Abbott Lake House: Ski, Sled, or Snuggle: Winter Fun for Everyone

Abbott Lake House
SLEEPS: 8 comfortably
BEDROOMS: 3 (Queen size beds) + basement sleeping (twin daybed + twin trundle underneath)
BATHROOMS: 2.5 (one on each level)
*LAKEFRONT*- On the small Briggs Lake
2 KAYAKS and 1 ALUMINUM BOAT INCLUDED (Kayaks will be put out for renters on Memorial Day and will be removed after Labor Day depending on the weather)
*SANDY BEACH ON PROPERTY

As you enter Huron National Forest and drive through the long, tree lined, gravel driveway leading up to the cottage, you immediately feel a classic "Up North" experience come upon you. As you get away from it all, there is a sense of ease on the forefront of this cottage, which rests on 1 acre with access to the small-7 acre, but private, Briggs Lake in Rose City, Michigan. Pulling onto a nice driveway, you will find the cottage easily accessible, as you have access to the 2 car garage (with opener), which makes unpacking or packing the car very convenient regardless of the weather.

Entering the cottage, there is a convenient area to take off your boots, hang up a wet towel, or just place all your coats together. Through the door, you will immediately be captured by the gorgeous view from the large window across the living room. The view of the small lawn and surrounding trees are ideal when you want to watch your children playing a lawn game. You will also see the ideal space for your family to share meals on the beautiful, wood table, located directly across from the well-stocked kitchen. The kitchen has all your basic necessities, along with a few bonus small appliances, such as a micro-grill and blender. Unlike many vacation rentals, this cottage actually has a dishwasher and air conditioning, although the upstairs bedrooms still get quite warm in the summer. There is basic air conditioning ONLY on the main floor. The upstairs bedrooms are NOT air conditioned

Not only are the kitchen and dining areas on the main floor, you will also find a great living space with a comfortable, large couch for watching your favorite shows on the Smart TV. The main floor also has a wide, comfortable, year-round sunroom. Sit at the table with your laptop as you get caught up on emails from work, or cozy up on the couch with a book on the opposite side of the porch. Watch the snow fall, or your kids play on the beach, all from the comfort of the year round porch. This is ideal for anyone who would struggle getting down the incline to the beach area, yet want to watch the fun. .There is also a bedroom located on the main floor with a queen bed, which overlooks the grassy area. Even though the amenities are plenty and the comfort level high, it's hard to spend much time inside the cozy cottage when there is so much to experience on the outside.

Across the living room are the stairs leading to the 2 upstairs bedrooms, which both have a queen-sized bed. One upstairs bedroom faces the water, while the other faces the woods. Between the 2 bedrooms, there is a small 1/2 bath with a toilet and sink, which is very convenient for those middle of the night trips to the bathroom.
*Remember, even with air-conditioning on the main level, the upstairs bedrooms get quite warm in the summer. The air-conditioning works well on the main floor and walk-out basement areas only.

In the basement, there are 2 additional twin beds, plus a convenient stove and fridge. There are a washer and dryer located in the basement kitchen area as well. On rainy days, bring your family together in the basement and enjoy a ping pong tournament!

The truly unique piece of this Rose City cottage is the experience of feeling connected to nature through the astounding views of both the Huron National Forest and Briggs Lake. There are just so many things you can do in this area: tubing, fishing, kayaking, snowmobiling, ice skate right in the back yard, and golf courses are all not too far away!

The truly unique piece of this Rose City cottage is the experience of feeling connected to nature through the astounding views of both the Huron National Forest and Briggs Lake. There are just so many things you can do in this area: snowmobiling, ice skating right in the back yard, ,tubing, fishing, kayaking, or playing golf at a nearby course are all at your reach!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A/C: There is basic air conditioning ONLY on the main floor. The upstairs bedrooms are NOT air conditioned.

Animals: Expect to see small wildlife like squirrels, birds, etc. You may be lucky enough to spot deer during your stay!

ATV/Snowmobiles: Yes, you are welcome to bring your ATVs and snowmobiles and ride right from the property. It is approximately 3 miles to the LP96 Trail. ******PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE YOUR ATVs/Snowmobiles ON THE LAWN OR BACKYARD LEADING DOWN TO THE LAKE******

Bathroom:
*Main Floor – 3 piece bath

*Upstairs – ½ bath

*Lower Level – 3 piece bath

Beach/Swimming: You can swim in the lake directly from the property. There is a natural sandy beach area where you may walk directly into the water.

Bedroom Configuration:
*Master Bedroom – Main Floor – Queen Bed
*2nd Bedroom – Upstairs – Queen Bed
*3rd Bedroom – Upstairs – Queen Bed
Additional – Lower Level – Daybed with Trundle

Boats: 2-3 Kayaks and 1 aluminum boat will be put out for renters on Memorial Day and will be removed after Labor Day depending on the weather.

Bugs: Expect to share your stay with mosquitoes, flies, and other summer critters.

