As much as I love to think of myself as a strong, independent woman (who needs help opening most packaged snacks), when it comes to travel, there's nothing better than bringing my loved ones along for the ride. That's why I low-key freaked [positive] when Vrbo, the property rental platform you know and love, reached out and asked if I wanted to visit one of their 2024 Vacation Rentals of the Year this past fall. I called my family and we immediately booked our PTO for a trip to Michigan, where our favorite home on the list, Sandy Lakehouse, was located.
In case you missed it, every year since 2022, Vrbo has picked 10 properties across the country—and then a smattering of others from around the world—as their Vacation Rentals of the Year. And these aren't just any old homes: these private properties all have damn-near-perfect ratings and reviews, eye-catching interior design, killer amenities, stunning views, and standout spaces built for spending time with family and friends.
In addition to the waterfront home we chose in Sand Lake, Michigan (don't worry, allll the deets on that coming below), the 2024 list also included a villa with a wine cave in Sonoma Valley, California; a cabin on 60 acres in Big Sky, Montana; a cottage along the lake in Winchendon, Massachusetts; and more jaw-dropping properties you've gotta see to believe (you can peep 'em all here). But let's get into Sandy Lakehouse, shall we?
THE QUICK HITS: SANDY LAKEHOUSE EDITION
- Name: Sandy Lakehouse
- Location: Sand Lake, Michigan
- Cost Per Night: Starting at $919
- Sleeps: 14
- Best For: Family reunions or iconic friend-cations
- While You’re Here, Visit: Rosie's Ice Cream & More, for a scoop or three
- One-Word Vibe Check: Massive
- Most Iconic Photo Spot: On the back deck, overlooking the water
- Don’t Leave Without: Checking out the gym downstairs (no really, just trust me)
THE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
This house made me rethink my definition of "mansion." As soon as I walked inside, I could feel myself getting shoved into a different tax bracket. It was just So. Damn. HUGE. To put it in context, the house is nearly 5,500 square feet, and it sits on 175 feet of beachfront. There are five bedrooms and seven bathrooms spread across three levels, making the space ideal for 14(!) people, plus a separate guest house/loft over the garage with a bedroom, bathroom, and cute little kitchenette.
We had plenty of suitcases and grocery bags to lug inside when we arrived (my fam is Canadian, so naturally we had to do a massive Trader Joe's haul in Grand Rapids, which is a 30-minute drive away), but I forced everyone to drop everything and tour the house with me. I quite literally sprinted from room to room, admiring the gorgeous dining space with a perfect view of the lake, the breezy sunroom with a wet bar and fireplace, the laundry area with two sets of washers and dryers (peak luxury for a New Yorker like me!), and the indoor/outdoor entertaining level on the bottom floor (more on that later). I'd describe the all-around aesthetic as "cozy-modern-clean-cottage-chic," and it's clear the owners put a lot of thought (and $$$) into the design. Obsessed.
THE ROOMS
There were so many beds in this house, I think my family of six could have slept in a new one every night and still not have touched them all. (Don't quote me on that, I don't do math, but it feels right in my bones.) There's even a bunk room on the bottom floor that alone can sleep seven people. It's perfect for kids—or anyone who loves a sleepover, really—complete with two twin beds stacked on top of two kings, plus an adjoining bedroom with another twin.
Upstairs is where you'll find two more queen bedrooms, along with the main suite, which my fiancé and I snagged for the weekend. I'm not even kidding, it might have been bigger than our NYC apartment. Not only did it have a king-sized, four-poster bed with views overlooking the water, but there were also two ginormous walk-in closets with so much storage it brought a tear to my eye. Oh, and the ensuite bathroom had heated floors, a soaking tub, a steam shower, and a separate water closet with a urinal and Toto toilet. There's nothing like waking up in the middle of the night and having your heated, motion-activated toilet seat welcome you with open arms.
THE AMENITIES
Honestly, if you find yourself bored while staying here, it's your own fault. Whether you like hanging out and taking things slow (🙋) or getting up and moving, there's something for you at Sandy Lakehouse. For me, the standout feature was the private pickleball/basketball court in the side yard, which we very much took advantage of over the weekend. But the game room, which takes up the majority of the bottom floor and opens up to the backyard, was a close second. Egos were shattered after playing many rounds of ping pong, darts, and shuffleboard down there.
Off to the side of the game room, you'll find a silver door that looks like a bank vault. It leads to the gym—and let me tell you, it is not your average home gym. Turns out the property was first built by a Major League Baseball player who took working out very seriously, and this space has the fancy equipment (like, pretty much every machine imaginable) and floor-to-ceiling mirrors to prove it. There's even a TV in there!
Did I use the gym? I don't want to answer that question. But I did use the hot tub on the back porch, as well as the many loungers out there to read in the sun. There are also kayaks, paddleboards, and a pedal boat which guests are free to use, and we took them all out for a spin one morning to explore the lake (read: look at all the pretty waterfront homes and tell my fiancé which one I wanted him to buy me). The property owners also have a pontoon boat which they keep docked, and you can rent it out for the entirety of your stay. It wasn't super warm out so we decided against it, but I love that it's an option.
THE FOOD AND BEV
Of course, this isn't a hotel, so there's no on-property restaurant to review, but the kitchen certainly deserves a little love and attention. I mean, look at it...can I get a "yes, chef"?
My family loves to go out to eat, but we cooked every meal at home because this set-up was so nice and high-tech. The built-in Miele coffee maker! The double oven! The massive ice machine! The 12-seat dining table! It was all too much!
THE BOTTOM LINE
Sharing a house with the people I love brings me so much joy, and Sandy Lakehouse is one of the most gorgeous homes I've ever had the pleasure of bringing my family inside. The attention to detail was noticeable at every turn, and the hosts were exceptional from booking to check-out. I can't imagine a season where this home wouldn't be beautiful, so if I were you, I'd take a peek at the available dates, alert the group chat, and get to booking. You deserve to live the luxe life.
