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Sandy Toes Retreat: Holiday Escape on Private Beach!

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February 2025

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On the beach
On the beach
Interior
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Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

9.4 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 7156 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Beach view
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Stephenson, MI
  • J.W. Wells State Park
    7 min drive
  • Island Resort & Casino
    29 min drive
  • Peninsula State Park
    182 min drive
  • Escanaba, MI (ESC-Delta County)
    24 min drive

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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.

Sandy Toes Retreat: Holiday Escape on Private Beach!

Sandy Toes Retreat
SLEEPS: 7
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 2
*LAKEFRONT (Green Bay—Lake Michigan)
*SWIMMING ON PROPERTY
*Ring doorbell on property
*Fire pit and fire table available for use!
**Book now to reserve your 2023-24 snowmobiling/ATV trip! See 'Offroad' section below for more details!

**Great for ice fishing!

There isn't a name more apropos for this slice of Michigan's Upper Peninsula southern paradise. Not far from the Michigan-Wisconsin border, Sandy Toes Retreat is an ideal place to literally dip your toes into one of Michigan's Great Lakes-- Lake Michigan itself. The 120-foot beach is wide, and the sand provides the ideal cushion for your beach towel. Set up for the beach day, right outside your lake house door, without the traditional beach crowds you generally find further south.

The initial look of Sandy Toes Retreat is unassuming. It has a classic vibe with simple accents, all on one level. Outside the sliding door wall, facing Lake Michigan is a deck to soak in the view.

The kitchen is open and spacious, with seating at both the countertop bar and traditional kitchen table. On top of the traditional kitchen appliances such as the fridge and stove/oven, having a dishwasher is a convenience that is deeply appreciated when traveling with a family. It's also a pleasant surprise to have air conditioning, even though it often isn't needed in the upper peninsula. Plus, having an electric fireplace to soak in the ambiance and cool evenings sets an ideal tone of tranquility and ease.

The Master Bedroom not only has a King-size bed, yet comes with an en-suite bathroom, so your privacy and peace are enhanced. The 2nd bedroom is simple with a Queen-size bed. Nonetheless, once you enter the 3rd bedroom, your kid's hearts will skip a beat when they lay their eyes on the dreamy fort of a bed. There will definitely be a rock, paper, scissors match to see who gets the top bunk within the 3 twin beds here.

Don't forget to bring along your beach towels, toys and sunscreen as you enter your lakefront, beach space. Enjoy the sandy beach without the crowds, yet with all the memories an ideal family vacation provides.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Air Conditioning: Yes-central air conditioning.

ATV'S/Snowmobile Trails: Not accessible from cottage, but there are some nearby.

Animals: You may see a variety of birds, deer, wild turkey, eagles, swans, and frogs.

Bathrooms:
Bathroom #1: Full Bathroom attached to master bedroom. Shower, sink and toilet.
Bathroom #2: Full Bathroom with tub, shower, sink and toilet.

Beach/Swimming: This property allows great swimming conditions with120 ft. of sandy beach. The lake is a beautiful, sandy-bottom lake, which has a very gradual slope.

Bedroom Configurations:
Bedroom #1: 1 King size bed with attached bathroom.
Bedroom #2: 1 queen size bed
Bedroom #3: 1 twin bunk bed and separate twin bed

Boats: 2 kayaks with life jackets. There is also a paddle boat. Available from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Bugs: Mayflies, black flies, mosquitos, spiders are prevalent on a waterfront home in the Upper Peninsula.

Cell Phone Service: Verizon, T-Mobile & AT&T work well.

Coffee Maker: Keurig coffee maker. No drip coffee maker at the moment.

Distances:
* Iron Mountain: 1 hour and 13 minutes ( 98 miles)
* Green Bay, WI: 1 hour and 26 minutes (81 miles)
* Pictured Rocks: 1 hour and 42 minutes ( 92 miles)
* Marquette: 1 hour 42 minutes (92 miles)
* Green Bay, WI: 1 hour and 26 minutes (81 miles)
* Milwaukee, WI: 3 hours (198 miles)
* Mackinac Bridge: 3 hours (174 miles)

Dock: No dock is available at the property.

