Masters Retreat SLEEPS: 6
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 1
*LAKEFRONT (Ostrander Lake)
*2 KAYAKS, & 1 ROW BOAT (June - September Only)
*OPEN YEAR-ROUND (entrance is gravel/dirt-- no low-profile cars)
*PRIVATE DOCK (June-September only)
*LIMITED SANDY BOTTOM ON LAKE (murky in places)
*DOGS ARE WELCOMED
Open year round! This is a ranch-style cottage with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. Each bedroom has a queen size bed with a ceiling fan. Kitchen has a bar, gas range, microwave and refrigerator. In the Living/Dining area there is a nice table which seats 6 overlooking the lake. There is a fabulous with full view of the lake/beach from the whole living room area. Cabin includes Wi-Fi, propane grill, cookware and utensils, coffee pot, linens, washer/dryer, 2 kayaks, row boat. Most cell phone signals do not work well at this cottage. Still, if have an iPhone, you can connect to the WiFi and access Facetime audio to talk on your cell phone.
Winter sports are plentiful here! This is a great jumping off spot for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice climbing or just watching the snow fall on the lake from the comfort of your living room.
The walk-out basement is a work in progress. Still, the only reason you may need to venture down is for easier access to the lake (versus walking around the cottage) or to use the updated washer/dryer.
****MAXIMUM ALLOWED OCCUPANTS IS 6 PEOPLE****The septic system CANNOT handle any more then 6. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A/C: Air Conditioning has not been needed at Masters Retreat with the beautiful cross-breeze. The ceiling fans help move cool air through the home.
Airport: The closest airport is at Sawyer International Airport in Marquette (MQT), 48 miles from the cottage 65 miles to Escanaba (ESC) normally has the best rates. Flying to the Upper Peninsula is rarely at a discount.
ATV/ORV:
Marquette - Manistique Trail
Hiawatha National Forest
https://livetheup.com/maps/upper-peninsula-atv-orv-trail-maps/alger- county-atv-orv-trail-maps
Bathrooms: One 3-piece bathroom.
Beach: Sandy bottom beach on the property.
Bedroom Configuration:
Bedroom #1: 1 queen size bed
Bedroom #2: 1 queen size bed
Bedroom #3: 1 queen size bed
Boats: **SEASONAL ONLY--2 kayaks and a row boat are provided for you to use during your stay. There is no boat launch on the lake for larger boats.
Cable/Satellite TVs: No basic cable at this property.
Cell phone service: AT&T works great! For other provider cell service can be very spotty in the Upper Peninsula. Guests with smart phones can use the WiFi for calls. There is a landline at this cottage.
Distances:
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Only 25 minutes away on Lake Superior in Munising. Below are just a few of the things that you will find in Munising and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area.
Miners Falls: it is a waterfall located on Miners River in the western portion of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Alger County, Michigan. The falls drops about 40 feet over a sandstone outcrop with a 10-foot crest.
Mini Golf: Miners Falls Mini Golf & located in Wetmore the Eagle Falls Adventure Golf
Dock: SEASONAL (June-August) --Yes. Great for gaining access to the water. Very shallow by the dock. Approximately 2 feet. No boat launch or tie up.
Fireworks: Not allowed.
Fire Pit- There is a fire pit on the property for you to enjoy! Firewood not provided.
Fishing: Yes, you can fish on the lake. Most common fish are Yellow Perch, Bass, Bluegill, and more.
Closest river? Closest fishing river to Masters would be the Sturgeon River, about 8-12 miles south. It crosses H13, the main road . Pat and Myra at Midway General Store, near Masters, in Wetmore are helpful in pointing guests in the best direction for fishing.
The Indian River is just north of Master's , yet she has never seen anyone fish on that river, yet she has seen people on the Sturgeon, which is 8-12 miles south.
Fishing License: You can purchase your fishing license online at
Fishing poles: Please bring your own.
Grill: A propane grill and propane is provided
Grocery Store: Forest Glen General Store, 7445 N Federal Forest Highway 13 906-573-2655
Handicap Accessibility: Ranch style home. Must be able to navigate a couple of stairs to enter the home. Built into a hill so guests must be able to navigate their way downhill to get to the water.
Internet: Wi-Fi is available. (Can be spotty, at times)
Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. If you are fussy about the thread count of your sheets, just let me know, and I’ll make sure we leave a bed open for your sheets. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bath towels.
Parking: Approximately 3-4 cars Midway General Store has an extra area for parking snowmobile trailers, please inquire (906) 573-2450 with them if you need to park your extra vehicle or trailer.
Pets: 2 Dogs are welcome! Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet.
Privacy: The cabin sits on 3 acres of land and has 200 feet of beach frontage. While you can see other cottages, you feel a nice level of privacy.
Space: Low-profile vehicles are NOT recommended, especially between October-May. Off paved H-13 and onto a gravel/dirt road. Low-profile vehicles are NOT recommended, especially between October-May. Ranch style cottage with 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom.
Snowmobile: Master's Retreat is right on the snowmobile trails! It's under 2 miles to connect with Trail #7. Guests can ride right from the property.
Towels: Yes, we provide towels. It's always good to bring extra though.
Washer and dryer: Yes. Detergent is provided.
Wood: Please plan to bring your own. Check out Midway General Store- N25 Federal Forest Highway 13. Wetmore: Right on the western side of Forest Highway 13.
Amenities
Property/Indoor Amenities
- Acreage
- Balcony
- Basic Paper Products (Paper Towel & TP)
- Board Games
- Box Fans
- Ceiling fans
- Internet/ WiFi
- Linens & Towels included
- Pets allowed
- Smart TV
- Smoke Detectors
- Telephone/Landline
- Washer & dryer
Kitchen Amenities
- Blender
- Cleaning Supplies
- Coffee maker
- Cooking and Baking Pans
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Oven
- Refrigerator
- Standard Kitchenware & Utensils
- Stove
- Toaster
Outdoor Amenities
- Canoe or Kayak included
- Deck/Patio
- Fire Pit
- Grill-Propane
- Kayak Included
- Patio Chairs
- Private Boat Dock
- Rowboat Included
- Sandy Beach
- Snowmobile from Property
- Swimming on Property
Special Features
Reviews
Private Relaxing Family Getaway
Master's Retreat cabin was clean. Kitchen had everything we needed including basic spices. The kayaks were great. Fishing was fun. The yard our dogs and kids loved all the space. The covered porch overlooking the Lake was perfect for morning coffee and relaxing. Location was great to explorer the Munisung area and the Manistique area, right in the middle. I would definitely stay at this location again.
