Lee Point near dusk, from the great room.

The following was shared when a reference was requested:

"I was there with six other golfers in late September, and we used the Lodge as our base for five days, playing golf in and around Traverse City. Staying there was one of the best parts of our trip, and the trip was one of, if not the best we've ever had.

First, Hilltop Log Lodge is spectacular. Everything about it is understated luxury, and it accomodated us so well had we known better we would have scheduled the whole week right there just so that we could stay in the Lodge.

Richard and Jeff, who had a construction company that built the Lodge and other large log homes throughout the country, where most gracious. They met us when we arrived, showed us the place, and told us everything we needed to know about it. They were most pleasant and considerate and told us some of the places to go (wine tastings), places to eat, etc. You'll find them very easy to work with, and the return of the deposit was never in doubt and came very quickly. The place was spotless when we arrived, and everything worked perfectly.

I've told my family that the lodge and that area would be a great place for a family vacation. The bay is just a walk away, the golf is wonderful, and there are lots of outdoor things other than golf. It takes about 15 minutes to get into the main part of Traverse City, but you won't want to leave the Lodge to go there. The morning and evening views of the bay from the back deck are spectacular, and drinks and cigars there were great for us golfers! My wife is in a hiking group, and I suggested that they would really enjoy staying there and hiking that part of the country. The cost, for group accomodations, is very reasonable, and considering how comfortable it was, it was a great bargain. We would have spent much more staying in a relatively inexpensive hotel and we would not have been as comfortable. One of our best meals was right there when we grilled steaks, and we couldn't done that in a hotel.

We are thinking about our next trip in 2010, and the lodge/Traverse City is right at the top of our list. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Go and enjoy!

Mike"

The lawn to the south.

"We were so impressed with the Lodge and really enjoyed our experience there! The house is just lovely and really exceeded our expectations. Kirk was really friendly and helpful, letting us know that we could call him anytime if we needed something (but we seemed to have everything we needed, so didn't have to bother him). We were really impressed with how accomodating the house was for such a large group - between the 2 coffee pots, 2 dishwashers, large sitting rooms, dining table, game room, etc, we never felt like our group couldn't be together because there wasn't space. Yet, there was also plenty of room to get away and have your own space to read or relax.

Overall, we were really delighted by how nice the house was and how comfortable it was for our big group. My 3 sisters, who were there along with my Mom, and I talked about how great it would be to rent the house for a week in the summer and have the whole family up there.

Thanks again for your professionalism throughout the entire process and for a wonderful weekend at your beautiful home!

Sincerely, Julie"

From the porch.

"This place is amazing!! My best friend and I played ping-pong for at least 10 hours this week! There was no room for boredom. Having a dock right there was great. I don’t think I’ve ever had this much fun with Abby! The design here is a sign of good care, nothing is boring or hotel-like! If we come back to Michigan, I would beg my parents to stay here. I can’t get over the breath-taking views and the fact that there’s a PING PONG table!! I think the only that could make it better is a hot tub....
I and the rest of my family, had a wonderful , event filled time and would love to come back!
very happy,
EHW (age 13) & family"

Sunrise

"The Hilltop Log Lodge is amazing. I can’t believe how gorgeous it is. There is always something to do! In only a week:
we went to the dock probably 50 times
swam at 6 different places
went to see the new Harry Potter
went to the sand dunes
watched a different movie each night
went shopping and to putt-putt
met the neighbors
went to like, 6 billion wine/cheese tastings
chilled around a fire
read
played A LOT of ping pong
and spent time with my close friends
The towns near by are all adorable. We spent alot of time in Suttons Bay and Traverse City. The house is so fun and big. It’s lovely and well kept and I would love to come back next summer.
Had a great time, as did the rest of my family,
Abby (yup 13)"

From the porch.

"Friday
Day 1
It is our 10th year wedding anniv. and coming here was my surprise! We arrived @ 5:30 pm. Between Jeff’s warm hospitality and the beauty of the house, I was overwhelmed with a sense of peace. We were served hor d’oevres on the lawn overlooking the view, and a 50 course meal (slight exaggeration only!) by candlelight by the big picture window. I took a bath in the clawfoot tub and remembered what it was like to relax...there are flowers everywhere!
Day 2
Shower outside - FUN!
Cooked breakfast & ate out on the deck. Went to Farmer’s Market in town (great!) and then to Organic Grocery Oryana (ditto great!) Bought salmon & prosciutto @ Burrits...sampled the dipping oils. Shopped downtown for hours. Ate lunch at cool cafe - tea & salads. Spent 2 hours at Higher Self Bookstore. Husband nearly passed out from incense...bought bath salts for claw foot tub later on... : ). Cooked amazing meal to the best medley of music imaginable... Went for walk down to the garden & water at the end of the dock. Such a beautiful evening! We drank wine on the grass, read every “Architectural Digest” (not possible) and slept like we have not in years.... We have been at peace here.
Day 3
We are on our way out. I cannot express my gratitude to Jeff & Richard for allowing just the two of us to enjoy this oasis of tranquility. We have recharged our batteries and are ready to go back to taking care of our community & loving our family and each other. We have traveled the world and stayed in some amazing places - Hilltop Log Lodge ranks up there with the best!
We will come back - meanwhile call if you are ever in Grand Rapids & you can meet the kids! : )
Robin"

The lawn to the south

"What a beautiful home! We loved staying here and made many wonderful family memories. The craftsmanship, details and beautiful furniture truly make this place a spectacular home. Hope to spend time here in the future - thanks for sharing your “up north” with us!
Sara & Erik"

The west elevation.

"We had a great time at the house and everything was perfect. Your house is beautiful and we felt very comfortable there. The family’s mutual comment was that you didn’t charge enough for the deposit : ).
But, I can’t think of anything that could have been better. We loved the view and you both (or your decorater) did a great job with the interior. It is certainly at the top of my list for vacation spots. Thanks so much for everything. Your communication was awesome during the whole process. We really appreciated the Christmas tree also. Such and unexpected surprise to have it decorated too!!!
Shannon"

The outdoor shower.

The moon rises over Old Mission Peninsula and Power Island in the summer.

Lee point from the lawn, early mornning in May.

Fog bank