Redwood Retreat, a serene lakefront home, offers the perfect setting for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday. Unwind in the spacious sunroom with panoramic views of the lake or cozy up by the fireplace after dinner.
Reviews
1010 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
5 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 13244 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free Wi-Fi
Air-conditioning
Add dates for prices
About this property
A Spacious Lakefront Home Designed for Real Gatherings and Time Together
This home was created for people who want to spend time together without feeling crowded.
The layout is intentionally generous, balancing shared spaces with quiet places to step away. Guests often comment on how quickly the house settles into “home”—how easy it is to relax, cook real meals, and simply be present once everyone arrives.
Mornings are calm. Evenings unfold naturally. The house supports connection without effort and rest without retreating.
The Home This is a spacious, thoughtfully designed lakefront home that works exceptionally well for families, multi-generational groups, and friends traveling together. The layout allows everyone to spread out comfortably while still gathering easily.
Guests consistently mention how welcoming the home feels—comfortable rather than delicate, lived-in rather than sterile.
“It has a comfortable feeling like you are truly welcome there—not uptight or sterile.”
The living areas are designed for real use: conversation, games, shared time, and unhurried evenings.
Kitchen & Shared Meals The kitchen is fully stocked and designed for actual cooking, not just light prep. Seating, flow, and workspace support shared meals and lingering conversations.
This is something guests call out repeatedly: “The kitchen was fully stocked with everything we needed.” “We cooked every night and didn’t feel limited at all.”
Many guests note that once they arrive, they don’t feel the need to leave.
Sleeping & Comfort Beds are frequently praised for comfort, and bedrooms offer privacy and quiet after full days together. The home sleeps large groups without feeling like everyone is stacked on top of each other.
“Plenty of room. We never felt crowded, even with a large group.”
Bathrooms are clean, well-maintained, and stocked for convenience.
Outdoor Space The outdoor areas extend the livability of the home. The yard, patio, dock, and fire pit provide space to gather or step away depending on the moment.
Spring brings peaceful mornings and returning wildlife. Summer brings long evenings and time spent outside together. The lakefront setting is calm and private, making it easy to relax without outside distractions.
For Families & Groups Families appreciate the space, layout, and kid-friendly design. Adults appreciate the quiet, comfort, and ability to relax without managing the house. It works equally well for celebrations, reunions, and simply staying put together.
“Perfect for our family gathering.” “We made so many memories here.”
What Guests Say Most Often “The photos don’t do this house justice.” “It exceeded our expectations.” “Everything was thought of.” “We didn’t want to leave.”
Guests also consistently mention responsive, attentive hosting and clear communication before and during their stay.
This is a home for guests who value comfort, space, and meaningful time together more than flash. If that’s what you’re looking for, you’ll feel at ease here.
Other things to note: This property has special local compliance requirements, which include a signed rental agreement, ID verification, and a security hold of $1000 (which is not a traditional security deposit, just a pending transaction). As an optional alternative to the security hold, you may opt in to purchase a non-refundable damage waiver provided by a third-party insurance company. The optional damage waiver is $40 for stays up to 10 nights, with an additional $2 per day for stays longer than 10 nights. Damage waiver purchases are optional.
To make this process easy for you, we use a secure and very simple, app-free platform called Happy Guest. It is not an app, and you do not have to sign up for an account - it’s a safe and secure website. It also gives you a guest portal with all the info about the home and all of my favorite local spots.
If you have any questions, just message us anytime! Happy to help!
Property amenities
Beach
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Internet
Available in the house: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Wheelchair-accessible parking available
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Kitchen island
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
5 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
2.5 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shampoo
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Living room
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Books
Games
Smart TV
Video games
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Work spaces
Desk
Desk chair
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Welcoming dogs only
Up to 23 kg per pet
Suitability/Accessibility
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
2 steps to reach entrance
3 accessible parking spaces
Area rugs in public areas
Hardwood flooring in public areas
Thin carpet in public areas
Upper floors accessible by stairs only
Wheelchair-accessible parking
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Change of towels on request
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
On the waterfront
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Foosball table
Kayak
Golfing nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Note from host: Pack 'n Play and high chair provided
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
This property does not have any lifts
About the area
Located in Oscoda, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Lakewood Shores Resort - The Gailes Golf Course and Lakewood Shores Resort - Serradella Golf Course are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Lake Huron and Harrisville State Park. Spend some time exploring the area's activities, including golfing. Visit our Oscoda travel guide
Is A Spacious Lakefront Home Designed for Real Gatherings and Time Together pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet.
How much is parking at A Spacious Lakefront Home Designed for Real Gatherings and Time Together?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at A Spacious Lakefront Home Designed for Real Gatherings and Time Together?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at A Spacious Lakefront Home Designed for Real Gatherings and Time Together?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is A Spacious Lakefront Home Designed for Real Gatherings and Time Together located?
This family-friendly Oscoda holiday home is located on the waterfront, 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Lake Huron, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Au Sable River and Lakewood Shores Resort - The Gailes Golf Course. Lakewood Shores Resort - Serradella Golf Course and Lakewood Shores Resort - Blackshire Golf Course are also within 6 miles (10 km).
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A Spacious Lakefront Home Designed for Real Gatherings and Time Together Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
This was a great place for a friends' weekend getaway! We loved the amenities and proximity to fund activities, like canoeing the Au Sable. We hope to stay again!
3 families had a great time at this beautiful beach house for a long weekend. The weather was windy and rainy but the owners have stocked the house with a lot of comfort and recreational amenities so the weather was never an issue. The hosts rate an A.