Genett
Aug 2024
Perfect
Great vacation freshwater was tremendous to work with the cottage was perfect and the lake also our dog had a marvelous time plenty of room to to run and all of the amenities there were tremendous
Katherine
Aug 2024
PERFECT
Masters retreat was a wonderfulexperience it was very very clean and I'm pretty picky. The personal touches made it seem almost like home. The lake is so private and peaceful.Great views from the porch Our
Katherine
Jul 2024
Excellent!
Spent a wonderful week here with our 9 year old and 2 dogs, a great time was had by all!! Was beautiful and exactly what we were looking for! Thanks again!
FVR RESPONSE:
Thank you for sharing your review, Mike! We are so happy to know your family and dogs were all able to have a great time during your stay with us, and that you found the home to be exactly what was needed! Hopefully we will get a chance to host you again in the future, when you're back in the area!
Mike
Nov 2023
Masters Retreat Review.
Our stay here was wonderful..!!! Without incident and completely relaxing ...The only thing that would have made me give 5 stars as opposed to 4 would be a fireplace in the cottage...Again, not a blackmark, just an observation ...We loved our time here and look forward to returning there soon...Thank you again for an amazing get away..!!!☺️☺️☺️
FVR RESPONSE:
Thank you for sharing your review William! We are so delighted you had a great stay, and found the home to be a relaxing getaway, even without the fireplace. We look forward to having you back in the future!
William
Nov 2023
Lovely retreat!
Everything was perfect. Even caught a few fish and learned to kayak. All in all everything was nicer than expected. Will definitely be back next year.
FVR RESPONSE:
Hi Michelle! We are truly delighted to know you enjoyed your stay, and found it to exceed prior expectations! We are glad to have had a part in building the memory of learning to kayak, and getting a chance to fish right out back! We can't wait to have you back for your next stay!
Michelle
Oct 2023
Relaxing and beautiful property
Masters Retreat is a perfect location for anyone visiting Pictured Rocks or looking for a peaceful getaway in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. My first impression of the property was how clean it was. It is well equipped and stocked with everything you may need - you really only need to arrive with food and clothes. We really enjoyed the fire pit and kayaks (available to use along with life jackets!). I hope to visit again to enjoy the beauty and comfort that Masters Retreat offers.
FVR RESPONSE:
Thank you for taking the time to review your stay Rebecca! It's truly wonderful to know you found the home to be stocked well enough that most additional amenities could be left at home, but also knowing that you enjoyed your stay and found the area to be ideal! Hopefully we will get a chance to host you again next time you're in the area!
Rebecca
Sep 2023
Can't wait to rebook..!!! This time I think we will book a little earlier.. The house was great, well kept, clean, and stocked...Was very sad to leave it, but looking forward to returning there...
William
Nov 2022
Very nice
The place was great has what you need for a great time. Beautiful view also. Beds are clean and comfortable.
FVR RESPONSE:
Thank you for taking the time to review your stay Kelly! We are delighted to know you found your stay comfortable, and that you had a great time! Hopefully we can have you back!
Kelly
Sep 2022
Great property and location
We had a great time at the lake house. The property was equipped with everything we could want or need. The lake was very nice and quiet. The communication with the property management company was outstanding. We would definitely stay here again!
FVR RESPONSE:
Hi Breck, we are so happy to know you enjoyed your stay at Masters Retreat, and found the home well equip with everything you might've needed! We'd also like to thank you for the wonderful compliment to our staff, as we do our best to make sure guests experience the best possible stay. We would love to host you again!
Breck
Jul 2022
Great for family getaway
Our family thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Well appointed & as described. Perfect spot for visiting Pictured Rocks. Secluded & peaceful. The dishwasher was a nice surprise as I didn’t see it in the listing.
FVR RESPONSE:
Hi Terri, we are thrilled to know that you enjoyed your stay at Masters retreat! You truly can't beat the location! We're glad you enjoyed your time, and even got a nice surprise of the unexpected dishwasher! Hopefully we can have you back!
Terri
Jul 2022
Our favorite cabin
This was our second time staying at Masters Retreat. The cabin was clean, cozy, and had all the amenities we needed. The cabin is private and quiet, a welcome get away from the city. The weather even cooperated and we had 80 degree and sun for 4 days straight. We would definitely recommend this cabin to anyone.
FVR RESPONSE
Lea, we love our returning guests! It's so great to getaway and even better when the weather is good. Thanks for the recommendation, and we'll be looking for you again next year.
Lea
Jun 2022
Even better than expected
We stayed here for 2 nights and it was even better than expected. The cabin was spacious, super clean, and had many little things that made packing easier. The lake was very quiet, and was even clearer and bigger than I had imagined. The provided boat and kayaks were an amazing extra touch. We wished we had booked for a longer stay. We are absolutely planning to come back.
FVR RESPONSE
Devin, next time you need to stay longer! We're pleased to know that you had such a great time and that you enjoyed using the boats. We look forward to your return.
Devin
Jun 2022
Great place to stay!
Very cute house with recently renovated upper floor. Great yard area for pets. Close to snowmobile trails but need some snow on the main road to get to them. Very friendly service and easy check in/out. Had a great time and would recommend!
FVR RESPONSE
Corri, thank you for the recommendation! We're glad that you had a good stay and hopefully the snow was perfect for snowmobiling. Thanks for your compliment on our service - that means a lot to us. We hope to see you back again.
