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Entire home

Unwind at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!"

Lakefront vacation home with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Unwind at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!"

Property grounds
Beach
Property grounds
Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Escape to Hilltop Cottage, nestled near the serene Lake Margrethe. Enjoy a peaceful retreat with 3 queen size Sealy Posturepedic beds and convenient amenities like towels, bedding, and kitchen equipment. Explore the spacious downstairs area featuring a pool table, foosball table, air hockey and more games for endless fun.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8106 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Unwind at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!"

Come enjoy the spacious Hilltop Cottage located near the gorgeous Lake Margrethe! Conveniently located 2 walking blocks from the waters edge and close to snowmobile and ORV trails, this cottage has everything needed for a great up-north getaway. Snowmobile trails are less than a 1/4 mile away! Snowmobile from the front door to the trails, or from the trailhead nearby. Road end lake access, as well as 1.2 miles from the only public boat launch and state park on the lake.

Located on a secluded road end, this cottage allows privacy for all group types. This cottage is set up for your convenience. Rental includes towels, bedding, kitchen equipment, etc. for a simple stay away from home.
All three queen size beds are Sealy Posturepedic pillow tops, making for an amazing night of sleep!

We are working on remodeling the 1970's era finished downstairs with new furniture. It currently has one bedroom (with queen bed) and 1 bathroom. There is also a pool table, foosball table, air hockey, and table tennis. A small bar (sadly not stocked) is also located downstairs. We find that many guest enjoy hanging out down there after a full day of play. The downstairs is a walkout, and is also a great space to enter from the backyard and leave snowmobile suits and gear.

Guest have access to the entire house and yard. Fire pit area in the back yard with some fire wood supplied (enough to start your fire). Large picnic table located out there year-round. No separate seating provided out there during the winter mounts. 8 chairs provided during summer months, but stored up near house. Grill on the back deck May-October.

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby
  • Snowboarding nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio
  • Yard

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • No elevator
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Note from host: Smoking outside only

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • On a lake

Things to do

  • Air hockey
  • Arcade/game room
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Foosball table
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • Unit size: 1,140 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out available

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Rules

-Typically boats and trailers will need to be backed in to the lower driveway (15-20 yards from front door) and cars/trucks can park near entry.
-Parking on site available day of checkout if not leaving the area immediately, we know a full vacation day is enjoyed!
Monthly stays are considered. Deposits increase to $800, and cleaning fees increase to $200. If interested in a monthly rental, please contact us for

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: $50/pet refundable deposit. Limit 2 dogs

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking outside only

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

This property does not have elevators
A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Hilltop Cottage Your Upnorth Getaway Lake Margrethe House
Hilltop Cottage Your Upnorth Getaway Lake Margrethe Grayling
Hilltop Cottage Your Upnorth Getaway Lake Margrethe
Hilltop Cottage You Up North Getaway Lake Margrethe 4 Bed/ House
Hilltop Cottage Your Upnorth Getaway Near Lake Margrethe
Hilltop Cottage You Up North Getaway Lake Margrethe Pet Friendly
Hilltop Cottage Your Upnorth Getaway Near Lake Margrethe
Hilltop Cottage Your Upnorth Getaway Near Lake Margrethe
Hilltop Cottage Your Upnorth Getaway Near Lake Margrethe

About the neighborhood

Map
Grayling, MI

What's nearby

  • Hanson Hills Recreation Area - 8 min drive - 8.7 km
  • AuSable Artisan Village - 10 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Grayling Country Club - 12 min drive - 10.2 km
  • Wakeley Lake - 12 min drive - 10.6 km
  • Rayburn Property Trail - 12 min drive - 10.6 km

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 67 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Paddle Hard Brewing - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Tinker's Junction - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Spikes Keg O Nails - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Unwind at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!" pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

What time is check-in at Unwind at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!"?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Unwind at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!"?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Unwind at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!" located?

Located on a lake, this family-friendly vacation home is within 6 mi (10 km) of Hanson Hills Recreation Area, Wakeley Lake, and Rayburn Property Trail. Grayling Country Club and Crawford County Historical Museum are also within 6 mi (10 km).

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Reviews

Unwind at Hilltop Cottage - By Lake Margrethe "Dog Friendly & has a Game Room!!" Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.6

Cleanliness

9.8

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 92 out of 105 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 12 out of 105 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 105 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 105 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 105 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

randall H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

It was exactly what we were looking for and it was exactly what it was presented as she was a great

It was a wonderful stay we enjoyed the house thoroughly I would recommend it to anybody it was just the right spot where we needed to be and close enough to town and close enough to the trails we will be going there again no doubt
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Wendy K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fall Colors

We enjoyed the property very close to ORV trails and nice location for other adventures
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

lacey b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Ice fishing and snowmobiling

3 couples got together for this weekend getaway and the house was great! Half of us went fishing on lake margrethe and half stayed back crocheting and cooking. The kitchen was well stocked. We had a wonderful time and would return!
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shelly L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Summer 2025

Lots of space to spread out.Gameroom loved by all.Short trip to beach .. perfect!Bonfire pit for smoresThe outlets in the basement bedroom struggled to hold the plug in the wall.The tv/dvd/vhs in the basement... we couldnt get it to work
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

8/10 Good

Karen J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Winter fun trip

Was a great location to use for access to snowmobile trails
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tim R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Place

This is our second time staying at the Hilltop Cottage. We plan to return.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tina A.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great hosts!

