Hughthir is the coolest and went out of his way to make our stay comfortable. We had so much fun chatting with him. The cabin was built for his mother and you can feel the love that went into every detail. The books and records were enjoyable to browse through. Definitely try to arrange a sauna session (the Theragun and essential oils were the perfect touch)! The surroundings were beautiful and peaceful. This cabin was a dreamy and relaxing retreat from the city. We definitely plan to visit again!

We enjoyed a quiet stay at this lovely cabin in the woods. You feel far away from it all but still only about 10 min from Empire and the Sleeping Bear Dunes. It was a great spot for our family. We enjoyed sitting out on the porch amongst the beautiful front garden and taking a short hike down to the lake. We had a peaceful rest and even heard an owl one night! Definitely a great spot to get away in northern MI!

Just what we expected. Beautiful, peaceful setting. Host was friendly and very responsive. Will plan to stay again.

We rented this space for the in-laws and they loved their stay. The setting is beautiful, and the ability to enjoy disconnecting and “unplugging” from the amenities of modern life was lovely.

Really great place, very relaxing and beautiful surroundings. Comfortable cabin with everything you need.

Hughthir is an outstanding host who built this beautiful home with his own hands. The quiet, the garden, the views, the lake, gorgeous master bedroom with Star filled skylights, artistic tiled soaking tub- entirely perfect. How soon can we get back?!

My wife and I just spent a fabulous week at this site. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves in the secluded and beautiful cabin that was nestled in the woods with it's own private lake. I cannot say enough about the cabin with its many hand crafted features, it's scenic views provided by the windows and sky lights. We enjoyed our privacy but were still close enough for short drives to the many attractions of the Leelanau Peninsula and surrounding area. The cabin was extremely clean upon our arrival and was well appointed to meet all our needs during our stay. Hughthir was a wonderful host and we are already making plans to visit this location in the future.

What can I say, this property and cabin is breathtaking. I feel so blessed we were able to stay at this beautiful property on Gilbert Lake. As we drove through the lush woods leading up to the cabin we knew immediately that this was the family retreat we were looking for. We definitely hope to stay here again to take in nature’s beauty and surroundings. We enjoyed hiking the path and sitting by the lake listening to the loons and star gazing. The skillful art of carpentry can be found in the many details of the cabin. If you are looking for a slightly rustic getaway in the north woods this is your place. My family gives this cabin 5⭐️‘S!

Hughthir’s retreat is clearly made with love, full of books and light. Secluded, wooded property with lots of wildlife. There’s a pond you can see from inside, with a deck where you can take your beverage and watch the sun go down. The kitchen is spacious and well-equipped, plenty of pots and pans and staples. At night you can see the stars from the skylight over the bed. Bring an eye mask if you like to sleep in: everywhere you look is a window looking out on trees or a skylight. We also enjoyed the fire pit outside and grilling out on the deck. My parents spent a couple of nights in the sweet guest cabin. Hughthir himself comes and goes, left us to our devices, and was very attentive to requests. Ten minutes’ drive to Sleeping Bear and a short enough drive to other good stuff like lighthouses, shops and restaurants. And farmstands selling asparagus, as it was in season.

My second time here- a wonderful place tucked in the woods, but very convenient to Sleeping Bear and other attractions. Very comfortable, beautifully built. Best-equipped kitchen of anyplace I have rented. Hughthir is very responsive, friendly and helpful. We will be back again!

The three of us had a lovely cozy weekend at Hughthir’s retreat. The cabin is beautiful and has so many delightful architectural and decorative elements. Everything is gorgeous. The wood stove was cozy — lit by Hughthir for our arrival — was so nice and the sauna was fantastic our second night. If you’re thinking of visiting, you absolutely shouldn’t hesitate! We can’t wait to return.

Had a great time celebrating our anniversary. Weather was not the best but we made the best of our time enjoying the stay in the quite retreat in the woods house. When weather was decent we enjoyed sleeping bear dunes, hiking trails and visiting other towns around. Hughthir was a great host and thank you for sharing you home!

We had the pleasure staying at Hughthir's cabin this past weekend, and we were absolutely delighted, not only with his hospitality, but also with the peace and tranquility of the property. The cabin feels secluded, and we were able to truly relax and unwind. The wood burning stove and record player were especially charming. We loved the sauna option as well and would highly recommend. We look forward to coming back in the future!

Beautiful retreat in a remote, wooded area. Perfect for outdoor exploring, close to Sleeping Bear Dunes. The property is clean and charming. The craftsmanship is so impressive. Loved listening to the old LP’s and the sauna was the perfect way to unwind.

My husband and I had a relaxing, peaceful long weekend staying at Hughthir’s charming house. We were lucky with beautiful weather to enjoy the property and area activities( kayaking, hiking, biking).The house is charming with family photos and collected items and feels welcoming. We marveled at Hughthir’s skill and craftsmanship making this home, it really is impressive.Hughthir’s was a great host, welcoming, unobtrusive, and available when needed. We enjoyed his offer to sit on his deck overlooking the water and did that nightly with a glass of wine.The property is beautiful and the location remote, so you really feel removed from daily life. The dirt road to the house is 1.5 miles, narrow and winding. You may question going the right way, but it’s worth it traveling through the woods, past the lake, to the house, and saw several deer along the way.We will surely return, thank you Hughthir!

