Hot Tubs, Saunas and Fireplaces for Lakes of the North, MI Homes
Since 1980, Phillips Lifestyles has helped Northern Michigan families make their homes more comfortable with hot tubs, swim spas, saunas, fireplaces, fireplace inserts and pellet stoves. That includes homeowners in Lakes of the North, roughly 40 miles northeast of Traverse City. The family-owned company runs two showrooms in the Traverse City area and has its own delivery, installation and service staff, so a home in a wooded recreational community is in good hands from the first visit onward.
Living in Lakes of the North
Lakes of the North is a large planned community spread across Mancelona and Star townships in eastern Antrim County. It was first counted as a census community in 2010 and has about a thousand residents.
The community is built around recreation, with small lakes, a golf course and trail access through the surrounding forest. It sits in one of the snowiest parts of the Lower Peninsula, which makes it a base for snowmobiling in winter.
Snow is the reason many people come here, and plenty of it falls. A home that greets guests with warmth after a day outside, and gives them somewhere to relax their legs, is one they return to.
Owners are a mix of retirees who live here full-time and families with cabins they use on weekends. Homes are set on wooded lots with room for a spa, a sauna or a detached building.
Find the Right Hot Tub
After skiing, golf or a long day on the trails, a hot tub is the amenity that gets used first and most. Phillips Lifestyles stocks spas from Hot Spring, Caldera Spas, Jacuzzi, Nordic, Sundance and Marquis, shown on the hot tubs page. Smaller households often start with a model like the Hot Spring Jetsetter LX, and larger ones look at the Caldera Palatino.
Phillips Lifestyles removes the guesswork in two steps. First, a test soak: a free, by-appointment session in a filled spa at the showroom. Second, a free in-home consultation, where staff measure your space, check access for delivery, confirm the cover lifter will clear, and discuss steps, surrounds and color choices. Electrical work is done by approved contractors, with startup and fill included.
Households that want exercise as well as relaxation can add an Endless Pools swim spa to the shortlist.
Indoor and Outdoor Saunas
A sauna is a natural fit for the climate in Antrim County. Phillips Lifestyles carries Finnleo and Tylo saunas, including traditional heated-stone models and infrared rooms. The Finnleo Patio Series is a popular outdoor choice. When a standard size will not do, Don Ruff and Chris Champt of the Traverse City Sauna Company build custom saunas to suit the space.
Heating a Lakes of the North Home with Fire
A fire is the heart of any vacation home, and today's fireplaces deliver real heat as well as atmosphere. Phillips Lifestyles offers fireplaces and fireplace inserts from Heat & Glo, Quadra-Fire, Napoleon, Enviro and Mendota in gas, wood, pellet and electric versions.
Each fuel has its place. Gas gives instant heat from a remote. Wood suits owners with a supply on hand, and the Quadra-Fire Discovery II wood stove is a proven choice. Pellet stoves such as the Quadra-Fire Santa Fe feed themselves from a hopper and hold a set temperature.
Installation is done in-house by a crew led by Rob Horton, with Randy Johnson, Jason Jones and Ron Magee. Not sure what size you need? The blog explains how many BTUs a room requires.
The Phillips Lifestyles Process
Phillips Lifestyles keeps the process simple. First, talk with a sales consultant in person, by phone or online. Second, for a hot tub, take a test soak and schedule a free in-home consultation; requests submitted through the website get a response within 24 hours. Third, the company delivers the product, arranges wiring through approved electrical contractors, and fills and starts the spa. Fireplace, insert and stove projects include a site visit to confirm venting and clearances, then installation by the company's own crew.
For a vacation or rental property, choose equipment that is simple for guests to use and easy to lock, and set up maintenance before the busy season starts. Leave clear written instructions near the spa and the fireplace controls.
Keeping Everything Running
Homes that sit empty midweek or host rental guests need dependable upkeep. The Phillips Lifestyles service team handles installation, maintenance and repair, as described on the services page.
With the Spa Maintenance Program, a technician visits on the schedule you choose, from weekly to every four weeks, to balance the water chemistry, clean the spa and its cover, clear out debris and rotate the filters. Technicians also offer advice on best practices. For anything else, use the service request form.
Game Rooms, Grills and More
Phillips Lifestyles also carries billiard and game tables from Brunswick and Olhausen, including shuffleboard, foosball and air hockey. There are premium grills for the deck and massage chairs for the den. Everything can be seen in person at the showrooms.
A Family-Owned Company Since 1980
Phillips Lifestyles has served Northern Michigan for more than 45 years. Owners Dennis and Debbie Riedel moved their family to the Traverse City area to take over the business and continue its community-minded approach, and Ryan Gubbins is general manager. The About Us page introduces the whole staff.
You will work with experienced people. Tony Fifarek is lead sales associate and head mechanical consultant, Tyler Hanna manages the Cherryland store, and Kenny Smith and Wesley Bonesteel round out the sales floor. Behind them are a warehouse and delivery crew and a service department led by Jim Eddy.
Frequently Asked Questions from Lakes of the North Homeowners
What should I check before adding a hot tub or outdoor sauna at Lakes of the North?
Review the property owners association rules for placement and screening, and confirm electrical capacity at the home. The Phillips Lifestyles free in-home consultation covers site, access and wiring.
What is the difference between a fireplace insert and a pellet stove?
A fireplace insert fits inside an existing masonry fireplace and can burn gas, wood or pellets. A pellet stove is a freestanding heater that burns compressed wood pellets. Both give efficient, controllable heat.
Can I try a hot tub before I buy one?
Yes. Phillips Lifestyles offers a free test soak by appointment at its Traverse City and Grawn showrooms. Bring a bathing suit and a towel, and staff will answer questions while you try the spa.
What does the free in-home consultation include?
A Phillips Lifestyles team member visits your home to choose a location, measure for the right spa size, confirm clearance for the cover and lifter, review delivery options and discuss steps, surrounds and colors. There is no charge.
Next Steps for Lakes of the North Homeowners
Pick the step that suits you: stop by a showroom, book a test soak, request a free in-home consultation or contact Phillips Lifestyles with a question. For pricing on a specific product, use the product inquiry form. Showrooms are at 5161 US-31 in Grawn and 1151 W South Airport Road in Traverse City.