NEW 2017 cottage on private, secluded 10 wooded acres 2 mi. from TORCH LAKE
This new property will exceed your expectations! New March, 2024 Fiber High Speed internet!! Only 2 miles from Torch Lake, 10 min to Elk Rapids, 15 min. to Bellaire, 25 min. to Traverse City, Turtle Creek Casino only 10 min. away & Lake Skegemog trail is 200 ft. from the driveway! Best fishing in all of Michigan! This new, 1350 sq ft. vacation home has everything you, your friends or family need to make unforgettable memories all year round. The two bedrooms each have their own ensuite full baths. One bath has a tub / shower and the other has a huge tile shower with his and hers vanities & sinks. Huge open kitchen/ dining/ family room. This is a vacation home with a location that can NOT be beat. Come and stay for Wine tasting, Beer sampling, fall color touring, kayaking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, downhill skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, fishing, boating, fine dinning and shopping all within a very short drive of our vacation home we call "Which Way Ranch". Enjoy a roaring fire in ANY weather in our "outdoor room" complete with fireplace or have a campfire (conditions permitting) in the fire pit in the yard. Tastefully decorated with comfortable all new furniture, bedding and linens. All new appliances, including a gas grill, dishwasher, full size washer / dryer, gas stove and refrigerator with beverage drawer and automatic ice maker. We have horseshoe's, corn hole (bean bag game) and other games inside the house for "game night" and two hammocks for hanging on the rings in the huge outdoor room or on the trees of your choice. There is seating for 4 in the outdoor room and seating for 4 at the Island and 4 at the table. There is seating for 4 around the great room couch, 2 chairs and even 4 stools that pull out from under the round coffee table in front of the couch. The outdoor room can be used in almost any kind of weather and even if it's pouring rain or snowing you can still have a great time out there! We can't wait to share Which Way Ranch with you and we are sure you will enjoy your vacation and come back to stay with us over and over because you'll run out of time and never run out of awesome stuff to do. Non smoking only and leave fur babies with grandma please.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
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Please! Kids food/drinks in kitchen dining rm only
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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
No smoking of cigars or cigarettes on the property
This home is on a septic system and absolutely no feminine hygiene products or wipes or Kleenex should be flushed or food scraps down kitchen sink.
Absolutely no smoking or VAPING anywhere on property. Evidence of smoking or VAPING could result in loss of deposit. NO fireworks or sparklers.
Quiet time after 10:00 p.m. We are very good friends with all our neighbors and want to keep it that way. Respect of our neighbors is expected.
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
About the area
Rapid City
Located in Rapid City, this holiday home is in a rural area and near theme parks. Music House Museum and Guntzviller's Spirit of the Woods Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Elk Rapids District Library and Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating and sledging.
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 32 min drive
Restaurants
Blue Water Bistro & Pizzeria - Torch Lake Pizza - 6 min drive
Alden Bar - 9 min drive
Torch Lake Beer Company - 9 min drive
Johnny's Torch Riviera - 9 min drive
Mr. C's. (CLOSED) - 14 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is NEW 2017 cottage on private, secluded 10 wooded acres 2 mi. from TORCH LAKE pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at NEW 2017 cottage on private, secluded 10 wooded acres 2 mi. from TORCH LAKE?
As of Apr 12, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at NEW 2017 cottage on private, secluded 10 wooded acres 2 mi. from TORCH LAKE on Jun 16, 2026 start from CA $343, excluding 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 at NEW 2017 cottage on private, secluded 10 wooded acres 2 mi. from TORCH LAKE?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at NEW 2017 cottage on private, secluded 10 wooded acres 2 mi. from TORCH LAKE?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at NEW 2017 cottage on private, secluded 10 wooded acres 2 mi. from TORCH LAKE?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is NEW 2017 cottage on private, secluded 10 wooded acres 2 mi. from TORCH LAKE located?
Situated in a rural location, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Lake Skegemog and Torch River. Torch Lake and Torch Lake Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Such a beautiful house in a nice secluded wooded setting. Have stayed here more than once and enjoy it every single time. The hosts of the property are some of the nicest people I've come into contact with.
Diane M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 29, 2025
Diane and Steve are the perfect guests. We're so glad you've enjoyed yet another stay at our cottage. You're always welcome!
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Matthew M.
May 29, 2019
Wonderful Stay!
Great property, clean, updated, great owners and hosts. Would highly recommend!
Matthew M.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 6, 2020
Thank you for choosing to stay at our cottage after running the Bayshore Marathon in Traverse City. It's such a wonderful event. We look forward to hosting you in the future and hope you come visit again. Thank you also for leaving our place so neat and tidy. We really value guests that take care of our place as if it was their own.
