Sandyside Gowen

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Sandyside (Gowen, MI) On Thomas Lake, Near Grand Rapids! 

Pets Welcome

Bedrooms

2

Baths

1

Sleeps

4

SANDYSIDE


SLEEPS: 4(6 with sleeper sofa)
BEDROOMS: 2
BATHROOMS: 1


*On Thomas Lake
*There is one Camera mounted on a tree facing the garage and front door. 


Sandyside is a charming vacation rental located on Thomas Lake, just 45 minutes outside of Grand Rapids, MI. With two cozy bedrooms and a sleeper sofa, it comfortably accommodates up to six guests. The property boasts a beautiful sandy beachfront, perfect for relaxation or enjoying water activities. Guests can take advantage of two single-person kayaks to explore the lake at their leisure. Pet owners will love that the property is pet-friendly, allowing one dog to join in the fun!


 


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS


 


Air Conditioning: There is an AC Window Unit


ATV's: Not allowed for use on property.


Animals: Deer, Raccoons, Squirrels, and various birds are common


Bathrooms: There is one full bath with a shower.


Beach/Swimming: This property sits on Thomas Lake, and features a sandy beach front!


Bedroom Configurations:
*Bedroom #1: Queen bed
*Bedroom #2: Queen bed
*optional sleeper sofa available as well


Boats: There are two single-person kayaks! 


Boat Launch: There is not a boat launch on Thomas Lake


Bugs: Mosquitoes are common in the summer


Cable: There is no cable, but instead streaming TVs.


Cell Phone Service: All cell carriers have good reception here. 


Coffee Maker: 10 cup drip with filters & coffee provided 


Distances:           
*Grand Rapids: 45 minutes (31.2 miles)
*Traverse City: 2 hours  & 18 minutes (133 miles)
*Detroit: 3 hours (161 miles)
*Chicago: 3 hours & 21 minutes (208 miles)


Dock: There is a 22ft dock with a water depth of 32 ft at the end. 


Drinking Water: Well water with a reverse osmosis system. 


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.


Fireplace: Electric fireplace 


Fire-pit: Bring your firewood! There is a firepit for guest use


Fishing: Bluegill, Crappie, Perch, Bass, Walleye, and Pike 


Fishing License:  A license is required to fish in Michigan.


Golf: Brookside Golf & Grill: 12 minutes (8.7 miles)


Grill: There is a propane grill & charcoal grill (Propane & lighter fluid provided)


Grocery Store: Aldi is 8 minutes (4.5 miles), and Walmart is also 8 minutes away! (4.1 miles)


Handicap Friendly: There is one step into the home. 


Heat: Electric baseboard heating system


Hunting: Not allowed on property. 


Internet/WIFI: Yes,  100 mbps 


Linens: Yes, we provide your sheets and linens. Just like a hotel, the beds will be made for you upon arrival. We have just the basic sheets, pillows, pillowcases, and bath towels.


Parking: 3 cars


Pets: 1  Dog under 40  lbs. is welcome! Freshwater Vacation Rentals currently charges $75/per pet for your entire stay. Yes, we do accept dogs, yet we do ask that you please clean up after them both inside and outside the cabin. Plus, if you allow them on the furniture, we do ask that you please bring your own linens/blankets for them to sleep on.  Just let us know which bed you will be using with them, and we’ll make sure it is ready for your sheets when you arrive. Plus, if the pet hair starts to build, we do ask that you please run the vacuum. Generally, dogs love the water and places to explore. Pet food does tend to attract mice, so vigilance is needed.


Privacy: There are neighbors on one side


Snowmobiles: 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.
- Flat River State Game Area Trails: Located about 10-15 miles away
- Montcalm County Snowmobile Trails: Around 15-20 miles from house
- Kent County Snowmobile Trails: About 20-25 miles away
- Newaygo County Trails: Located about 25-30 miles away
**Guests must trailer to trails** 


Space: Single level home


Seniors: There is one step into the home, which is single level. 