Corri
Jan 2022
Great location, view, private property
Spacious, clean and private property right on the lake.. close to pictured rocks, waterfalls, munising and kitch-iti-kipi--a must see!! One day was hot and humid and box fans provided, but one did not work, other than that the place is perfect, especially for the pups to run around
FVR RESPONSE
Karen, we're so glad that you took your pups on vacation with you and that you all had such a good time! Masters Retreat is the perfect place for that. We'll be sire to replace the fan. Please know that if issues such as that happen while you are at one of our properties, if you contact us we will remedy the issue right away. We hope to see you again.
Karen
Jul 2021
Perfect
What a great spot to relax! Quiet, comfortable place on a beautiful lake. As usual, a great experience with Fresh Water Vacation Rentals. Thank you.
FVR RESPONSE
Lisa, thank you for your kind works for FVR. We really appreciate it. Making our guests' vacation experience the best possible is out #1 priority. We're so happy to know that you had a great experience at Masters Retreat. We look forward to your return!
Lisa
Jun 2021
5 stars
Absolutely beautiful area and house. If you want to get away from it all this is the place. Beautiful views at night, had the moon reflect right off the lake. Your about a half hour to town so it isn’t like you have a long way to go from the house. If you are going to be using the gps to find something in town pull it up before you leave the house while you have wifi because it will take about 8 miles down the road before I had cell phone range. If I said one thing bad the grass was kinda high but when I checked out they said they would be on it about cutting it.
FVR RESPONSE
Thanks for your review, Steven! One thing no one ever mentions is the beautiful view at night. The clear view of the moon on the lake, and the bright stars up ahead- there is nothing more peaceful and beautiful! Thank you for sharing your suggestion regarding GPS- it will surely help future guests! We are happy that you enjoyed your stay and we hope to have you back one day!
Steven
May 2021
Great place!
We had a great stay! The cottage is clean and cozy. It had everything we needed for an enjoyable snowmobile vacay. I knew it had gotten good reviews when I booked, but it exceeded my expectations. And, Freshwater was very timely in responding to questions prior to our stay. I would stay here or another of their properties again.
FVR RESPONSE
Katy, thank you for this wonderful review. We love exceeding guest expectations! We would be happy to work with you anytime.
Katy
Feb 2021
Perfect Retreat on the Lake
We enjoyed our stay at Masters Retreat! We were able to find the house with ease, the check in process was a breeze, and the house was clean when we arrived. We enjoyed the amenities such as the fire pit and the kayaks. The response from Freshwater Rentals for queries about the rental were resolved promptly including a last minute issue when the house wouldn't lock behind us when we were leaving. We already thinking about planning our next trip to the UP! Two suggestions for improvement- I suggest getting some more dinner knives for the house since we could only find two. New or sharpened knives would also be helpful versus the dull knives that are in the house. Overall, it was one of the stress-free vacations I have had because, in part, the support we received from Freshwater Rentals.
FRESHWATER RESPONSE
Sarah, thank you for this lovely review and suggestions. It was great working with you, and we look forward to your return!
Sarah
Nov 2020
Remote getaway location
The property was clean, remote, and perfect for our family. The location was great for getting to Pictured Rocks and hiking spots in the UP, but also very remote so you can get away from it all. It was great being able to use the boats, fire pit, and grill on the property. The only thing I would caution against is coming here in the winter, the driveway isn’t paved so it would be difficult to get your car in and out of the driveway. Also, we didn’t receive our rental email, when I called Freshwater Rentals they said Gmail emails had been going to spam so I wish they would’ve called and let me know this since they could see I have a gmail account. It had important information for locating the house (signage could be better) and other check-in details especially since we didn’t get service anywhere in the UP.
FVR RESPONSE
Kaitlyn, we love knowing that you had such a good time, and that you were able to really get away. Please accept our apologies about the gmail issue. We hope to work with you again!
Kaitlyn
Sep 2020
Great stay!
This place was very clean and updated! Beautiful location close to hiking and Munising. We had 4 adults, 2 kids, and 2 gold retrievers - was great for every member!
FVR RESPONSE
Suzanne, we love that all of your 2 legged and 4 legged family members had a great time! We loved hosting you and hope that you come back again.
Suzanne
Aug 2020
5 stars
Very neat and clean. Was very well supplied with everything we needed. A wonderful cottage.
FVR RESPONSE
David, it was great having you as our guests and it makes us happy knowing that Masters Retreat worked out well for you!
David
Aug 2020
Great UP vacation home
We really enjoyed our time here! The house is on a beautiful quiet lake, nice big lawn, great picnic/firepit setup. It was great to be able to use the property's rowboat and kayaks. We used the row boat to fish, caught one bass and a lot of bluegill, both from the boat and off the dock. The inside of the house was very clean and nicely decorated, well-stocked kitchen and bathroom, comfortable beds. We were a little hot without AC, even with using all the fans, when the daytime temps were close to 90 for a couple days, but it was fine for most of our stay there, once it got below 85 outside. The property management company was excellent at communicating everything, and there is even a tablet in the house for communicating and learning about the area. Overall, we highly recommend staying here!
FVR RESPONSE
Marina, thank you for this great review. We love that you caught fish! it was a pleasure having you as our guests and look forward to tour return.
Marina
Aug 2020
Perfect U.P. Getaway
My husband and I spent 5 nights in this terrific home. The house is equipped with anything one could need in the kitchen and bedrooms. Nice comfy beds with warm blankets and ceiling fans as well as box fans for the warmer nights. Kitchen had no shortage of pots, pans, dishes, utensils, etc. Washer and dryer in premises was a bonus. Lake is beautiful. It was very quiet and calm. Kayaks were provided as well as a rowboat. There is also a grill but we did not use it. Smart TV with Netflix and a satellite dish for other channels. A tablet is provided with recommendations of the area as well as a check in option that asks for initial feedback. I let the manager know that the house and property are great though the grass is pretty long. The manager called me within 24 hours thanking me for letting them know and had a service out that day! It's close to all the big attractions but private too. Great stay!
FVR RESPONSE
Andre, thank you for taking the time to write this great review! we loved having you as our guests and hope to work with you again!
