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BJ's Retreat | On Torch Lake | Waterfront

Lakefront holiday home in Alden with kitchen

Photo gallery for BJ's Retreat | On Torch Lake | Waterfront

Exterior
Property grounds
Miscellaneous
Exterior
Interior

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 9

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Lake view

Explore the area

View in a map
Alden, MI
  • Place, Torch Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Torch Lake Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Boyne Mountain
    ‪46 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Bunk Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom #1 Main Floor Hallway - Full - Shared

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

BJ's Retreat | On Torch Lake | Waterfront

Summary:

BJ’s Retreat is a cozy lakefront getaway on the east side of Torch Lake, just a few miles north of Alden. Perfect for families or groups, this property sleeps 8–9 with the main cottage and separate unfinished bunkhouse. Relax in the large yard with a fire pit while taking in lake views and stunning sunsets, or take a short walk to your private water access. With the towns of Alden and Bellaire nearby, guests can enjoy local dining, breweries, wineries, shopping, and outdoor activities. A mooring anchor is available for boaters, and local marinas provide boat rentals if needed.



The Space:

- 3 bedrooms | 6 beds | sleeps up to 9 | 1 King, 1 Queen | 2 Bunk Beds

- 1 bathroom

- Unfinished bunkhouse with 2 twin-over-twin bunk beds for kids

- Fully equipped kitchen with coffee maker, cookware, dishes, microwave, oven, refrigerator, stove, and toaster

- Dining and living areas with lake views

- Large backyard with fire pit and open space for games

- Private water access ~300–400 feet from the house

- Lake frontage with mooring anchor available

- Family/kid friendly

- Heating (no AC)

- Sheets and towels provided

- Pet allowed with owner approval (1 dog, ≤50 lbs, crated if unattended)



Guest Access:

- Full access to the cottage, bunkhouse, backyard, and fire pit

- Access to private water frontage for swimming, boating, or relaxing



The Neighborhood:

- Situated between Alden and Bellaire for dining, shopping, and recreation

- Alden: Vista Ridge Winery, Muffin Tin, Torch Lake Beer Company, Coy Mountain Preserve, ice cream, and local shops

- Bellaire: Short’s Brewery, Bee Well Meadery, Mammoth Distillery, movie theater, and Glacial Hills Natural Area for mountain biking

- Explore Torch Lake, Chain of Lakes, or nearby natural areas



Getting Around:

- Car recommended for local exploration

- Boat recommended to enjoy Torch Lake and Chain of Lakes



Other Things to Note:

- Rental agreement required

- Photo ID + copy of ID required

- Primary renters must be 25+

- NO SMOKING/VAPING

- Owner approval required for pets (see above)



Interaction with Guests:

- Hosts are available by message or phone call if needed during your stay

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Parking available
Lake view
Barbecue grill

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 9:00 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, service animals permitted
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

About the area

Alden

Located in Alden, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Twisted Fish Gallery 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 the opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like cycling.
View more Holiday homes in AldenOpens in a new window
Map
Alden, MI

What's nearby

  • Torch Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Torch Lake Park - 5 min drive - 6.1 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 37 min drive - 44.7 km
  • Front Street - 44 min drive - 49.8 km
  • Boyne Mountain - 46 min drive - 70.0 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Oasis Tavern - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Short's Brewing Company - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪The Dockside - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪M88 Morning Grind - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is BJ's Retreat | On Torch Lake | Waterfront pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much is parking at BJ's Retreat | On Torch Lake | Waterfront?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at BJ's Retreat | On Torch Lake | Waterfront?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at BJ's Retreat | On Torch Lake | Waterfront?

Checkout is at 9:00 AM.

Where is BJ's Retreat | On Torch Lake | Waterfront located?

Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Torch Lake, Clam River and Clam Lake. Torch Lake Park and Grass River Natural Area are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.4

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. 16 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.4/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

Benjamin M.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in
We had a nice time on the lake and the house is conveniently located and meet our needs.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

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

Perfect Getaway

We very much enjoyed our stay! The house was great, and we loved the fire pit and access to the lake. There was a lot to do in the area, and we would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jacki K.

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

Wonderful Vacation

The lake was gorgeous and the house was quaint. Great stay and a wonderful vacation week!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

L R.

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

Very enjoyable stay

Clean and quiet. Close to lots of thing to see and do but very nice if you just wanted to relax. I liked the info packet we were given when we arrived, very nice touch. Also ate at the Dockside just down the road, good food.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy G.

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

Relaxing week on Torch Lake

We spent a week with family here. The house is as pictured, kitchen stocked with everything we needed and the view of the lake was gorgeous. It was very relaxing and we had a great time on the lake, golfing and exploring Traverse City and Bellaire.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Pryce B.

