There’s an expression ‘round these parts called “a friend’s lakehouse.”
It refers to the moment when a Chicagoan first feels springtide, and ergo begins angling for a summer vacation that is not entirely his.
Why don’t we cut out the middleman this summer, eh?
In service of that: The InsideHook Summer Rental Guide, our annual collection of the most desirable summer rentals for your dog-day pursuits.
Fortune favors the prepared, gents. Get to booking.
The Exsquisite Grand Beach Lookout
New Buffalo, Michigan
Nestled on Grand Beach with an infinity pool and panoramic views of Lake Michigan from the main floor living area, this one-of-a-kind estate is all fresh air and modern amenities. The home wins high marks for its home theater room, pool table and a whole-house audio system, as well as elevators that service its three floors and seven bedrooms. Add in a golf cart for easy transport to parks and a nearby nine-hole golf course, and you’re looking at one of Harbor County’s most splendid summer retreats.
The Modern Farmstead
Northport, Michigan
Midwest farm life never looked so good in this cozy rehab of a 1900s farmstead set among the open rolling hills of Leenaulau Peninsula. Inside: vintage modern country decor you’ll wanna bring back to the city with ya. And outside: veggie gardens and an outdoor kitchen with a large slab table that seats 12 for your own farm-to-table dinners. WiFi also available, but how about a disconnect? No one said farm life was easy.
The Mansion On the Shore
Egg Harbor, Wisconsin
“Siri, where can I find a prime spot to splay out in one of quaintest towns in the U.S. this summer?” That’d be Egg Harbor in Door County. Sitting on 1.2 acres of shorefront woodlands with an adjoining coach house also available for rent, you’ll want to book this manse for a large clique. Outfitted with a large gourmet kitchen. Eagle eye-sunset views from the lake-facing terrace … or any spot on the ground, really. And “town” is just a short drive away.
The Down Home Country Retreat
Kewaunee, Wisconsin
A true country getaway situated just south of Door County, this charming ranch house comes with six acres of backwoods and a lovely pond optimal for pan fishing. You don’t have to strum a guitar, but with a lazy wraparound porch like this, how could you not? Inside is just as charming, with cozy rustic interiors and enough space to host a large gathering. Though, it wouldn’t hurt to make this one about you and yours alone.
The Modern Quick Getaway
Three Oaks, Michigan
A stunning modern take on the summer house just an hour outside of Chicago. Clean and simple are the advantages of this Three Oaks hideaway. Also almost 2,000 feet of outdoor deck and hot tub for entertaining, and you’re a skip away from Warren Woods and Warren Dunes. Make this place your homebase for the annual summer pilgrimage. The home is only available on a weekly basis, which is not entirely a bad thing.
The Vintage Lakehouse
South Haven, Michigan
A gem of a perch set in the woods with a deck overlooking the lake and access to its own private beach. You’ll wanna take a look inside, because this place is like a ’60s Art Deco time capsule. Groovy furniture. Tasteful pastel-colored cabinetry. And at least one shag carpet, but we can forgive ’em for that. A property so unique we almost kept it to ourselves.
The After School Couples Retreat
Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Amid open fields in Wisconsin’s Driftless Area, Peniel School #9 is a retrofitted one-room schoolhouse that makes for a quirky couples getaway. The school was built in 1912 and used as a place of learning until the 1960s. Structurally, everything’s the same, just outfitted with stylish modern furniture and a brand new kitchen.
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