Andrea
Jul 2020
4 stars
Quite comfortable and in an area of the country that is just beautiful no matter the season. We where there in late March to snowmobile and The Masters Retreat is just about the perfect spot for that activity.
FVR RESPONSE
Bill, we are happy to hear that you enjoyed staying a Masters Retreat. It is the perfect place for snowmobilers as it is right on the snowmobile trails. It is a ranch style house that is handicap accessible. It is situated on 3 acres of land, and while you can see other cottages, you feel a nice level of privacy. We hope to see you again!
William
Mar 2020
5 stars
Very nice home in a beautiful area, great if you’re interested in snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing, or ice climbing in Munising. Enjoyed it!
FVR RESPONSE
Keith, you certainly have covered all the great winter sports one can do while staying at Masters Retreat! Thanks for that. Masters Retreat is pet friendly and sleeps 6. It sits on 3 acres of land, so it's great for privacy. It also is right on the snowmobile trails, making it the perfect winter wonderland.
Keith
Feb 2020
Masters retreat
I have told my friends and hope this is available to me again. Maybe this winter yet. I loved the place! Hot tub would have been amazing but I still loved it.
FVR RESPONSE
Ronald, we love that you've told your friends about Masters Retreat and that you want to come back soon. That's the best review possible! Masters Retreat sleeps 6 and is pet friendly. It is right on snowmobile trails.
Ronald
Feb 2020
What a beautiful place to stay! Was in a perfect location for our snowmobile trip. Super clean and had everything we needed.
FVR RESPONSE
Cherokee, we are so happy that you enjoyed staying at Masters Retreat. It sleeps 6 and pets are welcome to stay with you. Master's Retreat is right on the snowmobile trails! We'd love to work with you again.
Cherokee
Jan 2020
Master Retreat
Place was just right are only problem was we could not get out of the driveway due to the snow fall.
FVR RESPONSE
Carolyn, ah yes, mother nature does have her moments. In the future if anything like the snowy driveway causes issues, please let us know and we will get someone out right away to correct the issue. Excellent guest service is our #1 priority. Masters Retreat sleeps 6, plus your dog is welcome to join you for the fun. We hope to work with you again, Carolyn.
Carolyn
Jan 2020
Great spot to stay in the north woods
Nice updated property with great amenities.
FVR RESPONSE
Nathan, we are so pleased that you enjoyed your time at Masters Retreat. It is located on Ostrander Lake, sleeps 6 and pets are welcome. There is a washer and dryer for guests' convenience. We'd love to work with you again.
Nathan
Jan 2020
Great place un the middle if the forest. Clean and modern. Comfortable beds. Good WI-FI which you will need. Netflix. Nice furniture. All the basics in the kitchen and hand soap in the bathroom. Will definitely stay again. If your traveling here in the winter I would definitely recommend a full size 4wd vehicle if there is snow in the forecast.
FVR response:
Brandon, thanks for taking the time to write this lovely review. We are so happy that you enjoyed staying at Masters Retreat. It is on Ostrander Lake and sleeps 6. Winter sports are plentiful here! This is a great jumping off spot for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, ice climbing or just watching the snow fall on the lake from the comfort of your living room. We'll look for your return.
Brandon
Dec 2019
This was a perfect place for my family and I! The perfect space that we could relax and enjoy the beautiful snow!
Freshwater Vacation Rentals Response
Riley, we are so glad that Masters Retreat was the perfect place for your family to relax. The UP is gorgeous in the snow, and Masters Retreat is right on snowmobile trails. We hope to see you again.
Riley
Nov 2019
Beautiful location
Perfect for running away to the woods. The kids really enjoyed kayaking. Wish we had more time to stay. We will be back:)
Freshwater Vacation Rentals Response
Amy, we are thrilled that you will be coming back! That is the best recommendation a guest can make. Masters Retreat sleeps 6 and is pet friendly. It is surrounded by trees that are magnificent this time of year. This home is handicap accessible.
Amy
Oct 2019
5 stars
Spent our honeymoon there. Close enough to town and attractions, but also far enough away to feel complete privacy
Freshwater Vacation Rentals Response
Congratulations on your marriage Kathy! We are glad that Masters Retreat served you well on your honeymoon. We hope to see you back again
Kathy
Oct 2019
Comfortable getaway nestled in the woods
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay on this secluded lake in a comfortably simple house with plenty of room. Beautiful drive on highway 13 south of Munising made it convenient to get to our favorite places. Hope to stay here again.
Freshwater Vacation Rentals Response
Ruth, we would love to have you back again! Masters Retreat is a great place to go to get away. It is private and quiet, plus your 4-legged family member can join you.
Ruth
Oct 2019
This was a good Airbnb to stay at for a few nights! It was a place where you felt like you could get away from the hustle and bustle of life in order to relax a bit more. It's within driving distance of some good trails and picturesque areas which is nice. The Airbnb was very clean and comfortable overall.
Freshwater Vacation Rentals Response
Karis, we are so glad that you found Masters Retreat to be relaxing, clean and comfortable. It is surrounded by trees, which this time of year are magnificent. It sleeps 6 and pets are welcome. We hope to see you again.
Karis
Oct 2019
Wonderful experience! We stayed here while visiting pictured rocks. The location is excellent and the home is so comfortable! The backyard is perfect for evenings relaxing with a fire in the fire pit admiring the lake! Perfect amount of privacy. Would definitely recommend and hope to stay here again!
Freshwater Vacation Rentals Response
Molly, we so appreciate you taking the time to write this great review. Masters Retreat is a wonderful vacation property with kayaks, a rowboat and it's pet friendly. Thanks for recommending it and hopefully we'll see you again.
Molly
Sep 2019
Great place, beautiful lake and dock. The pictures didn't do the yard and back porch justice! Easy to find with instructions. Peaceful but not too isolated.
Freshwater Vacation Rentals Response
Sara, we're so glad that Masters Retreat pleased you. Guests have access to 2 kayaks and a rowboat plus it's pet friendly. We hope to see you again.
