Docksider Cottage

"We have been going to the docksider for the last decade, the McBrides are such amazing, kind and sincere people. The location of the docksider is 100/10, you have access to sooo many things! Boats, kayaks, fire pit, grills, chairs and picnic tables. The cottage itself is so homey, to make you feel like you’re at home on the lake! Carl even went as far as letting my toddler son play with some of the toys he had in his house, and Judy teaching my husband and I about some things to work with our kids on for upcoming school year as she is a guru in education! VERY confused by any negative reviews, every single year my kids, husband, parents and I countdown the days until we get to go again!"

"Quaint little cottage. Great view on the lake. Friendly owners. Small rooms but expected. Full kitchen. Very clean. Good location for trips to the dunes or traverse city."

"I'm puzzled by the other review of this cottage, the pictures don't even look like the same place we stayed at. There was no mold, the curtains and everything else was very clean, and there was no mildew or leaks around the plumbing. It really sounds like someone had a personal vendetta in writing that bad review, and taking such bizarre, closeup pictures. That said, we had a great time at the cabin! It's located right on the lake, and there were kayaks (with appropriate sized paddles) and stand up paddle boards available for us to use. The kitchen was fully stocked with utensils, pots and pans, mugs, glasses, a coffee maker and a toaster. The stove was new, and the fridge worked well. The owners, Carl and Judy, were the kindest most accommodating hosts I've ever stayed with. They went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable, and had a good time."

"Our family spent six disappointing days at the Docksider recently. We did not expect luxury accommodations, but did anticipate a rental that was well maintained and clean. Docksider sorely lacked both. The bathroom sink area was dirty and in disrepair, there was a black substance embedded in much of the bathroom's wood molding, bathroom tub caulk was moldy, the kitchen fixture hung free of the ceiling, the kitchen faucet leaked spitting water outward, the living area chair was heavily soiled, the front and back doors were so warped it took great effort to close and secure them, and the rear steps were 9.5" between risers which made walking up the stairs with full arms very difficult. I had to wipe down the refrigerator doors before we used it. One of the website photos shows a rowboat with motor on a trailer located on the rental property, but the only boats we had access to were an older rowboat we had to flip and drag to the shoreline and a canoe with paddles which included an very oversized one and one too short for an adult to use. The windows were peeling and some were secured with toggles that were unsafe. Some windows were covered with soiled curtains. The McBrides were a very nice couple and accommodating, but charging $1500 for such an unkept rental was unjustified. With much needed repair work, this cottage has the potential to be a very nice place to stay."