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Borealis Haus Modern Downtown | Grill | Patio

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A modern kitchen with wooden cabinetry, a central island with stools, pendant lighting, and artwork on the walls. - Borealis Haus  Modern Downtown | Grill | Patio (Empire)
A red building with a covered porch, a number '9902' above the door, and a view of a grassy area in the background. - Borealis Haus  Modern Downtown | Grill | Patio (Empire)
A modern house with a covered porch, a stone exterior, and a red siding section. - Borealis Haus  Modern Downtown | Grill | Patio (Empire)
A modern living room with a grey sofa, a black sofa, a coffee table, and a red patterned rug. There are two windows, a fireplace, and two framed pictures on the walls. - Borealis Haus  Modern Downtown | Grill | Patio (Empire)
A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a central island, and pendant lighting. - Borealis Haus  Modern Downtown | Grill | Patio (Empire)
Borealis Haus Modern Downtown | Grill | Patio provides amenities, such as laundry facilities and a gym. Guests can connect to free in-room WiFi.

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym

Add dates for prices

About this property

Borealis Haus Modern Downtown | Grill | Patio

  • Beautiful Borealis Haus is a Scandinavian-style charming vacation home located in Empire, MI. This simply whimsical home is located just a mile from Lake Michigan beach and conveniently walking distance from downtown Empire for grocery needs or your desire to visit. This rustic charm houses 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, including a queen bed in the basement and can accompany 9 guests. Its bright interior, polished hardwood floors, and comfy furniture brings its guests the ultimate relaxation out of their stay. And with multiple seating arrangements, Borealis Haus offers plenty of space for all!



    Find delight in different living areas of the house both perfect for social gatherings, reading a book, or watching your favorite show. Cook delicious meals with the simply rustic, sleek kitchen fully equipped for all your cooking needs or enjoy a snack at the island. Taking a nap? You’ll get quality rest from one of five comfortably made beds either upstairs or on the lower level. At Borealis Haus, you’re guaranteed a most memorable and unforgettable stay.



    Living Spaces



    As soon as you walk in, you’ll find a reading room perfect for those who enjoy books or studying in quiet peace. This room is set up with two comfortable seats and a rocking chair for easy relaxation for anyone’s desire. Only steps away into the house is the main living space with a sectional and two leather chairs perfect for unwinding after a long day of traveling or activities. Cozy up to the fireplace on cooler nights and stream your favorite movies with the TV.



    Kitchen and Dining



    Create exquisite meals with the charming kitchen. Fully equipped with all your cooking needs, there’s no worry for bringing utensils and dishes along. Comes with refrigerator, dishwasher and an island equipped with the oven and gas range stove as well as a kettle perfect for making tea with. With plenty of room to move around, this kitchen is perfect for those who enjoy cooking!

    Just steps in between the kitchen and living room is the dining table that seats 6, plus 4 stools at the kitchen island. Or, enjoy BBQ with the grill on the back deck with the outdoor dining table and umbrella perfect for warm, sunny days. The outdoor table seats 6, with additional outdoor chairs available.



    Bedrooms and Baths



    Upstairs Bedroom 1 - Queen Bed

    Upstairs Bedroom 2 - Full Bed

    Upstairs Bedroom 3 - Twin over Twin Bunk Bed

    Basement Bedroom - Queen Bed

    There is also the option of using the sofa from the living room to sleep on for extra space. All bedrooms have convenient storage for clothing and traveling needs.

    Borealis Haus also provides a washer and dryer for your laundry needs.



    Outdoor Amenities



    Whether you’re visiting for the hiking trails, to ski, or just to get away, there is something for everybody in Empire. Visit the beautiful Lake Michigan for gorgeous water views, take a trip downtown for a shopping spree, or go to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. These are just a few ideas! At Borealis Haus, spend the day relaxing on the front porch or grill some delicious food with the grill on the back deck. During the winter, go skiing using some of the skis provided inside the house.





    Empire, MI offers a variety of activities and attractions to make your stay even more enjoyable. Here are some things you can do in and around Empire:



    1. Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Explore the stunning sand dunes and picturesque coastline of this iconic national park. Hike the trails, take in breathtaking views from the overlooks, or even try sandboarding down the dunes.



    2. Relax on Lake Michigan Beach: Spend a day lounging on the beautiful Lake Michigan beach, just a short distance from Borealis Haus. Take a refreshing swim, build sandcastles, or simply soak up the sun.



    3. Explore Empire Bluff Trail: Embark on a scenic hike along the Empire Bluff Trail, which offers panoramic views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding landscape. This moderate trail is perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.



    4. Visit Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive: Take a leisurely drive along the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive, a 7.4-mile loop that provides stunning vistas of the dunes, forests, and Lake Michigan. Be sure to stop at the designated overlooks for incredible photo opportunities.



    5. Enjoy Water Sports: Rent a kayak or paddleboard and venture out onto the crystal-clear waters of Lake Michigan. Experience the tranquility of the lake while paddling or try your hand at fishing.



    6. Discover Empire Museum: Learn about the history and heritage of Empire at the Empire Museum. Explore exhibits that showcase the town's past and gain insights into its vibrant community.



    7. Indulge in Local Cuisine: Sample delicious local flavors at the charming restaurants in downtown Empire. From fresh seafood to farm-to-table dishes, there's something to satisfy every palate.



