Entire home·Private host

Beautiful Home on Benway Lake! Fall weekends still available!

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your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Beautiful Home on Benway Lake! Fall weekends still available!

Exterior
Terrace/patio
Property grounds
Beach
Smart TV, fireplace, video games, DVD player

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 12260.1 sq m

Popular amenities

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

Explore the area

Map
Central Lake, MI
  • Intermediate Lake
    8 min drive
  • The Blue Pelican Inn
    7 min drive
  • Downtown Hall Street Transfer Station
    56 min drive
  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    60 min drive

Room options

Similar properties

About this property

Entire place

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

Beautiful Home on Benway Lake! Fall weekends still available!

PLEASE NOTE: During peak season (mid June to Labor Day), we rent weekly ONLY, (Saturday to Saturday).

Located in the private community of Benway Landing on the Chain, our lakefront French country cottage was designed by national award winning home designer, Robert Martignoni of Building Science Associates.
Nestled in the woods on a private road, the house is built on a slope and offers views of the lake from the large great room, the primary bedroom, the screened porch and the sprawling deck. The floor to ceiling windows in the great room provide plenty of light and add to the spacious feel. The stone (wood burning) fireplace is the focal point in the great room and not only warms the room but provides a romantic ambience on those cold winter nights.
The home features natural pine floors throughout with porcelain tile in bathrooms and carpet in upstairs loft. The gourmet kitchen has a Jenn-Air gas stove with convection oven. New in 2023, we replaced the refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave with new KitchenAid appliances. We also replaced the original dark granite countertops with light, fresh, Cambria quartz countertops.. The new quartz looks beautiful with the painted custom cabinets. There is plenty of storage and all kitchen essentials are provided including a Cuisinart blender, Kitchen Aid mixer, dishes, glasses, serving trays and cookware. The eating area seats eight, with an adjoining enclosed screened porch that seats six to eight more guests.
The main level great room has just been updated with a 55" Smart TV (YouTubeTV), a Blu-Ray DVD player and a new sound bar.
The primary bedroom has a queen size iron bed and a closet with drawers and hanging space. The adjoining bathroom includes a granite vanity, Jacuzzi corner tub, stall shower and linen closet.
The guest bedroom has a full size bed and is next to the main bathroom which has a new quartz vanity and stall shower.
The loft upstairs sleeps five. There is a bunk bed (full bed below, twin above) and a trundle bed with two twin mattresses. There is a wonderful view of the lake from the loft.
The newly finished basement (the stated overall square footage includes the basement) has two bedrooms, a full bath, a wet bar/morning kitchen and a living area with a large 65" Smart TV and an electric fireplace. New in 2021 is the completed game room! The game room features a video arcade game (Pacman, Frogger, Donkey Kong and other "old school" games). The game room also has a foosball table, dart board, stereo equipment, flat screen TV and bar area. It's a fun room!
The first bedroom in the basement has a queen bed and a twin bed and the other bedroom has a queen bed. We also have a roll-a-way bed and a few cots.
The walk out patio provides additional outdoor seating at ground level with easy access to the boardwalk leading to the lake. The fire pit is conveniently located close to the walk out patio and there is an additional seating area across the flagstone path and another down by the lake. Enjoy the new outdoor pizza oven!
The expansive outdoor deck is approximately 10' x 30'. Enjoy the quiet and serene setting gazing at the lake and surrounding wooded areas. There is a gas grill, Adirondack chairs, and a large table with umbrella which seats six to eight. Guests thoroughly enjoy drinking their morning coffee as the sun comes up on this wonderful deck. Enjoy dinner and drinks in the evening!
Attention wildlife enthusiasts! The cottage is located on Benway Lake, which is among the 'Upper Chain of Lakes'. The lakes are perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Paddle through all six lakes on one trip or break this fabulous landscape into day trips. Either way, you are in for a unique kayaking or canoeing experience. We have two one-person kayaks and a canoe for your use, as well as life jackets. Enjoy wildlife such as loons, swans, ducks and turtles. Fish for bass, pike, walleye, and even trout and muskie! We also have a row boat available so if you'd like to bring your own boat motor you can easily attach it.
Please note: There is not a sandy beach at this property, but both Lake Michigan and Torch Lake beaches are just 15 minutes away. We do not permit diving off the dock due to shallow water. However, the lake is fine for swimming, boating and fishing. The maximum depth of Benway Lake is 42'.
The best northern Michigan golf courses are all a short drive away: Bay Harbor, Shanty Creek, The Chief, Hawks Eye, Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands, A-Ga-Ming, Antrim Dells and Dunmaglas. The cottage is a great base location for golfer's who enjoy playing a different course each day. Local restaurants include The Blue Pelican in Central Lake, Shorts Brewery in Bellaire and Torch Lake Cafe in Eastport. Classic Pizza in downtown Central Lake has pizza and subs. And, believe it or not, the Central Lake BP gas station (Louie's) on M-88 also has great pizza (order fresh)!
The local grocery store in Central Lake has most everything you will need to cook at home and if not, the larger Family Fare market in Bellaire is a short drive away. There is also a grocery/ hardware store on US 31 just north of M-88 that has tasty fried chicken and ribs ready to go.
Renting a boat? Contact Bedell's Crossing (231-544-8211) the upper chain of lakes. If you'd like to cruise Torch Lake, contact Northaire Resort (231-377-7764) or Torch Lake Pontoon Rentals (231-633-0149).

