Bitely, MI, United States
Lakefront Lodge Africa Wing
Discover this breathtaking gated estate located on the secluded Woods Lake in Bitely, Michigan! Nestled amongst towering trees and surrounded by pristine nature, our enchanting lodge offers the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The lodge itself is a masterpiece, featuring an open dining hall with a large fireplace overlooking your very own private lake on a sprawling 1,000-acre property. There are endless possibilities for those who seek adventure or time to unwind!
Good to know
THE LODGE You will be staying at The Africa wing. The listing price is listed for 10 guests (4 rooms) but can be upgraded to 16+ guests for an additional fee of $200 per additional room (10 rooms available total). (If available) See Example Itinerary for a hosted experience in additional photos! ***Breakfast is always included in your stay*** THE OUTDOOR Surrounded by lush nature, our Lodge provides you with ample space to immerse yourself in tranquility. In summer months enjoy fishing on our private lake with two pontoons, eight fishing poles are provided, or explore the lake with our four kayaks and two stand-up paddle boards that are available. At night gather around the campfire under a starry sky or enjoy cocktails inside around the bar. During winter months enjoy lantern-lit hiking trails around the property in snowshoes that are provided. LIVING ROOMS Each wing of The Lodge boasts its own dedicated living room, strategically designed to be the ultimate retreat for unwinding and indulging in leisurely activities. It serves as your personal sanctuary within the Lodge, where every moment of relaxation transforms into a truly unforgettable experience. Sink into the plush comfort of our cozy sofas as you immerse yourself in the captivating words of books or movies on our flat screen TVs. DINING AREA Immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of a stunning open dining hall, complete with a grand fireplace. As you gaze out, you'll be captivated by the picturesque view of your private lake, our two resident bald eagles, and be surrounded by an array of beautifully displayed taxidermied animals. ***DINING SERVICE AVAILABLE*** Don't stress about meal preparation during your stay. Our team, led by an experienced executive chef, is here to take care of it. With your input and personal preferences, we'll plan each meal to your satisfaction. Moreover, every stay includes a delicious breakfast to start your day right. Meals start at $15-$25 per meal per person. See additional photos for meal images. BATHROOM Each room is equipped with a fully stocked bathroom, complete with towels, soaps, and a shower. There is also a common half bath at the entrance of the lodge. BEDROOMS Every bedroom in the accommodation is furnished with either a King or Queen bed, along with an additional single or full bed. Each bedroom also features its own private bathroom. The rustic outdoor aesthetics add a charming touch to the décor in all the bedrooms. WILDLIFE CENTER MUSEUM Enjoy a night at The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch is a 24,000 square foot facility featuring over 3,000 animals from around the world. The center features a bar, piano, ping pong, pool table, shuffleboard, and foosball table. This would be an additional fee of $250. SHOOTING RANGE The Shooting Center offers a thrilling experience for guests, where you can enjoy shooting activities under the careful supervision of our trained staff. If this sounds appealing to you, we would be delighted to arrange your unforgettable shooting center experience. This would be an additional fee of $250. Other things to note Local excursions are available such as kayaking/rafting down the popular Pere Marquette River, riding on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, or hiking through the famous North Country Trail.
House Rules
**HOUSE RULES & GUEST RENTAL AGREEMENT** Hi! We’re your welcoming hosts and can’t wait to host you. We created the following rules and guidelines to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. --- **PRE-ARRIVAL CHECK-IN (Happy Guest Platform)** This property requires completion of a brief pre-arrival check-in through a secure third-party platform called **Happy Guest**. This includes: - Agreement to the Guest Rental Agreement - Selection of a damage protection option (waiver or deposit if applicable) Arrival instructions will only be provided once the pre-arrival check-in is completed. Happy Guest is a simple, web-based platform that requires no app download and takes just a few minutes to complete. --- **1. MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY** Guest must accurately disclose the number of adults, children, and pets in the booking. This number applies to both overnight and daytime visitors. Unauthorized over-occupancy may result in eviction without refund. **2. NO SMOKING OR VAPING INDOORS** A $500 fee applies for indoor smoking or vaping. Outdoor smoking is permitted only with windows and doors closed. Guest is liable for odor or residue removal costs. **3. PET POLICY** Pets must be pre-approved and disclosed in advance. An Animal Addendum is required for all pets, emotional support animals, and service animals. Unauthorized animals may result in eviction and fees. **4. DAMAGE POLICY** Guests must choose between a refundable deposit or a non-refundable damage waiver. Guests are responsible for any unreported or excessive damage, missing items, or extra cleaning. **5. CLEANLINESS** Guests are expected to maintain the home in a respectful condition and report any cleanliness issues within 24 hours of arrival. **6. NOISE & QUIET HOURS** Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 9 AM. Excessive noise or neighbor complaints may lead to eviction. **7. PARKING** Parking instructions