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Traverse City area Lakefront Log Home, FREE Hot Tub, WIFI, & Boats.

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Sunny morning from our deck.
Beach
Road Entrance To Cottage
Lakeside Deck
Kitchen

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 81000 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Free WiFi

Explore the area

View in a map
South Boardman, MI
  • Place, Perch Lake
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Place, Traverse City Beach
    ‪38 min drive‬
  • Place, Front Street
    ‪43 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Double Beds, 1 Double Futon and 1 Twin Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Traverse City area Lakefront Log Home, FREE Hot Tub, WIFI, & Boats.

Plan your family vacation or friend getaway. We are looking forward to helping you make priceless memories in 2022.

RENTALS ARE REMARKABLE AT THIS CHARMING LOG COTTAGE.

JUST A SHORT BEAUTIFUL DRIVE TO TRAVERSE CITY through forested historic Supply Road.

WEEKLY Summer Rentals, run Saturday til Saturday
3 DAY Minimum Spring & Fall

Get away to Nature and family memories. Join the growing list of renters who enthusiastically appreciate this great log cottage on Perch Lake, a 40 acre inland, no motor lake which thrills families and nature enthusiasts. The ambiance of staying in a log cottage with a stone fireplace with a beautiful view of the lake will warm your heart. The loft allows a getaway for family members who want their own space, play games, read a book or find the toy basket to play.

This Non-Smoking vacation home is an awesome place for a peaceful get-away or family retreat. Activities include swimming, fishing, boating, mushroom hunting, birding, and hiking. The outdoor fire pit is the site for many family evening activities.

SOME PETS are allowed at this cottage.

AMENITIES AND ACTIVITIES
Sandy beach, dock, rowboat, canoe, paddle boat, kayaks, outdoor deck, gas grill, fire pit, and a hot tub overlooking the lake are our guests favorite amenities. Enjoy sunning on the dock or sandy beach [120 foot water frontage]. Five complimentary boats provide lake access. Children enjoy wading along the shoreline. Fishing includes, bluegill, perch, pike, and bass. Nearby trails provide hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

OUR KITCHEN is stocked with all the utensils and kitchen equipment you will need to prepare most any meal, including a dishwasher.

Cable TV/VCR, DVD, stereo CD player, Broadband Wireless Internet, board games, puzzles, cards, and books, provide indoor entertainment.

On site washer and dryer provide family convenience.

Our covered entry deck houses a gas grill. On the front deck [overlooking the lake] you will enjoy a 4 person hot tub, a 4 person table with umbrella and additional seating.

Keep warm and share memories around a lakeside fire pit or inside in front of the stone fireplace. There is plenty of wood in the outdoor woodshed for the fireplace.

Area: Convenient location 20 miles east of Traverse City, Cherry Capital Airport [TVC] [an easy low traffic drive]. 100 miles from Mackinaw Bridge & Island, 50 miles from Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. TC is home to the National Cherry Festival, The Traverse City Film Festival, a renowned Equestrian Festival, prized restaurants and wineries, breweries and much, much more.

Don't miss the unique SHOPPING adventures including Traverse City's 'Front Street', smaller area towns with quaint shops and antique stores [including Suttons Bay, Leland, Glen Arbor, Alden,] Another favorite stop is The Village at Grand Traverse Commons [inside the lower level of the historic Traverse City State Hospital] where you will find award winning restaurants, area art displays, wineries, and unique shops.

The Kirchner family loves CHERRY STREET MARKET in Kalkaska. ALDEN SPICE MILL in Alden. A favorite eating place has recieved several "Best" awards and is our favorite breakfast spot.
THE YANKEE BOY restaurant only 3 miles from the cottage. And horseback riding is available at RANCH RUDOLPH about 10 miles away.

Nearby waterways, Big Manistee and Boardman Rivers provide excellent FISHING and CANOEING opportunities. There are hiking trails along the Boardman River and the Sand Lakes Quiet area plus many quiet interesting spots to hike near Perch Lake. Scenery is beyond compare in all directions.

Travel about 50 miles west to spend a day at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It has been designated "One of the most Beautiful Places in America." You will find many more lakes and rivers as well as hiking and biking trails. Canoes, kayaks and bicycles are all available to rent in the national park area.

You are guaranteed to love your visit to the greater Traverse City area and will enjoy your retreat to our log home, a swim in the lake or a soak in the hot tub, family time around our outside fire pit, making many more memories at the end of your daily adventures.

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Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0-17
Safe, no gas motor lake. Fun for kids.
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Events

No events allowed
Ask owner if you are planning a special event.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
Charge $125/pet with owner permission.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
See below
If someone in your group smokes, take ALL evidence with you. No Smoking at all within the cottage Cigarette butts should be cleaned up!

