Located on breathtakingly beautiful Torch Lake, this non-smoking property has been owned by the same family since the late 1800's. The cottage features natural wood interiors, two wood burning fireplaces, shelves of books, gorgeous views of the lake, coziness, and simplicity.
Equally suitable for families with young children or older couples, it comfortably sleeps six people in the cottage plus four more in the Guest House.
We have 150 feet of lakefront, including a sandy beach, a private dock, boat hoist, and mooring buoy. The lake's sandy bottom is shallow for a fair distance, making it ideal for children and adults.
The cottage sits at the end of a private road in a secluded setting thick with mature trees. Its location on the east side of the lake affords spectacular views of the setting sun, especially from the large open air deck which overlooks the lake, and the near-constant lull of water lapping at the shore. There is also a smaller private deck, complete with a hammock swing (one of several on the property), off the master suite.
Note: all three bathrooms were completely renovated in 2021!
TORCH LAKE was named the third most beautiful lake in the world by National Geographic Magazine. The water is so clear you can see the sandy bottom all the way out to the 'drop-off.' On sunny days, the lake has ribbons of turquoise color that are reminiscent of the Caribbean. Torch is the largest lake in Michigan (19 miles long and about two miles wide) and is part of a chain of lakes which allows boating from Elk Rapids to Bellaire. For a good overview and some great pictures, you can look up the article "Torch Lake is Michigan's own slice of the Caribbean."
A 15-minute stroll takes you to the small and charming village of ALDEN. It has one of Torch Lake's four public boat ramps, a number of restaurants (both casual and fine cuisine), art galleries, a variety of shops, a playground, a public tennis court, and a library. Green woods and broad fields extend out from the town, offering great cycling and walking.
Popular tourist destinations such as Traverse City, Charlevoix, the Leelanau Peninsula, and Petoskey are all within an hour's drive. Should you choose to venture further afield, Interlochen National Music Camp (offering excellent concerts), Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, Mackinac Island, or Hartwick Pines are well worth visiting.
Because the cottage is a family heirloom, we request great care and consideration from our renters. We also ask that you be very respectful of our neighbors – the cottage is in a residential (not rental) area. For that reason, we don't allow jet skis in order to preserve the peace. Thank you for your understanding!
Note that we also own the cottage next door (VRBO #2452978, built by my grandmother's brother). You could consider that cottage if this one is already booked or, if you have a very large group, you might combine the rentals – a "family compound" that could accommodate up to 20 people.
Keywords: Cottage