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Lakefront Cottage | Fire Pit + Kayaks + SUPs

Photo gallery for Lakefront Cottage | Fire Pit + Kayaks + SUPs

Living area
Room
Private kitchen
Property grounds
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near High Lake
2 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet

Explore the area

View in a map
Traverse City, MI
  • Place, Forest Lakes
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, High Lake
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Arbutus Lake
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪16 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Other sleeping area

1 Twin Bed

Other sleeping area

1 Twin Bed

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Loft bathroom

Main floor

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden

About this property

Lakefront Cottage | Fire Pit + Kayaks + SUPs

🌊 Private lakefront access
🚣 Kayaks, SUPs + canoe
🔥 Fire pit evenings
🌅 Sunset deck views
🚗 Minutes to Traverse City

Pura Vida Cottage is a peaceful lakefront escape on Chandler Lake, offering the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure just minutes from Traverse City. Spend your days paddling, swimming, or unwinding by the fire, then enjoy sunset views from the covered porch or deck. This cozy cottage includes private lake access, a dock, and all the essentials for an easy Northern Michigan stay.

The Space:

LIVING ROOM:
Open floor plan
Tall ceilings
Comfortable seating area

KITCHEN:
Refrigerator
Stove + oven
Microwave
Dishwasher
Cookware + dishware

BEDROOM #1:
Queen bed
Main floor location

BEDROOM #2 (LOFT):
Queen bed
Twin daybed with trundle
Spiral staircase access

BATHROOM #1:
Full bathroom
Main floor

BATHROOM #2:
Half bathroom
Loft level

LAUNDRY ROOM (PRIVATE):
Stackable washer
Dryer

OUTSIDE:
Private dock
Lake access
2 kayaks
2 paddleboards
Canoe
Covered front porch
Outdoor dining
Fire pit with wood

PLEASE NOTE:
Hill access to lake with stairs + rope handrail
Water gets deep quickly
Not ideal for very small children
Spiral staircase to loft
Smoke-free / pet-free home
One-week minimum stay required
Owners may occasionally access property for boat or yard care
Pura Vida East Bay Township STR license # is 008810
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 24
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number STR License - STR2021-0074
Property # 2103996
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
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the neighborhood

Traverse City

Located in Traverse City, this cottage is on the beach. Shoppers can check out Front Street, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Michigan and Traverse City Beach. Centre Ice Arena and Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf are also worth visiting. Take an opportunity to explore the area for water adventures such as scuba diving.
View more Cottages in Traverse CityOpens in a new window
Map
Traverse City, MI

What's nearby

  • Forest Lakes - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
  • High Lake - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Tibbets Lake - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Arbutus Lake - 6 min drive - 3.3 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 12 min drive - 10.4 km

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 16 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Taco Bell - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Wendy's - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬15 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lakefront Cottage | Fire Pit + Kayaks + SUPs pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Lakefront Cottage | Fire Pit + Kayaks + SUPs?

As of Jun 10, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lakefront Cottage | Fire Pit + Kayaks + SUPs on Sep 12, 2026 start from $522, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Lakefront Cottage | Fire Pit + Kayaks + SUPs?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lakefront Cottage | Fire Pit + Kayaks + SUPs?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lakefront Cottage | Fire Pit + Kayaks + SUPs located?

Situated on the beach, this cottage is within a 15-minute walk of High Lake and Tibbets Lake. Forest Lakes and Arbutus Lake are also within 2 mi (3 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labeled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 20 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sue E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful visit

The family stayed here to attend a wedding on the lake. The lake is so special to us. The families have outgrown the cabin and now rent from others on the lake to all come together for holidays or special events.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Justin D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming cottage with peaceful surroundings (and fantastic local pizza)

We truly enjoyed our time here. The place was clean and had all the amenities we needed. The owners were very responsive with any random questions we had and we would highly recommend staying here.
Stayed 6 nights in Dec 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Braely A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful anniversary trip!!