and capacity are listed in the property description. Unauthorized parking or exceeding the limit may result in fines or towing. **8. LOCK OUTS / KEYS** Keyless codes are active during your stay. Lost keys or lockouts may incur up to a $150 fee. **9. LINENS & SUPPLIES** Please refer to the listing for what is provided. Only flush septic-safe toilet paper. Plumbing damage due to misuse will be charged to the guest. **10. ISSUES OR COMPLAINTS** All issues must be reported immediately and within 24 hours of arrival. Guests must allow the host an opportunity to resolve any problems before requesting outside intervention or refunds. **11. REHOUSING & REFUNDS** No refunds or reimbursement will be offered if a guest chooses to vacate the property early or declines offered solutions. **12. CANCELLATION POLICY** Our cancellation policy applies regardless of reason. Guests are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance. **13. SUBLETTING / THIRD PARTIES** No subletting or third-party bookings allowed without prior written approval. **14. CAMERAS & TECH** There are no indoor cameras. Outdoor cameras, smart locks, and safety devices may be present and must not be tampered with. **15. SECURITY** Guests must secure the home when not present. Entry codes must not be shared with individuals outside the booking party. **16. ENTRY DURING STAY** Host or agent may access the property with proper notice. Light cleaning may be scheduled for extended stays. **17. INTERNET USE** Illegal or abusive internet use is prohibited. Guest assumes all responsibility for online activity and must secure their own devices. **18. FALSIFIED RESERVATIONS** Providing false information (age, party size, purpose of stay) will result in eviction and loss of payment. **19. EXCEPTIONS IN WRITING ONLY** Any exceptions must be pre-approved in writing by the host. **20. WEATHER / FORCE MAJEURE** Extreme weather or acts of God do not warrant refunds. If travel is affected, contact your insurance provider. **21. TEMPORARY LODGING ONLY** This agreement does not create a permanent residency. It is a temporary rental only. **22. EVENTS POLICY** No parties, gatherings, or events without written host approval. Unauthorized events may incur up to $1,500 in fines. **23. SIGHT UNSEEN** By booking, you acknowledge viewing the listing and understand variations in guest experience may occur. **24. PAYMENT PLATFORM USE** All funds are processed through the booking platform unless otherwise agreed. **25. HOUSE RULES AGREEMENT** Guest agrees to all instructions and house rules provided before or during their stay. **26. COMMERCIAL USE / FILMING** No commercial photography or events are allowed without written consent. **27. PROHIBITED ITEMS** No fireworks, confetti, glitter, or piñatas allowed. No tape or adhesives on walls. **28. CHILD SAFETY** Guests are responsible for child safety. The home is not childproofed. **29. MINIMUM AGE** Primary guest must be at least 18 years old and present for the duration of the stay. **30. INDEMNITY CLAUSE** Guest agrees to hold the Host harmless for any injury, illness, theft, or loss sustained during the stay. **31. USE OF POOL, HOT TUB, WATERCRAFT, AND RECREATIONAL AMENITIES & LIABILITY WAIVER** Guest acknowledges that the property may offer amenities such as pools, hot tubs, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats, bicycles, hammocks, fire pits, lake access, and play structures. Use of these amenities is at the guest’s own risk. - No lifeguard is on duty. - Children must be supervised. - Life jackets are required for watercraft. - No glass, food, or soaps near water amenities. - Hot tub/pool use is prohibited within 1 hour of chemical treatment. - Guest is liable for all damage or misuse. - Guest releases and indemnifies the host from all claims, including injury, illness, or death. - Amenities may be removed or closed without notice due to weather or maintenance. No refunds will be given for amenity unavailability. - Guest is responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen equipment, including GPS-tracked amenities. - Guest agrees to pay for all medical care or emergency services required during their stay. - Guest indemnifies Host from third-party claims resulting from injury, damage, or misuse of amenities. - This waiver supersedes any prior understanding and applies regardless of negligence by the Host or their agents. By completing the pre-arrival check-in, the Guest agrees to all terms of this agreement and the use of the property as described.
Other Details to Note
CANCELATION POLICY: The cancelation policy, and how it will apply to your trip, will be clearly shown in the page “Confirm and Pay” prior to completing your reservation. We highly suggest you read the cancelation policy, which applies for both cancelations, and change of dates. In that same page you’ll have the option to add trip insurance, which we always recommend!
What this place offers
Accessibility and Availability
Neighborhood
Nestled just outside of Bitely, a small community along M-37 located in Newaygo County, Michigan. This Lodge offers a peaceful and picturesque private neighborhood surrounded by natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Guest Access
You will have access to the rooms on the Africa wing of the lodge. The penthouse and Whitetail Wing rooms will not be available, and may be rented by a different group. The lodge is located within a private ranch. You will have access to the lodge and certain areas within the ranch. Certain areas require a tour guide or local staff to guide you through.
Find us
You can drive by car to West 14 Mile where you will arrive at the gate and travel along a private drive to the lodge.
Sorry we're unable to show you the location for this property
Approximate location. Full address will be provided on booking.