The House on the Hill

We enthusiastically recommend House on the Hill for a romantic getaway. We took advantage of a winter special paired with dinner at the Rowe Inn. Thoroughly delightful midweek winter break. Marci's breakfasts are best B&B food we have had. Aside from her cooking talents she is a warm and hospitable host. We will be back with family!

Les & Bill

We had a very nice weekend stay at The House on the Hill B&B. It was a quiet and relaxing getaway and we wish we could have stayed a day or two longer!

We had a wonderful stay at The House on the Hill. The innkeepers go out of their way to accomodate you with any of your needs. The breakfast's were outstanding, as were the rooms. The property is beautiful, including the lake! We will stay here again, and we highly recommend you do too...

My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed at stay at the House on the Hill. The setting is great. The home is beautiful. The hosts were welcoming, friendly and helpful. It was pleasant, after traveling for much of the day to settle in and then walk to a very nice restaurant close by. What I especially enjoyed was use of the kayaks on St. Clair lake across the road from the house. I kayaked after dinner until dusk and in the morning before breakfast. Very peaceful!

This was our first time at a Bed and Breakfast. We had a wonderful time. The hosts, Phil and Marci go out of their way to make sure your every need is met. We will visit again!

Marci and Phillip run a great B&B!! This is one of those that you can use as a place to sleep OR as an entire weekend of "stuff". We made use of their natural hiking trails, but didn't have enough time to experience the canoe or kayaks... The food was fantastic and the accomodations exceeded our expectations - so often the in-person experience doesn't live up to the "brochure"... in this case it was better! Thanks Marci and Phil - we'll definitely be back.

My wife and I did not know what to expect as we had never stayed at the House on the Hill B & B before. Wow, what a pleasant surprise. We would not hesitate to recommend this Bed & Breakfast to anyone we know. It is the best! Joe & Lori Osypczuk - East Lansing, Michigan

We couldn't have chosen a better base from which to explore our quest for a northern MI home. The view from our Rose Room looked out over St. Clair Lake -- serene and beautiful. And within walking distance was the wonderful restaurant, The Rowe Inn. We'll definitely stay again at The House on the Hill for these reasons and more!

The House on the Hill is a tiny gem of a B+B located strategically between the vacation zones of Traverse City and Charlevoix/Petosky and literally yards down the road from the exceptional cuisine and wine cellar of the Rowe Inn restaurant. The property is well maintained and on a unique setting with beautiful acreage for hiking and a gorgeouse lake view. But, it's not the location that makes House On the Hill a special place -- it is the owners, Marci and Phil Palajac. Genuinely caring about their guests, friendly without being overbearing, intuitive about what guests want. In only one visit of 3 evenings, my wife and I feel like we have made new friends. Marci's a terrific cook, with special breads, jams and breakfast entrees that are worthy of a great restaurant. Phil is a man comfortable discussing business or his bucket list and his adventures in foreign countries. Both are full of energy, yet able to relax and listen to others. We will be back for many more visits to come. We are already making plans for a return visit with our whole family!

My husband and I have stayed at The House on the Hill twice now and have absolutely loved it both times. Phillip and Marci are great people and just really friendly. The house is very relaxing and the food is delicious!!! We will definitely go back.

This was our 3rd time at the house on the hill; last summer we kayaked on the lake, last fall, we rode our bikes along six mile lake to take in the colors, and this winter for shiverfest we snow shoed their groomed trails. We are looking forward to this summer and the lake. We have the best time up here, and the people are so nice, it's a great get away, because you forget about everything at home for the weekend and just relax!!!

Wonderful rooms, fantastic breakfast, and the most gracious hosts in Phil and Marci. It is our favorite spot for relaxation, conversation, and enjoying the outdoors of northern Michigan. There are snowshoe trails and cross country ski trails in the winter, and hiking and bike trails in the summer.

I definitely plan to return! Marci and Phil are wonderful hosts. They were extremely helpful and frindly and surpised us with a New Year's Eve celebration. The property provides a great place for a lively walk; the rooms were well-maintained, clean and comfortable; the breakfasts were great; the overall atmosphere makes you feel very at home.