Televisions: 55" Smart TV


Towels: All bath and kitchen towels will be provided during your stay. Please bring beach towels with you!


Washer and Dryer: Stackable washer & dryer located in bathroom.

Winter Activities: 
* Snowmobiling
- Flat River State Game Area (10-15 miles away): Offers trails for snowmobiling through natural landscapes.
- Montcalm County Snowmobile Trails (15-20 miles away): Trails winding through forests and rural areas.
- Kent County Snowmobile Trails (20-25 miles away): Snowmobiling trails in parks and wooded areas.
* Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
- Silverside Nature Preserve (about 10-15 miles away): Great for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months.
* Ice Fishing
- Baldwin Lake (around 10 miles away): Offers ice fishing opportunities during the winter season.
* Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
- Cannonsburg Ski Area (around 20 miles away): A popular location for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.
* Sledding/Tubing
- Local parks in Gowen and nearby Greenville (around 10-15 miles away): Provide hills for sledding and tubing.
* Winter Hiking
- Gerald R. Ford Nature Center (around 20 miles away): Offers winter trails for hiking and exploring nature in the wintertime.


Wood: Firewood not provided. 


 


 


 


Amenities

Property/Indoor Amenities
  • Air conditioner unit (window or portable unit)
  • Basic Paper Products (Paper Towel & TP)
  • Beach Towels
  • Blankets
  • Blow Dryer
  • Board Games
  • Box Fans
  • Carbon Monoxide Detector
  • Fireplace - Electric
  • Heat- Electric Heaters Only
  • Internet/ WiFi
  • Iron & Ironing board
  • Linens & Towels included
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Smart TV
  • Smoke Detectors
  • Vacuum
  • Washer & dryer
Kitchen Amenities
  • Blender
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Coffee maker
  • Cooking and Baking Pans
  • Crockpot
  • Dishwasher
  • Hand Mixer
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Soaps (Hand & Dish Soap)
  • Standard Kitchenware & Utensils
  • Stove
  • Toaster
Outdoor Amenities
  • Deck/Patio
  • Fire Pit
  • Good Fishing
  • Grill-Charcoal
  • Grill-Propane
  • Kayak Included
  • Lawn Games
  • Patio Chairs
  • Picnic Table
  • Private Boat Dock
  • Sandy Beach
  • Swimming on Property

Season Period Min.Stay Nightly Weekly
01/01/2025 - 05/14/2025 2 $229.00
05/15/2025 - 09/14/2025 3 $229.00
09/15/2025 - 12/31/2025 2 $229.00
01/01/2026 - 05/14/2026 2 $229.00
05/15/2026 - 09/14/2026 3 $229.00
09/15/2026 - 12/31/2026 2 $229.00

Reviews

I was very surprised with how clean it looked! The pictures do not do it justice. It was extremely nice and newly renovated.

FVR RESPONSE:

Thank you so much for your kind words, Kaden! We’re thrilled to hear that you were pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness and renovations of Sandyside. We’re glad the home exceeded your expectations, and we truly appreciate you sharing your experience. We’d love to welcome you back again soon! -Jessica FVR
Kaden
Dec 2024
The cabin was even better than I expected. It's so quiet and a little remote. The sunrises at the lake were beautiful as well. I felt very safe there. I was very happy to find that they had stainless steel cookware, glass food containers and reverse osmosis water filtration in the kitchen for drinking. I felt very much at home in this space and will definitely stay again.

FVR RESPONSE:

Thank you for your wonderful review, Rachel! We're so glad to hear that Sandyside exceeded your expectations and provided a peaceful, remote getaway. The sunrises over the lake truly are a special sight, and we're thrilled you felt safe and at home during your stay. It's great to know you appreciated the stainless steel cookware, glass food containers, and the reverse osmosis water filtration—details that we hope enhance your experience. We can't wait to host you again soon! -Jessica FVR
Rachel
Nov 2024
My family throughly enjoyed celebrating the holiday here. It was so peaceful and beautiful once the snow began falling. The kitchen was huge enough to have our entire dinner spread on the island, and the dishwasher came in great handy. Our only complaint was the beds were extremely firm. My fiancé actually enjoyed this, but myself and my parents, not so much. But the place was spotless and the hosts were kind and responsive. Thank you again.