Sara
Sep 2019
5 stars
Master's Retreat exceeded my expectations! It was super clean and comfortable. The yard lead right up to the beautiful lake. It was a very relaxing atmosphere.
Freshwater Vacation Rentals Response
Katie, we love to hear that our properties exceed our guests' expectations. That's the best recommendation ever. Masters Retreat is the perfect place to go to relax, plus, in the fall, the colors are magnificent. We hope to see you again.
Katie
Sep 2019
“A great place to get away and relax! Very clean house and property.”
Freshwater Vacation Rentals Response
Jennifer, it's good to hear that you could relax at Masters Retreat - that's what summer is all about! Hopefully you got to use the rowboat and the kayaks to explore Ostrander Lake. We'd love to host you again!
Jennifer
Aug 2019
Great Place our family loved it
Freshwater Vacation Rentals Response
Jason, it is easy to love Masters Retreat! We are so happy to hear that was true for your family. New beds, close to Pictured Rocks, pet friendly, 2 kayaks and a row boat - everything one needs for a perfect vacation. We hope to see you back again.
Jason
Aug 2019
Great family vacation spot! We enjoyed the backyard with bonfire pit, the dock on the lake and the kayaks/rowboat. We would highly recommend this house to friends. Only 20min+ to Munising. There’s a dishwasher and high chair, which I don’t think are included in the listing. So definitely pluses for those making use of the kitchen and with young kids.
Freshwater Vacation Rentals Response
Ammar, we are happy that Masters Retreat worked out so well for you. It's always great when our guests recommend the property to friends. A dock, a firepit, 2 kayaks and a rowboat, and close proximity to Pictured Rocks makes this the place to be. We'd love to have you back again
Ammar
Aug 2019
Perfect Location
The property was located close to attractions and on a beautiful small lake. The upstairs was nicely updated. The property manager was easy to work with. Would stay again.
Freshwater Vacation Rentals Response
Gregory, we are glad that Masters Retreat worked out well for you. Just 25 minutes from Pictured Rocks, Masters Retreat sleeps 6, and has a rowboat and 2 kayaks for the guests to use. It is also pet friendly. There is a private dock and a fire pit also. We'd love to see you come back again.
Gregory
Aug 2019
My girlfriend and I made a last minute decision to take an extended weekend in the U.P. to enjoy some hiking and stargazing, away from the light pollution we're accustomed to near the city (I mean, it was our anniversary after all). THIS WAS THE PLACE TO BE! My brother and his wife actually showed up to surprise us, and the house was able to comfortably accommodate all 4 of us. We spent our days enjoying the Pictured Rock hiking trails, our afternoons in the included rowboat on the lake, and our evenings by the fire pit with cold cocktails and a stunning view of the cosmos. Would recommend to anyone!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Mike, what a great review! Congratulations on your anniversary and how smart to get out of town to celebrate. We were glad to have you at Masters Retreat. The kayaks and rowboat let you get out on the lake, and the fire pit is perfect for evenings. We hope to see you again on your next anniversary!
Mike
Jul 2019
Had the lake to ourselves!
Clean, comfortable cottage. Bare bones but has the essentials. Would love to see that basement finished, perfect rec room! Caught good sized bass. Would stay again.
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Angie, gotta love having the lake to yourself! Master's Retreat is a great property with kayaks and a rowboat, plus pets are welcome. What more could one ask for! We look forward to working with you again.
Angie
Jun 2019
Beautiful cabin on a very pretty lake. Great location (~25 min drive from Munising) and is very quiet and private. There are ~10 other cabins on the lake, but spaced out enough such that you still have privacy and seclusion. The beds were comfortable, boating and campfires were fun, I would definitely return in the future.
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Andrew, we love that you enjoyed Masters Retreat. The privacy, the fact that your pets can join you, and the sandy beach right on the property all make this a fabulous vacation spot. We do hope to work with you again soon.
Andrew
Jun 2019
Beautiful cabin on a very pretty lake. Great location (~25 min drive from Munising) and is very quiet and private. There are ~10 other cabins on the lake, but spaced out enough such that you still have privacy and seclusion. The beds were comfortable, boating and campfires were fun, I would definitely return in the future.
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Andrew, we love that you enjoyed Masters Retreat. The privacy, the fact that your pets can join you, and the sandy beach right on the property all make this a fabulous vacation spot. We do hope to work with you again soon.
Andrew
Jun 2019
Beautiful home and very clean. I was pleasantly surprised and the pictures don’t do it justice. Had a wonderful weekend.
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Kelly, we are so very happy that you enjoyed your stay at Master's Retreat. Situated on 3 acres of land with 200 feet of private beach, you really feel like you can relax. We hope to see you back again.
Kelly
Jun 2019
Great amenities - good kayaks and rowboat. Good location for a getaway weekend.
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Sari, we are happy that Masters Retreat worked out well for your getaway weekend. It's great to have a sandy bottom beach on the property, and to have access to 2 kayaks and a rowboat. we hope you return soon.
Sari
Jun 2019
First Visit to UP
On a northward road trip a friend and I decided to visit the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in an effort to explore new areas. After deep researching on the Pure Michigan visitor guides page I stumbled across HomeAway and the Masters Retreat. The two of us stayed at the Masters Retreat for three nights in late April/early May. Below are a couple of things I would have liked to know before my visit: Finding the cabin: Not easy yet a satisfying challenge! Print and bring the home instructions with you! In addition to the driving directions provided you will need a road map. Our cell service and GPS stopped working the further we entered the national forest. Cabin Life: Do not pack everything! The Masters Retreat is comfortable, clean, well laid out, organized, and as everything you need to survive expect for food. From the quality of the cabin’s furniture (new beds with soft mattresses, nice floors and a spacious bathroom) to the excellent necessities (light blocking curtains in bedrooms and 2 ply charming toilet paper!) you will be well taken care of here. If you cannot tell we greatly enjoyed your time at the Masters Retreat. Thank you Cara and any other people involved in making this home awesome. I look forward to visiting again with more friends!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Brittnei, thank you for this delightful detailed review! We are so glad that Masters Retreat fit your needs. It is a great property. We apreciate your hints for future guests also, and look forward to your next stay!
