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Lake Leelenau Waterfront Cottage-close to Traverse City, Fishtown & Suttons Bay

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Property grounds
Beach
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 6975 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Gym
  • Outdoor Space

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

2 Bedrooms

1 Queen Bed

Sitting Room

2 Large Twin Futons

1 bathroom

1 Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Lake Leelenau Waterfront Cottage-close to Traverse City, Fishtown & Suttons Bay

Willow Tree Cottage is the perfect location for getaways with family and friends! Situated on spacious tree-lined property, this newly renovated cottage offers private lakefront views and breath taking sunsets over Lake Leelanau. Enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water or kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing with provided equipment.

Enhance your stay on the Leelanau Peninsula Trail, featuring 17 miles of paved trails for biking, dog-walking or exploring nearby vineyards. Located 15 miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes, and just a 10-minute scenic drive to downtown Traverse City, Suttons Bay, and historic Fishtown in Leland.

New renovations (Spring 2022) include fully renovated bathroom; new flooring and furniture; central air and furnace heat; spacious new kitchen w/ eat-in island; exterior paint, fresh landscaping and much more! There are 2 bedrooms- each with a queen bed. There is a sitting room with 2 chair/ottomans that covert to twin beds. Amenities include wifi and smart tv; board games; DVD player with movies; fire pit; large deck for grilling; and an indoor porch, perfect for family meals and game nights. Provided equipment includes 2 kayaks, 2 paddle boards, life vests for all ages, and yard games.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
- We allow no more than 2 non-shedding dogs, under 50lbs. There will is a $100 charge per dog.

-There is a $100/day charge to dock a watercraft. Due to the shallow shoreline, there is a lot of wear and tear on the dock. Do not trailer the boat to the property, as we have a very steep driveway with a sharp, narrow turn. There is boat launch 1/4-mile south of the cottage, with a wash station to help protect against invasive species.

- We highly recommend that our guests purchase the VRBO Cancellation Protection, as unforeseen circumstances arise often and we advise protecting your vacation investment.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 27
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

Pets allowed: dogs less than 50 lbs per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Non-shedding dogs only. $100 charge per dog.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks, and take out the trash
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Leave all sheets and blankets on the beds, and place used towels in the bathtub. Run the dirty dishes thru the dishwasher, flipping the magnet to CLEAN. Empty the food from the fridge & cupboards.
Please tie up the umbrellas & cover the deck furniture and grill. Ensure all doors and windows are closed and locked. Turn off all inside/ outside lights.
Leave us a VRBO review! Our hope is that you enjoyed your stay at Willow Tree Cottage worthy of FIVE stars!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No boats and trailers on the property.

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
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, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

About the neighborhood

Traverse City

Located in Traverse City, this cottage is in the city center and on the waterfront. Village at Grand Traverse Commons and Hippie Tree are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Jacob's Corn Maze and Great Lakes Children's Museum are also worth visiting. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Cottages in Traverse CityOpens in a new window
Map
Traverse City, MI

What's nearby

  • Lake Leelanau - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Front Street - 15 min drive - 22.0 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 21 min drive - 29.5 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 23 min drive - 28.5 km
  • Torch Lake - 57 min drive - 68.9 km

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 25 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Brengman Brothers - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Paradise Cove Bar & Grill - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Bisto Polaris - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Farm Club - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Cedar Tavern - ‬20 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Leelenau Waterfront Cottage-close to Traverse City, Fishtown & Suttons Bay pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much does it cost to stay at Lake Leelenau Waterfront Cottage-close to Traverse City, Fishtown & Suttons Bay?

As of Mar 19, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Lake Leelenau Waterfront Cottage-close to Traverse City, Fishtown & Suttons Bay on May 14, 2026 start from $508, 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 Lake Leelenau Waterfront Cottage-close to Traverse City, Fishtown & Suttons Bay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lake Leelenau Waterfront Cottage-close to Traverse City, Fishtown & Suttons Bay?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lake Leelenau Waterfront Cottage-close to Traverse City, Fishtown & Suttons Bay located?

Located in the heart of Traverse City, this cottage is steps from Lake Leelanau, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Lake Michigan and bigLITTLE Wines. L. Mawby Vineyards and Brengman Brothers are also within 6 mi (10 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. 57 out of 58 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 58 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 58 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tracy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time enjoying the cottage and surrounding area. I would highly recommend this property!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

julia c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous place inside and out!!! The cottage/home was wonderfully decorated and appointed. Beds were comfy, great sleep and linens top notch. Kitchen well supplied modern great space with island to gather. family room area cozy. LOVED the outside waterfront deck, with beautiful amazing views. We took full advantage of the kayaks for many paddles as well as the firepit with the great andirondeck chairs. would definitely stay here again!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Whitney A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Willow Tree Cottage is a cute, comfortable little place in a great central location. Our family of 5 with 3 young kids had a great week exploring the lake and nearby towns. The lake bottom is quite rocky in front of the cottage, so I recommend bringing water shoes if you plan to spend time swimming there. Overall a great place to stay!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diana D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had an amazing 5-day stay at the Lake Leelanau Waterfront Cottage! The lake view was gorgeous, the Wi-Fi was fast, and check-in was a breeze. The owner communicated wonderfully and made sure we had everything we needed. We especially loved that it’s pet-friendly—our furbaby Moe, a German Shepherd, got to celebrate his 9th birthday here! Honestly, he might’ve enjoyed it even more than we did. This trip was for him, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Highly recommend for a relaxing getaway with your pup!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kelly K.

