Location: Alden, Torch Lake, Northwest, Michigan, USA (30" from the Traverse City airport, 45" from Charlevoix.)
Accommodations: Cottage, 3 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 2 Baths (Sleeps 6-10)
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 woodburning 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, with a GUEST COTTAGE sleeping four more for an additional fee. We have 150 feet of lakefront, including a sandy beach, a private dock and boat hoist. The lake's sandy bottom is shallow for a fair distance, making it ideal for children. 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.
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.
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.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer: In the cottage.
- Dryer: In the cottage
- Linens Provided
- Wood Fireplace (2)
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed (6) : 4 in the Cottage and 2 in the Guest House.
- Bunk Bed: in the Guest House.
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio: Large deck overlooking lake and a private deck off the Master Suite with a hammock swing for two.
- Balcony: inside the cottage
- View/Location
- Beachfront: Wonderful sandy beach with shallow water that's great for children.
- Lakefront
- Communications
- Telephone
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): Available at the local library less than a mile away but not available at the cottage.
- Other Amenities
- 1 Hammock, 2 Hammock Swings that fit two people each.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed: My husband is allergic to cats and dogs.
- Kid Friendly: The beach is perfect for kids; the water is shallow, making swimming easy for children.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Swimming
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
May through Mid-June .. $1500/week .. $2000/week with Guest House.*
Mid-June through Labor Day .. $3000/week .. $3500/week with Guest House.*
Labor Day through Oct ...... $1500/week .. $2000/week with Guest House.*
We Rent Weekly, Saturday to Saturday.
* Please Add 6% Hotel/Motel Use Tax.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1890
My great grandparents bought this property back in the eighteen hundreds, and it's been the beloved summer home to generations of my family (my children are now the fifth generation). The cottage which was left to me was built by my grandmother during the 2nd world war, and even though I've lived on both coasts of the US, in Europe and in Asia, I've never missed a summer. Birchwood cottage remains my favorite spot in the world...I just wish I could still spend all summer there as I did as a child. Now our family of five treasures the three weeks we save for ourselves, and scared though I was to share the cottage with strangers, so far, renters have treated the place beautifully.
Why the Owner Chose Alden
I was lucky enough to inherit this gem. But why I would buy it (and I would!) is that Torch Lake is an extraordinarily beautiful lake, more beautiful than any I've ever seen. The colors are like the Caribbean, and the water is so clear you can see the bottom all the way out to the drop-off. The sandy bottom makes it especially beautiful. The area is so peaceful if it's peace you're looking for... and yet, if you want activity, you don't have to go far at all for inland entertainment. There are lots of artist's towns nearby, nice shops, some great restaurants, golfing, hiking...and the town of Alden is a brief walk away.
The Unique Benefits of this Cottage
Our cottage is right on the water, so we sleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore. We watch the sunsets from our deck that overlooks the water or from one of our three hammocks placed throughout the property. The beach is perfect for small children since it stays shallow for a long way. In addition to the obvious sand-castle building, the kids also love to explore the woods and build forts with the driftwood. We love to swim, sail, walk or bike into town. There's so much to do in the area, but honestly, we're so happy at the cottage and on the lake, we generally just stay there.
Property Photos
- Glorious Torch Lake from our deck - Torch Lake, MI - Michigan Cottage Rental
- View of Dining Room with Living Room in background - Torch Lake, MI - Michigan Cottage Rental
- The Living Room - Torch Lake, MI - Michigan Cottage Rental
- Upstairs Bedroom
- View of Cottage from the dock
- From our beach looking north
- Path from our dock to the deck
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #37825
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This listing was first published here in 2004.
Date last modified - November 03, 2009