Great location with great neighbors. Very impressed with the wonderful communication, response time and kindess of the hosts!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kerri B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice home

Comfortable beds, clean home, and good location. Had a great time playing pool in the game room.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kenny B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great as always

Prime location for all activities. Quiet and relaxing.
Stayed 6 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Christina W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Christmas Family Ski Trip

This house was in a quaint location with plenty of things to do nearby. The house had games and everything needed to feel right at home. We loved the pool table and outdoor views!
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cathie Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful find!

This was the perfect spot for our family to join us on our annual fall color trip, which we have been taking for nearly 50 yrs! This will be one of our most memorable trips. Fantastic host, pet friendly, great location, and comfortable home - can't ask for more!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Cheryl B., Clarklake, MI 49234

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Relaxing and enjoyable

We really enjoyed staying at Hilltop Cottage. The beds were comfortable and we all slept well. It was very clean. The younger people like the game room in the basement. We liked riding the trails around the cottage with our Jeep. The owners are friendly and helpful.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary Ann A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perched in the woods

Incredible setting. Quiet. Games and recreation area downstairs awesome for challenging weather days and evenings. Close to many sought faster outdoor recreation sites.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

8/10 Good

DIANE ELLEN S., Brooklyn MI USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy

Cottage by Lake

Very clean ranch house with 3 bedrooms upstairs. Downstairs was another bedroom and bath that we never used but would be great for kids as lots of games and activities. Only small issue was hard to use the door key code and the bathroom needs to be updated with better lighting.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Blondie B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

This home was clean, spacious, and set up with two different entrance/exits if some of your party wanted to come and go without bothering anyone else. Tons of movies downstairs although I would have liked to have had some type of regular cable down there as well for football, hockey, or whatever sports teams were playing. We ended up getting snowed in for an extra day and it was no problem adding on that extra day. The property manager was very polite and easy to get ahold of as we lost power one day because of the weather and they had a crew out of fix it within an hour! Home has everything you could possibly want. The kitchen was stocked with everything you need to cook all your meals. Washer and dryer was also included. This home could sleep 10 very comfortably. 3 bed one full bath upstairs and 1 bedroom full bath downstairs plus a pull out couch. I forgot to mention the pool table, along with air hockey and ping pong table. It's centrally located in beautiful Grayling close to town which has very quaint restaurants and cute little shops for souvenirs. Close to the trails for summer and winter play on the machines. We will definitely stay many more times and I highly recommend this beautiful place for a vacation, retreat or just a long weekend! Super comfy
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Beverly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place that accepts dogs! Didn’t have any pet smells. Great location for us and had all the space we needed. Check-in was easy. Would stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherry S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another wonderful stay! Host is awesome to work with! This was our second year in a row staying here! Works great for our family vacation!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

family get away

We enjoyed our stay and will definitely come back. The place was roomie, clean, and the location for us was perfect. Brenda was pleasant and communication was great!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cute house on the hill.

Very roomy and comfortable. Bedrooms were very nice. Nice location. Very private.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Charlene L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lake Tour

The Hilltop Cottage was topnotch. Centrally located to Torch Lake, Indian River, and Higgins Lake. Brenda is an amazing host. Her cottage is clean, beds are comfortable, ample parking, and equipped with everything you need. We enjoyed our stay, it will be on our return to list.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Julie W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

cozy and comfortable

We are just a group of friends who want to get away once a year and do nothing but visit, laugh, play games, eat and have a few drinks without all the distractions of home.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Craig L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great quiet location with access to outdoor adventure

Six of us (my parents, brother, wife, adult daughter, and I) stayed with our two small dogs, and we had plenty of space when we needed quiet and plenty of activities (game room, board games, we’ll-equipped kitchen for cooking and grille) for when we wanted to be together. Having two bathrooms was a nice feature, as was on-site laundry if we would have gotten clothes dirty or wet when some of us went fly fishing on the AuSable. I would highly recommend this place for your next adventure up north.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

bob r.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

For storm damge

Excellent place to stay no matter the reason
Stayed 6 nights in Apr 2025

10/10 Excellent

Zach J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Northwood Getaway

Great layout for multifamily groups, with plenty of space. The downstairs space gave everyone a chance to spread out and socialize. Beautiful location that is excellent for any season, and close to tons of family-friendly outdoor activities. Conveniently located for easy access to Graying and the outdoors.Brenda was a great host who always took our calls and gave us a very clean and comfortable stay.If coming in the winter make sure to have all-wheel drive. The approach to the property can be just a bit steep for lesser-equipped vehicles.We look forward to coming back!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

8/10 Good

Crystal W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location for snowmobiling!

Great cabin close to snowmobile trails. Map provided was very helpful with local seasonal roads to get to trails. Kids love the game room in the basement. After fresh snowfall, the hill can make it tricky to park the truck and trailer in the dark. In the morning, we were able to move it around in daylight after it was plowed. Great stay!
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2025