come and go (on the boat). There was ample parking for large vehicles and a boat trailer. The cabin was located about a 10-15 min drive from most stores and restaurants. There is a party store that makes food and has bait only 5 mins away. (They have most everything you’ll need) The cabin was clean and spacious. The only negative is if you are bringing a large group, there is only (1) indoor shower (there is an outdoor shower attached to exterior of garage). There are also 2 half baths. Only 1 indoor shower was not an issue for me, but could be for a large group. I really enjoyed this home and will certainly rent it again in the future!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joe G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxing stay on Hamlin Lake
We really enjoyed our stay and the owner was very responsive. The location is great and trips to stores in Ludington didn't take very long. Easy route to the city as well. Many nice eateries downtown and a small restaurant on the lake as well. Lots of space overall and accommodated the 7 of us just fine. I sent a list of a few items for recommended repairs at the end of the season as we left and he appreciated the information. We are very likely to return. :)
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Melissa D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay and great communication
We had a wonderful family stay at this amazing property! It has a great location, large lot and a fantastic lake. The property is good for multiple families and children. We were even there during the storms that came through Michigan and the property manager was so communicative and helpful during the whole process. It was such a great vacation and we would not hesitate to stay again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Bruce C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location, lots of fun
Great place, but needed some upkeep, upon our arrival the screen doors had holes and kept falling off the door frame. Try to contact property manager Kevin to inform him of the damaged, but never returned my call.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jodi G., San Francisco areA

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing time
We had a great time and the property was so relaxing. The house was by far stocked better than anyplace we’ve ever stayed which was really nice. The location is great and near some smaller houses that allow pets. The bungalow does not and some of our family have a dog so it was nice to have them stay just down the road from us. There are a variety of these smaller rentals nearby giving a large groups a lot of options to be flexible and stay together. The water wasn’t too weedy which was also great. The teenagers lived the out buildings which were perfect for kids and teens stocked with a fridge tv and lots of games.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Barb S., BELLEVILLE

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Vacation
We had rented this property for 2020 but COVID gad us cancel. So I rented it again for 2021. We absolutely loved the location and the housing was great. The one bedroom in the house with the bunk was too warm, I had a little communication trouble with the property manager, however, Andy (property owner), was very helpful. Sad I needed to go that route. Everything worked out. Everyone had a great time of fun and fishing!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Phil E., Holland

Liked: Cleanliness
Always a pleasure
Even though the weather did not cooperate, it was a good week at Bunkalow. We didn’t get to fish as much as usual, but we made up for it with fellowship. Bunkalow is well equipped for groups.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Brendan O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lake House
We stayed at the Bunkalow for a long weekend. The large yard and quick access to the dunes provide plenty of options for outdoor activities.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Terrence M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Vacation At Hamlin Lake
Great property! Our family really enjoyed our trip, so much we're looking forward to coming back in the future. Everything was spot on from the location to the friendly and inviting neighborhood. Property manager was AMAZING! Thanks Andrew! The Mayfields and The Millers are Hamlin lakes newest fans!
Stayed 6 nights in May 2021