    8. Take a Wine Tour: Empire is located in the heart of Michigan's wine country. Embark on a wine tour and visit nearby wineries and vineyards to taste a variety of local wines.



    9. Go Birdwatching: Empire is a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. Grab your binoculars and head to the nearby birding hotspots, such as the Sleeping Bear Birding Trail, to spot a diverse range of bird species.



    10. Attend Local Events: Check out the local events calendar for festivals, farmers markets, art shows, and live music performances happening during your visit. Immerse yourself in the vibrant community atmosphere of Empire.



    With these activities and attractions, your time in Empire, MI will be filled with adventure, relaxation, and memorable experiences. Enjoy exploring the area and creating lifelong memories!

Similar properties

About the area

Downtown Empire, a neighbourhood in Empire, is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum and Burnett Park are also worth visiting. Visit our Empire travel guide
View more Holiday homes in Empire
Map
Empire, MI

What's nearby

  • A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, grassy dunes, and a clear blue sky with scattered clouds.
    Philip A. Hart Visitor Center
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • A coastal landscape with a sandy beach, a clear blue sea, and a forested hill in the background.
    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • A forested road surrounded by tall trees with green foliage and some yellow leaves.
    Empire Bluff Trail
    3 min drive - 1.8 km
  • beach near Village Park
    13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • beach near Downtown Mmpire
    15 min walk - 1.3 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    43 min drive

Restaurants

  • Trattoria Funistrada
    14 min drive
  • Shipwreck Cafe
    5 min walk
  • Joes Friendly Tavern
    8 min walk
  • Empire Village Pizza & Spirits
    7 min walk
  • La Becasse
    14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Borealis Haus Modern Downtown | Grill | Patio pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Borealis Haus Modern Downtown | Grill | Patio?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Borealis Haus Modern Downtown | Grill | Patio?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Borealis Haus Modern Downtown | Grill | Patio?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Borealis Haus Modern Downtown | Grill | Patio located?

Located in Downtown Empire, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Philip A. Hart Visitor Center and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Lake Michigan is 0.9 mi (1.4 km) away.

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Reviews

Borealis Haus Modern Downtown | Grill | Patio Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.6

Cleanliness

10

Location
Rating 10 - Excellent. 10 out of 12 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 12 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 12 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 12 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 12 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Cute house in empire!

Super clean, in a small neighborhood with friendly neighbors. Everything we needed! Super close to empire beach, "downtown", hiking and dunes. Walked outside each night for amazing star gazing from the house. Would definitely stay here again! If you have little kids, the twin beds are on the floor and all the outlets are baby proof. But my teens did great in the beds too! Loved the two bathrooms...
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our 12th VRBO in Leelanau County, and the Borealis Haus was one of the best yet. The location was perfectly situated in the village, allowing us to rent electric bikes and access the Heritage Trail within minutes. We appreciated that the Glen Lake Marina, dunes, and beach were all within a short distance of the house. Borealis Haus had everything we needed, including an open kitchen, plenty of seating, and a back patio to enjoy relaxing evenings. The house was unique as it was decorated like a ski chalet, and reminded our visiting relatives from Slovakia of a European home. We appreciated the hosts and their efforts to make everything about our stay enjoyable. We loved the home and think you will too. The Green-Miko Family.
The rear patio with garden views.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This house was great for our stay. The neighborhood is beautiful, and the neighbors were all very friendly. Central a/c was very appreciated, and the outdoor spaces are amazing. From grilling on the back porch to relaxing in the evenings on the front porch, there was plenty of space to relax and play.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2026
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Great House!

Beautiful house, great location, friendly neighbors! Would definitely stay again.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family Getaway

Beautiful, spacious, clean home!!! Accurately described in listing. Nice neighborhood and close to beach!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Weekend up in Empire

We had a Gig in Empire and needed a place for my band to stay, and this house was perfect! Super cool layout and styling, and a great spot close to the beach and downtown Empire. Thanks
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely home in Empire

Great location. Beautiful modern home. It had all the necessities for cooking meals and hanging out with family. Short walk or drive to the beach or gelato at Grocer’s Daughter. New EV charger across M-22 is super fast and reasonably priced.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great communication and clean stay

Overall it was a great stay. The house was well organized. The microwave in the basement next to the washer and dryer is a little weird. The beds were not comfortable at all. The best bed was oddly the pullout sofa. The hosts were great and stayed in touch throughout the stay. The house is about 5 mins from the beach, which was really nice. Overall it was great.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Communication

Great location but a few problems

Perfect location for the dunes, beach time, and shopping. House is cute and mostly clean. Washer was unusable due to the mold/mildew smell. Microwave is in the basement laundry room. Fridge in kitchen is terrible, food felt room temp and we could not freeze ice packs overnight even with temp set low. “Twin beds” are absolutely ridiculous. These are cheap IKEA frames on the floor with basically pads (not mattresses) that might be ok for very little children. Not ok for big kids and we would have been furious if we had planned to have an adult in that room. My kids ended up putting the cheap mattress from there onto the cheap pull out couch bed in the living room. Worst is the outside door locks - there is a YouTube video about the terrible front door lock. We could not get it to work (they barely did in their video) so we could not lock the door from outside. I texted the owner about the door lock and they asked what property I was at. Are there multiple homes with locks that don’t work? Overall, house is cute and mostly clean, great location. But beware of these issues!! They also make you pay for a separate insurance for the stay and had a large deposit.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025