“Five star home and host” This lakefront luxury retreat was newly renovated in 2021. If you are looking for a calm and relaxing retreat, look no further! At 2,000 sq. ft, this home is large enough to comfortably sleep 10 people.
Grab your favorite friends and family and come enjoy nature like never before. The home boasts 2 stories and a full lower level, including 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, a fully stocked kitchen, a well appointed main living area, a second living area on the lower level, and a large wrap around deck that overlooks Lake G. The space provides ample room for comfortably enjoying your visit to Beaver Island!
The name Starry Skies Sanctuary was inspired by the “Dark Skies Sanctuary” designation that protects the night skies surrounding your views from the property. This location has unobstructed views of the night sky to the south and southwest, ideal for star gazing year round and viewing specific night sky events. You don’t have to be an expert to view the Milky Way or constellations, and we provide resources inside the home to help you fully enjoy all the wonders of the universe. For example, you can look for Venus and Mercury in the western sky after sunset! Currently, only twenty of these sanctuaries exist in the world, and finding accommodations in these designated spots is almost non-existent due to their remote nature. This property quite literally has views like no other on Earth. Bring your telescope or high-resolution camera because the lens captures what the naked eye can't.
While the starry skies at night keep you busy from sun down to sun up, the 175 feet of private lakefront property is provided for your enjoyment during the day. This lakefront home with expansive Lake Geneserath (Lake G) views is situated on over an acre of wooded preserve. The property, which is known locally as "Blueberry Hill", is covered with native and mature trees. A rare find, this home has 30 yards of a shallow, hard sandy bottom directly in front of the property, providing a safe area for young children or non-swimmers to enjoy the lakefront. Walk out past 30 yards and the lake drops off to 50 feet deep, and yes, you can scuba dive here if you bring your own gear. Water crafts include a canoe, two kayaks, two paddle boards, and a large inflatable dock, all available exclusively for guests of Starry Skies Sanctuary.
Lake G is 489 acres, and you can launch the provided non-motorized watercraft right from the front yard. The majority of the western shoreline on Lake G is owned by the state and cannot be developed, resulting in miles of untouched wilderness to explore. Get in your morning workout by kayaking, paddle boarding or taking an open water swim in the quiet and peaceful setting Lake G offers. Listen to the loons while enjoying your morning coffee, watch the box turtles swim just off shore, or catch a glimpse of the birds migrating overhead. Wildlife surrounds you everywhere on property.
Beaver Island has hiking and biking trails that are great for biking or running during summer months, or for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the winter months. Rent an electric bike in town and explore the unique local businesses. Attend the annual ice fishing tournament on Lake G and watch the icy waters of Lake Michigan, both incredible winter experiences unique to the Island.
Lake G is also known by the locals as the best spot for fishing on the island. Download the Nautical Fishing app and take a virtual fishing guide with you on the canoe. Catch your dinner just steps from the home, fishing poles provided. Hosts are passionate about conservation efforts and we do ask that guests be mindful about local fishing guidelines, which can be found at www.beaverisland.org.
Hosts are experienced in offering luxury accommodations, and boast a 5 star rating for excellent customer service.
Additional information:
This section of Lake G has a hard sand bottom, which makes it perfect for walking barefoot right into the water. Many of the popular lakefront rentals on the big lake (Lake Michigan) are covered in hard pebbles and rock, which can make it difficult for families and small children. A stunning large stone wall was erected along the shoreline of the property, and steps on the far right side of the property make it easy to enter and exit the water. Enjoy the safety and warmer temps of this inland lake.
The space includes modern luxuries not provided in most other short term rentals on Beaver Island, including central air and heat, high ceilings, large windows, updated kitchen and bathrooms, and solid wood furniture throughout the home. Hosts keep personal items in the home year round for the enjoyment of guests, and have tried to think of everything guests could need during their stay.
What’s provided:
Bath and beach towels, all bedding, coffee, spices, a fully stocked kitchen for cooking and baking including a crock pot, 2 adult, 2 child, and 1 infant life jacket, a medium and small cooler, fishing poles, board games and books, meditation pillows, water crafts, 2 sets of snorkel gear, small set of sand toys, a Weber charcoal grill, 1 large green bag for your trash (additional bags can be purchased at the grocery store in town if needed), a Bose Bluetooth speaker, a few starter pods for laundry and dishwasher, hand and dish soap, toilet paper, paper towel, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, a hose to wash feet after playing in the lake, a vacuum and mop to help keep the sand and dirt from floors(it’s a lake house but we try our best to keep the home clean), corn hole, beach and lounge chairs, croquet set, 65 inch flat screen TV with Amazon fire stick and streaming services from Netflix and Amazon Prime depending on WiFi connection, binoculars, a telescope, a first aid kit, and condiments(vary depending on what guests leave behind). Hosts hope these items make your travel to Beaver Island effortless and easy. Just worry about your personal items and let us take care of the rest!
Questions? Just ask! We are here to serve and pride ourselves on providing unparalleled customer service.
Additional info on Dark Skies:
A Dark Skies Sanctuary is defined as " an exceptional dark sky resource where the night sky brightness is routinely equal to or darker than 21.5 magnitudes per square arc second, with an exceptional or distinguished quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that is protected for its scientific, natural, or educational value." While the official recognition is still pending approval, if awarded, sections of Beaver Island will be part of the fifteen places on Earth to earn the distinction of a "IDA Dark-Sky Sanctuary.” The Dark Skies Project is suddenly bringing the world's attention to Beaver Island, but you don't have to wait for approval to enjoy the night sky!
Known for its isolated darkness in the northern reaches of Lake Michigan, Starry Skies Sanctuary is a newly curated short-term rental with the mission of inspiring others to advocate for night sky preservation and restoration efforts. Guest who visit will be awestruck at the natural beauty from above, and we hope you leave committed to protecting the night skies from light pollution. We provide information and resources at the Sanctuary to help you do your part in this collective effort.
Weekly booking required during peak season (May-September)
Check-in Friday at 4:00 pm
Check-out Friday at 10:00 am
4 night minimum during fall (Sept.-Dec.) Weekly and monthly discounts available
Winter season is the most affordable time of the year to travel with us, perfect for a retired individual or couple, or professionals who are able to work from home(WFH). Hosts will work with winter guests to make sure the winter experience is as enjoyable as possible. It’s a winter wonderland during this period on Beaver Island, and winter guests will be likely have the entire lake to themselves. Lake G freezes over and you can ice fish right out your back door. Bring your cross-county skis, snow shoes, or snow mobile because the road leading back to the home is private and not plowed by the county. The road turns into your own private snow trail. This winter stay takes remote isolation to a whole new level! The locked owners closet with large deep freezer is unlocked for the convenience of our longer term winter guests. Housekeeping services during your winter stay are available at an additional charge.*
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