Lakemore Resort in Traverse City opened in the summer of 2020 with seven newly constructed homes which are situated next to each other on the western shores of Arbutus Lake, a nearly 400-acre inland.
Arbutus Lake is an all-sports lake, large enough for skiing and tubing, yet small enough to enjoy the calm waters for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing. This is a lake that welcomes swimmers from May through October.
Lakemore Resort is open year-round and serves as an ideal home base for guests interested in family gatherings, retreats, wine tours, color tours, the Iceman Cometh Bike Race, VASA Nordic Ski races, downhill skiing, snowmobiling and holiday stays.
Lakemore offers weekly rentals during the summer season. During the shoulder season (May-September), wand provides two-to-five-night stays and weekend options.
Lakemore Resort prides itself on being a high-quality luxury resort, and we kindly ask our guests to respect the property to ensure we can continue offering this exceptional experience to future guests. Due to our residential location and out of respect for our neighbors, we enforce quiet hours after 10 pm and maintain a non-smoking, pet-free policy on the property. Smoking, even outdoors, is only permitted across the street from the homes, away from common areas enjoyed by other guests. Our owners reside nearby and are available for check-in and responsive to any needs during your stay.
Arbutus Lake History: Arbutus Lake emerges in recorded human history in the late 1800s when the land was valued for its timber and proximity to the Boardman River. Perry Hannah, known as "The Father of Traverse City," was the first prominent landowner, acquiring much of the land surrounding the lake in 1871 for his logging company. After logging activities ceased, the land lost some appeal, but a few visionary families recognized its potential and purchased large plots at low prices. These plots were subdivided and sold as affordable lots advertised across the Midwest. A small bungalow would sell for $193.50, while the lot itself cost $50.00.
Lakemore Resort has been situated on the Mac's Landing property since the 1940s. Mac's Landing takes its name from George & Isabell McManus, parents to the well-known Michigan Senator George McManus Jr. They acquired the land in 1938 from Isabell's family, originally from Ohio. In 1943, following George McManus's passing, Frank & Mabel Salon purchased the 9-cabin property along with a small storefront at the entrance to the main house.
Under multiple ownerships since the Salon era, East Shore Developing LLC acquired the property from Kirk Marutz's widow, Sandy, in 2016 to expand the already thriving Lakemore Retreat. The years 2017 & 2018 were dedicated to planning the redevelopment, which included re-zoning, obtaining township approvals for a community well and septic system, and re-routing existing power lines.
The Birth of the Lakemore Brand: Lakemore Retreat, our sister property, opened its doors in 2015. Dean and Tricia Adams recognized the uniqueness of the land, with its low elevations and naturally sandy frontage. Although they already owned desirable property on Arbutus Lake, they secured additional land for their family's future use. With Dean's successful career as a builder and Tricia's passion for house design, they conceived the idea of constructing new luxury vacation rentals. Initially starting with Lakemore Cottage and Lakemore Lodge, and later expanding in 2016 to include the fully renovated Lakemore Cabin, the Retreat has attracted guests from across the US and Europe, accumulating over 350 reservations in 5 years and garnering over 50 5-star reviews.