All the best to you both,
Janene Doherty
This property is so beautiful and well maintained. It has everything you need to make your stay the most relaxing time you've ever had.
Diane M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 27, 2022
We always try our best to make sure our guests are comfortable and enjoy their vacation time. I love hosting and sharing our Cottage with people who appreciate and care for our place like we do. We love our place and it's such a nice feeling knowing others do to! Thank you for being such wonderful guests. Can't wait to host you again next summer.
Very well-cared for home; Owner (Janene) made herself available anytime to answer questions or provide recommendations. The house is well-stocked with more than adequate provisions. We definitely had a sense of “getting away from it all”. Definitely recommend!
Bernadette G.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 5, 2025
I'm always happy when I know my guests are having a great time. You were wonderful guests & we hope to have you stay again soon! Thank you for taking such good care of our place.
The cottage was very clean and well-kept. We were definitely very comfortable and had everything we needed. The owners are very helpful with area info..very good communication!
Jeana C.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 6, 2020
It was my pleasure to host you and your group. We hope to have you stay again. We're excited to have the fall colors now. It's so beautiful! So many pictures to take!
Janene Doherty
The property & interior aligned & exceeded our expectations during our stay. VERY clean and organized and treated it like it was ours during our stay. Janene is very passionate and did everything anyone could ask for from a host perspective. Torch Lake and the surrounding area's will always have a very special place in our heart. I will not hesitate to reach out to Janene for our next venture UP NORTH!
Sreten M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Jason M.
Feb 19, 2019
Relaxing stay in Traverse City area
Great location. Well appointed and comfortable. Owner is responsive and helpful with suggestions. Any concerns were handled promptly and courteously. Highly recommend if visiting TC!
Jason M.
Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 6, 2020
We are so pleased that you and your friends enjoyed staying at Which Way Ranch. It is our goal to help all our guests have the best trip possible. We hope to host you again. Thank you very much for being such gracious guests.
A remote area but close to town. Cottage was clean. We enjoyed the patio in the evening.
Holly M.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Sep 7, 2024
From your comment above & your very nice note in our guest book and any communication we had I am completely puzzled why you left only a 3 star review? As a host for over five years and receiving all 5 star reviews on every platform we are listed on I'm hoping for some feedback from you. I'm not sure what prompted your review. Could you please explain?
This place was immaculate and well equipped. Right in the middle of everything fun! Owners were very responsive and maccommodating
Peggy B.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 21, 2024
It's always my goal to make sure our cottage exceeds our guests expectations. I'm so glad you and your friends enjoyed our place and our beautiful area. It's incredible how many things there are to do in such close proximity to our cottage.
Thank you for being such wonderful guests. Please come and stay again sometime soon!
All the best,
Janene Doherty
We have returned to this beautiful home 3 times now. Each stay has been relaxing with nights spent by the fire and day trips to Mackinac, Traverse City, the casino and more. Loved it.
Diane M.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 27, 2023
We are so pleased you enjoyed our cottage again! It means so much to us. Thank you for always being such wonderful guests and taking such good care of our place. You are always welcome!
We absolutely loved staying at Which-Way cabin. Everything from the booking ,to the stay, communicating with the owner, to check out was just perfect. The cabin was updated and beautifully, decorated. The setting was perfect and it was ideally located for so many activities. You want for nothing more than more than more time to spend there.
Richard H.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Dec 17, 2024
It truly makes me happy to know that you enjoyed our cottage, Which Way Ranch, and also our beautiful area. From Torch Lake to Traverse City to Old Mission peninsula and all our amazing quaint towns, Elk Rapids, Alden, Bellaire and more. I agree that you run out of time before you'll run out of places to go and things to do. Mackinaw Island, Sleeping Bear Dunes national Park are places our guests frequent and love. You were absolutely wonderful guests and I can't wait for you to come back and explore even more.
All the best,
Janene Doherty
The cabin was beautiful and the hospitality was the best ive ever experienced. when we arrived there was a teepee and setup for our 1year old daughter. The Doherty's were fantastic with communicating with me and giving us ideas on what to do in the area. I will return again my family and i truly loved the experience.
This cottage in the Torch Lake area was over the top....one of the nicest rentals I’ve stayed at in a long time. Everything you can imagine they thought of. Clean, quiet, close to docks, restaurants, groceries, etc. We’ll definitely be back again, thanks for the warm hospitality.
Dale S.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 6, 2020
It was truly a pleasure to host you and your family Dale. It's so nice to know that people love our place the way we do. It's not just a rental to us and I'm so glad you could see that. We think we've got the best location for private, peace and quiet but still close to everything. We hope to host you and your family soon! Keep in mind this is also a fun winter get away spot, close to skiing, cross country skiing and snow shoe trails and more. You have a home away from home at Which Way Ranch.