My husband and I had a relaxing, peaceful long weekend staying at Hughthir’s charming house. We were lucky with beautiful weather to enjoy the property and area activities( kayaking, hiking, biking). The house is charming with family photos and collected items and feels welcoming. We marveled at Hughthir’s skill and craftsmanship making this home, it really is impressive. Hughthir’s was a great host, welcoming, unobtrusive, and available when needed. We enjoyed his offer to sit on his deck overlooking the water and did that nightly with a glass of wine. The property is beautiful and the location remote, so you really feel removed from daily life. The dirt road to the house is 1.5 miles, narrow and winding. You may question going the right way, but it’s worth it traveling through the woods, past the lake, to the house, and saw several deer along the way. We will surely return, thank you Hughthir!

This is the perfect spot to get away from it all. The cabin sits on a quiet, peaceful, gorgeous property. Hughthir is extremely accommodating as a host and neighbor. He welcomed us to stroll around the woods and enjoy the private lake. Check in/out was relaxed and flexible. If you get the chance, I highly recommend getting to know Hughthir and touring all the work he's done on his land. It was really inspiring for us - the architecture and landscaping are seriously dreamlike.Everything was clean, and we felt very safe staying here during the current pandemic.Note: my husband and I didn't have cell service in the cabin, but the internet is quick and reliable. Plus, there's a wonderful and surprisingly large library - we could've stayed there all year and not run out of things to entertain us. Will definitely book again!

This is the perfect spot to get away from it all. The cabin sits on a quiet, peaceful, gorgeous property. Hughthir is extremely accommodating as a host and neighbor. He welcomed us to stroll around the woods and enjoy the private lake. Check in/out was relaxed and flexible. If you get the chance, I highly recommend getting to know Hughthir and touring all the work he's done on his land. It was really inspiring for us - the architecture and landscaping are seriously dreamlike. Everything was clean, and we felt very safe staying here during the current pandemic. Note: my husband and I didn't have cell service in the cabin, but the internet is quick and reliable. Plus, there's a wonderful and surprisingly large library - we could've stayed there all year and not run out of things to entertain us. Will definitely book again!

Hughthir was an excellent host, and has built a beautiful cabin getaway. He lives right next door, and was immediately responsive to all our questions and requests.

Beautifully crafted timber frame house nestled back in the woods. If you are looking for a peaceful secluded spot to stay, this is perfect . At the same time, the house is close to exploring Sleeping Bear Dunes and the Lelanau peninsula. We enjoyed riding our bikes on the Heritage trail , recommended by Hughthir. We wished our stay could have been longer.

Every summer, we rent a cabin or cottage as part of our vacation. In the last five years, we've stayed in Colorado, Maine, Virginia, and South Dakota. This is the best one we've ever stayed in. The cabin is beautiful with books and records and all the kitchen items you need. The secluded location was exactly what we needed to destress. I loved that it was secluded and quiet but still only ten minutes from Empire and 25 minutes to downtown Traverse City. We hiked every morning, swam every afternoon, and went out to dinner every evening. We will definitely be back.

Hughthir was a kind and caring host . His incredible place was even better than the pictures. The only thing I would recommend is that when staying there bring water to drink and make coffee or tea. As the well water is fine to drink but has a sulfa odor and taste . Will definitely come back to Hughthir’s paradise

Beautiful cottage, close to Empire, Glen Arbor and Sleeping Bear Dunes, but still very secluded and quiet. Kitchen is very well-equipped. Would come back in a heartbeat!

My husband and I slept deeply, had a much needed rest, loved the quiet. The house has spectacular architecture, views of the lake and woods from every room. We were able to take some good hikes, visit brew pubs, time at Lake MI, and enjoy the peak of autumn color. Hughthir is kind and generous, enjoyable to talk with . . . Thank you!

Had a relaxing, restful and rejuvenating 3 night stay. Slept in, had long breakfasts with a lot of coffee, listened to music, read and napped. Gorgeous home, very secluded with a welcoming host. Highly recommended!

Fantastic in every way

Classic remote hideaway. Can’t wait for a return visit.

Hughthir, the owner of this lovely cottage, is welcoming without being intrusive. He's just a text message away if we had any concerns. Very kind to work with again, since we'd stayed there last August as well. The cabin is in a gorgeous and very quiet pine forest. Hughthir has built a wonderful deck where we really enjoyed brunch in the mornings watching hummingbirds and butterflies in his garden. So relaxing! It’s obvious he built the cottage with skilled and loving craftsmanship for his mother years ago. The kitchen cupboards, ceiling beams, etc. are beautiful! Hughthir has a washer available, no dryer but he has an outdoor clothes line. We would have liked to have stayed there again next August, but he was already booked. So if you are thinking of reserving this amazing place so close to all that the Empire area has to offer, don’t hesitate! Thank you for sharing your amazing cabin with us again, Hughthir. Hope to stay there another time! Randy & Melanie

Clean and beautiful.

This property is creatively designed, beautifully constructed, and spotlessly maintained. Hughthir is a gracious and accommodating host, and our family of four enjoyed everything about our stay. The home is somehow both comfortable and comforting; it feels like a place perfectly suited to both relaxation and productivity, depending on your needs. The wind in the treetops, the stars at night, the sounds of wildlife coming across the lake, are irresistible and wonderful. The bathrooms, beds, and kitchen are all very nice. There is a shower and a washing machine. Also a good record collection and a library that would satisfy any reader for a lifetime. It’s a wonderful place and we will be back!

Had a wonderful time staying at this serene, cozy, artful cottage. So much to do in the surrounding area if you enjoy beaches, hiking, biking trails, canoeing, with small towns nearby.

This was one of the most relaxing beautiful homes we have stayed in. It is off the beaten path where you feel like you are away from everything but a mere 15 minute drive to get to all conveniences and the beautiful sights of Lake Michigan. Hughthir was a wonderful host. We feel so blessed to have found this place and I have already been raving to all our friends and family. The home and the beautiful state of Michigan certainly exceeded our expectations. We hope to return someday soon.