Brittnei
May 2019
Best Vacation Ever!!
We had the best vacation ever. It was our first time visiting the Upper Peninsula and we enjoyed every moment. The cabin was perfect. It had everything we needed and was very comfortable, cozy and quiet. It was so peaceful to just sit and relax and enjoy the sounds of the wildlife. It was also a perfect spot for us to use our ATV just right out the door. It was also close enough for us to do some sightseeing. We really enjoyed ourselves and cannot wait to go back!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Allisha, wow, what a great review! So happy that Masters Retreat proved to be your best vacation ever, and that you plan on coming back. The UP is extraordinary with so much to do. As you said, you can simply crash and enjoy the sounds of the wildlife, or you can go exploring. we'll look for your return!
Allisha
May 2019
Awesome! Very nice place! We'd stay there again!
Very clean, cozy, updated. We had everything we needed. We would highly recommend this place.
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Linda, thanks for the great recommendation! We are so pleased that you enjoyed staying at Masters Retreat, and we hope to see you back soon.
Linda
Mar 2019
A Great Winter Retreat
Masters Retreat was a great place to stay while snowmobiling. Access to the trails was easy and close. The house was warm and inviting. Great view of lake. Definitely like the quite surroundings.
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Steven, we are thrilled that you ennjoyed Maters Retreat as much as you did. The trtails, the lake and the quiet make it the perfect getaway location. We hope to see you back again soon.
Steven
Mar 2019
We absolutely love masters retreat and plan on returning again next winter. We’re hoping that during the summer/fall months that some tree trimming is done along the driveway( we had some issues with low hung branches and trees scraping our truck and trailer). The house is great with all of the amenities. The only issue we have is the mattresses are extremely firm, other than those 2 issues we love masters retreat!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Misti, we love that you love Master Retreat! It is a great property, and winter is exceptionally beautiful there. We appreciate your comments on the trees, and we'll get that taken care of. We especially look forward to your return visit!
Misti
Feb 2019
Beautiful, peaceful place on a small lake. It was like having a private get away with no close neighbors (just what we wanted) close enough to town to go out for a bite. And so many beautiful nature sights!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Katelynn, we are so happy that you enjoyed staying at Masters retreat. It is so gorgeous there in the winter, and the privacy is an added bonus. Nature at its best! We look forward to working with you again soon.
Katelynn
Jan 2019
Perfect!
We came up for a snowmobiling trip and this little house was perfect for us! Secluded, had everything we needed, and close to trails! Would definitely recommend!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Mary, we are thrilled that Masters Retreat pleased you as much as it did. It is a fabulous property, and the privacy and view of the lake are added advantages. Hopefully you had great snow for snowmobiling! We look forward to working with you again.
Mary
Jan 2019
Beautiful Cabin!
Great place to spend your winter/summer. This house was super clean and stocked with everything you need to spend your vacation. It also had great WiFi! The house is right off trail 7 and there is a party store with fuel down the road. We rode our snowmobiles out the driveway everyday. I will definitely stay again if I get the opportunity.
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Karl, thank you for this great review! We love when our guests appreciate our property as much as we do. Masters Retreat is a wonderful vacation property for all seasons. Sitting on 3 acres gives you cherished privacy, and the view of the lake is wonderful. We do hope that you work with us again!
Karl
Jan 2019
Beautiful Cabin!
Great place to spend your winter/summer. The house was super clean and stocked with everything you need to spend your vacation. It also had great WiFi! The house is right off trail 7 and there is a Party Store with fuel down the road. We rode our snowmobiles right out the driveway everyday. I will definitely stay again if I get the opportunity.
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Karl, thank you for this great review! We love when our guests appreciate our property as much as we do. Masters Retreat is a wonderful vacation property for all seasons. Sitting on 3 acres gives you cherished privacy, and the view of the lake is wonderful. We do hope that you work with us again!
Karl
Jan 2019
Great Rental, Great Location, and Great Hosts
Very nice rental in the UP. It was in the perfect location for the activities we went to do. We had no issues finding it and no problem with the place. We will be booking again next year. Thanks so much!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Philip, we are so happy that Masters Retreat met your expectations. It is a great property, and winter in the UP is spectacular for winter sports. We'll look forward to seeing you again in 2019.
Phillip
Dec 2018
The photographs do not do this Home rental justice! It is AMAZING!
We had a fabulous time at this property in Munising! I did not expect to love it as much as i did as the photographs did not do it justice! I cannot wait to visit again and hopefully we will in a few months! I loved it so much that if it were to become for sale, I would want to be notified first. Seriously! The entire booking process was professional and attentive as well as the caretaker was very prompt and personable. Thanks so much everyone!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Renee, thank you for this lovely review. We are so happy that you liked Masters Retreat as much as we do! We appreciate your kind words for FVR. We make it our mission to help our guests have the best stay possible in any way that we can. We look forward to your return.
Steven & Renee
Nov 2018
Masters retreat was even nicer than the pictures. Our collie dog had a safe place to run and she liked having the deck to observe the world. The place was super clean and well cared for. The top of line bed and bath linens were a luxurious treat. It was difficult to pull ourselves away from the views of the lake, but we did get out and explore some waterfalls . It snowed, rained, hailed, fogged, then the sun came out,, that was all before noon. The fall colors were peaking and we didn't want to leave. Thank you again for this wonderful place and your great customer service. We look forward to doing business with you again in the future.
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Linda and Phil, we are so pleased that you enjoyed Masters Retreat, where you experienced 4 seasons all in one morning! You have to love Michigan weather. Traveling with our 4-legged creatures is such a bonus. Seeing Michigan colors at their fall peak is an expereince not to be missed. We look forward to working with you again.
Philip & Linda
Oct 2018
Beautiful Quietude
Our stay at Masters Retreat was a lovely 10 days of beautiful quietude. The weather was cloudy and rainy for the most part but we were able to do some great hiking and sightseeing. We enjoyed the changing colors of the trees, the ducks on the lake, the turkeys in the yard, and view from the deck. Our dog loved walking up and down the driveway and along Corner Lake Road. So grateful for this spot of dark and quiet in the middle of a wonderful National Forest
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Bonnie, it gives us great pleasure when a guest appreciates Masters Retreat as much as you do. October is the perfect time to be there. We love that your dog was so happy there also - that's important! Do come back to the National Forest again!