FVR RESPONSE:

Thank you so much for your kind words, Ashley! We’re so glad to hear that your family had a wonderful holiday and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere at Sandyside, especially as the snow fell. It’s great to know the kitchen worked well for your dinner and that the dishwasher made things easier for you. We really appreciate your feedback regarding the beds – we understand that comfort preferences vary, and we’ll certainly keep this in mind. It was a pleasure hosting you, and we’re happy to hear the space was spotless and that our team was responsive. We hope to welcome you again in the future! -Jessica FVR
Ashley
Nov 2024
Had a great time on the lake, such a beautiful view!

FVR RESPONSE:

Thank you for your review, Cole! We’re so glad to hear you had a great time on the lake and enjoyed the view during your time at Sandyside! Hope to have you back again soon! -Jessica FVR
Cole
Nov 2024
This AirB&B is beautiful! Clean, lots of amenities & the most amazing view across the lake. The hosts are very responsive. There aren’t any restaurants walkable, but lots of great places to drive to! This host has thought of everything you could need to have a great, relaxing, fun stay!

FVR RESPONSE:

Thank you for such a thoughtful review, Mary Kay! We’re delighted that you enjoyed the cleanliness, amenities, and especially the beautiful lake views. It’s great to hear that our responsiveness and attention to detail helped make your stay even better. While there may not be walkable restaurants, we’re glad you found great spots nearby to explore! We truly appreciate your kind words and would love to welcome you back for another relaxing and fun getaway anytime. -Marj FVR.
Mary Kay
Oct 2024
The place looked exactly like the photos or I would even say better because of how beautiful the surroundings look during the fall. It felt very private since it appears many of the homes around the lake are peoples summer / vacation homes so being there during the fall makes you feel like your some of the only people there. The kitchen had all the utensils and pots and pans You could need, including a few spices, a snack basket, oil for cooking, and most of the more common condiments in the fridge. All the appliance's throughout the home we're modern and easy to operate. They have a pair of kayaks and a bin full of life jackets and water noodles. They also have a gas grill and charcoal grill near the kayaks. fire pit was ready with a stack of wood next to it and plenty of wood available in a pile approximately 30 yd from the home. We really enjoyed the place and would like to come back with another couple sometime later.

FVR RESPONSE:

Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful and detailed review, Stephen! We're so glad the cabin exceeded your expectations and that you could enjoy the beautiful fall surroundings with such privacy—it’s truly special this time of year. It sounds like the kitchen and outdoor setup offered everything you needed for a comfortable, relaxing stay. We’re thrilled you took advantage of the kayaks, grills, and fire pit; they’re all there to make the experience even more enjoyable. We’d love to welcome you back anytime, especially with friends to share it with! -Marj FVR.
Stephen
Oct 2024
We loved our stay here! The lake is absolutely gorgeous and the house is super clean. My husband enjoyed using the kayaks and I loved sitting out on the deck reading a book and taking in the lake views! We also enjoyed a nice fire with s’more’s. The directions the host gave to find the place were very clear!

FVR RESPONSE:

Thank you for your lovely review, Madison! We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed your stay and made the most of the beautiful lake views at Sandyside. It sounds like you had a perfect time kayaking and relaxing on the deck with a good book! We’re glad you enjoyed the fire and s’mores too. Thank you for highlighting the clear directions—making your arrival smooth is important to us. We’d love to welcome you back for another wonderful getaway! -Jessica FVR
Madison
Oct 2024
We really enjoyed our stay at this beautiful lake house. Very peaceful and private. We will definitely book this home again.

