The David w/ Private Screened Porch & Fire Pit

Looking for a getaway in Michigan's? Our 'The David' is newly re-decorated, one-acre wooded retreat that's one of Up North's newest vacation homes!

The welcoming, screened porch leads to a keyless entry, revealing this ranch's delightful blend of woodsy charm and modern touches. The living room provides a large Smart TV and gas fireplace. The Space

The adjoining living room, dining area, and newly updated kitchen create a cozy and inviting place to gather. With a new couch, recliners, and dining set added in 2025, the space feels fresh and comfortable while still holding that classic Up North cabin feel.

The home features two bedrooms with queen beds, closets, and dresser space, making them comfortable and ready for guests. A full bathroom with a tub and shower is conveniently located near the bedrooms, and a second newly remodeled bathroom and laundry room makes longer stays feel easy and home-like. Inside, you will also find plenty of games, books, and puzzles to enjoy.

One of our favorite features of The David is the screened-in porch. With a new table and chairs, a cushioned porch swing, and a cozy conversation area, it is the perfect spot to relax, sip your morning coffee, or unwind in the evening.

Outside, the backyard offers a private fire pit with seating. Use of the fire pit is at your own risk. Please do not use lighter fluid or other flammable liquids. The shed is stocked with cornhole, sidewalk chalk, yard games, and firestarter bricks for your convenience.

Nicole and Kinsey are our fantastic hosts and help ensure every stay goes smoothly. We are Tom and Heather, the owners and we visit often. We are slowly making The David feel more homey and less like a typical rental by adding personal touches, updating furniture, and making sure the kitchen is well stocked with items we have found helpful during our own stays.

The name The David came from two ideas. First, we thought it would be fun to have a little cabin in the woods called “The something.” Second, it is in honor of Heather’s father, who was one of the silliest people ever. During your stay, you will notice little surprises we call “The Davids.” We will let you discover those on your own, but we promise they are lighthearted and fun.

This is our getaway spot and we do our best to make it as comfortable as possible. We invite you to treat it like your temporary home and ask that you respect and enjoy this special place. If you find anything you wish we had, please let us know. As the reviews mention, Nicole and Kinsey truly help make sharing our home possible.

Other Things to Note

The David is conveniently located near several of Gaylord’s premier golf courses including Michaywe Pines, The Loon Golf Club, The Lakes, Otsego Resort, and Treetops Resort. Otsego Lake State Park is just minutes away and is known for boating, fishing, and its sandy public beach on beautiful Otsego Lake. Gaylord’s Elk Park, home to a year-round elk herd, is also nearby.

Recommended restaurants close by include Inn The Woods, Porter Haus, Bennethum’s, and The Pine Squirrel. Gaylord’s Alpine themed downtown offers additional dining, shopping, and seasonal events. Traverse City, Boyne City, Petoskey, Charlevoix, and Mackinac Island all make great day trips. This location on the 45th Parallel makes an ideal home base for exploring Northern Michigan.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome with prior communication. We kindly ask that pets remain off the furniture and to clean up after your pup.

The home has central heat only and does not have air conditioning. Fans are provided, and the home stays relatively cool with good airflow from easily opened windows.


Here are step-by-step instructions on how to turn it on the gas fireplace:

•Safety First: Before attempting to light the fireplace, make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of any flammable materials, and ensure there is proper ventilation in the room.
•Locate the Gas Valve: Find the gas valve for the fireplace. This is typically located either inside the fireplace itself or in close proximity. The gas valve is a knob that you'll need to turn to allow gas flow to the fireplace.
•Turn the Gas Valve to "On": Rotate the gas valve knob to the "On" position. This will allow gas to flow to the fireplace, but the flame is not ignited yet.
•Access the Ignition System: You mentioned a red button on the bottom panel, which is likely the ignition button. This button is used to create a spark that will ignite the gas.
•Press the Ignition Button: Press the red ignition button a few times while observing the pilot light area. The pilot light is a small flame that should ignite when you press the button. It may take a few attempts for the pilot light to catch, so be patient.
•Pilot Light Ignition: Once the pilot light ignites, keep holding the ignition button for about 30 seconds. This allows the thermocouple to heat up and signal that it's safe to release the button.
•Release the Ignition Button: After about 30 seconds, release the ignition button. The pilot light should continue to burn. If it goes out, you may need to repeat the ignition process.
•Adjust the Flame: Once the pilot light is burning steadily, you can turn the gas valve to adjust the flame height and intensity to your desired level.
•Enjoy the Fireplace: With the pilot light burning, you can now enjoy the warmth and ambiance of your fireplace. Be sure to turn off the gas valve when you're done using the fireplace to ensure safety.