Entire home

The Frankfort Surf Cottage

Photo gallery for The Frankfort Surf Cottage

Relaxing front porch
Kitchen
Large harvest table w/ benches
Family room
The Gorgeous waters at Frankfort Beach
Compliments of Hunter Watson Photography

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Frankfort, MI
  • Frankfort Beach
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Elberta Beach
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Point Betsie Lighthouse
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker)
    ‪47 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 3

1 Double Bed

Guest Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Main

1 King Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom main

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom master

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

The Frankfort Surf Cottage

Come visit the pure beauty of one of Northern Michigan's favorite small coastal beach towns- Frankfort. Frankfort is situated on the gorgeous shores of Lake Michigan. This splendid coastal beach town has plenty to offer for your perfect family get away! Frankfort is the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Lake Michigan, Surfing (yes surfing), Charter Fishing, the Bestie Valley Bike Trail, Shopping, numerous eateries, and countless adventures. The pristine dunes, beaches, and spectacular sunsets over the vast open freshwater sea will keep you in awe of what our family calls, Northern Michigan Surf City.
Once you arrive to the cottage, there is rarely a need to drive. Simply grab the towels, chairs, and a cooler. As it’s a mere 5 minute stroll down a treelined Victorian home sidewalk to one of Lake Michigan's most beautiful beaches. Bring your Bikes, Paddle-boards, Kayaks, and beach toys. Or rent surfboards, paddle-boards, or bikes at Coastline Bikes or Crystal Lake Adventure Sports, both downtown.
The cottage is a mere 50 yards away from downtown main street where you will find numerous restaurants, bistros,
breweries, and shopping. Again, all within walking distance.
Sit on the covered front porch and relax with a glass of wine while watching passers-by on our treelined Victorian street that leads right to the water. Or choose to lounge on the back deck and bask in the sun. There is a flagstone fire pit area in the backyard with several Adirondack chairs for your night time enjoyment.
The cottage sits on a corner lot with room for the kids to play. The cottage has wireless internet for connectivity. Please note: by design there is No T.V. This is one of 120 licensed rental properties in Frankfort.
In the lower level walkout there is a Ping Pong table, foos ball table, and video arcade games for those seeking refuge from the sun.
As with most Northern Michigan cottages there isn’t Air Conditioning as the nights are generally cool. However, there are ceiling fans in all 3 rooms, as well as stand up fans placed in the closets for use if need be.
We recently added a Culligan reverse osmosis water system to our kitchen sink so no need to bring or buy all those plastic water bottles.
Over the years this cottage has provided our family and friends with countless wonderful memories. We are certain it will do the same for you and yours.
Sincerely,
The Mackey Family

Property manager

Michelle & Todd Mackey
Premier Host

Languages

English
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Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
NO Parties Allowed.
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Pets

No pets allowed
Absolutely no Pets allowed on Premises
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Absolutely No Smoking allowed Inside property
Guest represents himself/herself to be an adult 25 years or older & must be a traveler at the property for the entire duration of the reserved dates.
Noises to a minimum outdoors after 11PM as this is a dense Victorian neighborhood.
Use of indoors Fireplace prohibited.

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Note from host: NO Parties Allowed.
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

About the area

Frankfort

Located in Frankfort, this cottage is in the city centre and near the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Take in the nearby slopes with skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling.
Map
Frankfort, MI

What's nearby

  • Betsie Lake - 2 min walk - 0.3 km
  • Frankfort Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts - 10 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Elberta Beach - 7 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Point Betsie Lighthouse - 9 min drive - 8.1 km

Getting around

  • Manistee, MI (MBL-Manistee County-Blacker) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Stormcloud Brewing Company - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪A&W Restaurant - ‬15 min walk
  • ‪Lighthouse Cafe - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Cabbage Shed - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Dinghy's Restaurant & Bar - ‬2 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is The Frankfort Surf Cottage pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at The Frankfort Surf Cottage?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Frankfort Surf Cottage?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is The Frankfort Surf Cottage located?

This family-friendly Frankfort cottage is located near the beach, within a 10-minute walk of Betsie Lake and Lake Michigan. Frankfort Beach and Elizabeth Lane Oliver Center for the Arts are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 32 out of 35 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 35 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 35 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 35 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 35 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kathlyn B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place to stay

Wonderful place. The owners have thought of EVERYTHING. The kitchen was incredible, and we loved the bonfire area too. We enjoyed our stay and would choose the house again. Oh, the location is perfect.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Manal P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Frankfort stay

Wonderful beach cottage in the perfect location… steps to the restaurants and shops of town. 3 blocks to the beach. Friendly neighbors. Super responsive and accommodating host who went out of her way to make our stay comfortable. Highly recommend!!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

2023 summer vacation

It’s a great place to stay and a wonderful summer getaway.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Frankfort getaway 2024

This is such a great property! Plenty of space indoors for a sizeable group, and multiple areas outside for fun and conversation. Situated in a lovely neighborhood. Only steps from town and the beach!!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

CATHERINE N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Frankfort vacation

Beautiful cottage with everything we needed to have a wonderful vacation even though the weather was very uncooperative.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gerald (Jerry) H., Flushing, MI

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nice house and wonderful location.

