The owner was very communicative and offered to help if needed. Elk Lake is one of the best northern Michigan lakes we’ve stayed at, and the connection to Torch Lake made it even better. The cleaners didn’t do as great of a job as we’d hoped before our arrival, but when I told the owner afterward she apologized and said they will evaluate new options for next season (we were the last of the summer).
The house is in pretty good shape, the kayaks outside by the small beach were a nice addition. The basement, where half of the beds are located, is not bad but be prepared to empty the dehumidifier down there twice a day because it is damp so it fills up fast. This isn’t to say it’s a bad basement but it is a basement in Michigan that could probably use another update. The kitchen is great, one of the better we have had in a rental, and it is very well stocked with all the items you will need. They even left plenty of wood for a night or two by the fire pit out back by the lake.
It is worth noting that the front of the house sits about 30 feet from a pretty busy road where traffic drives 45-50mph. The bedroom with the two bunks has a window facing that direction and with a sound maker and fan running, the kids still said they could hear traffic. How much it impacted sleep is hard to say because they are young kids, but you can hear cars going by so keep that in mind. I heard nothing in the basement rooms.
Overall the location was great being close to Traverse City and Elk Rapids and more, the lake was amazing, the house was nice, and the backyard was perfect for our family.