Lakefront home w/ walkout basement arcade/bar area! Free Kayaks! Sandbar!
Guest rating: 5.0 / 5
Overview
Sandbar Lake House is a four-bedroom, 3.5-bath lakefront home on Pontiac Lake in Auburn Hills-area White Lake/Waterford, offering a panoramic lake view right from the front door. The property sits at one of the best spots on the lake, directly in front of a sandbar where visitors gather for water volleyball, water basketball, and sunbathing. A private dock, sandy shoreline, and free kayaks make this a true waterfront retreat rather than a standard hotel-style stay.
Rooms & Layout
The primary suite upstairs features a king bed, a newly remodeled en suite bathroom, and a private balcony with lake views, while three additional bedrooms provide space for families or groups. The recently updated kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, a Keurig coffee maker, and a dining nook, plus a bonus dining room that converts into a poker table for extra entertaining space.
Amenities & Recreation
The fully finished walkout basement is a standout feature, with a wet bar, game room/arcade including a Pac-Man air hockey table, and a full bathroom for rinsing off after time on the lake. Outdoors, guests have a large deck and patio with an umbrella table seating eight, lounge chairs, a propane grill, and perimeter bench seating. In-unit conveniences include a washer, air-conditioning and heating, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and a crib for younger travelers.
Location & Nearby Dining
The home is close to a cluster of casual dining options, including Applebee's Grill + Bar, Mojave Cantina, Dave & Amy's bar & grill, and Ripples Of The Lakes Restaurant And Bar, all within about 1.5 kilometers. Alpine Valley Ski Resort is under 10 minutes away for winter visits, and Pontiac Lake Recreation Area, Skull Island water park, and a shooting range are all a short drive from the house. Detroit is roughly 45 minutes away and Ann Arbor about the same, making the property workable as a lake escape with city access.
Best for
This home suits families and groups seeking a lakefront vacation with built-in entertainment, thanks to its four bedrooms, arcade-equipped walkout basement, free kayaks, and private dock on the sandbar section of Pontiac Lake. It's also a strong fit for pet owners, since dogs are welcomed (up to two, with a fee), and for groups wanting both water recreation and nearby dining and golf options.
Travel tips
Parking is limited to four vehicles in a tight squeeze (only three in winter), so travelers coordinating multiple cars should plan accordingly. The dock and boat hoist are removed from the water and stored on the lawn between October and April, so summer is the best season for full lake access, though skiing at Alpine Valley (under 10 minutes away) makes winter stays appealing too. Bring a fishing license if you plan to fish, as Pontiac Lake is known for perch, walleye, bluegill, largemouth bass, and northern pike.
What guests say
Guests consistently praise the lakeside setting, highlighting the deck and lake views as a standout feature and describing the interior as comfortable and welcoming. A recurring theme is exceptional hosting, with mentions of thoughtful welcome gifts, proactive offers like early check-in, and quick, hands-on support when an issue such as a tripped breaker arose. No negative themes appear in the available review excerpts, and the property holds a perfect 5-star rating across 19 reviews.
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