Summary:
Enjoy Northern Michigan at Mallard Duck Retreat in Houghton Lake, Michigan! Welcome, this cozy cottage is within walking distance of the largest inland lake in Michigan on a quiet street with lake-end access. The retreat is perfectly set up for guests to enjoy outdoor activities. We are calling all lake lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. This home has a true cottage atmosphere. The highlight of the space is the private backyard perfect for relaxing, entertaining, libations, and stargazing.

The Space:
The Mallard Duck Retreat has 2 bedrooms and sleeper sofa (bedding and pillows in primary bedroom closet) in the main cottage AND has super sweet bunkhouse in the backyard complete with heat/AC that can sleep 5 comfortably- perfect for the kiddos.

While the home is equipped to host up to 5 adults and 5 children (bunkhouse beds), we think a perfect group size is 4-6 people in the main home. We’re happy to host all 10, but keep in mind it will be little bit cozier and will be utilizing the bunkhouse for sleeping.

There is one full bathroom (small shower/no bath) complete with all your toiletry needs and other grooming essentials. The living room has a couch with a chaise and converts into a full-size bed to sleep two extra guests. The living room is completed with 65-inch TV with Roku on a built-in fireplace for extra heat and ambiance and for those cold winter nights. The full-sized kitchen is equipped with all major appliances and a sweet coffee station.

Is that a cloud you’re sleeping on? Nope, that’s the just memory foam mattress in the primary bedroom and for the traditionalist there is a standard mattress in the second bedroom. We also have different types of pillows for different needs. Thoughtfulness and comfort were indeed placed on providing a peaceful sleep in the retreat.

The cottage is situated on two lots with a fenced-in backyard and very private. The backyard boasts two deck and sweet bunkhouse and porch. There is a gas grill available for all your BBQ needs. Check out the pictures of the unique outdoor fire pit… can we say S’mores and libations! Firewood is available in the garage.

Guest Access:
-- Double Lot – Perfect for Entertaining
-- Large Garage – lots of space for toy storage
-- Ample Parking
-- RV Parking Available with Electrical Hookup (Additional Cost)
-- Bunkhouse: Sleeps 5 –dedicated area for the children (ladder/loft/. bunkbed = fall risk) OR a secluded work space (mesh wifi) complete with MiniSplit Heating & Cooling
-- Full Kitchen
-- 2 Outdoor Decks for Entertaining
-- Close Access to Trail Head
-- Lake End Access
-- Kayaks Available for Use (2) & Bicycles
-- Smart TVs in every room (including bunkhouse) complete with Roku
-- Mesh System: High Speed Wifi 300 Mbps
-- Central Heating
-- Laundromat less than 0.5 miles away
-- Mid Term Stays Allowed – Weekly & Monthly Discounts
-- Full-Size Mirror and Makeup Mirror
-- Unique private outdoor firepit (wood available upon request)
-- Outdoor BBQ Grill
-- Seasonal AC Unit for those hot summer nights
-- Easy Keyless Self Check-In /Smart Lock
-- Spacious backyard situated on 2 lots

The Neighborhood:
Houghton Lake, Michigan, United States

The cottage is in the heart of Houghton Lake, MI with a short walk down the street to the lake with lake access. Enjoy the views of the lake from the front deck.

The cottage is on a road across the street from Camping World and you can literally walk to Bucilli’s Pizza... yum. The cottage is a short drive from Walmart with grocery store pickup and Family Fare with Door Dash.

There are also many great local spots to get a meal and beverages within walking distance.

The Mallard Duck Retreat is conveniently located less than ½ mile from the trail head perfect you ORV'ers :)

Getting Around:
There is enough parking on the long-driveway, deep garage and a second lot that can accommodate four vehicles and extra parking for an RV, travel trailer, etc.

Distances:
* Detroit: 3 hours and 15 minutes (190 miles)
* Grand Rapids: 2 hours 10 minutes (130 miles)
* Lansing: 2 hours (125 miles)
* Saginaw: 1 hour and 45 minutes (105 miles)
* Traverse City: 1 hour (60 miles)
* Mackinac Bridge: 1 hour 10 minutes (100 miles)

Public Boat Launch about 7 miles away

Other Things to Note:
Sure, eating at all the great restaurants in town is fun, but sometimes we need a home cooked meal. The home comes with a full dining table and chairs. Prepare meals in a fully equipped kitchen with plenty of plate ware, pots/pans, complimentary coffee bar (tea, decaf, regular, flavorings), spice racks, microwave, toaster, kettle, and brita water pitcher (cottage has well water).

The decks have tables and seating with lounge seating to enjoy that lake air. There are additional camping chairs, beach blankets, kayaks (2), life jackets, and several outdoor games like Giant Jenga and bocci ball to enjoy. There is also a gas grill available for use.

Furthermore, we have compiled a list of things to do and places to go such as golf courses, marinas, hiking trails, snowmobile trails, beaches, restaurants and bars, and more.

Camera disclosure: For the security of our guests and maintaining the safety of our home we have two outdoor cameras that face the driveway and one facing second lot and are actively recording with the sound turned off.

If you have any questions we didn’t answer, please don’t hesitate to ask. We would be happy to provide you with any information that we can make your stay a memorable 5 star stay.

We treat our guests like friends so don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks for reading, we’re happy to have you.
Kindly, Clint & Steph

Interaction with Guests:
I will be available via phone/texting throughout your stay for any needs/questions/concerns.

We treat our guests like friends, so don’t hesitate to reach out. Thanks for reading, we’re happy to have you.