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
Note from host: Ask owner if you are planning a special event.
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 and a first aid kit

We should mention

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

About the neighborhood

South Boardman

Located in South Boardman, this cottage is in the city center and on the beach. Twin Birch Golf Course and Timber Wolf Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore South Boardman Preserve and South Branch Nature Preserve. Be sure to check out the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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Map
South Boardman, MI

What's nearby

  • Perch Lake - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Torch Lake - 35 min drive - 42.8 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 38 min drive - 41.9 km
  • Front Street - 43 min drive - 46.3 km
  • Turtle Creek Stadium - 49 min drive - 53.1 km

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Yankee Boy - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Country Lanes Bowling Alley - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪nite owl tiki lounge - ‬7 min drive
  • ‪Paramount Coffee Company - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪KE Daycare - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Traverse City area Lakefront Log Home, FREE Hot Tub, WIFI, & Boats. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

How much does it cost to stay at Traverse City area Lakefront Log Home, FREE Hot Tub, WIFI, & Boats.?

As of Mar 28, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Traverse City area Lakefront Log Home, FREE Hot Tub, WIFI, & Boats. on May 4, 2026 start from $299, 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 Traverse City area Lakefront Log Home, FREE Hot Tub, WIFI, & Boats.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Traverse City area Lakefront Log Home, FREE Hot Tub, WIFI, & Boats.?

Check-out is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Traverse City area Lakefront Log Home, FREE Hot Tub, WIFI, & Boats. located?

Located in South Boardman, this beachfront cottage is in the city center, steps from Perch Lake, and within 6 mi (10 km) of South Boardman Preserve and Butler Lake. Bass Lake and Mud Lake are also within 6 mi (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 91 out of 100 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 7 out of 100 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 100 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 100 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 100 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rafe B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice and quiet stay, clean, pet friendly, excellent morning and evening views over the lake. Fun selection of kayaks, paddle board's, etc. Great place to relax
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Delana G.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice, quiet location with plenty of activities for my grandchildren.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Brian J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very cute cottage, great location, nice boats and dock.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James S.

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

A Perfect Retreat

Our stay in this cabin was just wonderful. Normally, we use cabins we rent as a base of operations as we travel to area attractions, events, or trout streams. While we did venture into Traverse City for the Cherry Festival and a bit of wine tasting, we found ourselves more and more content just to stay on the lake. The cozy cabin was very charming and had plenty of seating, cooking supplies, and towels. It has some of the best beach on the lake and our 18 month old grandson enjoyed splashing in the shallows. Firewood for evening campfires was conveniently offered for a fee onsite, and we daily made use of the rowboat, paddleboat, paddle boards (wife wants one now...) and kayaks. We often anchored them in the middle of the lake and just hung out as a family. Only one bedroom is air conditioned, but the cabin is well shaded and has a ceiling fan, so even on warm days we were not uncomfortable. Even though the cabin is on the small side for us (7 adults, one toddler, and a dog), the overall property is large and quite beautiful. We could have stayed another week! This has been one of our favorite vacations (which is saying quite a bit), and we are considering making it a yearly destination. We are very thankful that the owners have made this cabin available to us to enjoy.
4th of July on Perch Lake.
Campfire on the shores of Perch Lake.
Kids enjoying the sand on Perch Lake.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer s.

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

Very Peaceful

This is our second time staying at this property and we had a great time again. We kayaked, swam, and enjoyed bonfires!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Andrea M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super cute cabin that had everything we needed. Owners very responsive to questions and needs.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Eric S.

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

Great option for a guys golf trip

Everything was as advertised. Kitchen was fully stocked for all of our needs. Owners were responsive to questions we had on minor issues with the tv and hot tub. Appreciated the multiple options of things provided to use on the lake. Only suggestion is to provide more fans as it was very hot the time we were there and only one bedroom has an AC unit.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Denise B.

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

Boardman by the Lake

Loved the atmosphere and surrounding. House came with many amenities. Really enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Heidi T.

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

Family vacation

Great vacation spot! We loved the lake and how clean the water was. We were in the water kayaking, fishing and sitting on the docks. We’ll definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jay S.

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

Summer vacation

We had a great trip and the house was a perfect fit for our family.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mary C.

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

Honeymoon in the woods

We had the most amazing time staying here for our honeymoon! There are so many things to do at the cabin—we went paddle boarding, hot-tubbing, row boating, and made a campfire during sunset. The views are gorgeous and the cabin was stocked with all the essential cooking and cleaning supplies. While the cabin feels remote, it’s also a quick drive to downtown Traverse City, several alpaca farms, vineyards, amazing restaurants, and more! We’d love to come back again soon!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Carla M.

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

Cute rustic cabin

We enjoyed the quiet peaceful nature of Perch lake. The assortment for boat/canoe options was a plus for us. It was a more remote location for winding down, but close enough to Lake Michigan and touristy activities.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joan W.

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

May stay

Nice place to stay-thank you
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Tina L.

