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Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage and Guest House - with Sandy Beach

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On the beach, sun-loungers, beach towels
Terrace/patio
Exterior
4 bedrooms, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Smart TV, fireplace, books

Reviews

9.4 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 10172 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Alden, MI
  • Torch Lake
    1 min walk
  • Torch Lake Park
    4 min drive
  • Clam Lake
    9 min drive
  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    41 min drive

Room options

About the area

Alden

At this cottage you'll be steps from Torch Lake and 3 km (1.9 mi) from Torch Lake Park. .Accommodation features a washing machine, free WiFi and 3 bathrooms. In-room dining is easy with a kitchen that comes equipped with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop. A fireplace, a balcony and a living room are also available. Limited housekeeping is available. .Spend the day at the beach where you'll find sunloungers. Other amenities include a garden and barbecues.

What's nearby

  • Torch Lake - 1 min walk
  • Torch Lake Park - 4 min drive
  • Clam Lake - 9 min drive
  • Schuss Mountain - 17 min drive
  • Lake Bellaire - 20 min drive

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 41 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Oasis Red Bull Tavern - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Shanty Creek Resorts - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Dockside-Torch Lake - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Pearls New Orlean Kitchen - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Torch Lake Beer Co - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage and Guest House - with Sandy Beach

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

Property manager

Nan Reed Twiss

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Separate dining area

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Dock
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Housekeeping (limited availability)
  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Golf
  • Kayak
  • Tennis
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Horseback riding nearby
  • Hunting nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,855 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 30

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a first aid kit in all accommodation.

Property is also known as

Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage Alden
Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Alden
Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront
Cottage Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage Alden
Alden Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage Cottage
Cottage Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage
Torch Exceptional Lakefront
Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage
Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage - Sandy Beach Alden
Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage - Sandy Beach Cottage

Frequently asked questions

Are there any beaches close to Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage and Guest House - with Sandy Beach?

The closest beach to Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage and Guest House - with Sandy Beach is Haserot Beach (18.4 km).

Does Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage and Guest House - with Sandy Beach have a pool?

No, this cottage doesn't have a pool.

Is Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage and Guest House - with Sandy Beach family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as a BBQ and children's books, it's no surprise that Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage and Guest House - with Sandy Beach is a winner with our family travellers.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage and Guest House - with Sandy Beach?

No, Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage and Guest House - with Sandy Beach does not offer an airport shuttle service.

What time are check-in & check-out at Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage and Guest House - with Sandy Beach?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM. Check-out time is 11:00 AM.

Are pets allowed at Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage and Guest House - with Sandy Beach?

No, pets are not allowed.

Torch Lake Exceptional Lakefront Cottage and Guest House - with Sandy Beach Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 48 out of 67 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 15 out of 67 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 67 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 67 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 67 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Dave F.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great location! Cool place!
Great location on Torch Lake. Older home with character and charm. Really enjoyed our family stay there!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kate W.

Liked: Cleanliness
A perfect getaway!
The house, property, and views are beautiful! It felt like home in the best way and had all the amenities we needed including a variety of water toys. I will return as often as I can!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

Caryl S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Best location on Torch Lake
The lake access, deck and beach area are great at this property. The house is nestled within some gorgeous trees and ferns, great views!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

j k.

Rustic on a beautiful lake
Overall, we had a wonderful week on Torch lake and the house was passable. Thank you to Nan who was extremely pleasant, available, and helped us check in early and get access to the water toys which were locked up. The good: Access to the lake is excellent, the beach area is nice, and the outdoor deck area has a great view of the lake. It is nice to sit on for coffee etc. The house is pretty and rustic and the Wi-Fi was good. Beds were comfortable. The not as good: The house is partially updated and has very old bones as advertised. It is also well used as a rental. The kitchen appliances, instruments, and dishware would belong more in a much less expensive rental. There were a number of cleanliness issues. The well water smells strongly of sulfur. The master bathroom shower curtain was totally molded with black mold. In the kitchen pantry there was a waffle maker with previously cooked waffles left in it for months, covered in a smelly moldy slime. The bushes and ferns around the house are quite impressive and frankly need to be trimmed back. There are a few safety issues which were present. The stone walkways are all covered in moss and very slippery as described in the welcome packet. I slipped carrying a couple of bags and injured my pride. The dock has a broken board that is dangerous. There are ant and spider friends inside and out. We had two days near 90° and temperatures in the house were really unmanageable despite numerous fans and everything being open.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Halle M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property to get away from it all...
We were a group of two families with four teenagers (14-17) and a child under 10; we all enjoyed every minute of our stay. Nan is highly responsive to any issue and the property is lovely in a great location on the lake. We spent the vast majority of our time on the lake, beach or deck. The cabin gave the teen girls a place to stay with more independence and their own bathroom. At the end of our vacation, all the teenagers told us they want to come back because there was so much to do. If you are on the fence, book it; you'll really enjoy your stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