We were visiting family from out of town and we had a wonderful time. We loved the house, we were able to relax and enjoy the views of the lake while accommodating our large family. Matt and Marry were excellent hosts, we would love to stay in their home again. The house was perfect for my family, I already tried to book it again for August but it’s already booked up. Great stay!
We booked this property to celebrate my dad's 60th birthday as a family and it was a perfect spot for us. My dad loves to fish and the outdoors so he was so pleased. The home was clean and well stocked and just lile the photos.
Everything here was delightful and nothing was lacking! This house offered comfort, cleanliness, as well as accommodating all of our needs. We had a wonderful relaxing time. We would highly recommend this house to anyone.
The house is beautiful and well maintained. It has a great view out onto the lake with a large sun room. New Year's was a bit chilly but we did take several walks on the beach. I'm sure that would be a fantastic beach to enjoy in the summer. Hope to visit again with friends and family, when it's warm.
We had a great weekend at Redwood Retreat! The house is very well kept, clean and comfortable. It was nice that the light switches were labeled to know which lights/fans they operated. The property managers were very easy to work with and promptly answered questions before our stay.
There were 12 of us, 8 adults 4 kids, this home was perfect for us! We ate a family of cooks, the kitchen was very well stocked with all the necessary pots, pans, dishes etc…their property is very warm and inviting. Thank you Mary and Matt
Highly recommend this property! The pictures don't even do it justice. The place was so clean and spacious, comfortable and beautiful! There was enough space for the large family and amenities galore. We made use of the fully stocked kitchen, grill, firepit, kayaks, life jackets and the boat! They had everything you could need with extra lawn chairs, lawn games, beach towels, etc. Responsive and helpful hosts. We all loved our stay and would stay again!
Cannot say enough about this property and the owners. Seamless from start to finish communication was great the booking process was very simple the house was gorgeous inside and out tons of space super comfortable beds we really love the giant refrigerator and freezer. The only negative part was that there wasn't a whole lot to do in the area. Not many great restaurants around. a few Pub and Bar type things but we had to go to Tawas to get a decent steak. Which isn't horrible it's only about a 20 minute drive or so other than that? It was perfect LOL
Your home is beautiful, and we loved the view! The availability of charging outlets, snacks, and large sized rooms were an added touch. We all noticed that there were no tissues in the house. And the tub and shower both could use either grab bars or Textured floors to reduce the possibility of falls.
This property and its owners really delivered a quality experience for me and my family during our stay in Oscoda for a wedding near Alpena.
From a much appreciated gift basket to a well organized welcome booklet, nothing seemed to be overlooked.
One of our family members is wheelchair bound, Matt and Mary were able to confirm room layouts and accommodations prior to our stay. Once at the property, we were really impressed by the room sizes and how well the large gathering spaces allowed for great family time.
By far our favorite moments were spent around the campfire in the evenings.
My wife commented that this was one of her favorite rentals, and I would agree.
We were impressed from the minute we pulled into the driveway. House and grounds were perfect. Our group ranged in age from 1-69yrs old. The owners have covered every want need to make your stay fun and enjoyable. From kayaks to board games - they even had a fishing pole which delighted our 12 yr old grandson. Did he catch a fish you ask? He sure did! Right off the end of the dock. Evening fire to finish off the day was the perfect way to unwind before bed. Will definitely book again!
My family and I have stayed in dozens of different rentals all over the country and this house thought of all of the little things, that made this beautiful home perfect for us! Small little thoughtful things, like having hooks in the showers to hang your washrags or razors, to having zip lock bags available for use, to having a snack welcoming basket! The place was very clean, spacious for the 11 of us that stayed there and the view and amenities outside did not disappoint either! There were kayaks to use, that our kids loved and a rowboat to use as well. The owners were awesome to work with and very accommodating and quick to answer any questions we had! The kitchen was so easy to cook in and having the washer and dryer was an added bonus! I would HIGHLY recommend this beautiful home!
We stayed at Redwood Retreat for a long weekend (TH - M) in the middle of May. Unfortunately it was cooler than we had hoped for, but that didn't prevent us from taking advantage of the good fishing right off the dock, and roasting marshmallows each night in the lakeside firepit. The yard was huge - it provided plenty of space for playing yard games and privacy from neighbors. The house was more than adequate for our family of 3 couples, and 2 kids - 1 1/2 and 3 1/2 years old. The kitchen had everything we needed for cooking and food storage. The house was very close to town - easy to run into the store or visit the bowling alley on a rainy day, but gave the feeling of being away from it all when we were there. Our hosts, Matthew and Mary responded quickly and helpfully when we reached out with questions a couple of times. We would definitely return during warmer months to take advantage of the kayaks and row boat on the beautiful lake.
My wife and I, along with our three daughters, their spouses and our grandchildren have been using VRBO for our annual family vacations. We have been in Charlevoix, Traverse City, South Haven, Lewiston, Saugatuck and Louisville, Kentucky to name a few our destinations. This year we decided to try the sun rise side of Michigan and are glad we did. The property we chose is the Redwood Retreat on Lake Van Etten in Oscoda, MI. The property was immaculate with all the amenities a family would need. The lake was used for swimming, fishing and using the supplied kayaks. There was plenty of room for 7 adults and four grandkids. We are a family who loves to cook and everything we needed to prepare our meals was there. The individual temperature controls in each bedroom was a bonus. We had movie night and game night in the sunroom, and spent a third night enjoying a bonfire by the Lake. This place is perfect for family fun. There is plenty to do in Oscoda area, including nearby golf. We played Serradella at Lakewood Shores, just minutes from the Retreat.Out of all the places we stayed at, this one is the only one that gets 5 stars. We are planning to return next year. We would like to thank our hosts, Mary and Matt for all the information they supplied about the home and area! Thank you!M. L. Witkowski