We had a nice stay. We love Frankfort and Lake Michigan. The house was great and it was a treat sitting on the front porch and chatting with the neighbors and people walking by. Great location near the lake and downtown Restaurants and shopping.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Summer Cottage

We had a great stay in Frankfort! The cottage was perfect, very clean and location was super convenient to everything. Michelle was a great host, very responsive with communications and provided information about the area to help us enjoy our stay. I would definitely recommend and would stay here again in the future!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Rachel C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Vacation at Surf Cottage - 2024

We had an amazing week during our stay at Surf Cottage! The location is perfect for time on the beach, browsing through shops in town and peaceful walks in the quaint neighborhood. Michelle was great to work with and the cottage had everything we needed for the week! Very clean and comfortable home base to relax and unwind. We are all looking forward to a return trip to Surf Cottage and the charming town of Frankfort!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Stay in Beautiful Frankfort

This has been our favorite stay in Northern Michigan! Blocks from the beautiful beach, amazing shops and restaurants, and plenty of space for all! Hosts were wonderful and were able to answer questions, provide recommendations, and even help us out with a postal delivery :) Loved our time in Frankfort and can't wait to return!
Stayed 15 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Carrie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Another great stay at Surf Cottage

My family and I enjoyed another great summer stay at Surf Cottage. The cottage is spacious, well equipped and perfectly located. And Michelle is a fabulous host - so easy to communicate with. We hope to return next year!
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carrie H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful stay at Surf Cottage!

My family and I had a wonderful extended stay at Surf Cottage this August. The location was perfect and the cottage was clean, spacious and well equipped. We especially loved all the outdoor spaces, downstairs game room and big dining table. The hosts were helpful and responsive. It was perfection all around and we look forward to returning!
Stayed 21 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

We came back!

It was our second time staying here because we loved it so much. Such a wonderful home and location so close to town and the beach. The owners are very kind and helpful. We hope to come back next summer! - The Long family
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ray A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Vacation

I hate to write this as others will be interested in the property. We have stayed in this house 3 of the past 4 years. Never been disappointed. Great location, nice house extra property makes it easy to entertain the children.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ray A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

August 2023

Location is great. Short walk to beach and one block off the main street of Frankfort. Very nice house with a great kitchen, front porch, deck and yard.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tim P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great Location....

We had a great stay. It could not be more convenient for walking to downtown Frankfort. Everything is a 5 minute walk, including the beach. The cottage has had a lot of great updates. We would definitely recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jim T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just as advertised

We enjoyed our stay at the Frankfort Surf Cottage. The house is clean and fresh and very well located. We walked to the beach and to town easily. The communication with our host was great ... they got back to us quickly to answer our questions. We would definitely stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Thomas K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lake Michigan Getaway

The property location was perfect, just blocks from the Frankfort Beach, steps from downtown shops and restaurants. The house was clean, with a front porch to enjoy coffee, back deck to relax and fire pit to enjoy an evening under the stars. We enjoyed the Frankfort area with great activities including, Golfing, Bike Trails and Lake Michigan Beaches and Sunsets.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

David B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Happy Daze!

This is a lovely cottage. Great spaces. Clean. Just a few steps to town, and just a few more to the beach. Very nice front porch and back deck. Fun basement room with bed, comfy couches, t.v. , ping pong, and arcade games. It was perfect for us!
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Thomas K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Family Vacation Lake Michigan

Very clean house, five blocks to Lake Michigan’s beautiful sandy beach and awesome sunsets. Within walking distance to cute downtown. Within 20 minutes of Arcadia Dunes, Green Point Dunes and several golf courses with great views of Lake Michigan. The front porch and back deck were great for relaxing and enjoying morning coffee. Owners were very responsive to our needs.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Surf-Cottage

We loved the location of the Frankfort Surf-Cottage, walking distance to downtown restaurants and shopping. The property was clean when we arrived and easy to contact owners. Thank you for sharing your home with us!! 🐠🐠🐠
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Wendy B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location -Friendly Town

A wonderful location for enjoying the beauty of Lake Michigan. The house and yard were spacious and comfortable with many options for outdoor enjoyment. Walking to restaurants and coffee downtown so close and sunset just a 5 minute walk (or less). The listing was accurate but it was so much more spacious than I anticipated with outdoor and common spaces. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tim D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great family week!