We had such a great time! We will be back with our kids in the future. Loved the Cottage and all the fun things to do in Northern Michigan. Just an amazing trip all around!!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Oct 7, 2022
We are so pleased you had a great time in northern Michigan. You definitely took great advantage of your time, and I was impressed with all that you saw and did. And, of course, we are very happy that you loved the cottage. It was a true labor of love, and we appreciate the care you took of our cottage during your visit. We hope you will return with your family! Thank you for choosing Pura Vida!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Paul B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Awesome getaway!

Everything about the property was as described and being there in person was better than expected. Peaceful setting just minutes away from downtown Traverse City. The house was excellent and updated with many amenities. Would definitely stay here again. Highly recommended!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 22, 2022
Paul you guys were wonderful guests. You took excellent care of the cottage to the accolades of our cleaning staff! We would love to host you again and hope you will come back and see us.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Loved our stay!

We loved our stay at the cottage! The cottage is clean, modern, and has everything you need. It is so peaceful and quiet. We loved relaxing on the porch - eating meals, reading, playing board games. We enjoyed the ease of lake access, swimming and kayaking! Traverse city is such a beautiful area, easy to access so many delicious restaurants, cute shops, beautiful wineries, and so many fun outdoor activities! Definitely worth the visit :)
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

April L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful cottage stay at the lake

We had a great time at the Pura Vida cottage. It was better than the pictures and very clean! Space wise, it was perfect for our family of 5. Our 3 kids loved having the loft upstairs to themselves! The back porch became the favorite spot especially with the rainy weather we had for the week. Overall perfect place to stay central to lots to see and do in the area!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 15, 2021
April and her family were great guests! They left the cottage in excellent condition which is greatly appreciated, and makes our job easier when we prepare for our next guests. They were respectful of the rules, and we would love to host them again.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Brenda C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Lake Cottage

The Lake Cottage was absolutely perfect and charming. The attention to detail was top notched! Super clean with all the amities you could hope for. The communication with the owner was outstanding. Very close to so many beautiful areas, including kayaking, wineries, shopping, and restaurants. I highly recommend the cottage. Best vacation ever!
Stayed 8 nights in May 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Jun 3, 2024
Brenda, you were perfect guests, and left the cottage in excellent condition. Our cleaning gal was impressed! I only regret we did not have the opportunity to meet. Your wonderful messages about our cottage was most appreciated. We would love to have you come back! Deb
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jeremy

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
Great location. Cozy, cute well equipped cottage. Provided non motorized equipment to be used on the lake. Loved sitting out on the porch and taking in the view of the lake. Peaceful.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Adrienne G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Serenity now!

I was so excited when we pulled up to this lovely property. The view of the lake and the surrounding trees offered instant peace. The interior was clean, thoughtfully decorated, and overall welcoming and comfortable. Also, nearly anything you could think of needing or wanting was provided. My husband and I quickly realized we’d like to come back when we could stay a bit longer. Thank you so much for such a wonderful weekend! It’s just what our hearts and souls needed.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023
Response from VrboOwner on May 22, 2023
Adrienne, you were excellent guests. We are happy you enjoyed the cottage and really appreciate that you took excellent care of cottage. Also heard you met our 80 year old neighbor Al. He is a character and loves to tell stories so you also got a taste of local folk! It was a pleasure to have you guys and we hope you will come back. FYI our township has passed new STR rules and now require a minimum of a 6 night stay so yes, come back and stay longer so you can fully enjoy the cottage and lake!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

bryan T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful Cabin on The lake

Property and cabin was very clean and well appointed. From the nice gravel driveway and grass lawn, to the subtle touches inside, this cabin was awesome! The porch is the star of the show, we enjoyed sitting outside watching the lake through the trees or the many birds, deer, animals scurrying in the forest. Used the kayaks and paddle board which was fun. Caught lots of Bass in the lake and used the gas grill to cook at night. Very nice cabin for a couple or two or a small family as the cabin isn’t that big, but it was nice to have the extra bathroom upstairs. Owner was very friendly and was available.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 11, 2022
Thank you so much for choosing our cottage for your Traverse City visit. And, thank you for the great care you left our cottage. It was a pleasure to meet you both, Very much enjoyed our chat and loved the beautiful drawing Bryan drew in our guest book. Hope you will come back and visit us! Deb
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Yee Lam N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Cozy Charming Private Cottage