Keywords: Cottage, Lake House, Cabin; Benway; Upper Chair
During your stay at this cottage, you'll be close to Sixmile Lake. Features include a gym and an arcade/game room. Free WiFi and a jetted tub are available in the cottage.
  • Air-conditioned cottage with kitchen, washing machine, and 3 bathrooms
  • Free WiFi
  • Onsite recreation includes a gym and a playground
  • 14 minutes by car from Torch Lake and 8 minutes from Intermediate Lake
As a guest of this cottage, you'll find a fitness center, barbecue grills, and an arcade/game room. The front desk is open around the clock.

This Central Lake cottage is smoke free.

Property manager

Margaret Devall

Languages

English

Property amenities

Ski

  • Snowboarding and cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • On-site parking options include a garage
  • On-site parking
  • Car required

Kitchen

  • Fridge
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Blender
  • Paper towels
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bath or shower
  • Jetted
  • Toilet paper
  • Soap
  • Towels provided
  • Hairdryer

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • Table football
  • Games room
  • Video games
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Books
  • Video library
  • Music library
  • Stereo

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • 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

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the lake
  • Near a health or beauty spa

Things to do

  • Fitness centre
  • Water sports equipment
  • Kayaking on site
  • Golf on site
  • Boating on site
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Marina nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Snorkelling nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Golf 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)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% of lighting from LEDs
  • Recycling
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Unit size: 2800 sq ft (260.1 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
Contactless check-out available

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.
  • Note from host: Reminder: No sandy beach at this property.

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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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
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

Reserve For Summer Now!
Beautiful On Benway Central
Late Summer Dates Still Open!
Reserve Fall Colors Weekend Now!
Beautiful Home on Benway Lake! Cottage
Beautiful Home on Benway Lake! Central Lake
Beautiful Home on Benway Lake! Cottage Central Lake

Beautiful Home on Benway Lake! Fall weekends still available! Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 69 out of 71 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 71 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 71 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 71 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 71 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rebekah C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Benway Stay
We were having a family reunion for 12
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judy F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our stay at Central Lake
We were very pleased with the house and its cleanliness. The property was beautiful, and right on the lake with canoe and kayaks available. We did experience some problems with the oven and hot water heater not working, but the owners were extremely active in getting both fixed as soon as we let them know there was a problem. We had a wonderful vacation and would stay there again in a minute.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Megan T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful Home
We were so happy with our experience. This home is beautiful and its location on the lake was very peaceful. I've never stayed in such a well-appointed vacation rental. It had everything we could possibly imagine needing during our stay. We had a few periods of rain which kept us indoors but we didn't mind as we had a great time in the game room. We appreciated having access to the kayaks, canoe and row boat and were happy to use those to explore the lake area. Our young children had a great time fishing off the dock and we enjoyed seeing the wildlife in the area, especially the beautiful loons that were often on the lake. My husband was excited to try out the outdoor pizza oven as he's always wanted one of those. We took day trips to Sleeping Bear Dunes (about 1hr 20mins) and Macinac Island (about 1hr 30 mins) and this home was a great home base from which to visit this areas. The local towns were cute and hospitable and we loved being within 30 mins of Charlevoix. There are lots of nearby orchards and wineries as well. Communication with Margaret was great. She was helpful and responsive and gave some great recommendations. Overall I'd highly recommend this property, we really enjoyed it.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Terry R., Upper Sandusky, OH

Liked: Cleanliness
Time with friends.
The home is stunning. I've rented dozens of homes and the kitchen and bathrooms here were stocked better than any I've rented. The attention to detail was evident. Margaret checked on us as soon as we arrived to make sure we got in ok and had everything we needed. The entire property is beautiful and peaceful. We loved making pizza in the outdoor oven. It was a great week spent with close friends.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Merrie M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great home for girls trip!
We loved the different gathering places. Everything was beautiful and the home had everything we needed; even recycling.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anne G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Trisha
Very comfortable and conducive for all family members. Even the teens were thoroughly entertained! Everyone discussed and would welcome a return visit…
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Central Lake
Our hosts are always welcoming & responsive to any questions we might have. The home is lovely & centrally located for many activities.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jane F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for a family vacation!
We’ve stayed here several times and keep coming back because it’s a perfect fit for our crew of 6 adults and 3 kids. The home is beautiful and has several nice spaces for people to gather and relax. The kitchen has everything you’ll need for meals. It’s in a very quiet, private area, but still within a 20-30 min drive of everything. Highly recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chad G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great stay - as advertised
Margaret was so helpful and the property was great!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

ross v.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gem of a property on Benway Lane
Overall a fantastic property with great amenities!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bert & Judy B., Grand Rapids, Michigan

Liked: Cleanliness
An amazing property
This is an outstanding house. Great amenities in a beautiful setting. We hated to leave as the fall colors were beautiful reflecting off the lake.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karen B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Girls trip
We loved this property. The decor was great and the kitchen had everything we needed. The host responded quickly to any questions we had.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Forest getaway
House is nestled in the trees in a private setting with excellent views of the lake. The house decor is beautifully done. The owner responded immediately when an appliance stopped working. It’s definitely a great place to stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Gary B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place to stay
Very enjoyable. Most lights on path to lake did not work. Trolling motor did not work. Home clean and beautiful. We would recommend family and friends to stay here.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laura T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic Vacation Home...Don't pass this one up!
We just returned from a wonderful stay at the Benway Lake House. The home's interior is beautifully appointed and was very comfortable and spacious for our party of 7. The kitchen had every tool we needed for the many meals we created which included cooking in that pizza oven. What a blast! We used the kayaks and did a bit of fishing on the lake. We played a few rounds of golf and took a day trip out to Macinac Island. It was a very busy week but the best part was the serenity of this home and just relaxing! This is a very peaceful area to vacation and we couldn't have asked for a better place to stay. Margaret and Tom are great hosts and were very responsive to any questions that we had. We totally recommend this house!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jane F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect for a family vaca!
We've stayed at this home several times and keep coming back because it's the perfect space for our family. We love listening to the loons and fishing on the chain of lakes. It's 30 min to Lake Michigan beaches in Charlevoix and Elk Rapids. The kids love the bunkbeds in the loft and the game room downstairs. The kitchen is clean and well appointed with everything we need for meal prep. And Margaret is wonderful and very responsive!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kathy A.