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

Torch lake

We absolutely loved this place! The kids thought the bunk house was the “coolest thing ever”…we had a wholesome time enjoying the beautiful lake, taking our kayaks out on the water, and enjoying one another. I like how this house isn’t a rich looking mansion….I liked how it felt like you were walking into great grandmas to grab a bite to eat and hit the water!! We appreciate those things in places! Don’t change a thing! It was perfect!!! I also adored all the artwork painted by the original owner. How cool that a railroad ran through the property years and years ago! Our children enjoyed unplugging and being with one another! Thanks for having us! We hope you will have us back!
Breathtaking sunsets!
Fire by sunset! S’mores for the win!
How cool is this bunkhouse? Mom this is the coolest thing ever!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Rose P.

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

Perfect Retreat

We needed a place to unplug and enjoy nature. This home is clean, simple and perfect for a long weekend retreat. It's on Torch Lake with a beautiful view from the dining room window. We enjoyed evening breezes and quick trips into Alden. Thank you for a terrific weekend!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy P., Grand Rapids, MI

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

Great

Beautiful piece of property! Close to everything.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

Michael S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great and Not so Great

Great location and we did enjoy our stay however there is no AC and it was hot--we ended up leaving early rather than stay the last night in the heat. Also the place could use some maintenance and updating. Bathroom lav needs replacement, grille was too dirty to use, salvation army furniture and general maintenance was not up to standards we expect. That said, we did enjoy ourselves because it is a great location on a fabulous lake. Just have reasonable expectations if you rent this place.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Jennie P.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in

Lakeside was nice

It’s a cute house and lovely to have access to the water. The view from the dining table was beautiful. We didn’t use the fire pit but also a nice touch. I always list the negatives to help other renters. The bunk house had very little electric, and no heat. There’s no a/c anywhere but we don’t need it. There were no sheets (even fitted sheets), just big comforters. Check out is at 9 am which I’ve never heard of. King bed is very creaky when you move. With all the plus and minuses, I’d stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

8/10 Good

Dawn J.

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

4th of July holiday

My family from Boston joined us at this lovely property for the holiday. It is very spacious and private. We anchored our pontoon at their moor anchor and used the dock for loading/unloading. This was our 1st time using a moor anchor, it was a different experience but successful. We were able to see our pontoon from the dining room window. The home is also spacious. The bunk house is not attached. No a/c meant we needed to be very diligent about opening windows/doors and closing curtains throughout the day. The weather was mid 80s. Cool nights were helpful! Some fans were available. The kitchen was well stocked with basics. The yard was nicely lit with solar lights. The floor tile in the hall needs to be replaced for safety. The hardware on the beds needs to be tightened to ward off the noisy squeaks of the beds through the night. While the bunk house had to be well vented for comfort, the mattresses were actually more comfortable than those in the house. While I expected to pay a premium price for this place on the lake for a holiday, I still find it shocking and very inconvenient when linens are not included, especially with standard cleaning fees attached. The property management and owners were very attentive and accommodating for a couple unexpected minor issues we had arise. The property is 15 min by boat north of the sand bar and 10 min south of the Dockside restaurant. We enjoyed visiting both places. Thanks for the memories and sharing your property with us!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kellie P.

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

Every clean great view not far from the sand bar nice fire pit

We had a great time
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Danielle G.

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

Torch

Beautiful place. Lots of outdoor space, perfect if you are traveling with a pup
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lance K.

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

Family vacation

Loved the view of the lake. Loved the size of the property. Great location. No do they leave. Would rent again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sarah W.

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

Beautiful cottage in a beautiful lake

What a beautiful cottage! Absolutely loved our stay at Torch Lake!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Tracey S.

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

Family getaway

The property is on a beautiful piece of land. It was the most relaxing and peaceful vacation we have ever experienced. Highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kristina K.

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

It was a great stay

Amazing stay
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Hope S.

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

Perfect

The entire weekend was beautiful and perfect!! Should redo your pictures online cause the place looks WAY better in person!!

8/10 Good

Sinda Lou C.

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

Little piece of paradise

Although our weather didn’t cooperate until the day before we left, the house and property gave us a lot of room to spread out. The walk down to the lake and the view from the house were wonderful. The kitchen was full stocked with pots, pans and utensils.Thanks to the property management for the ease of check in and communication prior to our arrival.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Janet t.

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

Torch Lake Cottage

The property company was fantastic to work with. Beautiful Torch Lake can’t be beat! And the home and it’s ground were perfect for our small immediate Family wedding. Plenty of sleeping places, room to play games outside, a large fireplace with benches, a mooring to bring our boat down and the vest view in town. Sunset wedding was perfect!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jenny B.

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

Long weekend

We spent a long weekend with friends at this beautiful property. Spent a lot of time outside despite a few pop up showers the kids loved the bunk house as they are older and enjoyed having a place to hang out and play games. Would definitely rent again!!!

10/10 Excellent

Priscila M., New Hudson

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

Beauitful views of the lake

We really enjoyed our stay at BJ's retreat. The house itself was clean and comfortable. Everything was as advertised. The location is ideal and the view of the lake is amazing from the fire pit and dock. Would definitely recommend and return for a rustic and relaxing trip to Torch Lake!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019

About the host

Hosted by Paradise Properties USA

Host profile image
PARADISE PROPERTIES
9047 Helena Rd
ALDEN, MI 49612
231-331-4423

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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