Sincerely,
Janene and Tom
Not only did the cottage have everything we needed it also was convenient to several places we wanted to see (Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mackinac Island, Glen Arbor, lakes everywhere). After our day trips, we enjoyed coming back to the cottage and relaxing by a fire. Thank you for letting us enjoy your beautiful cottage! Pam and Bud
Pam H.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 21, 2024
It truly is my pleasure to know that our cottage has exceeded our guests expectations. I'm thrilled (and a little envious ;) too) that you were able to go out and enjoy so many of the wonderful places there are in our beautiful area! We look forward to hosting you when you come back to see all the other great things that you didn't get to on this trip because yes, there's so much more! You are always welcome back!
All the best,
Janene Doherty
This was our second stay in a few years and I was surprised that the home was still so beautiful!!! The kitchen full of beautiful pans, kitchen tools and rooms were warm and inviting. Owners are quick to respond and so gracious. We'll return hopefully sooner, this is a special place.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful home!
Deb K.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 21, 2024
Deb,
We were so happy to have you come back and stay again. We hope you and your friends enjoyed the beautiful area and we welcome you back anytime.
All the best,
Janene
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Beth W.
Jan 7, 2019
super cute and very clean in a great location!
Super cute cottage in a quiet and perfect location. Everything was nice and clean. It was the perfect size for our family of 5. We had a great time celebrating the New Year and were even lucky enough to get about 8 inches of snow during our stay. Very close to Shanty Creek Ski resort where we enjoyed a day of skiing. The owners were amazing, checking in with us to make sure everything was perfect for our stay. There were So many nice and thoughtful little extras to make sure our time in their cottage was everything we expected and more!
Beth W.
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 6, 2020
We are thrilled that you and your family enjoyed staying at Which Way Ranch and ringing in the new year with lots (9”) of fresh snow to ski and snow-tube on! I especially liked the picture you shared of the 4 minute snowman that your son and daughter built. We hope you come and stay again and explore the multiple things to do and see around here. Happy New Year!
Janene and Tom Doherty
We were here to experience Torch Lake and found the lake, the area and Which Way Ranch so beautiful. The WWR is very welcoming, comfortable and clean. We came up from Ohio and if we get a chance we would love to return. If you are boating this is a nice level property to park the boat. I was afraid mosquitoes would be bad, but Janeane even had a great homemade repellent that really worked!
Cindy O.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 6, 2020
I was happy to create a space in our indoor Tee Pee for your 5 year old grandchild to sleep and leave you and your family extra snacks and a sparkling clean house. I always use great care in providing the best possible service so that everyone can enjoy their vacation in our home. I'm glad you liked it. We love our place dearly and it shows.
We had a great time at Which Way Ranch. The house has more than you could imagine....seriously just bring food and clothes and your set. The owners were the most responsive than anyone we've ever rented from. The property is quiet and tranquil...do yourself a favor and out up the hammock in the front closet. It was a great stay, we spent our days on the beautiful Torch Lake. Thank you for lending us your place!!!
Thomas and Cherie C.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 6, 2020
We're so glad your family of five enjoyed our cottage, Which Way Ranch. We hope you'll come and stay again. We'll keep the two hammocks ready for you, right in the front closet! So happy you and your kids liked those. I do wish the weather was a little better for you. I'll work on that next time, I promise ;)
The home is extremely clean & oh-so inviting. For us, it's a perfect location!! Whether to launch the boat (boat ramp only 5 mins away) & go to the sandbar or cruise the lakes or if we wanna go an orchard to pick cherries, have breakfast @ Moose & Stella's or even take a drive to the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes or up the coast to Charlevoix & Petoskey.... what I'm trying to say is Which Way Ranch is perfect 🥰
karin r.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on Jul 26, 2022
Thank you Karin for your kind words. You and your group have stayed here four years in a row and I can't tell you how much we appreciate you as guests. You are always welcome here.
All the best,
Janene Doherty
Absolutely loved this place and will definitely stay here again. The owner truly cares about her cabin and provided all the little touches that meant so much. It's the little things that you forget to bring, and they were already there. She was constantly in touch, and we really appreciated that. The location is ideal to do the many things around the area. We drove an hour to spend the day in Petosky, 30 min to Charlevoix, 20 minutes to Traverse City, and a hop skip and jump to Torch lake. Have zero complaints!!
Tracy R.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on Aug 21, 2024
Tracy, It is truly my pleasure to know that you enjoyed our cottage as much as we do. I always want to make sure that my guests are concentrating on enjoying themselves rather than look for little things that in my opinion should already be there. I do try very hard to exceed our guests expectations. Please come and stay again. You would be most welcome.
