Thimbleberry Cottage

THIMBLEBERRY COTTAGE SLEEPS:6 BEDROOMS:3 BATHROOMS:1 **Has a geothermal cooling system. Please see below for details. ***Located on Lake Michigan Your small family adventure to the Thimbleberry Cottage begins when you turn off of US-2. Soon pavement turns to gravel as you inch your way down the Garden Peninsula toward Lake Michigan. Then, as you move closer to the Lake, you will turn onto a decent 2-track road. Following a terrain where you need to drive slowly, plus pay attention to your markers is a part of the experience; the building anticipation as you wind your way closer to the Thimbleberry Cottage. Once you arrive at this newly built cottage, you will rejoice you have found this unassuming home, just behind the parking area. Keep in mind that the phenomenal view is just an opening of the door away.... Ta-da... The wall of windows overlooking Lake Michigan is sure to capture your heart. Every detail has been attended to at Thimbleberry Cottage. The décor exhibits a simple, yet thoughtful, essence. Being able to cook while you gaze at Lake Michigan or watch a movie (via streaming or DVD) while soaking in the view of Lake Michigan are treats. Simply enjoying the sunrise over the Lake as you sip your morning coffee gives you time to reflect on this wonderful slice of heaven. Walking down to the beach, you’ll experience tide changes which display varying amounts of sand and rock. At certain times of the year, there is even a labyrinth of stones set up to provide further relaxation with a walking meditation. Calm, balance, and creativity seem to be easily drawn out of your experience at the Thimbleberry Cottage. Sitting around the campfire at night is the classic Michigan way to wind down those days along the lake. Bring your marshmallows and stories to share. The ambiance is picturesque. The best of Michigan-- tucked between large trees on both sides with Lake Michigan in your frontal view. One of the most convenient aspects this cottage offers is that all the basics are on the main floor. This is a bonus for anyone in your family with mobility challenges. A comfortable birds-eye view of the Lake, plus one (1) bedroom, the bathroom, kitchen, and outside deck facing the lake are all just steps away. Plus, there are two (2) other well-appointed bedrooms, plus an additional living room/gaming area all on the lower level. In addition, the lower level provides easy walk-out access to the outside fire-pit and lake. Although you cannot easily see the neighboring homes through the trees, we do ask that quiet times be adhered to, as we have working families living nearby. The sense of privacy is apparent. On your way home, don’t forget to pick up some local thimbleberry jam on your way home. Our hope is that the family memories you made at the Thimbleberry Cottage are etched in your heart forever. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Air Conditioning: This property does not have traditional air conditioning. It is a geothermal cooling system that draws cool water from the ground and uses it to cool the air in the house. Although it is not as colling as central air it does keep the house at a comfortable temperature. ATVs: ATVs may be brought with you to use during your stay but are not permitted for use on the property. Animals: Deer, chipmunks, porcupines, skunks, squirrels, coyotes, and turtles are native to the area. Bathrooms: The bathroom is located on the main level, and includes a sink, toilet, and shower/tub. Beach/Swimming: Bring your water shoes! This property has 400ft of sandy/rocky waterfront along Lake Michigan. Bedroom Configurations: Main Level: Bedroom #1 with a King bed Lower Level: Bedroom #2 with a Queen bed Bedroom #3 with two Twin beds Boats: Blue-Mystique Boat Rentals is 24 minutes away (12 miles)! Please note that there is no dock at this property. Guests are welcome to bring/rent kayaks or canoes, however, it is not advised to bring any boats that require a dock if you wish to keep them at the property. Boat Launch: The closest boat launch is located in Garden, MI 25 minutes away (13.4 miles). Bugs: Flies and mosquitoes are common in this area. Ticks are common in the UP, and especially this property with it’s natural grasses, during the warmer months as well. We believe in keeping this property a natural landscape. Therefore, we do not do any treatments or additional landscaping to avoid ticks. Cable: There is no cable at this property, however, a DVD player. An antenna has been added for 30 channels. Cell Phone Service: Verizon works best in the area! Coffee Maker: A drip coffee maker with filters is provided. Distances (In Order of Distance): *Detroit, MI: 6 hours (395 miles) *Chicago, IL: 6 hours & 15 minutes (371 miles) *Madison, WI: 5 hours (302 miles) Dock: There is not a dock at this property. Drinking Water: Well water is used at this property. Some guests may want to bring bottled water with them for their stay. Drugs/Smoking/Fireworks: Freshwater does not permit illegal drugs of any kind on the property. Due to the location of the properties, smoking is strongly discouraged around the home and strictly prohibited in the home. Fireworks are prohibited at a Freshwater location for the safety of all persons in and around the property, even if it is legal in that city. Fireplace: A free-standing, vented, wood-burning fireplace is at the home. Fire-pit: The firepit is located on the beach. Fishing: Bring your poles! Fishing can be done in nearby creeks. Chinook Salmon, Brook Trout, and Rainbow Trout are common in the area. Fishing License: A license is required in order to fish in Michigan. Click here to purchase your license online Golf (In Order of Distance): *Stony Point Golf Course: 18 minutes (11 miles) *Garden Golf Course: 22 minutes (12.3 miles) Grill: A propane grill is at the property for guest use. Grocery Store: Jack’s Fresh Market is 22 minutes away! (17.6 miles) Handicap Friendly: This property has no additional handicap features. Heat: Geothermal heating is used at this property Hunting: Hunting is not permitted on the property. Please follow all state and local guidelines for hunting in the area. Internet: Starlink is the WiFi provider Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. If you are fussy about the thread count of your sheets, just let me know, and I’ll make sure we leave a bed open for your sheets. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bath towels. Parking: 4 cars and a trailer can park at the property. Pets: This rental is NOT pet friendly. Privacy: Neighbors are within 200ft on either side of the home. They are not visible; however, they are within earshot. Quiet Time: Between 11pm-8am, please be especially mindful of noise. ​​​​​​​In 2025, there is construction at the house next door. Snowmobiles: a person (resident and nonresident) that operates a snowmobile in Michigan is required to purchase a snowmobile trail permit. The trail permit enables snowmobilers to ride state-designated trails and thousands more miles of public roads and on public lands (where authorized). It is valid for one year, which begins Oct. 1 and ends Sept. 30 of the following year. State-designated trails are open Dec. 1-March 31 and grooming occurs when there is enough snow on the ground. Click here to purchase your snowmobile trail permit. Space: Contemporary one-level cottage with walkout basement. Seniors: This property is senior-friendly! Televisions: A 32” Smart TV with a DVD player is located in the living room. 65" Smart TV in walkout basement. Towels: All bath and kitchen towels will be provided during your stay. Please bring beach towels with you! Washer and Dryer: Yes! There is a Washer & Dryer available to use during your stay Wood: Please purchase your own firewood