Private Sandy Beach on Torch Lake • Cottage + Guest House • Walk to Alden
Our large lakefront deck — newly rebuilt in 2025 — is designed for relaxing days and comfortable gatherings. With expansive water views and multiple seating areas, it’s where guests spend their days enjoying morning coffee, shared meals, and long summer evenings.
A private sandy stretch of shoreline with a gentle entry makes swimming easy and enjoyable for all ages — a rare feature on Torch Lake and one of the reasons families return year after year. The property includes 150 feet of total lake frontage, with the main sandy beach area located at one end of the property and additional sandy shoreline extending along portions of the water’s edge. A private dock, boat hoist, mooring buoy, and kayaks are available for guest use.
Our family has cared for this lakeshore since the late 1800s, and the cottage itself, built in the 1930s, remains a long-cherished family retreat. While the home retains its historic character, the bathrooms, kitchen, and major systems have been thoughtfully updated over time to ensure comfort for today’s guests. All three bathrooms were fully renovated in 2021.
The main cottage features warm natural wood interiors, two wood-burning fireplaces, shelves of books, and wide lake views. A baby grand piano adds to the sense of a lived-in family home and is often enjoyed on quiet evenings or rainy afternoons.
A separate guest house sleeps four in one large room and includes its own bathroom, providing additional privacy and flexibility for grandparents, another couple, younger families comfortable sharing a space, or older children. With three full bathrooms across the property, extended families or two households can share the week comfortably while still having room to spread out.
In addition to the deck and beach area, the property includes hammocks and quiet seating areas that invite you to slow down and stay awhile. The cottage sits at the end of a private road among mature trees in a peaceful residential setting.
The village of Alden — with restaurants, shops, galleries, playground, and tennis courts — is a pleasant 15-minute walk away. While there are many wonderful destinations within driving distance, most guests find themselves content to spend their days enjoying the lake.
This property is especially well suited for • Multi-generation families • Families with young children (safe sandy swimming) • Groups who want space and privacy • Guests who enjoy settling in and slowing down, whether for a full week in summer or a shorter stay in the quieter seasons.
It may not be the right fit if you’re looking for: • A party or event location • A high-traffic rental area • A luxury or resort-style property
Because this is a long-held family property in a residential neighborhood, we ask guests to be respectful of the home, the lake, and our neighbors. Jet skis are not permitted in order to preserve the quiet character of the area.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
No firearms
No jet skis allowed on the property (out of respect for our neighbors and the peaceful area)
Outside quiet hours: 11 PM – 8 AM
Important information
You need to know
Property # 37825vb
This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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 are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances 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
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Alden
Located in Alden, this cottage is on the beach. The Chief Golf Course and Short's Brewing Company are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Guntzviller's Spirit of the Woods Museum and Music House Museum. Kayaking and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hunting and horse riding nearby.
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 41 min drive
Restaurants
The Dockside - 8 min drive
Johnny's Torch Riviera - 10 min drive
Shanty Creek Resorts - 16 min drive
Coffee Bar - 16 min drive
Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen - 23 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Private Sandy Beach on Torch Lake • Cottage + Guest House • Walk to Alden pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Private Sandy Beach on Torch Lake • Cottage + Guest House • Walk to Alden?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Private Sandy Beach on Torch Lake • Cottage + Guest House • Walk to Alden?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Private Sandy Beach on Torch Lake • Cottage + Guest House • Walk to Alden?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Private Sandy Beach on Torch Lake • Cottage + Guest House • Walk to Alden located?
Nestled on the beach, this Alden cottage is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Torch Lake and 1.9 mi (3 km) from Torch Lake Park. Thayer lake and Grass River Natural Area are also within 6 miles (10 km).
About the host
Hosted by Nan Reed Twiss
My great grandparents bought this property back in the 1800s, and it's been the beloved summer home to generations of my family (my children are now the fifth generation). The cottage which was left to me was built by my grandmother during the 2nd world war, and even though I've lived on both coasts of the US, in Europe and in Asia, I've never missed a summer. Birchwood cottage remains my favorite spot in the world...I just wish I could still spend all summer there as I did as a child. Now our family of five treasures the three weeks we save for ourselves, and scared though I was to share the cottage with strangers, so far, renters have treated the place beautifully.
Why they chose this property
I was lucky enough to inherit this gem. But why I would buy it (and I would!) is that Torch Lake is an extraordinarily beautiful lake, more beautiful than any I've ever seen. The colors are like the Caribbean, and the water is so clear you can see the bottom all the way out to the drop-off. The sandy bottom makes it especially beautiful. The area is so peaceful if it's peace you're looking for... and yet, if you want activity, you don't have to go far at all for inland entertainment. There are lots of artist's towns nearby, nice shops, some great restaurants, golfing, hiking...and the town of Alden is a brief walk away.
What makes this property unique
Our cottage is right on the water, so we sleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore. We watch the sunsets from our deck that overlooks the water or from one of our three hammocks placed throughout the property. The beach is perfect for small children since it stays shallow for a long way. In addition to the obvious sand-castle building, the kids also love to explore the woods and build forts with the driftwood or play on the raft. We love to swim, sail, walk or bike into town. There's so much to do in the area, but honestly, we're so happy at the cottage and on the lake, we generally just stay there.