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Starry Skies Sanctuary-Luxury Lakefront Home on Lake Geneserath w/Watercrafts

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Exterior
Property grounds
4 bedrooms, free WiFi, bed sheets
Smart TV
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Reviews
10

Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 102000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Outdoor SpaceOutdoor SpaceOutdoor Space
  • Free WiFiFree WiFiFree WiFi
  • Air conditioningAir conditioningAir conditioning
  • WasherWasherWasher
  • DryerDryerDryer
  • KitchenKitchenKitchen

Explore the area

Map
Beaver Island, MI
  • Popular LocationBeaver Island Community Center36 min drive
  • Popular LocationToy Museum37 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Starry Skies Sanctuary-Luxury Lakefront Home on Lake Geneserath w/Watercrafts

“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.*

Additional information on Starry Skies Sanctuary can be found on social media, please like and share!

Property manager

Kristina and Blair Bozoarth

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach

Ski

  • Close to skiing
  • Snowboarding nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near the bay
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Ice skating nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Scuba diving nearby
  • Snorkeling nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Surfing/bodyboarding nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • 1 unit
  • Garden
  • Unit size: 2,000 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Parties and events are allowed on site; maximum attendees: 6
Note from host: We have a strict no party/event/venue policy.
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
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

Property is also known as

House

About the neighborhood

Beaver Island

Located in Beaver Island, this vacation home is in a rural area and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Jewell Gillespie Park Beach, while The Marine Museum and Toy Museum are cultural highlights. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

What's nearby

  • Beaver Island Community Center - 36 min drive
  • Toy Museum - 37 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Starry Skies Sanctuary-Luxury Lakefront Home on Lake Geneserath w/Watercrafts pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Starry Skies Sanctuary-Luxury Lakefront Home on Lake Geneserath w/Watercrafts ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Starry Skies Sanctuary-Luxury Lakefront Home on Lake Geneserath w/Watercrafts ?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Starry Skies Sanctuary-Luxury Lakefront Home on Lake Geneserath w/Watercrafts located?

Situated on the beach, this vacation home is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Lake Michigan and within 16 mi (25 km) of The Marine Museum and Old Mormon Print Shop Museum. Jewell Gillespie Park Beach and Beaver Island Community Center are also within 16 mi (25 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 10 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 10 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 10 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 10 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 10 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Monica V.

Liked: Cleanliness
5 star home and host
This homes location, host and amenities were beyond expectations! We have stayed at different locations on Beaver Island, and this has become our families favorite that we will return to every summer! A beautiful home with everything needed including a finished basement with tons of games and books for the kids, along with kayaks and paddle boards, canoe and small aluminum boat on a beautiful sandy bottom lake. Already have 2024 booked and cannot wait to go back again! Thanks again Kristina for your assistance and quick response to our questions!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alicia K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Pefect for a Family Getaway
The home is well suited for a family or group of friends. The location is remote, quiet and on a beautiful private lake. The house was clean, spacious and just as described.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carol P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Awesome
Beautiful place!! Clean, comfortable, so much to do around the beautiful home. Quiet and so relaxing. Love to visit again!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

melissa b.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfection on Lake G
We had a wonderfully relaxing stay. The owners have gone above and beyond to ensure a pleasant and fun time. We love Beaver Island and are so grateful we had the opportunity to stay on Lake G.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Katie K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful!
Our stay on Beaver Island was amazing! This rental is beautiful and they have added so many great touches to make this a very special and enjoyable stay. First off, the house is gorgeous and they went the extra mile to provide all the cooking supplies (even some food!), appliances, games, COMFORTABLE bedding, boats and water supplies (and even TV programs! ☺️) to make our stay incredibly comfortable. These items were all of high quality and left me writing down brand names of appliances and bedding that I now want in my home 😂. The house is exceptionally clean and well kept. We all agreed that we'd love to come back and stay again. Thank you thank you thank you!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Beth A.

Liked: Cleanliness
This vacation will be hard to top.
A delightful house set in a gorgeous location. This was our first vacation to Michigan and we couldn’t have had a nicer introduction than Beaver Island. The house sits almost directly on Lake G and with the large windows and wrap around deck, we hardly took our eyes off the view in the 5 days we stayed. The outdoors is set up beautifully with deck seating, Adirondack chairs by the beach, a hammock on the hill, and a separate fire pit. We used every spot, sometimes at night, to drink in the stars or enjoy the lake. The canoe, kayaks, and paddle boards were perfect and easy to launch into the clear, clean lake. The house is very up to date and comfortable with plenty of space to spread out or gather. The site is remote, about 30 minutes to drive into town, but it was perfect as a quiet, relaxing get away. It is an easy walk to the Lake Michigan beaches as well. We'd book this place again in a heartbeat.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jodi P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Our family’s new favorite! So spacious, well-equipped, & clean!
After spending a week at Starry Skies Sanctuary, our family of 4 (mom, dad, teenage boy & girl) agreed this was our all-time favorite rental property. We were looking for a remote, quiet escape where we could do some fishing & spend time together without distractions, & this beautiful home checked all the boxes & so many more! There was quite literally nothing the hosts hadn’t thought of: well-appointed is an understatement! Every pot, pan, dish, condiment, spice, & kitchen gadget we needed was provided. There were plenty of beach towels; health & beauty items; detergents for the washer, dishwasher, & sink; blankets; books; board games; water toys (kayaks, paddle boards, small boat, canoe, floats, life jackets, scuba gear, 4 fishing poles & light tackle)... they really did think of everything! The home was extremely clean & smelled wonderful. Sadly the cloud cover didn’t allow for us to have a clear view of the stars during our stay, but it was still so quiet and peaceful to watch the sunsets & enjoy the calm, breezy evenings on the beach (as long as there is no light... any light source - phone, flame, flashlight - immediately attracts mosquitoes). We loved listening to the loons’ calls. The beach is fine, soft sand & is easy to walk on. There is lots of seating & opportunities to see different types of wildlife. We saw deer, various birds, monarch butterfly caterpillars, snakes, & minnows. The water near the bank is shallow, so it’s great for wading. You have to go out into deeper water to catch fish, though. A few things we learned about the island: 1. Make sure you line up your transportation on the ferry with your arrival & departure dates. I would strongly recommend either bringing a vehicle or renting one as the drive to town is about 25 minutes. Bringing your own car carries extra requirements with the ferry company, so be sure to know those. (The people there are wonderful and easy to work with.) 2. The water on the island smells of sulfur, so we bought bottled water for drinking & cooking. 3. There are no local places in town which sell fishing licenses anymore; they will all direct you to the state website to purchase online. Our T-Mobile phones had almost no service on the island outside the house WiFi, so we had to drive around in town searching for a spot with service to be able to purchase the licenses right before our charter, causing us to be a few minutes late to our boat. Overall, highly recommended! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Valerie K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful stay!
Our family of five really enjoyed our stay at Starry Skies Sanctuary. We had two friends join us for a few nights and there was more than enough room for everybody. The home was very clean and had all the supplies we needed and plenty of seating inside and out. The lakefront and all of the equipment provided were fantastic. We enjoyed kayaking, paddle boarding and rowing. This is a very family-friendly lake with a huge shallow shoreline that allowed the parents to relax while the kids played and learned, but there is also a lot of depth further out. We didn't fish, but everyone we talked to said it was a great fishing lake. The island was beautiful and so calm and quiet - the perfect respite. Wonderful roads, beaches, and sights. We rarely encountered other people in our adventures, but everyone we did was kind and friendly. The ferry ride over was so easy - a lot of seating options (open air, indoor tables, reclining seats). Given the location of the house, a car is really handy, so I recommend travelers book an auto slot on the ferry or rent a car. Thanks for a wonderful stay! We will definitely look to rent again on our next trip to Beaver Island.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveler

Liked: Cleanliness
This property has it all in a perfect location. Everything you need under one clean updated roof.
This was the best house we’ve rented to date on BI. At first we were concerned about not being on Lake Michigan, but Lake G turned out to be even better for our group with this well stocked home. All the kayaks, paddle boards, canoe, and the floating dock made it perfect to entertain eight year olds and a three year old daily. When indoor time was needed the house had a well stocked library for all ages and games galore. We only used the tv once for a movie but that works too. Everything you need to cook meals is in the kitchen, including a large crock pot. There’s a cooler on site to pack picnics for day trips to area beaches with the beach toys and floaties on site too. Lastly, we had a wonderful storm blow through one night while we were there and we lost power, but the house has a back up generator which kept the fridge, microwave, and a couple of outlets going. The owner was amazing and responsive when we mentioned the power failure. Our two families will return to this house again. I can’t say enough nice things about this home and all it has to offer.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tracie B.

Liked: Cleanliness
The location is beautiful and the home is nicely renovated, providing seclusion with amenities.
Getting to Beaver Island for an extended stay takes planning in advance if you plan to bring over a vehicle and depending on when you come, could require several months advance notice. Rental cars are hard to come by as well and a vehicle is needed if staying at this home due to its distance. So plan in advance. We brought our bikes and were very lucky to have Duffys get us a car a month in advance for the week of the fourth. Bringing a car wasn’t a option. Don’t assume if you can get your car there, that you can bring it back when you want. Also, call in advance so you know the ferry procedures for getting tickets, long term parking and shuttle services. The ferry ride there an back were great once we figured out how to navigate the process. Beaver island is beautiful and large, but very small comparative to Mackinac Island with regards to shopping, night life and restaurants. Everything closes early, too. So make sure to go straight to the grocery store upon you arrival. The home itself is a beautiful bike ride out. It is both paved Highway and dirt roads. Mostly dirt roads. Few fast driving cars, but overall courteous and waved and drove slow. The drive to the home is sandy dirt and a bit challenging for bikes. The home itself is beautifully remodeled, with ample room for many guests. It is situated in a lovely pine forest on the lake. The lake has a beautiful hard sandy bottom and is clear and provided great swimming minus the snakes who came to check us out (this is the entire island, including downtown, in Lake Michigan and on the roads. There are seven types and all harmless). The fishing on this lake is phenomenal. We had two wonderful dinners that include bluegill—from water to table. Kitchen is well stocked, including filet knives. The outside deck is great for eating, enjoying the nature and playing corn-hole on. We spent a lot of time on the deck area when we weren’t fishing, or biking. We also rented side x sides, another definite recommendation. Lots of fun and great way to see the island. Note they only take cash or check. If you fish, live bait can be bought from the hardware store in town. Pizza from the deli next to the grocery store is fantastic and definitely recommend. Shamrocks has a great white fish and chips and Ruben, too. This is a great home to get away from the cares of the world and the hosts were great at communicating. Definitely would suggest for anyone one looking to stay on Beaver.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021