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

Great place to stay

We really enjoyed our stay at the cottage. It’s a really cute cottage with amazing sunset views. The location allowed us to easily explore the Leelanau peninsula early each day and to return to enjoy some lake time in the afternoon. All of the extra toys (kayaks, paddle boards, fishing poles) were a nice bonus. The size of the cottage worked out well for our family with 2 kids under 10, but I imagine we may have needed a bit more space if they were teenagers or if we had a bigger group. Overall, we had a great time and already miss relaxing on the deck watching the sunset.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Julie F.

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

Perfect!

We truly enjoyed our week at the Willow Tree cottage. The renovations that have been done are spectacular. Such a great location on the lake with all needed amenities. We hope to be back. Our family made more memories that will last a lifetime. Thank you.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Luther D.

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

Perfect getaway spot

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this property. It was the perfect location on Lake Leenanau. It had everything we could want and the place was nicely renovated. Would definitely stay here again if it was available when we vacation next.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marsha H.

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

Relaxing lake cottage

We really enjoyed kayaking and paddle boarding . . . And the lovely sunsets.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Frank N.

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

Great cottage to experience northern Michigan

Location is great and the renovations completed on this cottage are fantastic. It was the perfect distance from Traverse City and a number of other landmarks. We would stay again in the future.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tim M.

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

Great Lake House

Our family of five and dog had a nice time. House is comfortable and stocked with everything you need. Situated perfectly in the area with a short drive to most towns.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristen H.

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

family trip

This was the perfect cottage for a family trip to the area. The cottage had everything we could ever think of needing! The kayaks were a hit with the kids, and the view was beautiful.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bridget K.

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

Wonderful cottage!

We loved our stay - such a comfortable and charming cottage on a beautiful lake! The location was wonderful between Suttons Bay and TC. The cottage was so well stocked with water toys, towels, games, movies, kitchen tools, and so many other things. Thank you for a fantastic trip!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christian B.

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

All you need

Had a great time staying. Loved the level of detail on everything from instructions to supplies.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sara F.

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

Wonderfully Relaxing

We really enjoyed our stay at the Willow Tree Cottage! This a very comfortable space and Nichole and Frank have thought of every little thing a lake visitor could need!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Breon W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It's my opinion that this is the very best spot- this will have been our 3rd visit to this beautiful cottage on Lake Leelenau. Close enough to any adventure you want to take but secluded enough to feel like you have the lake to yourself. They have provided absolutely anything you could need (even kayaks and padfle boards!) THE BEST VIEW for sunsets and star gazing. We had a bon fire every night and enjoyed the sunshine big deck and yard during our days. Close enough to downtown traverse city where we found the most wonderful market (Burrits! A must see) cooked beautiful meals and used the grill too! We had three adukts and our pup with more than enough room. They have made this so beautiful that its our favorite place to visit, hard to consider anywhere else. WE WILL BE BACK. Thank you and sincerely some very grateful guests
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heather C.

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

Fall Stay at Willow Tree

We had a lovely stay in this cottage. Its location is excellent. It is on Lake Leelanau and close to Suttons Bay, Traverse City, Old Mission Peninsula, and The Leelanau Trail. We visited all of these spots! The cottage is well stocked, very neat and comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kyle L.

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

4th of july get away.

Perfect little cottage, we loved our stay, everything worked and was as it should be, great property, very clean, perfect little beach front, and great communication with property management, we are already planning on another holiday weekend in the same property and we cant wait.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Taylor H.

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

Just perfect!

The home was amazing- clean, adorable, perfect location, kid friendly, owners were so accommodating. It had everything you need!…. and the sunsets were gorgeous!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

kim M.

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

Beautiful Cottage

What a beautiful property and a great location for exploring Traverse City, and the surrounding areas. Loved spending time on the front porch gazing at the beautiful sunsets! Bonus that we could bring our dog and not only did we have plenty of space for him to enjoy, we felt right at home with dog bowls provided.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

CHARLES R.

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

Lake Leelanau tranquility

The cottage was everything as stated in the listing. A beautiful location and updated cottage with all amenities needed. The property owner was outstanding to work with. We rented a pontoon at The Narrows which made our stay even more enjoyable. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gregory J.

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

Loved It!

Well appointed cottage in a great location! Private, awesome lake views, beautiful sunsets. It was a perfect home base for a four night adventure of hiking, sightseeing, shopping, boating, wineries, breweries, along with some needed relaxation. We would definitely recommend this property and would love to return in the future.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cristie I.

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

Perfect Up North Lakeside Getaway!

Our family loved our stay at Willow Tree Cottage! Truly, the perfect Up North escape. We enjoyed access to Lake Leelanau, the beautiful sunsets and stars! It was the perfect location to explore Traverse City, Sutton’s Bay, Leland and the Great Bear Dunes! Our two year old daughter was in love with the sand pit, and we enjoyed taking in the lake view. Can’t say enough about this special cottage and hope to visit again soon!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jill D.

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

Perfect for families!

Our family of 5 (kids aged 8-10) had a wonderful stay at WTC. Our children had an abundance of activities to choose from kayaking to fishing to swimming in the lake. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ethan M.

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

Leelanau cottage

Even with lots of rain during our stay, cozy and delightful. Front porch is great and the wanted access is awesome too. Great to have some included water toys!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Breon W.

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

Perfect northern Mi getaway

Willow Tree Cottage has it all! The owners have you wanting for nothing- the most well appointed cottage stay i have ever experienced- breath taking views and privacy. The thoughtfulness and attention to detail did not go unnoticed. This place is a treasure and we enjoyed our stay so much that we booked again for next year. Cant wait!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

About the host

Hosted by Nichole Ranka-Weith and Frank Weith

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Languages:

English, German

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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