Vacation Rentals by Owner

Wonderful cottage

Guest: Jack and Mandi (Battle Creek, MI)
Date of Stay: 08/13/11 Review Submitted: 08/20/11

Dorina was a perfect hostess. The cottage was so charming. It was comfortable and clean! You can clearly see the love that Dorina has for the land and cottage. We heard the loons in the evening. Heard deer huffing in the woods. Saw Bald Eagles swooping into the lake for a snack! The location was excellent. It was so easy to get to any of the area attractions including Lake Michigan and Traverse City. This was a 5 star stay!!!

Recommended for:Age 55+, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

So amazing!

Guest: jb88 (Greenville, MI)
Date of Stay: 01/01/11 Review Submitted: 01/03/12

I don't even know where to start! My newly wedded wife and I came up here for our honeymoon and it was the best place we could have chosen. There was great communication between us and the owner. When we arrived they had even set out a bottle of wine for us! (Unfortunately we don't drink!) The kitchen and the upstairs living room were spacious and the living room had plenty of fun games. We got hooked on Outburst while we were up there. Downstairs however is where the money's at. There is a gas fireplace in the downstairs living room that was so great to just snuggle on the couch with a book or just watch. The bedroom was amazing. Large bed and beautiful decor! The view over the lake was one that would steal your breath away. We came up New Year's Eve and it snowed New Year's Day. It was absolutely amazing. I would go back here in a heartbeat! Thank you for such a great experience! We will be recommending this place to friends. And actually I have already recommended it to a guy that I work with for his honeymoon.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Great Getaway!

Guest: Pat (Livonia, MI)
Date of Stay: 11/05/10 Review Submitted: 12/14/10

What a great place to go to just get away! It's exactly as quaint as pictured! We went the first weekend in November when there was a little snow on the ground and a chill in the air. The perfect time to sit in front of the fireplace and look out over the lake and just relax. We've already recommended the cottage to our friends. We will definitely be back!

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

Guest: karen c. (Tecumseh, MI)
Date of Stay: 02/16/10 Review Submitted: 02/16/10

Serene and peaceful with towering white pine tree views that seem to cascade down to the Lake. It is so charming and exciting with its antique/crafty style from beautiful painting on the walls of the bathrooms to the depiction of the barn doors in the living room. My husband and I were tickled to see all of the special touchs inside. We enjoyed the cross country ski trails just 2 miles away and ice fishing on the lake. With its two living areas, you can choose where to roam. The downstairs living room had a fireplace that was so cozy and you could also view out the large window. We will be back again. Thanks for sharing with us.

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: laruie (grand rapids , mi)
Date of Stay: 06/01/07 Review Submitted: 06/13/07

you walk in, and BREATHE!! Your mind says ahhh, your heart skips a beat and immediately you know you will have rest, relaxation, beauty at your leisure. dorina has made a perfect get away place touched with an atmosphere that quietly says" sit down and relax" I have stayed there twice, once with my husband, and once with a much needed sisters get away...both were enjoyed by the serenity and rested souls!** planning our third trip for an entire week...can't wait*

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Christine Vonk (Battle Creek, MI)
Date of Stay: 05/01/03 Review Submitted: 05/14/03

The only way we can explain the Cottage Garden is by saying "WOW". We never knew something like this really existed outside of being a fantasy. Our weekend spent here brought us complete serenity and the very much needed relaxation. If anyones life is fast paced such as ours we definatley recommend a week or weekend stay at The Cottage Garden". I know that we will be back soon. Actually we already have it booked. Thanks Chris, Dorina, and family for such a fantastic getaway. We both enjoyed it. Oh and Thanks for the fresh eggs from the hens, they were delicious... YUMMY.. See ya soon!!

Recommended for:

Guestbook Comment

Guest: Bevin Kovalik (Saline, MI)
Date of Stay: 02/01/03 Review Submitted: 02/01/03

1/17-1/19 2003 This was our second winter weekend stay at the cottage garden and we had a blast once again! This cottage atmosphere is very cozy and lots of fun! The cabin is extremely charming. It is clean and it stocked with everything you need. The village of Lake Ann is wonderful in itself and also very close to Traverse City and Glen Arbor area. We just love this cabin so much and the owners Dorina and Chris are extremely nice and helpful. Saturday morning we made waffles and watched large snowflakes falling lazily from the sky. We went cross country skiing on the Platte River trail right nearby. On the property there is a newly constructed and adorable hen house--and we had fun sneaking up to spy on the hens and one turkey. We can't wait to come back in the summer to see how everything changes! This place is a real gem. Sincerely, Bevin and Devon and Martha and Matt.

