Arrival and check-in
Overlook sits on a quiet hilltop in the Spring Ridge neighborhood, about five minutes from downtown Bellaire. The closest airport is Cherry Capital Airport in Traverse City, about 45 minutes away.
- Address and door code. Both arrive in your check-in message a few days before your stay. The code is unique to your reservation and works from 4:00 PM on arrival day.
- Self check-in. Enter through the front door with the keypad. No key pickup and no need to call ahead.
- Parking. Park in the driveway and garage apron, not on the road. A group of 16 usually arrives in four to six cars, so pull in tight.
- Early check-in or late checkout. Ask us. If the calendar allows it, we'll say yes.
- Groceries. Bellaire has a small grocery for the basics. For a big group stock-up, shop in Traverse City on your way in.
WiFi and entertainment
WiFi
The network name and password are in your check-in message and posted inside the house. The connection is fast enough for video calls and streaming in several rooms at once.
TVs and streaming
Smart TVs are ready to go. Sign in to your own streaming apps and please sign out before you leave.
Workspaces
There are two dedicated workspaces in the house if someone in the group has to log on for a few hours.
Bedrooms and bathrooms
Four private king bedrooms and a bunk room with four queens sleep 16. There are 3.5 bathrooms: the primary suite and a full bath on the main floor, a half bath off the great room, and a full bath downstairs steps from the bunk room.
Cooking for a crowd
The dining table seats 10 facing the lake, with four more seats at the kitchen island. The kitchen is set up for a big group, and the lower level has a kitchenette for snacks and drinks.
- Stocked for you. Cookware, bakeware, dishes and glassware for the whole group, plus starter supplies: coffee, salt and pepper, cooking oil, dish soap, dishwasher pods, paper towels and trash bags.
- Bring for your stay. Groceries, drinks, spices you love, and extra coffee if your group runs on it.
- Dishwasher. Run it every night with a group this size. Pods are under the sink.
- Trash and recycling. Bins are in the garage. Tie bags closed so the wildlife stays out.
The best part of the evening
Instructions are posted at each one. A few things matter every time:
Hot tub
- Rinse off first and skip lotions and oils.
- No glass anywhere near the tub. Plastic cups only.
- Put the cover back on every time. It keeps the water hot and clean for the next person.
- Children must be supervised.
Sauna
- Keep sessions short, 10 to 15 minutes, and drink water between rounds.
- No alcohol before or during a session.
- Adults, or children with an adult right there.
- Turn it off when your group is done for the night.
Cold plunge
- Start with 30 seconds to a minute. Three minutes is plenty.
- Never plunge alone, and get out if you feel lightheaded.
- Keep the lid closed when it isn't in use.
- Check with a doctor first if you have a heart condition or are pregnant.
Two places for a fire
The fire table on the covered deck looks straight out over the lake, and the wood-burning fire pit sits further out on the property with chairs circled around it.
- Fire table. Turn it off whenever you head inside, and never cover it while it's hot.
- Fire pit. Wood fires go in the fire pit only. Keep them small, never leave one unattended, and drown it with water before bed.
- Windy or dry days. Skip the wood fire. Check local burn conditions if you're unsure.
- Firewood. If you're running low, text us.
A whole floor for the kids
Downstairs is built for hanging out: a pool table, a game table, an arcade with a two-hoop basketball game and a multicade, and a theater area. The bunk room and a full bath are right there, so younger guests can stay in their own world.
- Games and cues. Please put them back when you're done so the next group finds everything.
- Walkout. The lower level opens straight out to the hot tub. Keep the door closed in bug season and in winter.
Getting out of the house
You're in the middle of the Chain of Lakes, with something to do every season.
Downtown Bellaire
Five minutes away. Short's Brewing started here and is the stop everyone makes at least once.
The lakes
Torch Lake, Elk Lake, Lake Bellaire and Intermediate Lake are all close by for boating, paddling and swimming in summer.
Golf and skiing
Shanty Creek and Schuss Mountain are minutes away, with golf in summer and downhill skiing in winter.
Traverse City
About 45 minutes for wineries, restaurants, shopping and the Lake Michigan bays.
Want a dinner reservation or a recommendation for your group? Text us. We're from up here and happy to help.
Winter driving
The house is on a hilltop off a private road. The roads are plowed daily, but plan on an all-wheel or four-wheel drive vehicle in winter, since two-wheel drive can struggle on the hill. Give yourself extra time, especially after dark, and park so the plow can get through.
A few things we ask
Registered guests only. Up to 16 guests, and only people on the reservation may stay on the property. The primary guest must be 25 or older.
No parties or events. This is a house for families and groups who want to be together, not a venue.
Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Sound carries across the valley, and we have neighbors.
No smoking or vaping indoors. That includes the garage and the covered deck.
No pets. For questions about service animals, email team@upstreamvacations.com.
Exterior cameras. There are two Ring cameras outside: one above the garage and one at the front door. There are no cameras inside the house.
Treat it like home. If something breaks or isn't working, tell us right away. Accidents happen, and it's always easier to fix things early.
Checkout by 10:00 AM
No need to strip beds or do laundry. Our cleaning team takes it from here. Just tap each item as you go.
Questions during your stay
Text is the fastest way to reach us, day or night. For anything urgent, call. For a fire, medical or safety emergency, call 911 first, then let us know.