lori h.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful Location
This was the second time that we have stayed at this property and we loved it!! The location is absolutely beautiful, perfect for sunsets and moonsets. The cottage is thoughtfully equipped. The lovely family room stocks a cupboard of board games and puzzles. The master bed was really comfortable and combined with the peace and lakeside tranquility helped us have the most restful nights sleep. The owner was most helpful and made staying here a delight.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Victoria c., Portage,Indiana

Liked: Cleanliness
Absolutely amazing!
Had my family vacation at this beautiful property. Everything was perfect. Home is very clean and the kitchen has everything you could ask for. The private beach area was our favorite,new beach chairs were available for us to use. Portable fireplace was very nice.plenty of swings and patio furniture for my family of 10. It's was a bit chilly but we still had a great time. Sunsets are beautiful and seem like they last for hours! Best vation ever!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jerrica R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gorgeous!
This cottage was amazing! The views were breaktaking, the house was perfect, and the owner is extremely responsive and helpful! I will absolutely book here again when returning to Torch Lake!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sharon v.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very nice location, beautiful view of the lake and the beach area was very nice.
Bathrooms were all just renovated, but they were very small. Kitchen was very well supplied. The guest house was very nice. The deck was a very nice to sit out on in the mornings and the evenings. We used the beach area too, even though there had been a bad storm before we got there we were still able to use it. Lots of living, and dining space and windows with the view of the lake. We had cool mornings and cool evenings, there is no air conditioning which could be an issue in the heat of the summer. There were plenty of fans that were in all the bedrooms. We enjoyed our stay for sure! Nan was available when we needed to get in touch with here before the trip and during our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Noelle M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Not just a house
This gem on the lake combines the sense of happy history you get from, say Edison's grandparents' house at Greenfield Village--with space, comfy furniture, and board games and books. We can vouch that the piano works for everything from Chopin to Elton John, so take a pianist if you can. The house smells like good old wood and cozy fires. We put the charming and handy kitchen through its paces, the baths are new and pretty, the common areas are gracious. The place has been accumulating its own spirit for a long time. If you are looking for something miles beyond the cliched beach house with Live, Love, Laugh signs on the walls, I highly recommend this cottage-house. It's a true Place.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Beth G., Philadelphia, PA

Liked: Cleanliness
A special place
This classic cottage was a great place for our family to spend a return visit to Torch Lake. We had a wonderful stay - enjoying the beautiful lake and all of the cottage's outdoor space, including a boat dock/hoist, deck perfectly placed to watch the sunsets, sandy beach and shady lawn with picnic table and hammocks. The location is perfect for privacy, quiet and a walk into Alden. Our adult children loved staying in the guest house - a charming spot just steps from the cottage with a brand new bathroom. The main cottage had everything we needed for great family time (and the two new bathrooms are fabulous)! Nan was a pleasure to work with. We can't wait to return!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Steve S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great house, great location
Great location, the outdoor s pace is incredible, great sunsets
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful property on Torch!
Our stay was great over the 4th! Close boat ride to the sandbar and we loved traveling the Torch River to Elk Lake. We walked into town a couple of mornings for the best breakfast and coffee at the Muffin Tin. We also visited Elk Rapids…such a cute downtown! The cabin is rustic and offers all the up north charm one would expect in Michigan! We all slept great throughout the week. The beds were comfy (I always worry about that when we rent) and peaceful mornings on the deck. Everything was clean and fresh towels were on the bed upon arrival. The owner was extremely responsive and easy to contact! Thank you for a great week!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Randy S., South Haven, Michigan

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely stay on the beautiful Torch Lake
Lovely cottage on the East side of the lake, great for sunsets. Cottage has some recent upgrades but still maintains the "Old" charm. Nice large deck overlooking the water with a small beach area for swimming and evening campfires for making smores. Located within walking distance to park, tennis/pickleball courts and Alden for a nice ice cream treat. This was our third stay and will always consider it for future visits to the area.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Pamela D.

