Forest Retreat Near Crystal Mt. & Traverse City

This inviting home offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Located just minutes from Sanford Lake, this home provides easy access to outdoor adventures and cozy downtime.

Living Area:
- Open concept living area with large windows allowing for natural light and scenic forest views
- Smart TV with access to streaming platforms (logins not provided)
- Comfortable seating arrangement for relaxing with family or friends

Kitchen & Dining:
- Fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances and ample counter space
- Coffee bar to start your day, plus a dining table with seating for six
- All basic cooking utensils, including a blender, toaster, air fryer, and more

Bedrooms:
- Bedroom 1: King-sized bed, large windows with forest views, Smart TV with streaming
- Bedroom 2: Queen-sized bed, large windows for natural light, Smart TV with streaming
- Additional Bedrooms (3 & 4): Both feature Queen-sized beds, spacious closets, and peaceful surroundings

Bathrooms:
- Three full bathrooms, one attached to the master bedroom for added privacy
- Bath linens and toiletries are provided for your convenience

Outdoor Space:
- Deck with BBQ grill, ideal for enjoying meals outdoors while taking in the natural surroundings
- Firepit with seating, perfect for evenings by the fire with family or friends
- Sanford Lake is just a short walk down the road, where you can enjoy peaceful waters and a park with swings, outdoor grills, and seating areas

Other Amenities:
- High-speed Wi-Fi, in-unit washer/dryer, air conditioning, and central heating

Enjoy peak fall colors reflected across Lake Ann, with cooler-weather kayaking and paddleboarding for a peaceful autumn escape. Take a scenic drive to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore for stunning fall color tours and breathtaking seasonal views.

The guests have full access to the house and garage. The utility room will remain locked.

I am not available on site. The quickest and best way to reach me is through the platform messenger. Please reach out if you have any questions!

If there is an emergency, please call 911 FIRST, then reach out to me over the platform.

Nestled in the serene woods of northern Benzie County, your stay on Maplewood Drive places you in the heart of Lake Ann, a beautifully quiet and close-knit lakeside village. With a population of under 300, Lake Ann feels like a hidden retreat, peaceful, welcoming, and rich in natural beauty.

Natural & Outdoor Appeal

The property is surrounded by forest and waterways: Lake Ann itself spans over 500 acres, and there are several smaller lakes in the area, creating an ideal playground for boating, fishing, and paddling.

Outdoor lovers will appreciate the Lake Ann Pathway, a 5.8-mile trail perfect for hiking, mountain biking, or cross-country skiing — with scenic overlooks, wetlands, and forested terrain.

Nearby natural areas include parks maintained by Almira Township, offering picnic spaces, playgrounds, and even a disc golf course for casual recreation.

The home is well positioned for exploring the region. Traverse City, known as the Cherry Capital of the World and producer of most U.S. tart cherries, is a short drive away. Spring brings orchard blossoms, scenic bike rides, farm stops, and access to two nationally recognized wine regions. Guests can also visit Front Street for shops, bookstores, coffee spots, bakeries, breweries, restaurants, and marina views. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers trails, scenic drives, Lake Michigan beaches, and seasonal wildflowers.

Community & Lifestyle

Despite being small, Lake Ann has a genuinely warm and hospitable spirit. The town has strong historical roots, and longtime families still call this place home.

It’s a destination for second-home owners, many visitors and residents stay seasonally, drawn by the natural beauty, peace, and slower pace.

According to local residents, the area is quiet, with plenty of wildlife, friendly neighbors, and a relaxed, rural rhythm.

Local Amenities & Character

In the village center, you’ll find beloved local spots: Lake Ann Brewing Company offers craft brews and live music, while The Stone Oven serves up hearty, home-style meals.

For a sweet treat, guests can stop by the Corner Cone for ice cream, or grab coffee and pastries at Red Door Coffee Shop nearby.

History buffs will enjoy the Almira Historical Society Museum, which celebrates the local heritage and founding families through displays and community programming.

Vibe

The area feels upscale yet unpretentious: a lake-district retreat where nature takes center stage, but the community is authentic and grounded.

It’s ideal for travelers seeking a slower pace, a place to unwind, reconnect with nature, and enjoy access to water, trails, and peaceful surroundings.

At Maplewood Drive, you’ll likely feel like you’re staying in a secluded, woodland cottage, but with enough nearby charm that you never feel isolated.

Lake Ann offers the perfect blend of seclusion and convenience. Most guests drive to explore the area, downtown Lake Ann is just a few minutes away, and Traverse City can be reached in about 20 minutes. The roads are quiet, well-maintained, and scenic, making every trip feel like part of the getaway.

-This is a friendly neighborhood, so please respect the neighbors and abide by the quiet hours noted (10 pm to 7am).

- There is an exterior security camera on the front door

This property has special local compliance requirements which include a signed rental agreement, ID verification, and security deposit. We know security deposits are annoying, so to make it easier on you we have 2 options that you can choose between:

Option 1: Damage Waiver ($47) - Have a worry-free stay with coverage for up to $1500 for accidental damage (spills, breaks, mishaps) with no surprise charges. Just relax and enjoy your stay. Coverage up to 10 nights, +$4/day for longer stays, and provided by a third-party insurance company.

Option 2: Security Deposit ($2,500) - Refundable temporary hold that releases after your stay.

To make this process easy for you, we use a secure and very simple, app-free platform. It is not an app, and you do not have to sign up for an account - it's a safe and secure website. It also gives you a guest portal with all the info about the home and all of my favorite local spots.

If you have any questions, just message us anytime! Happy to help!