Drinking Water: Well water. There is a filtration system.

Drugs/Smoking/Fireworks: Freshwater does not permit illegal drugs of any kind on the property. Due to the location of the properties, smoking is strongly discouraged around the home and strictly prohibited in the home. Fireworks are prohibited at a Freshwater location for the safety of all persons in and around the property, even if it is legal in that city.

Fireplace: There is an electric fireplace in the cabin.

Fire-pit: Propane fire table and a wood burning firepit as well(please bring your own wood)

Fishing/Ice Fishing: You can wade in the water a bit and fish by the shore, or you can travel 2.3 miles to Cedar River and fish along the river. Please be sure to bring your own poles/gear as there are none at this property. Also, in order to fish in Michigan lakes, one is required to hold a fishing license. You can purchase your fishing license on the Michigan DNR website. Always check ice conditions before ice fishing.

Grill: Propane grill.

Grocery Store: There is a gas station/convenience store 2.3 miles away, which also has a restaurant in it. In Stephenson, which is 18 minutes away, there is a Family Dollar store.

Internet: Starlink internet. Great speeds!

Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. We have the basic sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bath towels.

Offroad: There is trailhead parking that is about 15 minutes south in Cedar River. It is the Forest Island Trail & Route South. We do recommend trailering your ORV's to the parking area since the property is on the highway. Please check out ridecommand.polaris.com for more details on trail locations around the property.

Parking: There is room for 3 cars.

Pets: Yes, we do accept 1 dog, yet we do ask that you please clean up after them both inside and outside the cabin. We do provide a medium sized kennel and kindly ask that you kennel your pet if you leave them unattended. Because of nearby wildlife please keep dogs close by. Plus, if you allow them on the furniture, we do ask that you please bring your own linens/blankets for them to sleep on. Plus, if the pet hair starts to build, we do ask that you please run the vacuum. Pet food does tend to attract mice, so vigilance is needed. Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet for your entire stay.

Privacy: You are in a neighborhood. Neighbors are close by.

Snowmobiles: There is an area on the side of the house where you may park a snowmobile. Though you're not able to ride on the property itself, there are many trails nearby to access! A trail map may be provided upon request.
- Cedar River Snowmobile Trails (must trailer to trail)
- Hiawatha National Forest: About 10-15 miles away
- Manistique Snowmobile Trails: Around 25-30 miles away
- Delta County Snowmobile Trails: About 20-25 miles away

Space: One Floor

Televisions: There is a Smart TV in the living room.

Towels: Yes, we provide bath towels. Please bring your own beach towels for swimming.

Washer and dryer: Yes! Laundry soap is provided.

Winter Activities:
* Snowmobiling
- Cedar River Snowmobile Trails: Close by, these trails offer scenic routes for snowmobiling through the Cedar River area.
- Hiawatha National Forest: About 10-15 miles away, with extensive groomed snowmobile trails.
* Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
- Hiawatha National Forest: Around 10-15 miles away, offering great trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
* Ice Fishing
- Little Bay de Noc: About 10 miles away, this bay on Lake Michigan is popular for ice fishing during the winter.
* Downhill Skiing
- Gladstone Ski Hill: Around 30-35 miles away, a small hill with skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
* Sledding/Tubing
- Local areas in Cedar River or nearby Escanaba (around 20 miles away) offer sledding hills for winter fun.
* Winter Hiking
- Hiawatha National Forest: Approximately 10-15 miles away, offering peaceful winter hiking trails through forests and scenic landscapes.
During your stay at this cottage, you're just a quick walk from Lake Michigan. The cottage includes amenities such as free WiFi and a kitchen.
  • Air-conditioned cottage with kitchen, washing machine, and 2 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Steps from Lake Michigan and 7 minutes by car from J.W. Wells State Park
This cottage offers its guests barbecue grills. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Stephenson cottage is smoke free.

