House in Alden, MI

Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden

Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden

Photo gallery for Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden

Exterior
Exterior
The cottage from lake lake side (lake is just out of view to the left)
Exterior
View of the house from the dock

Overview of Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden

4.4 out of 5 Excellent
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 81200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Hot Tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

Alden, MI
  • Popular LocationTorch Lake1 min walk
  • Popular LocationTorch Lake Park3 min drive
  • Popular LocationClam Lake8 min drive
  • AirportGaylord, MI (GLR-Gaylord Regional)54 min drive

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

3 Twin Beds

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Twin Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining Area

About this property

Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden

Welcome to my Grandfather's Cottage on Torch Lake, one of the very few cottages with a beautiful sandy beach and within walking distance to Downtown Alden. First off to address some of the reviews for last year. Full disclosure, I fell short on some of the minor maintenance that needed to happen while guests where staying with me. This past fall I spent and extensive about of time fixing everything that needed to be taken care of and will be spending this spring making additional improvements. For this coming summer we also are bringing on a new cleaning crew as the ones we had last year fell well short of expectations.

In regards to the review claiming Bed Bugs and Child Safety issues, Both of these are flat out incorrect. Swimming in Torch lake there is the possibility of getting swimmers ich, like most any inland lake, which can lead to minor irritation. Which is why it was only her grandkids that and any issues since they were the only one swimming.

I have welcomed people into my Grandfather’s Cottage coming to visit Up North for many years and I love being able to share this amazing and special place I hope that you will come stay with me and enjoy the place like so many people in the past. If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to reach out.

This ideal location is only a brief walk from downtown Alden. The sandy beach slopes into the clear water gently, making this a great walk-in swim site for all ages. There is also a permanent anchor off the end of the dock for those who bring there boat. We also offer a few different options in boat rentals if you are interested in that as well.

This single story cottage has a fully fenced back yard making it perfect for dogs or small kids. It comes with a fully equipped kitchen with a small island and an attached breakfast area as you walk in from the street. Through the kitchen opens in to a spacious living room with large picture windows facing the lake. With a TV and fireplace on one end of the room and a dining area on the other.

The living room opens out through French doors onto the screened in porch which provides an exceptional sunset view. There are two bedrooms one with a queen size bed and the other with two twin beds located on one side of the house sharing a full bath. The third bedroom is on the opposite side with a set of bunk beds and a full bath attached to it.

VERY IMPORTANT - DUE TO SEVERAL RENTERS IN THE PAST NOT RESPECTING OUR NO SMOKING POLICY - WE NOW HAVE A ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SMOKING OF ANY KNID ANYWHERE ON THE PROPERTY, SO IF YOU SMOKE PLEASE EITHER RESPECT THE NO SMOKING POLICY

Keywords: House,

Property manager

Chris Stearns

Amenities

Hot Tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet friendly
Free WiFi

House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING ON OUR PROPERTY.

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited

About the neighborhood

Alden

Located in Alden, this vacation home is on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Torch Lake and Lake Michigan, while Twisted Fish Gallery and Guntzviller's Spirit of the Woods Museum are cultural highlights. Schuss Mountain and Flintfields Horse Park are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with kayaking and water skiing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and cycling.

What's nearby

  • Torch Lake - 1 min walk
  • Torch Lake Park - 3 min drive
  • Clam Lake - 8 min drive
  • Schuss Mountain - 18 min drive
  • Turtle Creek Casino - 24 min drive

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • Oasis Red Bull Tavern - 17 min drive
  • Dockside-Torch Lake - 10 min drive
  • Pearls New Orlean Kitchen - 22 min drive
  • Torch Lake Beer Co - 4 min walk
  • Cone Corral & Pizzeria - Rapid City - 7 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden located?