Bonnie
Oct 2018
Very nice!
Everything was as described. Very clean and cozy. We were very happy with everything. Thank you
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Sara, it makes our day when our guests love their stay. Masters Retreat has such a great view of the lake. We hope to see you back again.
Sara
Oct 2018
Peace and Serenity
We loved staying in Master's Retreat. The lake is silent and our nights were peaceful. The wild turkeys kept us company for several days. Although the weather (except one day) was wet and dreary, we were still able to get in 5 days of hikes. (Fell in love with Bruno's Run and McKeever Lake Ski Trail!) Because of the weather, we had the opportunity to play Yahtzee and watch one of our favorite NETFLIX shows. We eat all our meals in-house, so were grateful for the good stove and frig. Thank you for the lovely home-away-from-home.
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Bonnie, thank you for this excellent review. We so love when our guests appreciate our properties as much as you did. Too bad about the weather, but we're glad that you still hiked. We hope that you work with us again!
Bonnie
Oct 2018
Excellent place! I have already shared it with friends and family and hope to go back next year. The kayaks were such a nice added touch!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Laura, we love that you shared Masters Retreat with your friends and family! we'd love to have you back next summer.
Laura
Sep 2018
Clean, quiet rental
Totally relaxing time at Masters Retreat !!!. Very clean & comfortable cabin. We thank you, allowing pets. Exceptional warm weather during our stay, open windows, nice breeze & fans helped alot. In the kitchen, could use a cutting board & sharp knives.
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Ron & Debbie, we are so happy that Masters Retreat worked out so well for you. It is the best when our four legged creatures can join us on vacation! Thanks for your recommendations about the kitchen items. We'll get right on that.
Ron & Debbie
Sep 2018
Wonderful experience!
The house was clean and comfortable. It had everything we needed. I would definitely stay again!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Charlotte, we are so happy that you had such a good time at Masters Retreat. We would love to have you stay again.
Charlotte
Sep 2018
Amazing!
Perfect setting on the lake. House is well kept. Clean and ready for our arrival. This is our second time staying in this house and we already can’t wait to come back
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Nicole, we love our returning guests! We are so happy that Masters Retreat once again fit all of your needs, and we look forward to your return next summer.
Nicole
Sep 2018
Vacation time with family:
Quiet getaway for our family. Clean and comfortable!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Tina, we are so glad that you chose Masters retreat for your family vacation. Ostrander Lake is a lovely lake for kayaking and for using the row boat. Its close proximity to Pictured Rocks just makes it all the better.
Christine (Tina)
Aug 2018
Everything We Expected
Masters retreat was truly a retreat. The property was true to the photos and review and even better. It is obvious the owners are working on the property and what has been completed is done very well. Of course being on a lake makes it even better. We as well as our pups enjoyed the large yard, lake and boats provided. Located very convenient to Munising and all the attractions. Grocery stores are in town so no need to stock up before arriving. We also found that Google took us right to the house which helped a lot. This property is highly recommended.
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
We so love hearing about a property that fits our guests needs perfectly! Thank you for this great review. Masters Retreat is a wonderful place to go to really relax. I'm guessing your pups thought they were in heaven!
Judy
Jul 2018
Our family loved it
We wish there was a 4.5 star option or we could give this 5 stars. We had such a great time. House was clean, spacious, and comfortable beds. The lake was very clear and great for swimming and fishing. Caught several bass and panfish. There are two kayaks and a row boat included. One of our kids finally got over the fear of kayaking and rowing a boat. Would be 5 stars if it had AC because it got very hot - especially in the front corner room for some reason. There are ceiling fans and two box fans but it’s not enough on very hot days. Would at least recommend a few more box fans (one for 3rd bedroom and one for living area) in lieu of AC esp since they are fairly inexpensive. Maintenance was very responsive with need for additional propane tank for grill and satellite reset. Highly recommend
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Kevin, I love that you caught fish, but even better that your child got over the fear of boats. That's very cool. This summer has been unusually hot and humid, which is not typical in the UP. In a normal year, the fans along with a cross breeze keeps the cottage comfortable. I only wish that had been your experience this year. We do hope to see you again.
Kevin
Jul 2018
Great place!
We really enjoyed our stay. The cabin had everything we needed. It was very clean. We enjoyed the lake. It was nice having the kayaks there to use. We had a great week. Thank you!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Hi David, we are so glad that Masters Retreat fit your needs. The sandy beach and the kayaks and rowboat all make for water fun, that's for certain. Hopefully, we will see you again soon!
David
Jun 2018
Great place
Overall great. Has all the amenities and a woodsy vibe. Only issue is the grill is broken. The gas lines have rusted and cause flame to come out everywhere. I would recommend replacing. It was a bit dangerous and very hard to use.
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Hi Stevie,
we are really happy that you enjoyed the Master's Retreat. Ostrander Lake is so pretty. Did you have a chance to go to Miners Falls or use the fire pit?
Thanks for the heads up about the grill. We will get that taken care of immediately.
We hope to see you again soon!
Stevie
Jun 2018
Great Value!
We stayed here in late January 2018. When we arrived we found that the house was cold and had no heat due to being out of propane, it was too late for resolution that day. Cell phones do not work at this location so we had to go up to Wetmore to call. The staff at Freshwater vacation rentals BENT OVER BACKWARDS to help us. They put us up in another place FREE of charge for the night and by the time we arrived back at the masters retreat the problem was solved. The propane was supposed to be on auto fill and was not filled. I would definitely stay at this place again and would also highly recommend Freshwater Vacation rentals for any of there locations.
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Our apologies once more for the problem with the propane, and we are happy that you enjoyed your stay. We make every attempt to make things right for our guests if there are ever any problems. We look forward to working with you again in the future.
