Lakefront Luxe: Rustic-Chic Guesthouse with Hot Tub & Paddle Boards

Our Journey to Serpent Lake

Tim and Kelly first met in May 1993 at The Serpent in Crosby Memorial Park while completing check-out dives for their scuba certifications. A few years later, in 1996, they began dating and spent much of their free time camping and scuba diving all over Minnesota.

After getting married, they purchased their first cabin on Little Thunder Lake, north of Outing. For years, they drove past Serpent Lake on the way to their various cabins. When they sold their cabin in 2015, they missed the area deeply. So, when COVID hit and Tim began thinking about retirement, they started looking for a place to call their forever home.

In October 2020, they found it — their retirement home on Serpent Lake. Since then, the property has become a true labor of love. With a large family of six children and eight (and counting!) grandchildren, they decided to build a cabin for extra space — and as a place to live while eventually rebuilding the main house. When it isn’t in use by family and friends, they rent the cabin to share the beauty of Serpent Lake and the Cuyuna area with others.

Tim retired in May 2023 and got to work building the cabin himself, with occasional help from their sons and friends. Kelly focused on design, décor, and finances, putting her creative touch on every detail.

The result is a unique retreat designed to feel welcoming and memorable — featuring Shou Sugi Ban wood finishes, a saltwater hydrotherapy hot tub, and high-quality linens. Tim and Kelly hope every guest feels at home, falls in love with the lake, and leaves already planning their next visit.

Why Guests Love Our Place
🌊 Lakefront Location – Gorgeous Serpent Lake views with direct water access
🚴 Close to Adventure – Only 2.2 miles from world-famous Cuyuna bike trails
🛋️ Rustic-Chic Style – Cozy cabin charm with modern finishes and hotel-quality linens
🥘 Fully Stocked – Kitchen, essentials, and thoughtful extras so you can just show up and relax
🛁 Saltwater Hot Tub – Private hydrotherapy soak steps from the patio
🛶 Complimentary Gear – 2 kayaks, 4 paddle boards + a giant “party board” (holds 6–8!)
🐾 Pet Friendly – Up to 2 dogs under 50 lbs (with approval)
🔑 Easy Check-In – Personalized door code active from 3 PM to 10 AM
🍷 Outdoor Living – Patio seating, fire pit, and sunset views over the lake
🛎️ Attentive Hosts – Nearby if you need us, but always respect your privacy