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BIRCH COTTAGE - Modern Lake House w/ shared Frontage on Thayer Lake

Photo gallery for BIRCH COTTAGE - Modern Lake House w/ shared Frontage on Thayer Lake

A modern kitchen with a dining area, a ceiling fan, and a view to the living room.
A bedroom with a bed, a desk with a TV, and large windows with a view of trees.
A living room with a gray sofa, patterned rug, and a fireplace.
A single-story house with a garage, a small front yard, and a driveway.
A grassy outdoor area with a small building, surrounded by trees.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10, Loved by Guests
Top 10% of guest reviews in this area

Highlights

  • Made for relaxation
    Top-rated for comfort — guests feel right at home here.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Walk to Torch Lake
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Air-conditioning
  • Barbecue grill
  • Internet access
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Alden, MI
  • Place, Torch Lake
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Thayer lake
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Place, Traverse City Beach
    ‪34 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Living Room 1

1 Queen Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

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

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Kitchen

About this property

BIRCH COTTAGE - Modern Lake House w/ shared Frontage on Thayer Lake

Discover the perfect blend of lakeside charm and the modern ambiance of Alden, MI. Conveniently located between Traverse City and Charlevoix Michigan, check out our updated Birch Cottage. This 3 bed/2 bath home features every modern amenity to comfort you and your guests. With direct shared frontage to Thayer Lake, you’ll enjoy a secret paradise for fisherman. The Cottage comes with shared use of our guest kayaks, canoes and access to our private sandy beach. You can see the lake from the kitchen and patio. As an added convenience, guests can utilize their own in-unit washer and dryer. The living room features the added bonus of a queen sleeper sofa for additional guests. Relax outdoors with your private bonfire pit, outdoor seating and grill.
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 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 # 4011638vb
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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Alden

Alden is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Torch Lake and Torch Lake Park.
View more Holiday homes in AldenOpens in a new window
Map
Alden, MI

What's nearby

  • Torch Lake - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Thayer lake - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Torch Lake Park - 8 min drive - 9.0 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 34 min drive - 48.3 km
  • Boyne Mountain - 45 min drive - 73.6 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Short's Brewing Company - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪M88 Morning Grind - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Shanty Creek Resorts - ‬19 min drive
  • ‪Johnny's Torch Riviera - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is BIRCH COTTAGE - Modern Lake House w/ shared Frontage on Thayer Lake pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at BIRCH COTTAGE - Modern Lake House w/ shared Frontage on Thayer Lake?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at BIRCH COTTAGE - Modern Lake House w/ shared Frontage on Thayer Lake?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is BIRCH COTTAGE - Modern Lake House w/ shared Frontage on Thayer Lake located?

Situated in Alden, this holiday home is within a 10-minute walk of Thayer lake and Torch Lake. Clam River and Clam Lake are also within 2 miles (3 km).

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 38 out of 44 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 44 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 44 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 44 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 44 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful trip and enjoyed our stay here!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Benjamin K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This was our third year in the location and things just keep getting better. We will be back for sure.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kay D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful place to stay. Everything was clean and comfy. I loved the bed sheets and pillows. Kitchen had what we needed and it was great to have the washer and dryer. No major laundry issues when we got home.We went early in the season and it was truly peaceful and quiet at the lake. I read a book by the lake while young one played in the water. They have a flouting dock that grownups can walk to and the kids can swim to. We didn't get to test out the kayaks, maybe next time.Alden the small town, was quaint. Everyone was friendly. Be sure to check out Alden Mill House if you own a kitchen. They have fresh spices and locally made spice blends.I prefer Thayer lake because it's warmer. You can save Torch Lake for renting jet skies.Birch Cottage has a TV in every room, but I never turned one on. Sitting and watching the view of the lake was all I needed.
Stayed 8 nights in Jun 2026
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rachel N.

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

Great place to stay

Very nice place to stay. Owners are friendly and accommodating.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jerry J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very nice property! Great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Tracy G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Easy access to many attractions
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Diane B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was immaculately, clean, very spacious, and comfortable. It was a perfect location. Would happily stay there again.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

nicole b.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great stay for our family. Husband and I enjoyed fishing off the many docks
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

KENNETH D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Had a great time. Cottage was clean and comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Madelyn K.

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

Perfect Cottage!

We love staying here! Location is great, and the cottage is always clean and stocked with all the general supplies you could need!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Very clean, nicely decorated, perfect location ( just down from Butch's and Dockside ) Kids loved going down and fishing in Thayer lake. 2nd time staying here, 10 outa 10!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Ellen C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful house and location. We had an excellent time at the Birch Cottage and will certainly be returning next year!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Mike and Leslie W.

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

Cute place in a nice location

We had a nice stay. It was very clean and close to all that we wanted to do.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a lovely stay at Birch Cottage. The house and grounds were exactly as described. We loved the peaceful environment with direct access to Thayer Lake and the close proximity to Torch Lake. We were traveling with little ones, so it was great to have a washing machine and lots of outdoor space to play.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elisabeth K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderul trip! The owners were super helpful and quick to respond to questions! The house was perfect for us and just like the pictures. We really enjoyed jumping into the lake and loved that we could walk to it! Very peaceful and relaxing!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Sicily K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We really enjoyed our stay at the Birch Cottage! The house and amenities were exactly how they were described. We had a blast taking out the canoe and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. If we are ever in the area again, we would book this cottage in a heartbeat!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lisa P.

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

Very clean

Loved the location and the house was very clean and updated . Had planets of room for 5 of us!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Excellent location.

Great location for a torch lake stay. Excellent amenities! Host's even had a boat to rent!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

charity w.

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

Girls weekend trip

We had a wonderful stay. It was a quiet getaway and was in a great location to have short day trips to beaches and shops and be back at the house for the night.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Shelly B.

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

Most relaxing

We came for an extended weekend. Everything was close. Very enjoyable/ relaxing time with friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Karen G.

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

Fun family time

Our family loved this place as a great gathering spot. It’s very clean and spacious, with ample room for everyone. We also have easy access to Lake Thayer, where we enjoyed kayaking. The hosts were incredibly friendly and helpful, making our experience even better. I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for a fun and welcoming gathering spot.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

James R. A.

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

Thayer Lake Cottages

Everything was wonderful. Our family was able to stay close to our Thayer Lake home in great accommodations with a fine winter setting.
Stayed 4 nights in Dec 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Pamela L.

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

Getaway with Sisters & Mom

The Birch is a lovely place, a nice open living area & the bedrooms suited our need for 6 adults. So many areas nearby to see the beauty of Northern Michigan we spent our days wandering. Never did take the time to enjoy the shared lake area of the property.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jody W.

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

Alden stay. Quaint

Comfortable home, good communication, easy access, nice area, offers much convenience and lake access.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Danyelle R.

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

Lake stay

We had the best time! The property was clean, comfortable and peaceful. We already can’t wait to go back! Thanks so much for your hospitality Rachael ❤️
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

About the host

Hosted by Rachael

Host profile image

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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