Awesome house. Steps away from main street. 5 minute walk to Lake Michigan. Perfect house for family - Pac Man and NBA games in basement awesome rainy day activity. Ping pong was a keeper. Owner awesome and easily accessible. Perfect week in Frankfort.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Laura B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

So lovely!

Our family had such a wonderful stay here. The owners were great to communicate with and made sure everything was perfect at the house before we arrived. The house is beautiful- clean, comfortable and so close to downtown Frankfort! We walked into town and the beach every day. Our 4 year old loved the basement with the fun games! We really hope to be back again soon and would stay here again in a heartbeat! Thanks so much! Laura & Brendan and kids
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

6/10 Okay

Eric S.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Communication

Awning ower sun deck or umbrella table

Back Screen to deck was already torn at lower left corner . Not as big as as we left it, but still torn. Perhaps tape across face will help with visability?
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Katie M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cross Country Get Together

The Mackeys were truly a delight to work with. Our party consisted of two families, one from Wisconsin and one from California coming together after 3 long years to slow down and catch up. Kids ages are 1, 5 and 6. Enough space for everyone to spread and out and have their own space but still spend quality time in the common areas. The location to downtown and the beach could not have been nicer. Every meal and customer service experience was exquisite. Anytime we had a question about the property the Mackeys were quick respond and so hospitable. We made life last memories here! Thank you for everything!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

About the host

Hosted by Michelle & Todd Mackey

Host profile image
We are a family of seven (7) Five kids, 3 girls and two boys. Our children, now grown are off to college and beyond. Our family cottage now sits awaiting to make you and your family life long memories like it has ours.

Why they chose this property

We purchased this cottage as a get-away for our large family (5 kids). It has provided us with countless memories and experiences over the years.
We have always loved that fact that once you park the car there is really no need to use it again. In fact, it only a 2 min walk to downtown stores, shops, and the beach.
Our kids loved the water, the beaches, the downtown, etc. A typical day for our kids would be a big breakfast at the 10 ft kitchen table, possibly a morning bike ride on the BVT trail, maybe some tennis at the public park, a skateboard session at the skate-bowl park, and of course Beach Time playing in the waves, Sand volleyball, and who can forget jumping off the Frankfort city pier. If the winds are 20kts or more out of the South or SSW it means waves- Surfing Waves! Yes you can surf Frankfort when the conditions are right. Each of our children became proficient surfers learning on Lake Michigan. (If the surf is up there will be numerous surfers in the break as the secret is now out).
After a long day playing outside, our routine typically involves a stroll downtown (50 yards from our back yard) to eat at any one of the downtown restaurants. This is always followed by Ice Cream at one of four (4) downtown ice cream shops. Finally, a must-do is watching the Sunset over Lake Michigan at the Beach. In the summertime this may be as late at 10:30pm in June/July. There will definitely be a crowd, and yes they do clap each night when the sun sets into the water. Finally, in the evening we often pull up an Adirondack chair encircling the flagstone fire-pit and enjoy a warm fire under the stars with family and friends.
You're going to love it here!

What makes this property unique

Frankfort, located on the gorgeous beach shores of Lake Michigan. This splendid beach town has plenty to offer for your perfect family get away! Frankfort is the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Lake Michigan, Surfing (yes surfing), Charter Fishing, the Bestie Valley Bike Trail, Shopping, eateries, and countless adventures. The pristine dunes, beaches, and spectacular sunsets over the vast open freshwater sea will keep you in awe of what our family calls, Northern Michigan Surf City. Once you arrive to the cottage, there is rarely a need to drive...just grab the towels, chairs, and cooler. It's a mere 5 minute walk down a treelined victorian home sidewalk to one of Lake Michigans most beautiful beaches. Bring your Paddle Board, Bikes, and beach toys, or, rent surf and paddle-boards at Adventure Sports downtown. The cottage is a "stones throw" away from downtown where you will find restaurants, breweries, and shopping, again all within walking distance.
Sit on the covered porch and relax with a glass of wine while watching passers-by on our main street that leads right to the water. Or choose to lounge on the back deck and bask in the sun. There is a flagstone fire pit with several Adirondack chairs for your night time enjoyment.
Wedding guests...there isn't a better spot!! Located kitty-corner (across street) from the First Congregational Church.
The cottage sits on a corner lot with room for the kids to play. The cottage has wireless internet for connectivity although by design..NO T.V. In the lower level walkout there is a Ping Pong table, Foosball table, and arcade games for those seeking refuge from the sun.
Over the years this cottage has provided our family with countless wonderful memories and we are certain it will do the same for you and yours.
The Mackey's

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests