Lake Elinor Retreat ~ New Sauna, Kayaks

Start your day with a peaceful paddle in the kayaks or cool off with a refreshing swim! Then, warm up in the outdoor sauna. This lakeside cottage features a marvelous sunroom overlooking Lake Elinor, a large kitchen, and a spacious living room for entertaining or relaxing. Lake Elinor, located in Brethren, Michigan, is a popular fishing destination known for species such as largemouth bass, bluegill, and yellow perch. The lake reaches depths of up to 38 feet, providing a suitable habitat for these fish. We provide kayaks, peddle pontoon, aluminum boat, bicycles, and life jackets.

Quick 23 minutes to Crystal Mountain, 28 minutes to Caberfae Peaks, 13 minutes to the Big M cross-country skiing, and 7 minutes to the snowmobile trailhead in Kaleva.

New for this spring is a log sauna nestled close to the house and overlooking the lake. This is our dream lake cottage, so we're adding new updates throughout the season in an effort to make the place more like home and enjoyable for our guests!

Please don't hesitate to contact the Hosts, Alison & Nathan, or Co-Host Essential Vacations (property manager) with any questions about amenities. Looking forward to hosting you at the Lake Elinor Retreat!

Proximity Note (for grocery & supplies):
We want you to have everything you need for a relaxing stay! Please note that 4531 Harter Street is located in a quiet, rural area near Brethren, MI. The nearest full-service grocery stores—Meijer and Family Fare—are located in Manistee, about 20–25 minutes away. We recommend stopping there before heading to the cottage to pick up groceries, beverages, and any other essentials. Meijer and Family Fare right off US-31 for easy access. You’ll also find a Dollar General and a gas station with firewood just a few minutes away in Brethren for smaller or last-minute items.
🏡Lake Elinor Retreat – House Rules

🕓 Check-In & Check-Out
• ✅ Check-in after 3:00 PM
• ✅ Check-out before 10:00 AM
• We kindly ask guests to honor our standard check-in and check-out times, as early check-ins and late check-outs are not available. Due to same-day turnovers, our cleaning team needs every moment to prepare the home thoroughly for each guest’s arrival.

👥 Occupancy
• 👤 6 guests maximum at all times.
• 👶 Crib and pack-n-play available.
• 👧 Children age 4 and under are exempt from the occupancy limit.
🐾 Pets
• 🐕 Pre-approved dogs allowed for existing reservations only, limit 2. $100 pet fee charged after confirmed reservation.
• 🚫 Keep dogs off furniture and beds, please!
• 💩 Please clean up pet waste and dispose of it properly and promptly. Pet waste in yard will result in additional charges.
• 🪣 Pooper scooper and bucket provided in garage.
• ❌ No unapproved pets allowed.
• ⚠️ Evidence of unapproved pets = $500 minimum charge
• 📝 Existing reservations with pre-approved pets are still permitted.
• 🧼 Additional cleaning fees apply if there's evidence of pets on furniture or pet messes in or outside the home.

🎉 Behavior & Use
• 🚫 No events, parties, reunions, or large gatherings.
• 📸 No commercial photography or filming permitted.
• Please be respectful of the property. Clean up and dispose of food, trash, cans, etc., and place in proper receptacles.
• Adult supervision is required at all times for children near the water.
• Parties or events are strictly prohibited, and if reported, guests may be asked to vacate the rental without a refund.
• The number of guests must be disclosed at the time of reservation, and at no time can the number of persons exceed the maximum occupancy.
• Guests under 25 are not allowed unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
• Please be mindful of food and beverages in the bedrooms.
• Please take care of the furnishings. Guests are responsible for damages.
• Please don’t rearrange the furniture.
• Please do your dishes.
• No illegal substances allowed on the property.
• No illegal use of Wi-Fi or Internet.
• No Illegal Activities: Illegal activities are strictly prohibited on the property.
• Respect for Neighbors: Guests will respect neighbors' privacy and property.

🚭 Smoking
• 🚫 No smoking anywhere on the property — inside or outside.
• 💸 Smoking inside = $1,000 minimum fee

🔇 Quiet Hours
• 🌙 Please observe quiet hours from 9 PM to 7 AM.

🎓 Renter Requirements
• 🧑‍💼 Minimum rental age: 25+
• 🏠 The person who books must occupy the home for the entire stay.

Miscellaneous
• Refund Policy: Stripe Payment Processing Fees are non-refundable and will be deducted from any refunded amount.