All the best, Janene
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Karen C.
Oct 24, 2018
Serenity and Relaxation
We all enjoyed being in such a peaceful location. The cottage was very spacious and comfortable and beautifully decorated. There was plenty of space to spread out. It was great to have walking trails just a short distance from us. However, my husband was a little disappointed that he didn't run in to bigfoot in the woods! Janene was very quick to respond to any questions we had about the cottage or surrounding area. Would definitely stay at WhichWay Ranch again.
Karen C.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 6, 2020
We loved having you stay with us. Thank you for leaving everything so neat and tidy and for taking great care of our home. We'd love to host you again. I'll let BIG FOOT know your're coming next time. ;)
We decided to go for up north for a long weekend of boating and found Janene's cabin to be perfect. It was just as described. She was very helpful with check-in and check-out. Refunded deposit very quickly. It had everything we needed for a perfect weekend. We are planning on returning next year. Thanks for a great weekend!
Vicki and Elizabeth Simon
Elizabeth M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2019
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 6, 2020
We are thrilled you and your wife and friends enjoyed your time up North. Thanks for staying at Which Way Ranch! Can't wait to host you and Vicki again and hopefully Beuhla and Millie can come next time! ;)
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Noah
Oct 3, 2018
Relaxation in a nice location
Comfortable and updated cottage. Very secluded and quiet private spot. Good location, short drives to Traverse, Bellaire, and Elk Rapids. Petoskey is a bit further but we managed to squeeze in some time there as well as a quick drive through the tunnel of trees. Several nice golf courses and lakes in the area. Communication with the host was easy, responses were quick. Janene gave several good recommendations for restaurants and even did some research for us on mountain bike trails in the area. We definitely recommend and will stay here again if we plan to travel in the area.
Noah
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018
Response from VrboOwner on Mar 6, 2020
It was our pleasure to host you and your wife. Thank you for leaving our cottage so neat and tidy. We are thrilled you were able to pack so much into your long weekend. Please come and stay again soon.
About the host
Hosted by Janene Doherty and Tom Doherty
We completed the construction of Which Way Ranch in the fall of 2017. It is quiet, secluded, tastefully decorated and comfortable. The ten acres of woods that it sits on is full of wild life! We are always surprised by deer, owls, porcupine and more. Tom and I live in Midland. Janene grew up in Rochester HIlls and Tom grew up in Fenton, MI. We have lived in Michigan our whole lives. We are big Tigers Fans, even when they are not playing so hot. We still love them. We are constantly amazed with all the great places to visit that are so close by to Which Way Ranch. We call it that because the house sit's at about a 45 degree angle to the road and when you get back in the woods in can really play with your sense of direction. You'll see when you get there. We have two grown boys and three grandchildren. We also run a Home Inspection business and offer all types of inspection and surveillance services. We started this business just after Tom retired from Fed Ex. Janene is a building renovation and design professional and was in charge of the project of designing, building and finishing Which Way Ranch. Janene also has a background in property management, construction and retired from her cleaning service which she ran for 24 years.
Why they chose this property
You will see that this IS NOT just a rental to us. We use our cottage too and truly love it and want to share it with others. We were amazed with the location and beauty of this ten acres. We love the Traverse City, Elk Rapids, Torch Lake, Bellaire and Alden area's and we can get to all of them so quickly from Which Way Ranch. I guess you could say Which Way Ranch is also named because it's sometimes hard to choose "which way" to go first! This is the most beautiful area in Michigan in all seasons. So much to do, see, taste and experience. Life is so good up here. If you don't believe me just read our reviews. Everyone that's stayed here has loved it. I'm so proud and happy about that.
What makes this property unique
When designing Which Way Ranch I wanted comfortable, relaxing with wide open living space with comfortable furnishings and neutral color palate through out. The bathrooms are fantastic! The master shower is huge! The Kitchen is big enough for several people to join in meal prep. The outdoor room is my favorite because no matter the weather this space is so functional. There is another patio on the north side of the building as well that I've had coffee on early in the morning catching the local wild life walking through. This is a very relaxing place to stay. If you are looking to let go of stress this is the spot for you my friend. We have many maple trees on the property and I witnessed one of the best fall colors of my life on my own property last year. It was truly magical. I have also witnessed some of the most beautiful snow fall's I've ever seen in my life while there too. We've had 18"-24" snow fall overnight and with no wind it just piles up on every tree branch and twig. It can't be described you just have to experience it. We snow shoe and ski so we love being out and playing in the snow. You should try it. Winter will be much shorter if you just embrace it a little and come play in the snow while staying at Which Way Ranch.