Liked: Cleanliness
A beautiful home and great location…
House was clean and comfortable for our group of 10. Lots of things for teens to do; lake, game room, fire pit and great areas to relax and get together as a large group. Owners were very helpful with a few minor issues, and they were also willing to FedEx a forgotten item to us. Highly recommend!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Eric L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful place
This is a great property with great hosts. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Liz H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic family getaway
Margaret and Tom, the owners, were incredibly helpful from the time we booked until we left. Margaret gave me recommendations on restaurants and places to go visit. She even called me and gave us instructions on how to use the pizza oven. Pizzas came out amazing by the way! This amazing house on Benway lake was the perfect family getaway. The whole house was in prestine shape. My 15 and 18 year old loved the game room and kayaks. The kitchen had everything you could ever need and the hosts supplied paper towels, toilet paper and soaps which was super helpful. The outside sitting areas were plentiful and the views were great and peaceful. We took day trips to Sleepy Bear dunes area and Traverse City, Charlevoix, Petrosky and spent a day at the wineries as well. I really couldn’t ask for a better house or host. Thank you Margaret and Tom!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Emily W., Seville, OH

Liked: Cleanliness
Lake House Fun
We had a group of 8 adults stay for my husband's 40th birthday. The house is beautiful and fully stocked. It was a perfect location considering we rented a boat for two days on Torch Lake, hit the Old Peninsula Wine Trail, checked out Short's brewery in Bellaire, and dined and shopped in the quaint town of Charlevoix. We enjoyed a pizza night with the recently added pizza oven. We also used the kayaks to explore Ben-Way Lake. Our nights were spent on the dock or relaxing around the fire pit. Margaret was so helpful with local recommendations and anything we needed. Our group loved this house! We would definitely book again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maria K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Couldn’t have asked for a better place!
Our family (11 people, ages 4-74) stayed here for a week in early June. Plenty of beds and space for all of us. The house itself and surrounding countryside were lovely. Views of the lake were great. We had one rainy day-the house was so cozy for reading/watching TV/playing games (everybody loved the game room). On the dry days, we enjoyed fishing from the dock, as well as taking the rowboat and kayaks out. We cooked on the campfire, grill, and in the kitchen (the kitchen had everything a cook could want). We wanted to use the pizza oven too, but were too busy running around northern Michigan! We made trips to Torch Lake, Charlevoix, Castle Farms, the Ironton Ferry, Peninsula beach in Boyne city, Petoskey, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, and Traverse City (and still had lots of places we didn’t get to go! Passed through quaint towns everywhere!) We slept great every night-the Beds and pillows were very comfortable. The owners were so organized and responsive, just great people. Highly, highly recommend this rental.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Bert & Judy B., Grand Rapids, Michigan

Liked: Cleanliness
An amazing property
This lake house is beautifully decorated. It is comfortable and homey. The kitchen is a cooks kitchen with any appliance and tool you would need. The homeowners are exceptionally friendly and kind. It is well suited for our group of 7 adults to stay with plenty of comfortable beds.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lisa M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Place
This was the perfect place to gather and enjoy a week away. Friends met for a week and had plenty of space and lots of laughs. Very nice home!!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Marta S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Relaxation at its best
ABSOLUTELY stunning house and property. We enjoyed out stay, even on the rainy days., and hope to be back some day.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Emily m., Michigan

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful
We absolutely loved our stay here! Margaret was a joy to work with and she and her husband have done an excellent job creating a space that is relaxing, comfortable, fun, and well stocked with everything you need. Not only that but they have given excellent quality bedding, kitchen tools, toiletries and things to do. We loved cooking and grilling together, fishing in the Upper Chain of Lakes, boating and swimming on Torch lake, playing in the game room, listening to music on the record player, cozying up on the amazing couch downstairs for a family movie night, and sitting on the deck or dock watching the sun rise with a steaming cup of coffee and a glass of wine while the sun set. This is a vacation we will not soon forget!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021