The House on the Hill is Northern Michigan's premier bed and breakfast. Located in the quiet country village of Ellsworth in northwest Lower Michigan only 15 minutes from picturesque Charlevoix, and 45 minutes from Traverse City
Innkeepers Phillip and Marci Palajac have perfected the ideal traveler's combination: elegant country lodging, beautiful lake setting with forested countryside, gourmet breakfasts, and all centrally located to the quaint harbor towns of northern Michigan. All but one of our eight rooms has a king bed.
The House on the Hill offers many activities year-round. Stroll the groomed trails of our 50 private acres of land. Or sit back and relax on our porch and take in the pristine view of Saint Clair Lake. Of course, you can always take one of our standup paddle boards, kayaks or canoe or paddle boat to explore.
Located near the sparkling blue waters of Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, enjoy a picnic or a beach day. There are so many activities in the summer surrounding our bed and breakfast. You will have trouble choosing what to do first!
Do the winter blues have you down? The House on the Hill is open year-round. Come witness the peaceful silence of the winter season in Northern Michigan. Take a set of our snowshoes and explore the trails, or enjoy a winter river trip with Jordan Valley Outfitters. Check out all the Winter Wonderland activities.
Prefer to stay warm? Then enjoy a lavish meal at The Rowe Inn, one of Michigan's finest restaurants, and then come back to your room and snuggle up with that special someone in front of your own fireplace.
A three-course gourmet breakfast is served every morning on the porch in the summer, weather permitting, or in our beautiful dining room. A full coffee bar is available to our guests with a fully stocked beverage center.
The House on the Hill is located amongst some of Michigan's greatest attractions, including world class golf courses and ski resorts. Only minutes away, the charm of Charlevoix will make you reluctant to leave. One visit, and we're sure you'll make The House on the Hill a yearly vacation destination!
Unique Experiences at House on the Hill B&B
Romance
Enjoy our rooms with fireplaces and order our special Charcuterie Basket for a private dinner for two. Our “Just Because” and Birthday/Anniversary packages will treat your loved one to flowers and other goodies.
Lighthouses
Just 12 miles away, visit the South Pier Lighthouse in Charlevoix. Walk the pier down the channel to where Round Lake and Lake Michigan meet.
Craft Beer
Several craft beer breweries surround us. In Charlevoix, visit the Bridge Street Tap Room. In Bellaire, you’ll find the ever-popular Short’s Brewery. In Boyne City, Boyne City Tap Room. The Burnt Marshmallow Brewery is in Petoskey.
Wine Trail
We are in the heart of wineries here. Right down the road from us is the Royal Farms Wine Tasting Room. You can go on the Bay View Wine Trail to visit all the great wineries in this area. http://bayviewwinetrail.com/wineries/
Waterways
We sit right on the Chain of Lakes. 100 miles of connecting lakes with beautiful and natural scenery. Enjoy our beach with Stand Up Paddle Boards, single and tandem kayaks, Canoe and Paddle Boat as part of your inclusive experience here. Lake Charlevoix and Lake Michigan are mere minutes from us and have wonderful beaches. In Charlevoix, there is Michigan Beach on Lake Michigan and Ferry Beach on Lake Charlevoix. Click to view Pure Michigan video about paddling the Chain of Lakes:
Foodie
We are known for our three-course gourmet breakfasts and have written a cookbook based on our most popular dishes. All the quaint harbor towns around us are only minutes away and each have fantastic dining, whether you want fine dining or casual.
Adventure
Take out a kayak, canoe or standup paddle board (SUP) and claim your adventure right outside our front door! Get on the Chain of Lakes and go from lake to lake. Or, go outside our back door and hike our trails meander through our 53 acres of private land.
Want bigger, more challenging waters? Several places in Charlevoix rent kayaks or SUPs to take out on Lake Charlevoix or Lake Michigan.
Golf courses are abundant here! The Mallard and Belvedere to mention just a couple.
Is biking your thing? Ride along the coast of Lake Michigan on the Little Traverse Wheelway starting in Charlevoix and go as far as Harbor Springs.
Natural Wonders
We are situated on 53 acres of forested countryside. Explore our trails and calm yourself with the wind blowing through the trees and the beautiful birdsongs. At night, be amazed with the absence of city lights to view the stars in the darkest sky.
Autumn
Since we are in the country, our trails are especially beautiful in autumn. We are in farm country, so driving our country roads gives you optimal viewing of the changing colors. We are right down the road from Friske Orchards and Royal Farms for your apple-picking experience.
Winter Fun
We are open all year. We provide snowshoes for you to explore our 53 acres of private forest. Come back and snuggle in front of the fire and sip hot cocoa from our guest center. It’s always open and stocked just for you.