Recommended for:

Guest: Chuck/Stephanie Rozewski
Date of Stay: 11/09/02 Review Submitted: 11/08/02

We both want to thank you so much for the wonderful honeymoon that your cottagegarden provided us.you have a very special place here and what a great way to begin our new life together. We were able to relax more then we have in a long time. Your dog Callie the chickens and Millie made our stay even more special. We look forward to returning.

Recommended for:

Guest: Dan
Date of Stay: 11/09/02 Review Submitted: 11/08/02

I was looking for a place to help renew my spirit and certainly found it here! I will remember your little cottage and gardens with fond memories for years to come! Thank you for your hospitality.

Recommended for:

Guest: Haanei/llaaf
Date of Stay: 11/02/02 Review Submitted: 11/01/02

We were so glad that you called me the morning of our arrival, to let us know that the cottage would be available. we were transformed the moment we arrived! three days later still do not want to leave. you are right, we did not want to leave the cottage to see the sights. Haveing a barbeque and roasting marshmallows down at the fire pit was much more relaxing and enjoyable. hope to come back in the winter& spring and if you ever want to sell the cottage, you have our number!

Recommended for:

Guest: Barbra/ Roger
Date of Stay: 09/21/02 Review Submitted: 09/20/02

Thank you so much for shareing your charming little cottage with us. The grounds are beautiful& the cottage is so cozy. very reminicent of the cottages where I spent my summer vacations a s a child. we had a very restful stay7 now have to return to rush hour ansd schedules. Hope to return again

Recommended for:

Guest: Lisa/ Bill
Date of Stay: 08/10/02 Review Submitted: 08/09/02

It was our first vacation with our new baby, Amelia She is 6 months old and although it was not quite as relaxing as vacations before we thoroughly enjoyed this quaint cozy cottage. The decor was so fitting& you put so many nice small toches to the place. Thank you for your hospitality and the memories of the lake. we loved your little fishing boat and caught a few bluegill. Amelia enjoyed millies gobble!& loved watching the chickens. Warm regards

Recommended for:

Guest: Marlene/Terry Petra
Date of Stay: 07/12/02 Review Submitted: 07/11/02

We've been to T.C many times but coming here to Lake Ann and your cottage was a week and retreat like we've never had. We feel so lucky to have discovered it.you have such a treasure here. I see a big part of you in me and envy the gift of design and nurture you have turned into such a haven. Your hospitality was incredible. I have never had fresh eggs, and the fresh cut flowers were such an appreciated treat. God bless you and yours, we will return many many times.

Recommended for:

Guest: Dan/Patty/Holly
Date of Stay: 06/21/02 Review Submitted: 06/20/02

What a truly magical time this has been. the cottage is so inviteing & cozy & the gardens,woods&lake are so beautiful. Millie(the turkey)& Callie(the little dog)were friendly companions on the treks from the car. The calls from the loons& the Roosters gave our stay such a perfect additional touch. Weve been coming to this area for years, but this has been by far the best time that we've ever had. Merry meet and merry part, and merry meet again!

Recommended for:

Guest: Jean/Mike
Date of Stay: 05/19/02 Review Submitted: 05/18/02

We enjoyed your garden cottage, it was a great place to relax and rest. I cannot remember the last time I slept till 10:30 when I wasnt in my own bed. We live on the Saginaw bay, but the view from your windows over looking your lake is just beautiful! Thank you for you hospitality and the pleasure of your cottage. We felt so comfortable here and never do in a motel or even the condo we rent down south in the wintertime. Thank you again for everything. The ham hocks & beans were delicious!

Recommended for:

Guest: Bevin/Kevin
Date of Stay: 01/18/02 Review Submitted: 01/17/02

The cabin is the most adorable & friendly place! We six from Ann Arbor & Cleveland enjoyed ourselves immensley.john woke up the cabin with bugle screeches both mornings.We had fun sledding,hiking & snowshoeing! We will definately remember the guest cottage & recommend it to our friends. We enjoyed learning about the history behind this place from the magazine articles. Take care & we'll see you again sometime! Happy winter!

Recommended for:

Guest: Marshelle/John
Date of Stay: 10/05/01 Review Submitted: 10/04/01

Oh how wonderful this place is! Just upon walking in the door we felt at home here.The windows really make the place. Everytime you turn around the view outside is magnificent!To drag ourselves out of this place was almost impossible. I'm sure it is wonderful in the summer but after your description, I can't wait to spend some time here in the winter!Thank you for creating such a wonderful place.LOVE FILLS THIS COTTAGE AS WELL AS OUR HEARTS!

Recommended for: