Quaint & Historic Downtown Oscoda Home

Step into a bit of local history here - "Merk's Place", as we like to call it. With the completely renovated interior, you might never know the stories this property could tell!


Unbeknownst to us, this Sear’s Kit Home was actually built on land that was originally part of the Merkel Farm (Hill Dale Dairy, it would later be called) - my great, great grandparent's farm. They were some of the first settlers in the Oscoda area and supplied most of the town with dairy, produce, and meat from their farm. The farmhouse still stands about a 1/4 mile south of where Merk's Place is located. Many years ago, my family had sold some of their property to Oscoda Township. Some of the property was then divided to facilitate housing and other developments near downtown. Our house was built in 1942 following the changing of hands. After closing on the property in 2017, my great aunt (a Merkel herself, who spent much of her childhood on the farm) stopped by to see the house and was in shock after realizing where she was....
“Hannah, this used to be one of our pastures” she said.

Having this parcel of land back in the family meant the world to us. How cool, right? Since owning it, we have continued to restore what we could honor its features, and make the space usable for all. We designed renovation around comfort and simplicity. Now this is the perfect place to kick back and unwind - and we would love to share it with you!

Outside you will find a large, stone fire pit, plenty of chairs to sit in while relaxing by the fire, horseshoe pit, and cornhole! Firewood is available upon request. A patio set, umbrella, and grill are available during the warm months as well. Inside the home, well, you’ll find everything you could ever need in a VRBO. From the fully equipped kitchen, with all the small appliances you could need, to an LED makeup mirror, beach towels, and blankets - you name it, it’s probably there!

And the location… you can’t beat for the area. Merk’s Place is within walking distance to the Irish Pub, less than 3/4 mile to Lake Huron, downtown Oscoda, and all it has to offer. Just over a mile to the old Wurtsmith Airforce Base and Van Ettan Lake access. Snowmobile trailheads are right around the corner. Ausable River access is just up the road as well as the Cedar Lake launch/beach access. Lumberman’s monument, Iargo Springs, and Whirlpool (Ausable River Access) is only a few minutes away by car along with the Eagle Run Trail System.

Each bedroom has a brand new, Serta Tempur-Pedic Mattress, luxurious bedding, and room-darkening curtains to ensure quality sleep for our guests. Both bedrooms have closets with ample storage, hangers, and shelves if you need to tuck your belongings away. A Roku TV above the fireplace and high-speed internet/Wi-Fi for those who need to catch up on work or their favorite shows. The natural gas fireplace clicks on with ease if you need to warm up or just want to set the mood. In the dining room, you’ll find our “Coffee Until Cocktails” bar complete with a Keurig, coffee mugs, tea, sweeteners and with all sorts of barware (ps- there are cold beer mugs in the freezer!). The hall closet houses a plethora of towels, bath and beach, and in the bathroom, you’ll find a built-in Bluetooth speaker vent fan for easy listening while getting ready. The Laundry room adjacent to the bathroom is stocked with laundering supplies, an iron and more space to tuck your belongings away.

Watch the sunrise through the bay window in the morning. Take an after-dinner walk to the Irish Pub for a nightcap. Bike to Dairy Queen for ice cream and enjoy it at Oscoda Township beach. Jump on the snowmobile trailheads and have dinner at Desi’s before returning. BBQ in the backyard. Build a serene bonfire. Book a kayaking trip with Oscoda Canoe. There are 4-seasons of adventures here in Oscoda and whether you’re going out or staying in, the possibilities here are endless.