Schoolhouse-Style Lakefront Near Crystal Mountain with Pontoon and Game Room

This creatively designed 4-bedroom home was built to resemble a classic Northern Michigan schoolhouse, offering a unique and memorable stay with modern comfort. The home is warm, cozy, and thoughtfully laid out for families and multi-generation groups, with separate spaces for adults and children to relax and enjoy their time together.

The property sits on 2.5 private acres along peaceful Upper Herring Lake, with 140 feet of private water frontage and a quiet country setting surrounded by rolling hills, woodlands, orchards, and vineyards.

Located just minutes from Crystal Mountain, the home is well suited for winter ski trips, summer lake vacations, and fall color getaways.

We never charge host fees, cleaning fees, pet fees (up to two dogs), or extra guest fees.

THE HOME
This approximately 2,100 square foot home features cherry wood flooring, ceramic tile, custom woodwork, Pottery Barn–style décor, and a curated mix of antique and custom furnishings that reinforce the schoolhouse theme while remaining comfortable and inviting.

The great room includes an HD TV with Roku, a DVD player, and a DVD library, making it a relaxing space for movie nights and downtime after a day on the lake or the slopes.

The walkout basement includes a pool table, board games, an HD TV with Roku, and a PlayStation 2 with games. This lower-level space is ideal for kids, teens, and casual evening entertainment while allowing adults to enjoy quieter time upstairs.

A standout feature of the home is the 4th-floor bell tower, which offers 360-degree panoramic views of Upper Herring Lake and the surrounding countryside.

LAKE ACCESS AND LOCATION
A short walk of approximately two to three minutes along a boardwalk through a protected natural area leads to the lakefront amenities. The home sits on a slight grade, so the return walk may take a bit longer for guests with mobility or health concerns.

Upper Herring Lake is an all-sports lake that remains peaceful and uncrowded, providing an enjoyable balance of boating, fishing, and quiet lake time.
You are just minutes from Lake Michigan beaches and the town of Frankfort, with easy access to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Traverse City for day trips.

INCLUDED LAKEFRONT AMENITIES (SEASONAL)
Row boat (April 1 through November 15)
Two kayaks (May 1 through November 1)
Floating foam aqua-play mat (Memorial Day through Labor Day)
Full dock with moorings for additional boats (mid-May through November 1)
Fire pit with chairs
Rope hammock and chaise lounges
Pontoon boat (Memorial Day through early October) with 10 gallons of free pre-mixed fuel
The pontoon boats are clean, well maintained, and functional. They range from 18 to 24 feet in length and are older models with 25 to 35 hp two-stroke motors. They are best suited for relaxed cruising and fishing rather than high-speed boating. Guests with basic boating experience will enjoy them most. Instructions and technical assistance are available if needed.

The lake bottom near the shoreline is typical Northern Michigan soft sediment (mucky) and is not sandy.

WHAT WE PROVIDE
A starter supply of paper goods and soap products is provided and is typically sufficient for a two-night stay for smaller groups.

For a complete list of what is provided and what to bring, please see “Using the Property” on your My Trip page.

WINTER TRAVEL NOTE
For winter stays, an all-wheel-drive vehicle or front-wheel-drive vehicle with good snow tires is strongly recommended.

IMPORTANT HOUSE NOTES
This is a quiet, peaceful setting best suited for families and responsible guests who will care for the home.