This was such a beautiful property sited high above a private lake with steps leading down to the water. We heard loons, owls and spent time bass fishing from the dock … or taking the kayaks and stand up paddle board out around the lake. Our family of five found it very comfortable - a lovely place to relax in the woods or on the water, and minutes away from Traverse City where we could have a great meal at one of the local restaurants (Firefly, Red Ginger, Brasserie Aime were our favorites) and shop the charming downtown storefronts. For our family, this balance of the best of the city and the best of Michigan’s forests and lakes made for a wonderful getaway. DEFINITELY recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 12, 2021
Yee and her family were wonderful guests. They treated the property respectfully following all of our rules and left the cottage in great condition. It made our job easier, and it was greatly appreciated. We would love to have them return!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sam H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous Lakeside Retreat

The property is delightful, clean and well maintained inside and out. The beautiful lake beckons through lush leafy trees. We ate meals and played board games outside on the lovely shaded porch. Kayaking and swimming are quick and easy right off the dock. Roomy bedrooms, quality bedding, consistent broadband wifi throughout the property handled the family’s web surfing and streaming media with ease. Movies aplenty with LG tv stacked with all the major streaming apps + airplay. One if the best appointed vacation rentals ever. We prepared most meals at home for the week snd were shocked at the quality, quantity and diversity of the cooking utensils, knives, and. containers. Really wonderful location for relaxing and close to stores, restaurants and entertainment. Would highly recommend to couples and families.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 16, 2023
Sam, thank you for your wonderful review. We wanted to furnish the cottage as we would like to find a STR rental. When you are away from home and paying to be able to cook your own meals it seems logical that there would be sufficient pans and dishes to do so. It is very much appreciated that you noticed. It pleases us greatly that you enjoyed your stay, found the cottage well equipped, and enjoyed the peace and tranquility that the property offers. You were fabulous guests, and we also appreciate the care and condition you left the property. It was a pleasure to have you and your family, and we hope you will come back and visit us! Thank you! Deb Porter
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Dana F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Traverse City Hide-Away

Wonderful home and we loved being a short drive to town, but also far enough away to feel like we had escaped the crazy summer/Cherry Fest crowd. The home was spotless and stocked with everything you could imagine. True home away from home. We traveled with our 15 and 12 year old and “grandma” too. Enjoyed grilling one night, a campfire two of the nights - and having access to the owners kayak and paddle board. While there isn’t a true beach (no sand) and lake at shore naturally has leaves from beautiful trees overhead on bottom, that didn’t stop our kids from hopping off the end of the deck or taking a paddle in the kayak. The covered front porch was a great spot for enjoying our morning coffee, a few meals and nightly card games. This was our first ever VRBO rental and all others after this (in other locations) will have a high bar to compete with! I will definitely look to re-book here the next time our travels bring us to the TC area.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 22, 2021
Dana, you and your family were a delight to have as guests. You were respectful of the cottage, followed our rules, and left the place neat and clean. Very much appreciated hosting your family, and it really makes us happy when we know our guests had fun and were comfortable in the space. Definitely come back and see us!
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great cottage close to Traverse City

