Welcome to Sunbeam Cottage, a charming 2-bedroom house on Lake Independence, less than two miles from shops and restaurants in Big Bay. Original hardwood flooring, multi-paned windows, antique hardware, and vintage shutter blinds bring out the 1920s character of the cottage, while the sparkling lake views, welcoming sunroom, outdoor seating, and spacious deck create a picturesque and comfortable surrounding to relax and enjoy time away on your vacation. The property's 300 feet of lake frontage and private dock make the space is ideal for those looking for a peaceful getaway. While the U.P. boasts many lakes, Lake Independence's unique features include its stone-and-sand bottom, warm temperature, and shallow depth. No freezing limbs, no water shoes required, and no drop off after 20 feet! In summer, walk down the stairs at the end of the dock into the water and play in the lake all day, venture out onto the lake in the rowboat or kayak available for guest use, or relax in the hammock as the breeze blows. Open the windows in the sunroom to enjoy the feel of being outside, but without the bugs! And if fishing is on your to-do list, Lake Independence is an ideal place to catch jumbo perch, walleye, bass, and more. When hunger calls, the easy-to-use pellet grill is perfect for cooking for the whole family, or visit Big Bay's historic Thunder Bay Inn and then stop for ice cream afterward. While you're in town, enquire at Huron Mountain Outfitters about kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, and motor boats available for rent!
Although there is not a private boat launch on the property, boat launch for Lake Independence is available at Perkins Park.
Looking for a place to stay during your winter snowmobiling adventure? Sunbeam Cottage is available for rental year-round. Stay cozy inside while enjoying the view of the frozen lake, or make the house your base for ice fishing on Lake Independence.
Pets welcome! Pet fee is $50 per stay.
Pack and play and booster seat/high chair are available upon request. Families with toddlers may wish to note that there is no fence to keep children from the steeply pitched hill down to the lake.
Occupancy is limited to five people (six with an infant): due to the size of the bedrooms, there is not space for air mattresses or additional sleeping options.
The second cottage on this property is undergoing renovations and will be ready to rent soon. Rest assured, no work will take place during guest stays. We can't wait to share this exciting expansion with you!
Seasonal Items:
The following are available for use from late May to mid-October and are removed for storage during the colder months:
- Metal dock
- Rowboat
- 1 kayak
Tap Water:
The home’s water is tested regularly and is safe to drink. From roughly mid-October through mid-May, you may notice a mild sulfur or mineral odor due to seasonal water conditions. During this time, we provide gallons of purified drinking water for your convenience.
Accessibility:
Entry via back deck uses stairs
Entry via front (lake side) of house has no stairs but does require walking across lawn and up one step to enter house
Security:
Security camera faces away from house toward back deck and driveway
No cameras inside house