Anthony
Mar 2018
Wonderful Place
We had an amazing time at the Master's Retreat. The accommodations were excellent! I would like to send a huge Thank You to all the ladies at Freshwater Vacation Rentals for all their help in making are stay so enjoyable! I also want to Thank the owner Ryan for making our stay a great one. We will definitely return for another visit again. The home was amazing and it sure made you feel like you were in your own home. I would definitely give this rental a 5 star rating but it for sure deserves more, not only for the home but the wonderful people that are connected with it! Thanks again everyone!!!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
We aer so happy tht you enjoyed your stay at the Masters Retreat. It is a great property. Thanks also for your kind kudos. We make every attempt to help out our guests so that they can have the best of stays. We have over 70 properties for you to choose from, and we give a 10% returning guest discount when you book directly through us. We hope to see you again soon.
Dave
Mar 2018
Awesome
Great cottage for a remote getaway! Very nice, clean and spacious cottage in the middle of nowhere, but close enough to Munising and all of the main attractions. Huge backyard with direct access to the lake, and there's a fire pit on the property as well as some boats/kayaks. The price is great for three bedrooms. The owners/managers are very responsive as well. Really enjoyed the stay and highly recommend it to singles and families! The only thing I'd improve potentially is add a functioning landline since there is no service in the area and it was impossible to make a call. Other than that, awesome place and experience!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
We are happy you enjoyed your stay and am thrilled you enjoyed the depths of the property! Please consider renting one of our 54 other properties the next time you plan your Michigan adventure. We thank you for the compliments and appreciate your recommendation to others! Hope to see you soon!
Victoria
Oct 2017
Amazing Little Haven
Great place to get away from it all! Huge property with access to the lake. Very simple, clean and well-kept. Amazing price for three bedrooms and WiFi is available as well. The property has just about everything you'd need. The only problem is there is no landline and our cell phones didn't have any service due to the National Forest area, so we had to go to the nearest town to make a call. Otherwise, I highly recommend it!!!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
OOOHHHH Cell phones! We are happy you enjoyed your stay with us and hope you book with us in the near future!
Victoria
Sep 2017
On the Lake in the Forest
What a great place! We had an awesome time. So quiet and peaceful. Great place for all who are visiting Munising, Pictured Rocks area, as we did. We brought groceries and cooked a couple meals, enjoyed on the deck. Great getaway!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
We are glad you enjoyed your vacation. Please consider our 54 other properties, the next time you book a Michigan adventure!
Michael
Sep 2017
Amazing
Masters Retreat was clean and very nice. I caught a 36" Northern Pike. Can Masters Retreat be for sale???
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
Not quite yet! We are thrilled you caught a wonderful fish...Dinner must have been good that night!
Perry
Sep 2017
Great place!
Amazing place, comfortable, easy, cozy and quiet. Thank you for a great experience!
Sejal
Aug 2017
Masters Retreat Vacation
We had a great time! They let us check in early. Loved watching all the wildlife and being on the small lake. The kayaks were ready for us to use. This was the first time for all four of us kayaking. The kids just loved it! Thanks for all the great memories!
FRESHWATER RESPONSE:
We love kayaking too! It is so nice when everyone can enjoy the water in a working vessel. Memories are created when love and nature combine, so we are thrilled your family enjoyed their stay. Please be sure to check out our 54 other properties next time you book your Michigan adventure!
Jordan
Jun 2017
Amazing Place!
Stayed here for part of labor day weekend 2016 (Thurs - Sunday). This place is amazing. It is nice and private with lots of space. The beds are comfy and the lake is very nice. The falls are just under 2 hours away and pictured rocks is 25 mins out. Kayaks and boat are all functioning. Definitely coming back.
Eric
Mar 2017
As good as advertised
The cabin was exactly as described. The boat and kayaks were in good shape and most of the time we were the only ones on the lake. We had fun exploring the lake, fishing and having campfires. The cabin was clean and the beds were comfortable. The location was about 20-30 minutes from most of the major area attractions around Munising (Sand Point Beach, Boat tours, Miners Castle, Chapel Rock).
Gordeaux
Mar 2017
Great property clean, cozy and very quiet
We loved our time in this secluded and beautiful house. We were there a week and enjoyed the Munising area, Lake Superior and the Seney wild life preserve.
We saw a lot of wildlife and enjoyed kayaking on the lake.
The house was really comfortable and just as described.
Debbie
Mar 2017
Beautiful lake, cabin and area!
We returned this year, as this is such a beautiful cabin and peaceful lake! So many sites to see around the area or relax swimming, fishing, kayaking, and sitting by the bonfire! Our family was able to have our pup with us, kayaks and a row boat were supplied. The washer/dryer and dishwasher were so helpful! Check in was easy and our preteen kiddos had wifi for gaming after enjoying nature. We loved our time here and highly recommend it! Date of stay: July 2016
Jennifer
Mar 2017
Good place to stay. Close to snowmobile trails
Clean, and kept. Everything you'd need for a couple days of sledding. Close to the trails. Camel Riders Restaurant is nearby (call for reservations). Wifi is fast, but cell service is horrible (the UP in general falls into that category). There is a house phone but it only dials local.Would stay again.
Date of stay: Jan. 2016
Eric
Mar 2017
Great location for visiting Pictured Rocks
Perfect relaxing place. 3 bedrooms, WIFI, nice lake for fishing and great location to visit Pictured Rocks area. We will try and go back there the next time we take family or friends to visit the area.
Date of stay: 9/2015
Dick
Mar 2017
Beautiful week in the U.P.
We really enjoyed our week at the Master Retreat. The house is completely updated in a warm and comfortable style, and we had the lake practically to ourselves for the entire week. Our kids enjoyed the swim raft and the freedom to take the kayaks and paddleboat out as they pleased. The setting was so quiet and private, yet we were in town and sightseeing within 15 minutes drive. My husband enjoyed riding Bruno's Run right on 13. The house has been done in a thoughtful way with guest comfort in mind. Check in and and check out could not have been easier. We look forward to visiting again.
Beth
Mar 2017
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