Cable/Satellite TVs: There is no cable, but a DVD player is provided. Bring your favorite films from home for a fun movie night in. There is also a SMART TV, so bring your Netflix account information along! Please let us know if you don't have one.

Cell phone service: Expect to be unplugged! The cell service is extremely unreliable here. If you have a smart phone, you can use use the WiFi for internet calling.

Dishwasher: Unlike many vacation rentals, this cottage has a dishwasher.

Distances:
Golf:
• Fairview Hill located in Mio, Michigan 48647
• West Branch Country Club Golf Course (public) located in West Branch, Michigan 48661 (14.2 miles)
• Green Briar Golf Course located in Lupton, Michigan 48635(18.1 miles)
• Dream Golf Course located in West Branch, Michigan 48661 (26.9 miles)
• Edgewood Greens Golf Course located in Prescott Michigan 48756 (15.4 miles)
• Treetops Resort located in Gaylord, Michigan 49735 (61.2 miles)
Restaurants:
• Rose City Cafe located in Rose City, Michigan 48654 ((8.2 miles)
• The Faull Inn located in Rose City, MI 48654 (7.6 miles)
• Randy's Restaurant & Bakery located in Rose City, MI 48654 (7.8 miles)
• Trappers located in Rose City, MI 48654 (7.7 miles)

Ski Resorts:
• Hanson Hills Recreation Area in Grayling, Michigan 49738 (41.2 miles)
• Treetops Resort located in Gaylord, Michigan 49735 (61.2 miles)
• Otsego Club & Resort located in Gaylord, Michigan 49735 (66.1 miles)

Snowmobile Trail:
​​​​​​​* Trail 6
* Trail 96
* Trail 967

Tubing/Kayaking/Canoe enthusiasts:
• You are just 10 miles from the famous Au Sable River in northern Michigan
• Many services for canoe livery, including drop-off and pick-up areas.
• Tubing/Kayaking/Canoeing Establishments:
• Gotts' Landing located in Mio, MI 48647 (10.6 miles)
• Hinchman Acres Resort located in Mio, MI 48647(10.6 miles)
• Rainbow Resort Canoes located in Mio, MI 48647 (18 miles)

Dock: There is not a dock.

Fire Pit: Yes! A great place to enjoy a relaxing evening!

Fire Place: Wood burning in the basement / Gas on the sun porch.

Fishing: Bring your poles for a shot at catching some small mouth bass, perch, and blue gill!

Fishing License: You can purchase your fishing license online at the Michigan DNR Website.

Grill: Propane Grill. Propane is provided.

Handicap Accessible: Ideal for those who may struggle with stairs or moving around outside, there is easy access to the main floor bedroom and the main floor bathroom. The year round sun porch is also easily accessible and a wonderful place to relax and enjoy the beautiful views outside.

Heat: There is standard heating on the main floor, and a space heater in each of the upstairs bedrooms.

Hunting: No hunting or target practice is allowed on the property

Store:
*Gas Station -- 6 miles
*Grocery Store -- 6 miles
*Outlet Shopping -- West Branch, 23.8 miles

Internet: Yes, WiFi is available!

Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made up before you arrive. If you are fussy about the thread count of your sheets and wish to bring your own, please just let us know, and will be sure we leave a bed open for your sheets. We have just the basic bedding, pillows, pillow cases and bath towels.

Parking: There is enough parking for 4 trailers. **Please do not park on the grass by the entry door**

Pets: 1 small dog allowed. Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet for your entire stay. Yes, we do accept 1 small dog , yet we do ask that you please clean up after them both inside and outside the cabin. 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. Generally, dogs love the water and places to explore. Pet food does tend to attract mice, so vigilance is needed.

Privacy: There are few homes that share the private Briggs Lake

Rates: Seasonal /Holiday/ Weekend rates apply. Please check the Availability Calendar for details

Towels: Yes, we provide bath towels but it's always good to bring extra. Please bring your own beach towels from home.

Washer and dryer: The washer and dryer are located in the basement kitchen area.

Winter Activities:
*Snowmobiling
Distance: Direct access (Ogemaw County trails within 5-10 miles).
*Cross-Country Skiing
Distance: 10-15 miles (Huron National Forest offers some trails).
* Ice Fishing
Distance: 10-15 miles (local lakes, including Lake Ogemaw).
* Downhill Skiing
Distance: 45 miles to Ski Brule (near Iron River, MI).
* Winter Hiking/Snowshoeing
Distance: 10-20 miles (Huron National Forest and local parks).

Wood: Guests must provide their own wood. Wood can be purchased at the local gas stations or grocery stores.

Additional Notes:

Cleaning Fees Explained:
a. Cleaning fees booked directly through Freshwater Vacation Rentals are NOT taxable. (This is a way to save you $$.)
b. Even though our room rate is generally less per night during the Spring, Fall and Winter, no one wants the cleaning quality to decrease.
c. We expect our cleaners to clean at the same level during non-peak seasons as they would during the peak seasons.
d. We pay our cleaners a living wage. They deep clean, wash all the linens and prep each bed, regardless of how many people are on the reservation.