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

Rest and relax

I had been through a lot personally over the past 2 years, death of my mother in law, mom and husband. Working full time and mandatory overtime and recovering from shoulder surgery the last day in may. I needed some where quite relaxing and with a hot tub which helped my shoulder loosen up. Just to get away and I found it here at this beautiful cabin. I plan on returning in the future. Thank you
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mark P.

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

Plumbing

Had trouble with bathroom plumbing. Owners responded quickly and appropriately. Great time, nice amenities.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane O.

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

Great Stay!

We all had the best time! The cabin was perfect and the kids, 9 and 11 had so much fun on the kayaks and paddle boat. Had a little party around the fire pit, watching the fire works display across the lake.The beds were super comfy and the place has such cool decor. Kids want to go back again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Steve G.

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

It was a great place to rest and relax!

Was a nice stay and enjoyed our time and the cabin.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Susan P.

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

Relaxing Stay

,
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

adam w.

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

Sublime

The quiet, stars, glistening lake with no trips for firewood, canoe…..it was all taken care of.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Laura P.

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

Amazing fall getaway

We had the best mini vacation at the cabin. It had everything we needed and more. Even though the weather was rainy and chilly, we got to enjoy the beautiful view of the lake and all the fall colors. We used the fireplace everyday and soaked in the hot tub a couple of nights. Loved the decor inside and the fact that there was a welcome "basket" when we arrived. We did leave the wine for the next guests to enjoy! Our dogs loved being able to play at the waters edge and being able to sniff all around the property. The beds were comfortable and the bathroom was surprisingly big! We had to go to a wedding in TC, so it was nice to be able to get ready without tripping all over each other. The kitchen was well stocked with everything you could need and it even had a small dishwasher which was a bonus. Even though we didn't use it, the fire pit outside had a ton of seating and a great view of the lake. I took a ton of pictures and collected many beautiful leaves. My husband fished off the docks but didn't end up catching anything.... We really had a good time. Hopefully will be able to book a trip during the warmer months in the future!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

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

Lovely getaway!

Perfect getaway for Labor Day weekend. We enjoyed using the kayaks and swimming in the lake. The hot tub was hit with our teens. Thanks for a great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Cindy S.

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

Relaxing

Loved everything but the public beach 100 ft away. I literally heard every conversation.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Josh E.

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

Enjoyable & Relaxing

Just what we needed after a grouling work schedule this summer. There was enough to keep the young kiddos busy. Quiet and relaxing for the adults. The hot tub and fire pit were a hit and were both used each day. We caught some nice bass as well (catch and release). Thank you! We would absolutely recommend a stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Troy W.

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

Cabin on the lake

We enjoyed our stay at this rustic and quaint cabin in South Boardman. This cabin is clearly pride and joy for it’s owners. It was a convenient location to all of the fun stuff we did in Traverse City.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Marti S.

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

A Calming Retreat

A great lake cabin on a cute little lake. The sunsets were wonderful! The owners were responsive when a few questions arose. It had everything one could think of for a good up ‘Up North’ experience for all ages. The home’s location near Traverse City was ideal for exploring this corner of Michigan. There were lots of adventures around, whether the weather was great or not-so-good. It was our first time checking out this area in-depth and we were amazed at the beauty, as well as everyone’s willingness to assure we had a great time everywhere we went. We loved our stay!
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Stephanie Kirchner

Host profile image
We are retired administrators from Munson Healthcare and Michigan Public Schools. We both grew up in Western Michigan and wanted an opportunity for our sons to experience it too.
We celebrated every holiday at the cabin. three sons and their families enjoy the great outdoors and playing Bluegrass Music throughout Michigan and Massachusetts. We have owned, enjoyed and improved this cottage since 1987. It was our home full time for more than a year while we were permanently relocating to the Traverse City area. The cottage is lovingly updated yearly.

Why they chose this property

We found this breathtakingly beautiful log cottage with a perfect setting on a non-motor lake while we were vacationing "up north" in early 1987. We bought the cabin as a family Up North retreat. Swimming was a top request for our boys. They also loved fishing and catching turtles. It was safe for our kids when they were growing up and offered so many opportunities for area exploration and was close enough to Traverse City so we could enjoy all the opportunities in the entire area. It offered a very easy access to Traverse City without enduring the traffic of some of the major roads.

What makes this property unique

This is a quiet repose from the summer busy schedule in Traverse City, while easily accessible via paved county roads. It is also uniquely accessible to Cherry Capital Airport which is served by at least 3 major airlines. It also puts Mackinac Island and the Mackinac Bridge an easy day trip away. [100 miles]. The sleepy village of Alden is also a personal favorite. A day trip to Torch Lake and Elk Rapids is also delightful. There is great canoeing on the Manistee River or the Boardman River within 10 miles. Hiking trails are also plentiful in the area.
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