My Cabin: The Place to Be

I love a change of scenery, so the idea of a simple getaway has always appealed to me. I grew up in northern California and moved to Michigan right out of high school, and I have been surrounded by rustic cabins and lake cottages all my life. My husband and I often took our two children to his parents’ vacation cottage on Mirror Lake, a 75-acre private lake about an hour west of our primary home in Livonia, Mich. Also, visits to California usually included a stay at my dad and stepmom’s vacation cabin in the mountains.

As much as we enjoyed those times, we dreamed of having our own little retreat. A place we could go whenever our busy self-employment schedules would allow. Our favorite pastime became driving a 2-hour radius around Livonia, hunting for that special getaway. However, all roads seemed to lead us back to Mirror Lake! We loved the unique, up-north atmosphere, the familiarity and the close proximity to our home.

One day, while driving around Mirror Lake, we stumbled upon a rustic red cottage for sale at the end of a winding road. It overlooked the smaller of the two lake coves. We checked it out, but we weren’t so sure at first, as it had a few quirks. And it was so red! But the secluded location was ideal, and after a few more looks we took the plunge. Well, it was a great choice, because it has been just perfect! The style and setting are reminiscent of the mountain cabins I grew up admiring, and although there’s space for a crowd, it’s also cozy enough for just us.

From mornings out on the deck as the sun rises over the water, to tranquil pontoon rides at sunset, there’s so much to love about being there. One of my favorite things about the cottage is that it’s surrounded by trees. The woods and the cove attract so much wildlife. In the water or on land, there’s always something to see. I love to sit on the deck and watch it all go by! And the whole family enjoys doing those “cottage things” that we just don’t get to do at home: bonfires, swimming, fishing and boating. On rainy days, we bake, do puzzles and play games by the fireplace. In winter, we sled down the hill (you can get across the cove if you’re fast enough).

We have even grown to love all the little quirks the cottage has, even the red color. My in-laws have since retired and moved to the lake, so we also appreciate being close to them.

It’s such a beautiful, peaceful place. Every time we go, we’re filled with gratitude for this special little cottage and the time we get to spend there. Whether we’re alone or with family and friends, we can relax and be a little silly! Wonderful memories are always made. We are truly blessed.