Relax at A Private Riverfront Getaway On World Famous Au Sable River, six miles form Higgins Lake, which

National Geographic Called The World’s 6th Most Beautiful

Welcome to The River House, our 100 percent smoke-free (both inside the house and, sorry, but due to numerous policy violations, all over its grounds), Au Sable riverfront home, for rent to caring, responsible, non-smoking individuals who appreciate the serenity of seeing bald eagles fly, hummingbirds and orioles land at window feeders, deer out the front door and chickadees that eat seeds out of your hands.

Located four miles from downtown Roscommon, six miles from beautiful Higgins Lake (location of two state parks), and just three hours from most of Southeast Michigan, this 1,300-square-foot home is available for select weeks or weekends, or shorter periods. The house sleeps four persons comfortably in a lower bedroom, an upper loft. In addition, two more can sleep on a futon. Inflatable queen beds also is available, so it can accommodate up to six.

Warning: You must like fly fishing for trout out the front door (catch-and-release, please; instruction and wader guiding available), access to nearby Higgins or Houghton Lakes with your boat, renting kayaks and canoes in downtown Roscommon, and the unparalleled beauty of the Mason Wilderness Tract, and campfires under the Milky Way in our fire pit. Grayling and Hartwick Pines State Park are only 15 minutes away., You're only two hours by car from Mackinaw City or Traverse City. Satellite and local TV also are available, as is a four-person hot tub (summer only), and wood-burning fireplace.

Stroll across the pond on our cedar log bridge to enjoy morning coffee beside the river to listen to songbirds and watch as feeding brown and brook trout dimple the water's surface. I usually block June for my own use, but if you are a dedicated fly fisherman, please ask about staying then. You will be very happy.

Mountain bike on forest two-track auto trails with glimpses of wildlife and the Au Sable, or bicycle into downtown Roscommon. Enjoy two beaches at two state parks on Higgins Lake that are perfect for children.

Roscommon features several restaurants (ask for recommendations), a full-service market, bakery, a wine shop that is the best in northern Michigan outside of Traverse City, and even an eight-lane bowling alley. Among the golf courses nearby are the beautiful Forest Dunes, rated by Golf Digest as one of the top 100 public courses in the nation, and the friendly 9-hole Ye Olde Country Club, in existence since the 1920s.

In winter, enjoy cross-country skiing in the incomparable Mason Wilderness Tract, where the snow hangs so deeply it's like entering Narnia through the wardrobe. Other trails are near Grayling and Roscommon. Ski rentals, lessons and trails also are available at Cross-Country Ski Headquarters nearby. Read more at its own website. In summer, bring your bicycle.

A complete list of things to see and do are located in a notebook in my home.

Remember, when booking on any major holiday, holiday rates DO apply. The rate is $150 per night in winter (Nov. 1-Fe. 28), 130/night March 1-May 1, and 20/night May 1-Nov. 1. Holiday rate: $175 nightly. Ask about pets and cleaning service ($70).