Liked: Cleanliness
Good place for families
We had a good time despite the less than desirable weather which was no ones fault. Furnishings inside the house were good. Loved the big dining room table. Outside deck and beach were very nice. Children did get a bit of swimmers itch, but again no ones fault. Wish someone could come up with a solution for that!! We love vacationing in Michigan. Made a lot of good memories.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Crystal P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Spectacular and serene
When we arrived at the property, we were shocked at how beautiful and peaceful it was. I’d love to live in a home like this. The landscaping was so gorgeous. It is nestled in the woods on the lake and though there are other houses, it feels so private. It is right on the lake and has amazing views of the sunset. The house was perfectly clean and had all the amenities and items we needed for our stay from cooking in the kitchen to playing in the water to extra blankets for the beds. The hosts communicated very well with us and always responded very quickly. They were very accommodating to us and our needs. I am excited to return to this house and stay again! The town was wonderful and had everything we needed as well. We also loved the beach that was just a few feet away. I can’t say enough good things about our stay.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Angie R.

Liked: Cleanliness
Four sisters
My three sisters and I spent three days at Torch Lake. Beautiful cottage. It has a small kitchen but it had everything we needed to cook. The nearby grocery was wonderful! The location of the house is great. We could walk to town easily to shop and eat lunch. Will definitely return
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lisa V., South Bend

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Vacation
Just what our family was looking for! Great beach location and cozy cabin. Wonderful stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Melody Z.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great place and great owner
This was a lovely cottage with a great location, we would highly recommend this to others.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2021

8/10 Good

Brian M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Torch Lake Vacation
Owner was very responsive and helpful. Great location on a beautiful lake.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Andrew C., Rochester, Michigan

Liked: Cleanliness
Nice place
Owner was very helpful and cooperative
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

stacey d.

Liked: Cleanliness
Torch Lake 2019
The vintage style cottage is adorable. The views are beautiful of Torch Lake. We enjoyed walking to town for breakfast down a path near the cabin. The location is great .We dined in Bellaire, Elk Rapids, Traverse City and then visited Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. This location was great to be centrally located. We also spent several days out boating the beautiful lakes . Nan was very responsive as a host.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Erin H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family Vacation
Short boat ride to the sand bar, short walk to Alden, great deck for relaxing, owners were very friendly and easy to work with, there was a minor problem with the plumbing and it was taken care of immediately, we rented a boat for the week and would highly recommend that, friendly neighbors, plenty of parking space, kids loved the pad they could swim to and jump off in the lake, plenty of kitchen supplies (sometimes too many when trying to find what you need), this house provided everything our family needed to have a great time!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019

10/10 Excellent

Alex V., Grandville, MI

Liked: Cleanliness
A nice rustic cottage on a beautiful lake
We stayed with our extended family in early June. The cottage is historic and rustic, and as such has some quirks. The bathrooms in particular could use updating. Overall, the cottage had exactly the old-fashioned historic feel that we were looking for. The beds were comfortable, and we were able to get the temperature right. The kid's out-cottage was OK, it was a little musty but the kids didn't mind. We cooked most meals at the cottage and the kitchen had everything we needed. As noted, the electric oven was tough to get set correctly, but we made it work. The lake access was amazing, the firepit near the beach was fun, and we were able to make good use of the boat lift. We enjoyed our week! As long as you realize that this is an old, historic cottage and prepare yourself for that, you won't be disappointed. We highly recommend hiking at the nearby natural area, that was a highlight of our week.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Mark H., Creve Coeur, MO

Liked: Cleanliness
Great cottage on Torch Lake
We really enjoyed our stay. We've rented a number of cottages over the past 30 years, so we have experience with what to expect, and this definitely met our expectations. Nice large rooms for socializing, and the master bedroom is really large too. Kitchen was well equipped and they have a very nice outdoor grill as well.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2019