My family enjoyed our stay at this incredibly cute new cottage close to Traverse City. The pictures represent the home well. It is very clean, has a great open space and the kitchen is stocked with everything you need and more (probably the most well stocked rental we have ever been in). It also had large closet space in both bedrooms which is rare for a rental home. We loved the property, we spent lots of our evenings out on the expansive patio. Chandler lake is very peaceful. The only thing that would have made it better would be some comfy chairs to hang on (only had table/ wooden chairs and some folding lawn chairs), there are great trees for hammocks though. You are also only a 15 minute drive from downtown Traverse City. Rachel and Deb were fantastic hosts and available to answer any questions we had. My only note is for families with small children, while Chandler Lake does have a sandy bottom this part of the lake is forested (lots of leaves and sticks at the shore). We didn’t use the lake, even though the house was WELL stocked with kayaks and canoes. You would definitely need to use water shoes to access the lake. The house has a dock which would allow for swimming but the water is deep; it actually gets very deep very quick. This was not an issue for us as we found a bunch of sandy lake beaches in Traverse - East Beach is a short drive and a great spot. This is not the home if you are looking to spend a couple of lazy days on a beach while your kids wade in the water as there is no shoreline at all. That being said I would highly recommend this home.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

carol w.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Reflective

Location of this beautiful home is located in a quiet neighborhood with a peaceful lake for reflection and tranquility. House if perfect and spotless. The porch is relaxing with views of the lake. Communication with the owner is excellent. You will not be disappointed with this beautiful rental.
Stayed 8 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Perry S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Just Right

Was looking for a relaxing trip in Northern Michigan, this cottage couldn’t have been better, the house was clean and well appointed, the hosts were great and the communication was clear, everything was just right. We are looking forward to our next visit.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Emily S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Wonderful

Clean, remodeled, and has every amenity a family would need while traveling. Peaceful property with beautiful views
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Justin G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great place

We had a nice stay. The cabin is fairly new so all appliances are modern and good. Well stocked with everything that you would need and more. Property management is very responsive and handles any needs quickly. I highly recommend.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kari P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Time away

We typically do beach vacations, but wanted to try the lake life this summer. Our oldest was headed to college the week after we got back, so a lot of chill time was in order. This was a great, relaxing time away from home. Traverse City and surrounding areas could keep you busy all day, every day if you're looking to be busy. If not, waking up and hitting the lake with the provided toys (kayaks and SUP) was a great way to spend the day!! The property owners were so helpful and friendly! We only had a couple questions during our stay, and everything was answered extremely quickly. Definitely recommend staying here!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2021
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gale A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect

Very clean, beautiful porch, everything provided was so helpful.

About the host

Hosted by Rachel Steelman

Host profile image
Property was purchased in 2019 by family members, Rachel and Randy Steelman, and Deborah and Robert Porter. There was a small dilapidated cabin and outhouse on the property, which needed to be raised. With Randy, our family contractor, and a lot of family sweat equity a new cottage was built. We enjoyed our time planning, cleaning up the lot, rebuilding, and decorating our new cottage. We named the cottage Pura Vida which is a common expression in Costa Rica and means pure or simple life. Felt right to name our cottage in honor of the Costa Rican people who were friendly and gracious hosts.

Why they chose this property

Traverse City and the surrounding area boasts many lakes and rivers, but if you are looking for waterfront, and/or peace and quiet that is close to Traverse City, Pura Vida is an excellent choice. Our kitchen is well stocked with all place settings, glassware, wine glasses, baking ware, pots and pans, toaster, coffee pot that can make a full pot or a single cup, cutting boards, cookie sheets, bake ware, etc., and we also provide BBQ tools and s'more sticks! A stackable washer and dryer on site offers an opportunity to wash and dry clothes which allows more space in your suitcase for shopping treasures.

What makes this property unique

Please note that while there is 115 feet of private water frontage, the lake meets the land and there is not a true beach. However, the cottage includes 2 kayaks, a canoe, 2 SOP boards and a variety of lifejackets which are free for our guests to use. There is a great sandy and shallow spot on the north west side of the lake which is a quick paddle away, and a good spot for kids to play. Also, the cottage sits at the top of the hill and there is a rope handrail with stairs near the bottom to get to the water. Before the stairs begin, there is a deck with table and chairs overlooking the lake great for enjoying drinks and snacks. The water gets deep quickly from shore, and a ladder is installed at the end of the dock to allow swimmers to get out of the water without returning to shore.

Languages:

English

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