Lakemore Resort, opening phase 1 in the summer of 2020, is a weekly rental resort, offering summer check-in and check-out on Fridays. Starting in our shoulder season (May- September) we consider 2-5 night stays, and weekend options.   All three houses are directly next to each other on the western shores of Arbutus Lake, a nearly 400 acre inland lake that hosts swimmers from May through October. Arbutus Lake is an all sports lake big enough for skiing and tubing, but small enough to enjoy the calm waters for stand up paddle boarding, kayaking and fishing. All the homes were newly constructed by the same companies that brought you Lakemore Retreat, our sister resort.   

Lakemore Resort is a high quality luxury resort, and we expect our guests to respect the property so we can continue to offer this experience to future guests. Because of our residential location, and out of appreciation for our neighbors, we do not allow late night noise (after 10 pm) and we are a non-smoking and pet free property. Smoking, even outside, can only be done across the street from the homes, not near common areas other guests enjoy. Owners live nearby, and are present for check-in and responsive to any needs as they arise throughout your stay.

Lakemore Resort is open year round and is the perfect home base for those guests interested in: retreats, wine tours, color tours, Iceman Cometh Bike Race , VASA Nordic Ski races,  downhill skiing, holiday stays and snowmobiling.  

Arbutus Lake History:

Arbutus Lake starts to show up in recorded human history in the late 1800’s when the land is sought after both for its timber, and also its proximity to the Boardman River.  Perry Hannah, ”The Father of Traverse City” was the first prominent landowner, purchasing much of the land surrounding the lake in 1871 for his logging company.  After logging the area, the land was left somewhat undesirable, but a few visionary families could see the potential and bought large plots for low prices.  These plots were then sold as affordable small lots that were advertised all over the Midwest.  A small bungalow would sell for $193.50, while the lot itself for $50.00.

Lakemore Resort is located on the property that was referred to as Mac’s Landing since the 40's.   Mac's Landing takes its name sake from George & Isabell McManus, parents to well known Michigan Senator, George McManus Jr.   They purchased the land in 1938 from Isabell’s family (originally from Ohio). In 1943, following the death of George McManus, Frank & Mabel Salon purchased the 9 cabin property with a small store front at the entrance to the main house. 

Having multiple owners since the Salon’s, East Shore Developing LLC purchased the property from Kirk Marutz’ widow Sandy in 2016, with the goal of expanding the already thriving Lakemore Retreat. 2017 & 2018 have been spent planning the redevelopment, including re-zoning, community well and community septic township approvals, and the re-routing of existing power lines.  

Lakemore Brand is Born:

Lakemore Retreat, our sister property, opened its doors in 2015.  Dean and Tricia Adams saw how unique the land was, with its low elevations and naturally sandy frontage.  Already with desirable property on Arbutus, they didn’t need the land for themselves, but wanted to secure the property for their families use in the future.  Dean, with his successful career as a builder, and Tricia, with her love for house design, developed the idea to build new construction luxury vacation rentals.  Starting just as Lakemore Cottage and Lakemore Lodge, and in 2016  expanding to include the fully renovated Lakemore Cabin,  the Retreat has attracted guests from all over the US and Europe, hosting over 350 reservations in 5 years and having over 50 5-star reviews written.