Prior to this experience, I had only stayed in two bed-and-breakfast homes. Staying at the House on the Hill makes me want to do it more often. Amenities were beyond our expectations. I think those who have stayed before are trying to keep it a secret so they won't find themselves without a room in the future! The House on the Hill is tucked away in a small town, but within minutes of larger resort areas. If you want to explore away from the property, there are plenty of things to see and do. But so much is offered at the House on the Hill, we felt little need to venture very far away. The owners are very gracious and welcoming. They will see us again soon!

Our stay at The House on the Hill was just what we needed. I was looking for a "getaway" for Labor Day weekend...well the few days after...to avoid the crowds in Northern Michigan. I was told that Traverse City was the place to look. Fortunately, most of the places were not available...so I expanded my search to outside of Traverse City. I found The House on the Hill. The website gave me a good feeling. After contacting the Innkeepers we were able to book a room. What was really great was that although the room was nice, there was much more just outside the front door and back door to explore. The walking trails were fun. Canoes and kayaks were available for trips on the chain of lakes just in front. As far as the hospitality, both Phillip and Marci were wonderful to meet. They were open and inviting to making our stay as pleasant as possible. They were able to give recommendations for dinner and for other activities in the area. And of course the breakfasts were lovely. Fresh fruit, fresh breads, and a fresh hot breakfast. We would recommend this place to stay for anyone who wants to get away from the main drag but still remain in the area to see all the sights Northern Michigan has to offer.

The House On The Hill was fabulus place to spend a long weekend. The views were beautiful and the dinning experiance was vantastic. We are looking forward to visiting this place again.

Could not of asked for a better place to spend our weekend Up North than at the House On the Hill. The place is wonderful with the vastness of the whole countryside is at your feet. You just have this sense of total freedom there because nature and the whole surrounding area is wide open and fresh and clean. We found new spots for hiking and camping and just getting away we never knew existed. Its all part of the fun of being up north that brings us back and House On the Hill is now a part of it for us. Marci and Phil are dedicated to their purpose and easy to get along with. We feel fortunate we found out about them. It was a really great weekend in a beautiful place.

My husband had driven by House on the Hill years ago but failed to write down the name. Last year while touring the area we drove by this B & B and immediately he said " that's it!". We had found the place. House on the Hill is a charming, restful get -a-way. Sitting on 50+ acres, there is hiking, canoeing, kayaking, etc. Relaxing on the front porch overlooking the lake, getting to know other guests, enjoying beverages from the well-stocked refrigerator, we couldn't have asked for a nicer place to stay. We have been telling our friends about House on the Hill and the charming innkeepers, Marci and Phil. We will definitely be back again.

We have been going to House on the Hill for years when we were just a couple, and now have added it as a great family get away as well. Marci is a fantastic hostess and does a great breakfast, and we always meet fun and interesting folks there. Our young kids love the expansive grounds, porch, and nature trails all around. Love Ellsworth, love the 4th July Ellebration and fireworks. You will not be dissapointed.

We needed a place to stay while attending a family reunion. I had passed this lovely inn many times over the years, so I thought we'd try it out this year. What a lovely time we had. Beautiful setting, large spacious rooms, amazing 3-course breakfasts, fireworks practically in the front yard, the lovely lake across the road, sweet and generous hosts who provided so many special touches. And Ellsworth, a small quiet northern Michigan town with hills and and lakes. We'll be back, perhaps to launch our kayaks this summer right across the road, and this winter to try out their snowshoeing trails. It's a gem.

A lovely inn with very friendly, and helpful owners! This was our first time here and it was excellent! As guests over the July 4th holiday, we were treated to phenomenal fireworks, with delicious hors d'ovres, wine, champagne, and available anytime soft drinks, conversation and smiles! The breakfasts were three course and delicious! We plan to go back!

