Notes from the host
Bareboat Bungalow
Our Guests Say It Best!
"The cottage exceeded our expectations. Everything you need is there. The cottage is completely updated and decorated exactly as I would decorate a beach cottage. We really enjoyed our stay; lots of beach time with our grandchildren and bike rides. We will probably book an annual stay here." - Kathleen W
"Comfortable, well located cottage. Great bird watching!" -Christine T.
About The Cottage:
A charming bungalow a stone's throw from Tawas Point State Park, the bike path, and 3 miles to town amenities - take the bike path! This 3 bed/1 bath 1200 sqft bungalow offers space and comfort for your getaway! A short walk to Tawas Point State Park and hiking, bird-watching and breathtaking vistas of both Tawas Bay and Lake Huron. A deeded Lake Huron access point at the end of the street (3 houses down) - just enough to toss in a kayak or check out the wave action.
Bareboat Bungalow is set up for families - and works well for couples as well. 1 bedroom downstairs (queen) and two bedrooms upstairs (king, 2 twins). The home maintains some rustic charm while also offering comforts like wireless internet, smart tv's (bring your Netflix info or use the free viewing apps) and newer furniture and appliances. We DO have some renovation plans, primarily the kitchen but its fully functional (bring your own dishwasher - the human variety!) Walk the park, enjoy the beaches moments away, ride your bikes into town. Enjoy crisp fall days with the gas fireplace to keep you warm, or sit in the front room with the wall heater keeping you warm.
Small camper or camper van? Please inquire - we do have a 30 AMP plug available. Only with express approval may bookers bring a camper or camper van.
Note: This home does not have central heating or cooling, however you will find we have made it quite comfortable with supplemental space heaters and window/portable AC, depending on the season. New in 2025: Window a/c units added for warm weather season in both upstairs bedrooms!
WHAT TO DO? Aside from hiking, swimming, and biking practically outside the front door/in the state park, head to Corsair for renowned groomed cross country skiing, snowshoe through the state park, or just meander the charming neighborhood. Check out Lumbermans Monument or Iargo Springs. Wander through the quaint town of East Tawas and don't leave without walking out the state dock. An outdoor firepit and deck offers a great spot for evenings at home. Our street is right off the bike path that takes you into town (3 miles) and beyond. This home is for an adventurous couple or family looking to take advantage of the area.
BRINGING KIDS? We own this home because we had youngish kids at the time and wanted a great location to get us walking, hiking and biking! It worked! Even now as teens they enjoy our getaways. The living room and front room both have TV's and room to spread out without needing to fight over the remote. The shark-themed bedroom inspires imaginations and we've left some books and Legos (note, we do NOT sanitize those after every visit, but we do so regularly.)
REMOTE WORK? Bring your laptop(s) and use the provided wifi (400 mpbs good for large file downloads and multiple devices streaming HD) and extend your weekend into the week! A desk in the upstairs bedroom can offer privacy for a conference call. The front room and living room both offer table space.
PETS? Well-mannered dogs considered, must be leashed outside or have excellent recall. Not all of our neighbors enjoy dogs, and there is a lot of wildlife and other dogs in the area.
OTHER: Active security cameras in use in garage/home exterior. Contactless check-in and out. We won't bother you unless you need us! If you need something, or the property isn't up to par please let us know as soon as reasonable. It's just us, this isn't a property management company or a hotel - we are working and raising our family so we are unlikely to respond in the middle of the night, but we do want the opportunity to make your stay great!
DISCLAIMERS: This house in a location where you may experience wildlife. Being surrounded by water means a lot of bugs, such as fish flies, which hatch out in mass when the weather conditions are just so. We have had times where our house was coated with them! Mosquitos can make the evening a bit less delightful for sitting on the porch. There are also frogs, snakes, birds, foxes, deer, raccoons, possum - all have been seen in our yard. Some regularly. Things you can do - don't have the porch lights on and open doors (I've made this mistake and had a fish fly hatch in the house!), bring repellants of choice for mosquitos and have a sense of adventure. If you bring a pet, don't just let them out the door. Leash your dog or ensure they are well trained to not leave the yard (and know you may find wildlife in the yard)
SUMMER RESERVATIONS: We will open our summer calendar mid- to late January, once we confirm our summer plans. We require a 5-night minimum between Memorial Day and Labor Day - we will reduce this requirement to 3 nights for any remaining summer dates in mid- to late April. Returning guests can always message me for preferred dates, we'll do our best to accommodate.
DAMAGE INSURANCE: We require the purchase of damage protection insurance, which covers up to $3000 of damage over your stay. This is independent of (and costs less than) VRBO's coverage and you will see this line item assessed as a Property Fee. You will be responsible for any damages in excess of the coverage allowance.
OTHER FEES: Taxes are assessed as Michigan's Use Tax (6%), cleaning fee and pet fee if applicable.
We hope you enjoy your stay!