Property manager

Freshwater Vacation Rentals

Languages

English, Spanish

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Toaster
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Spices

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV
  • Books
  • Games

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • On the lake
  • On the waterfront
  • Near the bay

Things to do

  • Boating on site
  • Kayaking on site
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Ecotours nearby
  • Swimming nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Unit size: 1680 sq ft (156 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

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

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

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

Pets

  • Pets are welcome
  • Service animals are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
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 indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated 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

510006

Sandy Toes Retreat: Holiday Escape on Private Beach! Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 11 out of 12 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 12 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 12 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 12 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 12 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dennis M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Sandy Toes Stay
This a cute property on beautiful Green Bay. We used this as a halfway point to stay a few nights coming back from Mackinac. Very nice layout of the house and all the niceties you need to do laundry, make meals, and catch a couple of movies. A great beach to walk or swim (little to late in the season for that) with wonderful sunrises.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra W.

Liked: Cleanliness
Blissful
We rented on a whim to celebrate a milestone birthday and the stay was absolute bliss. Our kiddo loved (and ate?) all the snacks in the kindly provided snack basket and the fenced yard with swing-set was perfect for keeping her, and the dog, contained. We enjoyed walks up and down the beach and sunrise both Saturday and Sunday morning, cuddled up in sleeping bags right there in the sand. Would absolutely recommend to anyone looking for a peaceful getaway.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melissa N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beach Retreat
Was the perfect place for our family vacay, including our pup. The crate provided was more than enough space for our 50lb pup and the fenced in backyard was a dream! The kiddos loved the bunk beds, the books, games, the floaties and the beach. The adults enjoyed the kayaks and the peace of mind that the kids could safely play on the beach as the water stayed shallow for quite a ways out. The house itself was clean and just what we needed. Thank you!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nora V.

Liked: Cleanliness
Sandy Toes
Great place! The place was clean, large bathrooms, comfortable beds, equipped kitchen, easy to use appliances. The outside deck was nice. Our granddaughter enjoyed the swing and nice beach.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice quiet beach property
Nice little home with a semi-private beach. Clean property. Fenced in yard. Would not recommend only because I want it available more often for myself.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

GREG, Traverse city MI

Liked: Cleanliness
Road-trip
Property was as advertised. Really nice being right on the lake, very peaceful listening to the waves. Would definitely recommend to family and friends
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Victor C., Milwaukee

Liked: Cleanliness
UP Getaway
Relaxing stay at a great clean property. The bunkbed was a big hit.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shifrah M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic family time!
Beautiful beach worth every penny
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Margaret P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very relaxing location
Our family enjoyed staying at this property. The view of the lake was stunning. We watched the sunrise every morning. Beach was very private and clean. Enjoyed the two kayaks that was available. Water of the lake is shallow and sandy. Nice for little kids to play in. I definitely recommend this property to anyone who is looking for a quiet and relaxing location. Only one note- no grocery store nearby (the gas station convenient store is not supplied enough), only two restaurants nearby.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

2/10 Terrible

LeAndrea R.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Bug Infestation
AVOID!!! The house itself was very pretty, however we ended up leaving a day early as we could no longer deal w/ the bug infestation. When we came prepared with bug spray not only for ourselves but also for our pups. The minute we walked into the house it was full of mosquitoes. I left my husband and drove 30 min 1 way and purchased around $80 worth of additional bug spray and fly swatters. We I returned back to the house my husband and I spent nearly 2 hrs and a full bottle of bug spray killing hundreds, and I wish I was exaggerating, but hundreds of mosquitoes. Honestly if we hadn't of driven for so long all day to arrive and it not have been nearly dark, we probably would have just left. After we cleared the house of bugs we were finally able to do an actual walk through. There were lots of spider webs in the corners of the tall ceilings and the ceiling fans in both the living room and master bedroom were very dirty. We tried to make the best of the situation and when we woke up the next day we were able to see hundreds more dead mosquitoes in the windowsills and door frame. We killed thousands more outside the front door w/ bug spray over several days and have the photos to prove it. The grass in the backyard had not been cut before we arrived. Over the rest of our trip we spent a good majority of our time being exterminators and not relaxing as we should on vacation. Management should have properly cleaned and treated for bugs but failed to do so.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jason M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing property
We had a great time at this property. It was everything we expected!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jim W.

Liked: Cleanliness
We live be the area for nature and birding and this is a great space
easy check in, attractive and well appointed setting. Clean expect the high chair and one edge of dining table were sticky.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023