We dug into online rental sites and turned up these vintage A-frame homes for rent. Don’t be afraid to launch your own search, though. Northern Michigan has plenty more of these peaked beauties just waiting for your vacation days.
1. GEOMETRY ON LAKE HURON – Cheboygan
We love the way this equilateral triangle, set in a wooded association on Lake Huron, seems to spread its sides as if making room for guests. With three bedrooms and plenty of elbow room in the open kitchen-living room design, this is one to bring the kids to. They’ll love the beach and the basketball and volleyball courts right outside the door. And with its proximity to Colonial Michilimackinac in nearby Mackinaw City and Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island, you can even sneak in some fun history lessons.
Book it:Â northern-lakes.com/richardson
2. FAIRYTALE IN THE FOREST – Bellaire
We’re pretty sure Hansel and Gretel stayed here in the 1970s—and the story ended a whole lot more happily than when they checked into that gingerbread nightmare. What to do while staying at this rustic charmer that sleeps one happy couple? Launch a boat into nearby Grass River or Torch, Clam and Bellaire Lakes, or browse the resort towns of Alden and Bellaire. Evenings, take a seat by the fire pit and look up at the starry sky.
Book it: vrbo.com/589563
3. DWELL MAGAZINE LOVERS ALERT – Good Hart
Built in 1964 for the then-director of the Cranbrook Academy of Art Museum, this geometric beauty is a pretty serious piece of mid-century architecture. Well-loved and cared for by its second owners, the cottage, located in tiny Good Hart, has easy proximity to the Harbor Springs/Petoskey area, as well as to Mackinac Island. But given the gorgeous and secluded swath of Lake Michigan beach that this home graces, you might do well just to fill up the three bedrooms with you, your friends and family—and your car trunk with good books. (If you visit during the fall, you simply must drive the Tunnel of Trees.)
Book it: HomeAway.com, # 228058
We did our own retro A-frame weekend complete with nostalgic family recipes. Check it out in the August issue of Traverse Magazine // Andy Wakeman Photography