FVR RESPONSE:

Thank you for your kind words, Carrie! We’re so happy to hear you enjoyed your stay at Sandyside and found it peaceful and private. We’d love to welcome you back anytime, and appreciate the additional feedback! -Jessica FVR
Carrie
Oct 2024
We absolutely loved our stay here! It was amazingly clean and well organized. We loved the privacy and the beautiful view. We would love to stay again!

FVR RESPONSE:

Your kind words mean a lot to us, Courtney! We're so happy to know you found the cabin clean and organized. It’s wonderful to hear that the space provided such a relaxing and enjoyable stay, as we always strive to create memorable and relaxing experiences for our guests. We hope to welcome you again in the future! -Marjorie.
Courtney
Sep 2024
Beautiful and spacious property. The view and ambiance is peaceful and serene. Kayaks and beach chairs were a great addition. Kitchen and bathroom were stocked well! Jayne was responsive and helpful. Hope to be back some time again.

FVR RESPONSE:

Your feedback means a lot to us, Prashanth! We're so happy you enjoyed the peaceful views and all the thoughtful amenities that Sandyside offers. Thank you for highlighting Jayne's responsiveness — we aim to make every guest feel at home. We’d love to welcome you back for another stay in the future! - Marjorie FVR.
Prashanth
Sep 2024
Excellent Property!
This is an excellent property! The house is beautifully remodeled and well appointed with everything we needed. Even had a basket filled with complimentary snacks on the counter! The grounds were well maintained and the fire pit was in a perfect spot right by the lake. The lake was busy but still very quiet. We will definitely rent this property again and again!!

FVR RESPONSE:

We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the beautifully remodeled home and the peaceful lakeside setting. We’d love to welcome you back again Amy, thank you for being such fantastic guests! -Van FVR
Amie
Sep 2024
Labor Day Weekend
The property was lovely and we loved the location. The cottage was nicely renovated and stocked. Our only "complaint" were the very firm mattresses for the beds.

FVR RESPONSE:

Hi Christina, we just wanted to say we loved having you! We have taken your feedback into consideration and appreciate it! Keep us in mind for the future! We would love to have you back! Jayne FVR
Christina
Sep 2024
We had such an amazing family vacation here. The house was beautiful and modern. Loved the big and enclosed deck especially with bringing our dog. The property is beautiful! Can’t beat having a sandy beach area and the lake. There’s neighbors on the one side but none on the other so there was a very private feel to it which we loved. We’ll definitely be staying again! Highly recommend this property.

FVR RESPONSE:

Thank you for the wonderful review, Jacqueline! We’re delighted to hear that you and your family had an amazing vacation and enjoyed the beautiful, modern house. It’s great to know that the enclosed deck and private setting added to your experience, especially with your dog. We’re glad you appreciated the sandy beach area and the lake—it’s one of our favorite features as well. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future and truly appreciate your recommendation! -Jessica FVR
Jacqueline
Aug 2024
Loved the place. It's amazing. Beautiful area with lots of things to do within easy driving distance. The house, lake, and property are lovely. We hope to stay again next year!!

FVR RESPONSE:

Thank you so much for your kind words, Beverly! We’re thrilled to hear that you loved the place and enjoyed the beautiful area and its many attractions. It’s great to know that the house, lake, and property met your expectations. We would be delighted to have you stay with us again next year—looking forward to it already! -Jessica FVR
Beverly
Aug 2024
The place was great and what we expected. A very peaceful place for a small family to get away

FVR RESPONSE:

We're so delighted to know you found Sandyside to be what you expected, and that you were able to have a great stay Jeremy! We would love a chance to host you again, ideally when the weather is a bit calmer! -Jessica FVR
Jeremy
Aug 2024
Small but cute
Nicely appointed small home on the lake has everything we needed for a quick stay. The location is private and rustic. Would love to come back when we have more time.
Nicol
Aug 2024

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