summer vacation homes on our wish list
Escaping to a unique and well-designed stay for a quick weekend or extended trip is one of our favorite things to do this time of year. The time away from a daily routine and spent in a new environment often leaves us inspired and refreshed. Check out our list of midwest vacation homes we have on our wish list to visit for a solo trip, friend trip, or family getaway.
Northern Migration Warbler House (Lake Leelanau, MI)
Summary: This beautiful stone house with spa-like bathrooms and amazing cooking and dining spaces looks out over two acres of farmland near the east coast of Lake Michigan. We love how they seamlessly blend old and new by complementing the existing bones with thoughtfully curated furniture and accessories.
Accommodates: 6 guests, 2 bedrooms, 5 beds, 2.5 baths
2. The Fernhuas (Elk Rapids, MI)
Summary: This home is a simple and serene vacation dream. The entire home, including the furniture, mattresses, and bedding were selected with natural materials in mind (something we get super excited about!). Additionally, the home includes access to 1000 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline, a cook’s kitchen, and fresh landscaping coming later this summer.
Accommodates: 5 guests, 2 bedrooms, 4 beds, 1.5 baths
3. The Cliffs at Hocking Hills (Hocking Hills, OH)
Summary: This former boy scout lodge was recently transformed into a well-designed retreat overflowing with activities for all. The simple neutral palette creates a lovely backdrop highlighting the incredible surrounding scenery, including waterfalls and a secluded swimming hole.
Accommodates: 18 guests, 6 bedrooms, 5.5 baths
4. Frank Lloyd Wright Seth Peterson Cottage (Mirror Lake, WI)
Summary: Tucked in the woods of Mirror Lake State Park, this mid-century Frank Lloyd Wright tiny home, built with local Wisconsin Sandstone, is a rare opportunity to stay and experience Frank Lloyd Wright’s beautiful and thoughtful design. The property has been well cared for and restored by a local management company, state park workers, and volunteers for nearly three decades. Enjoy lake views from the living spaces and head down to the dock where you can canoe and explore the park.
Accommodates: 4 guests, 1 bedroom, 2 beds, 1 bath
5. Off-Grid Inn Unit #1 (Fall Creek, WI)
Summary: Less than 2 hours from the Twin Cities, this minimal retreat is ideal for a quiet restful weekend. The expansive window frame views of the surrounding woods. This may be a tiny space, but all of the essentials are provided!
Accommodates: 3 guests, 1 bedroom, 1 bed, 1 bath
6. Viewpoint in Lutsen (Lutsen, MN)
Summary: The eclectic, yet tasteful Northwoods style of this Airbnb provides a cozy relaxed setting to enjoy the Lake Superior Views and the rest of the North Shore. This home boasts plenty of space to spread out for inside activities and is just a short drive from Lutsen Mountain, Cascade River, and Crosby Manitou State Park.
Accommodates: 8 guests, 4 bedrooms, 4 beds, 1.5 bath
7. The Minne Stuga (Grand Marais, MN)
Summary: The detail and effort that went into sourcing high-quality, natural, and many local materials put this vacation home high on our list of places to stay. This chalet frame is just 15-minutes from downtown Grand Marais, one of our favorite Minnesota cities, full of local art and great restaurants.
Accommodates: 9 guests, 2 bedrooms, 1 bunk room, 7 beds, 3 bath
8. The Boho Buck (Deer River, MN)
Summary: Described as a 1970’s time capsule, we love how this lake home was preserved and thoughtfully designed to create an experience authentic to the era in which it was built. The interiors are filled with vintage gems and art with plenty to do outside on the beautifully clear Deer Lake.
Accommodates: 6 guests, 3 bedrooms, 3 beds, 2 baths