Nestled on the beach, this Alden vacation home is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Torch Lake and 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Torch Lake Park. Grass River Natural Area and Clam Lake are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

4.4

Excellent

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
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Rating 5 - Excellent. 36 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Good. 4 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 3 - Okay. 3 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Poor. 3 out of 49 reviews" "
Rating 1 - Terrible. 3 out of 49 reviews" "

4.2/5

Cleanliness

4.7/5

Check-in

4.6/5

Communication

5/5

Location

4.4/5

Listing accuracy

Reviews

3/5 Okay

Gena P.

Liked: Location
Disliked: Check-in, communication
Amazing Location, Disappointing Details
READ ENTIRE REVIEW: The location is PERFECT. A few minute walk to downtown Alden with shops, food, and more. The public boat launch is down the road and of course you are directly on Torch Lake with a short boat ride to the sand bar or Torch River. The house itself is a great layout and very spacious. Split essentially into two wings with 2 rooms and 1 bathroom on each side with a great large living and dining area. The screen in porch is great. BUT, the house itself does need A LOT of TLC. The house is lacking for the price you pay. Things like not having handles for doors (ropes as latches), screens with holes letting bugs in (barely held together with tacks which I ended up stepping on one), painters tape in a half painted kitchen, etc. It also lacked the essentials you'd assume to have (spices, Tupperware, charcoal or a lighter for the grill, etc.). Chris is hard to get ahold of. I had messaged him for weeks asking for details on items within the kitchen, clarity on check-in, etc. I heard from him once via text, once in person (just to clear up the confusion on being double booked), and never heard from him on the check out process. We couldn't use one shower for multiple days due to the septic. The yard is fenced, but is SHARED with the house next to you, also "divided" by chickenwire. NOT what the listing says. Also the laundry is again, SHARED with your neighbor. Extremely disappointing to pay so much for items you aren't fully given the true details on.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

5/5 Excellent

ANDREA B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Bachelorette weekend
Great little lake cottage. Has pretty much all you need, Beautiful view, quick easy walk to downtown Alden. Not to far from shorts brewery. Chris was friendly and easy to talk with.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

1/5 Terrible

Christina F.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Listing accuracy
Beautiful sunsets, unsafe security for children from lake & biting bed bugs!!
We loved the features & character of this old cabin with a Great location & Beautiful sunsets!! This place is very neglected which is so sad seeing it was his grandpas…he would be ashamed! Clearly he just cares about the money coming in! No proper security on lake side or secure fencing in front (wobbly Chicken wire between homes 🙄) Our biggest problem was the owner NEVER RESOLVED the safety issue that we addressed the very first night we arrived!! I texted 2 times which he answered with promises & he came over twice which was nice but what good is it if you never help to resolve the issues & make excuses!! He just doesn’t care! No door knobs on the water side of the lake with only a little slide lock on French doors that clearly was eye level that a small child could easily figure out & a porch door that didn’t even have a door knob let alone a lock! Such a hazard for small children that could easily escape & die from drowning!! I spent 2 days of my vacation cleaning & going to the hardware to find something to make it secure the day before our 2 grandsons arrived (3yrs-9mo) to make it SAFE, clean, & presentable!! We left it better than when we arrived! The next issue we had there was biting bed bugs all over the place! My daughter & 9 mo grandson were peppered with bites & huge welts from visiting! 😥 I also encountered sleeping with this residents!! 😖 *if you don’t mind biting bugs & no locks on lake side for children then this is your place! 👍
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

5/5 Excellent

Megan S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Family vacation on the lake
We loved staying in this house! The ease of being able to walk to Alden and access the beach were exactly what our family was looking for. While some parts in the home are older the view and space were well worth it.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

5/5 Excellent

Monica J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Cottage on the lake
A lovely rustic cottage on the shore line of Torch Lake. A perfect view of Torch Lake through the windows looking out on the lake. There's nothing like listening to waves. The cottage is rather spacious, great location for a short walk into down town Alden. Owner, Chris, quick to respond.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

About the host

Hosted by Chris Stearns

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

My Grandfather bought the house in the 30's and it has been in our family ever since. Both my mother and I grew up here over the summers. Obviously I am slightly biased but it is truly a great place
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