I called Marci having only found out about having the weekend off hours before. She informed me of a cancellation and we booked. I must say, this was some of the best luck we've had in a while! Marci and Phillip are outstandingly gracious hosts and our room was exquisite to say the least. We watched turkey and deer from our balcony table and the fireworks were such an added delight! The food was incredible! We can't wait to go back. Thanks again M & P for everything you did to make our weekend spectacular.

Great variations on the breakfasts served. Not just your normal bacon and eggs. Beautiful location. Friendly owners. Must eat at the Rowe Inn while visiting the Ellsworth area.

This is an ideal B&B, the kind we're always hoping to find. The new owners have managed to make the House on the Hill with its lovely views an even better destination than it previously was. Their genuinely friendly and strikingly generous style of hosting makes House on the Hill a place we will stay even if we aren't planning on dining at The Rowe Inn just down the street. In addition to the charming and comfortable rooms (which now have A.C.) the living room, porch and gazebo are equally wonderful places to hang out, and we plan to stay longer next time so we can do just that.

Friendly innkeepers and beautiful location. Lovely old home with all the modern conveniences that made our stay very comfortable and enjoyable. The complimentary beverages and brownies were a nice touch. If you are looking for a quiet getaway where you can relax or enjoy outdoor activities, this is the place to visit!

we stayed in the rose room and other than the sun shining in too early in the morning it was great. Phil and Marci were terrific hosts and the breakfasts were very good. would definitely go back. Would not recommend the Rowe Inn for dinner, was very expensive. Lack of restaurants in town was a bit of a problem when we were so tired from driving and didn't want to go to another town to eat.

My husband was always adament about how he would never stay in a B&B because he always felt he was intruding into someone's home...but there is always a way to get him to change his mind and that is reading the great reviews about the breakfasts at the House on the Hill. Marcy was a very gracious host and as promised provided us with a fantastic breakfast. Thank you so much, Marcy, for a wonderful time...and we will return.

Having stayed at House on the Hill a few years ago, we had no hesitation about rebooking, now through new owners, and we weren't disappointed. The room was large, light and airy. Breakfasts were terrific and, in the afternoons and evenings, the drinks in the public area refrigerator are an added bonus. Location is, on the one hand, off the beaten path but, on the other, right in the middle of Michigan's superb vacation land with great access to a wide variety of 4 season vacation opportunities. The superb "Rowe Inn" restaurant just down the road is another draw to this fine location.

We have stayed twice now and have a third stay booked for a culinary event. House on the Hill is a bit off the beaten path but convenient to Charlevoix, Petoskey, Bellaire and about an hour from Traverse City. In other words, smack in the middle of all the great dining, outdoor and cultural activities that NW Michigan has to offer. Also a great retreat, with woodland hiking, XC skiing, kayaking and fishing available without having to drive anywhere. Rooms are spacious, beds very comfortable, Marci's breakfasts are a real treat. The level of service is as good as it gets in a B&B. Phil and Marci are great people.

Revisit to The House on the Hill. Everything was exactly the same except the owners.

Marci and Phil consistly go out of their way to make our visit a relaxing and no need goes unmet. Whether it be making recommendations and reservations or setting up a campfire, snowshoes and hot chocolate; they don't miss a thing. This out of the way resort has plenty of room to hike in the woods and enjoy the great Michigan outdoors!

We recently spent two delightful nights in February at The House on the Hill. The property is clean and well maintained, the service afforded by Phil and Marci is impeccable and the breakfasts are gourmet delicious!! A special treat was a newly developed snow shoe/ski loop through the 50+ acres of woods behind the house. (Snow shoes are provided without charge by the owners). We will definitely return. Reg and Karen Nizol

House on the Hill is by far our favorite place we have stayed! The service was fantastic and very friendly, the food was wonderful. Our room was clean and welcoming, felt right at home. Can't wait to come back!

My fiance and I truly enjoyed our stay at House on the Hill. The rooms are large and spacious. We enjoyed cuddling up by the fireplace with mugs of tasty hot chocolate. The highlight: Marci's 3 course breakfast, beyond amazing! I would stay there again and recommend House on the Hill to any friend, family or stranger.

