*Property has heated mats on the entryway! No worrying about shoveling your way out of the door on snowy days!

Changes in Latitude on Houghton Lake
*Brand new- just built 2021-2022

SLEEPS: 8
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHS: 3

*LAKEFRONT (Houghton Lake)

*SWIMMING ON PROPERTY

*PET FRIENDLY-1 dog MAX

*Wi-Fi
*CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING 

**Ring Doorbell is at the property**

Jimmy Buffett sings it best, "Changes in Latitude, changes in attitudes. Nothing remains quite the same... If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane."   

Wow! What an idyllic spot along the shores of Houghton Lake to capture those moments of laughter with family and friends.  This isn't your grandma's Up North cottage (not that there is anything wrong with that), as this is actually a brand new lake house!  

It is rare to find a vacation rental lake house that has been newly constructed (2022), purposely created by one family to share their new space with others. It's has both fun and simple elements through which the lake house shines.  The plethora of windows creates an ambiance where at each turn, you catch a glimpse of the classic Houghton Lake. Plus, you can sleep well on those hot summer nights with central air conditioning.  

The kitchen prep area surrounds the dining table for all, so keeping the family together, sharing meals, drinks and laughter is the heartbeat of the Changes in Latitude Lake House. From the dining area to the living room and outdoor spaces, togetherness rings true.

Since time spent outdoors is key to your Up North vacation, there are 2 outdoor spaces designed to bring out the best conversations and opportunities for laughter. One, right along the water with comfortable seating surrounding the firepit, while the other is closer to the house. It's easy to watch the kids swim, or watch the setting sun together.
 
Since the property owner's often bring their own dog, your furry family member is welcomed too.

Keep in mind that since this is a brand new building and the space will be blossoming with each new family that adds it's memories to the mix, the landscaping is growing too.  Each year you return, you'll be able to see the growth first hand.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Air Conditioning: Central air conditioning    

Beach/Swimming: There is not a traditional beach. There is a seawall, but you can swim directly from the dock. It has been reported that the bottom of the lake is a hard pack sandy bottom.

Bedroom & Bathroom Configuration:

        Bedroom #1: King size bed with attached full bathroom

        Bedroom #2: Queen size bed with attached full bathroom

        Bedroom #3/Bunkroom: Two sets of twin bunk beds (total of 4 twin beds) with attached full bathroom with tub
         *Additional sleeping arrangements: sleeper sofa in living room, and one twin size rollaway bed. 

Boats:  There are no boats provided, however, below are nearby boat rental companies:
        * L & G Boat Rentals @Heights Marina 900 Shoreline Dr., Houghton Lake, MI 48629. 989-429-5575
        * Brian's Lakeside Marina, Inc 8320 W. Houghton Lake Dr., Houghton Lake, MI. 989-422-6720
        * Macon Marine 1552 W. Houghton Lake Dr., Prudenville, MI. 989-202-4844          

Boat Launch: There is a public boat launch on Houghton Lake-approximately 7 miles away. 

Cable/Satellite TVs:Yes, the TV in the living room has traditional cable as well as being a Smart TV.  The two in the bedrooms are Smart TV's only (1 in king room & 1 in queen room) We also have firesticks on each TV.  

Cell phone service: Good. All carriers seem to have good service here.

Distances:
         * Detroit: 3 hours and 15 minutes ( 190 miles)
         * Grand Rapids: 2 hours 10 minutes (130 miles)
         * Lansing:  2 hours (125 miles)
         * Saginaw: 1 hour and 45 minutes (105 miles)               
         * Traverse City: 1 hour (60 miles) 
         * Mackinac Bridge: 1 hour 10 minutes (100 miles)

Dock: Yes, Dock is Available from Memorial Day Weekend thru Mid October

Drinking water: Well water 

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.

Fire-pit: Yes. There is an outdoor fire pit.  Please keep fires manageable and extinguish completely. Provide own wood.

Fishing: Houghton Lake is known for its excellent fishing! Here you will find walleye, pike, bass & bluegill.  Please be sure to bring your own poles as there are none at this property. You must also have a MI fishing license. 

Grill:  Propane & charcoal grill available. Please bring charcoal and lighter fluid. 

Grocery Store: Family Fare Supermarket (8 min. away) 

Handicap Accessible: While there are minimal steps for entry, the home is not ADA complaint.

Internet: YES!

Linens: Yes, we provide you with basic sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. If you are particular about the thread count of your sheets, let us know, and we will make sure we leave a bed open for your sheets.

Parking: There is room for 2 cars and a trailer MAX. There is a cement pad in front of the property between the shed and the porch. This is the main designated parking area. 

Pets:  1 dog-MAX is welcome! Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet for your entire stay. We do ask that you please clean up after them both inside and outside the cabin. 

Privacy/ Neighbors: There are houses on both side of the home. Neighbors are SUPER close-- about 11 ft. away. NO LOUD MUSIC or PARTIES. This is NOT considered a "secluded" property. (If you need something more private and secluded, please ask.) 

Smoking: No smoking allowed of any kind, on the property. Due to the close proximity of the neighbors, it is strictly prohibited.

Snowmobiling: 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.
*Roscommon County Snowmobile Trails
Distance: About 5-10 miles.
*Houghton Lake Snowmobile Trails
Distance: Roughly 5-10 miles.
*Lake County Trails
Distance: Approximately 20-25 miles.
**Please trailer to trails** 

Space: Single level home, all bedrooms have attached bathrooms

Towels:Yes, we provide bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, and beach towels. It's always good to bring extra though.

Veterinarian:  South Shore Animal Hospital.   4258 W Houghton Lake Dr, Houghton Lake, MI 48629   (989) 366-7404

Washer and dryer (Clothes):  Yes

Winter Activities:
*Snowmobiling
Distance: (Houghton Lake and Roscommon County snowmobile trails within 5-10 miles).
*Ice Fishing
Distance: Direct access (Houghton Lake is a popular spot for ice fishing).
*Cross-Country Skiing
Distance: 10-15 miles (trails in Houghton Lake State Forest or Roscommon State Forest).
*Sledding
Distance: 5-10 miles (local parks like Pineview Park).
*Winter Hiking/Snowshoeing
Distance: 10-15 miles (trails in Roscommon State Forest or Houghton Lake State Forest)

Wood:  Guests need to bring their own wood for fire pit. 

Amenities