Marci and Phil do a wonderful job hosting guests. The morning meal was something about spectacular. The large sitting room is filled with games, books, and comfortable seating for visiting and/or watching TV. We also loved trekking down the nature trail, using the snowshoes they provided. This weekend away was just what we needed in the dead of winter!

My husband and I recently took the opportunity to revisit the House on the Hill Bed and Breakfast. We found it to be a warm, inviting place once again. The owners, Marci and Phil, made every effort to ensure that we had a memorable weekend. The car service to and from the Rowe Inn made our dining experience especially nice. We will be visiting again.

This was our second stay at House on the Hill and it was just as enjoyable as the first! Our expectations were exceeded with our meals! Marci's presentation not to mention her cooking is just outstanding-can't say enough! The new snowshoe trail was well marked and gave us just the right challenge for the day as well as allowed us a chance to see Michigan winter splendor. Thank you Phil and Marci for your hospitality - hope to try it out sometime when there isn't snow! Thank you again- Annette & Bill

Staying in Traverse City for business and had the opportunity to get away for a short weekend break. The House on the Hill had been recommended and rightly so. Great welcome, lovely room, fantastic dinner at the local restaurant, The Rowe Inn, excellent breakfast, a walk through the snow covered real estate before heading home. Marci was a great host. Highly recommended.

our children gave us a night at House on the Hill..we loved it..rooms were spotless, views wonderful and gourmet breakfast delicious...our host met us at the door and accomodated our every wish from fresh coffee, kayaks at sunrise on the lake and making our dinner reservations...we will return.

We had my sisters wedding here and the layout and landscaping was absolutely perfect. This bed and breakfast is beautifully laid out, quiet, quaint and relaxing. The service was number one and the care they give to there patrons is outstanding.

Everything was above our expectations. The house is gorgous and the view of the small lake is beutiful. Close to Chalevoix which has fantastic food and fun. Rooms are clean and comfortable and the hosts are very nice.

My husband & I came up to The House on the Hill to celebrate our 10 year wedding anniversary & do some fall color touring of the area. We were more than pleased in both respects. My husband has never been too fond of B&B's in the past, but the House on the Hill has reformed him. He loved it! Everything! From the moment we pulled up the drive, we knew we made the right choice. Our room, in the carriage house, & with a fireplace & view of the 50+ acres of property was worth it alone. Stunning! The grounds are full of little quiet areas to sit & relax. We hiked the cleared out & well marked trails that are on the property, it was a beautiful fall day. We are already working on fitting in another trip up there this winter to be able to see the property via snowshoes that Marci & Phillip provide. The house was very warm & inviting. Many rooms to sit back in & relax. Many facinating books & pictures to look at. We stayed over 2 nights & both mornings our breakfast was truely delicious! All homemade with love & care. Our host, Marci, had made arrangements with the people at the Rowe Inn just up the road for our Anniversary dinner. That too was amazing. The food... yummo! By all means, when you stay at The House On The Hill, this place should not be overlooked.

Total satisfaction. From the moment you pull in the driveway the surroundings are fabulous and inviting. Phillip & Marci go the extra mile to insure comfort. We stayed in the Rose room with a beautiful view of the lake. Breakfast was incredible!!! I would recommend this B & B to everyone!!!

My husband and I have been hearing about The House on the Hill for awhile, but finally got to visit and see for ourselves....WOW!!! It was everything we had heard and more!!! The pictures online are beautiful, but when we pulled into the drive, and then entered the home, we were amazed by the feeling of elegance and simple charm....a rare combination. Our hosts, Philip and Marci, were so warm and hospitable...we felt as if we were visiting old friends. The rooms are beautifully decorated, very clean and comfortable. The breakfasts were outstanding--a three-course meal, beautifully presented, and delicious!! We spent our time during the day visiting Petoskey and Charlevoix, both close by and full of charm. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the area as well. We just can't say enough about our visit. We will definitely return. Kudos to Philip and Marci...they work beautifully together as a team and make their guests feel very welcome!

A wonderful place to stay! Hosts Marci and Phillip are lovely and gracious.

My husband and I booked a weekend for my parents and our selves to celebrate my parents 54th Anniversary. As always everything was outstanding in every way. Marci and Phil are wonderful owners, and everything they do is so well thought out. The breakfasts are amazing, and the homemade butters they serve are wonderful, my favorite is the coffee butter. The rooms are very cozy and even have a fireplace. This was our second stay and my parents first visit, but they made us feel like we are old friends. We loved everything about our stay!! And we certainly will be back.

We enjoyed the hospitality at House on the Hill during a family reunion. The breakfasts were fantastic, even the morning we left, when Marci gave us a breakfast for the road since we were leaving very early. The views from the front porch with both morning coffee and evening relaxation were lovely. Our room was welcome and inviting. Plenty to do and see in the surrounding area along with some wonderful restaurants. All in all, a very nice weekend with family.

My husband and I used this as a post son's wedding get away and anniversary stay. We thoroughly enjoyed Marci's hospitality and beautiful guest room. The place is peaceful and great views from the hill to all of northern Michigan"s soon to be color. Our dinner at nearby Rowe Inn was also outstanding. We will be back!

Marci and Phillip were consummate hosts; the setting was absolutely lovely; the breakfast of fresh fruit, muffins and other delicious breads, plus the excellent egg souffle was outstanding. We will return to this charming B&B.

We truly enjoyed our stay at House on the Hill on 9/11/10. We had stayed there before and wanted to come back. We purchased the gift certificates for Christmas presents and were finally able to make arrangements to stay. The rooms are comfortable, the hosts are very nice and the breakfast was outstanding. We can't wait to come back for another stay.

We have made an annual trip to the House on the Hill for the last several years to take advantage of the fine dining in the tiny town of Ellsworth. The B&B commends itself by a beautiful location--a lake for kayaking, fields and woods to explore behind the house, and several comfortable common rooms for the guests to lounge in as well as the long front porch with its commanding view. Marci and Phillip, new proprietors this year, have continued to provide amenities that help make the place special--beverages and cheese were available in the afternoon; and the breakfasts are filling and imaginative. The rooms remain as comfortable as any we've found with plenty of storage space, all the necessities, and lovely decor. All these things add up to a place we look forward to returning to year after year.

Our stay at "The House on the Hill" in Ellsworth, Michigan, was a stay to remember! The thing that drew us in was the warm, and welcoming treatment we received just over the phhone. (THOH) owner, Marci, was extremely warm and inviting as well as accomodating. First impressions are very important, and we received wonderful treatment starting with the first phone call down to the welcome when we arrived, to the beautiful room we stayed in, and of course, the delicious breakfast that was home-made by Marci, herself. The place was beautiful, inside and out and there were many activities offered, as well as suggestions of places to visit while there. My husband is still talking about our visit. I would (and have) recommend this B&B to friends and family!

Phil and Marci are exceptional innkeepers - they made me feel valued - which is rare today.

We happened upon the House on the Hill for a four-day getaway in August and encourage all who want to be inspired by a couple living their dream -- while serving up delicious breakfasts -- to check out the House on the Hill. It's location is great for day trips to Charlevoix, Traverse City, Mission Peninsula or Petoskey. Marci's charming hospitality doesn't reveal they've only owned the place for a year but they are setting new traditions of their own for their guests. If you admire an entrepreneurial spirit, relaxing getaway and Michigan "Up North" enjoyment, it's a great choice. We'll go back again!

We stayed for three days, and each day we enjoyed an entirely different three course gourmet breakfast. We enjoyed it so much we purchased her cook book. The rooms were very clean and neat, plus they have many hiking trails and nice dock with deck chairs. Very relaxing – we’ll be back. Mr. & Mrs. Peters

The hosts were wonderful. Everything was great only we were disappointed that there wasn't any air conditioning. To us that's a big deal. I have allergies and a/c is important. I would consider adding that in the future to make it perfect!