Located in Traverse City, this guesthouse is on the beach. Shoppers can check out Front Street, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. Great Lakes Children's Museum and Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf are also worth visiting. Jet skiing and kayaking offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and mountain biking nearby.
What's nearby
Front Street - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Traverse City Visitor Center - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
Traverse City Beach - 5 min drive - 4.8 km
Traverse City State Park - 5 min drive - 4.8 km
Village at Grand Traverse Commons - 5 min drive - 3.7 km
Getting around
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 11 min drive
Restaurants
Starbucks - 7 min walk
McDonald's - 9 min walk
Taco Bell - 6 min walk
The Little Fleet - 15 min walk
Bubba's - 15 min walk
About this property
Fifteen steps to the beach --- 15 minutes to walk to downtown Traverse City!
Ours is a simple, SMALL beach house, located on the grounds of our family home (which means that we share the beach). West Grand Traverse Bay is twenty steps away from the front door - - and downtown Traverse City is a 15 minute walk down the beach -- or Front Street.
We rent it from Sunday-Sunday from June through September ($2500 per week).
Between October and May, we rent it by the month ($1500/month). It is already booked for October 2024 - May 2025.
We must limit the number of residents because of the limitations of the plumbing. Parties of more than 4 will need prior approval and perhaps a damage deposit and/or an increase in the rental fee.
We ask for at least 50% of the fee in advance. The balance is due on check-in. Check in is at 2 p.m. on Sundays. Check out is at 10 a.m. on Sundays.
The sunsets are out of this world - - and sunrises are pretty spectacular, too!
We are happy to have pets (an extra charge of $500 is needed) - - and it is paradise for children of all ages!
It is a highly rated spot! https://www.mlive.com/news/2022/05/12-relaxing-vrbo-vacation-rentals-in-traverse-city.html
Keywords: Beach House
Property manager
Terrie Taylor
Languages
English
Amenities
Pet-friendly
Parking available
Laundry
House Rules
Check in after 2:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children
Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events
No events allowed
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Pets
Pets allowed: limit 1 total
We ask for an additional $500 if pets come along.
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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
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector and a deadbolt lock
Frequently asked questions
Is Fifteen steps to the beach --- 15 minutes to walk to downtown Traverse City! pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows pets (limit 1 total).
What time is check-in at Fifteen steps to the beach --- 15 minutes to walk to downtown Traverse City! ?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Fifteen steps to the beach --- 15 minutes to walk to downtown Traverse City! ?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Fifteen steps to the beach --- 15 minutes to walk to downtown Traverse City! located?
Nestled on the beach, this Traverse City guesthouse is just steps away from Front Street and Lake Michigan. Grand Traverse Bay and Clinch Park Beach are also within 15 minutes.
Fifteen steps to the beach --- 15 minutes to walk to downtown Traverse City! Reviews
Reviews
9.6
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
A fun, relaxing, lake getaway. The cottage was a perfect size for our family of 5 (one infant). The water is just steps away. John and Terri are great hosts!
The view is spectacular. Cottage is cozy & charming. The location is perfect-private while a short walk or bike ride to downtown. I have been staying at this cottage for many years. It is well appointed and lovely.
We brought our dog with us and he had a blast playing on the beach and swimming in the lake! You can’t beat the location either. It’s quiet but right in town! Hopefully we will be back next year!
I have been coming to TC for years and have never stayed a place as perfect as John and Terry’s… proximity to town, private oasis of the property, the sunset views (this place hits all the check marks) I already miss the view with the windows open And AM breeze … hosts are also wonderful - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This gem of a cottage is tidy and delivers the ideal location with a beautiful beach. Terri and John are very helpful, responsive and loaned my friend a wonderful bike for several days. I have stayed at this property multiple times over the years and will continue to do so.
The hosts, John and Terrie were fabulous, so kind, generous, knowledgeable about the area and very welcoming and always provided lots of privacy. The guest house was perfect with beautiful sunset views, easy walk to downtown Traverse City, the location couldn't be any better and right by the Blue Goat wine market for added festivities. Highly recommend 10/10!!
Sunsets… Sunrises… the lulling sound of splashing evening waves…a private sandy beach…. Bundled with gracious hosts, Terrie and John, and a dog named “Rex”….our vacation couldn’t have been better! Now the cottage is older and small but we found it charming and well stocked with everything you need. The location is perfect… We will be back!
I had a wonderful time with my dog at the cottage. Loved the floor to ceiling windows out back with gorgeous view of the bay. The lush green lawn and landscaping was an added bonus. John and Terri were helpful and great hosts.
The kitchen was stocked with everything needed for cooking. Great Location to downtown and lovely public park. I definitely want to return!
We had a wonderful stay! The location is amazing; right in the middle of everything, but a million miles away too. The place was clean and cheerful and met all of our needs. The hosts are friendly and helpful. My only regret is I should have brought my bike! Next year I will.
Beautiful waterfront view, yard and location are the best! Walk to Starbucks and town. House needed more thorough cleaning and could use a new coffee pot (past its useful life).
This was our 2nd time renting the beach cottage. We loved it so much the first time that we were thrilled to go back. And we can’t wait to stay there again! A very cute, well equipped cottage with spectacular views, a lovely beach just out your door (shared with the owners) and located just a short walk, bike ride or car ride from all that Traverse City has to offer. Terry and John are wonderful people/hosts as well. What’s not to love!
My husband, two young daughters, and our 2 year old golden retriever had a great week at Terrie and John’s place. The location could not be more perfect. We could walk to so many places! Next year when the construction is complete we’ll bring bikes. The best part, as soon as you turn into the property, you are surrounded by trees and then the lake frontage so it felt like you were far from the hustle and bustle. The cottage was well stocked; just needed to bring our food/drink. I used Shipt and Instacart to deliver our groceries which worked great as well. We would love to return!
Traverse City beach cottage perfect place for getaway
My husband and I stayed at the beach cottage from Sat, Aug 19 to Sat., Aug 26, 2023. The cottage sits steps from the beach amid a lush landscape of majestic white pines and other beautiful trees. The setting was perfect for us and our Golden Retriever to unwind and relax. The location was perfect for the day trips we took to the coastal towns, historic sites and wineries. Sunset on the beach was spectacular. Our hosts, Terri & John were wonderful and it was such a pleasure to meet them and to stay in their cottage. The space was perfect for us and we had a terrific time in Northern Michigan. We would highly recommend this cottage and the hosts. Tammy & Brian W.
This is a great get away from the fast paced life we all tend to have. There is lots to do in Traverse City and surrounding area if you so chose or just stay and enjoy the beach and water and allow yourself to relax. We enjoyed both. The beach house is on the same property of the owners and their house. They are very friendly but also respected our privacy. Communication with them was never an issue. We always knew how to reach them if needed. We appreciate and thank them for a wonderful week.
Cottage is steps from the beach of the West Arm of Traverse Bay, and is centrally located for visiting all of the sights of this region - Old Mission Peninsula, Leelanau Peninsula and Sleeping Bear Dunes. The property is just outside of the downtown area of Traverse City, so shops, restaurants and pubs are an easy drive, bike or walk. The cottage is comfortable, functional and has a good, open floor plan. The mattress was also comfortable for sleeping, and the kitchen and linens well-furnished. John and Terrie are accommodating, friendly and gracious hosts. They are quick to answer any questions, resolve issues or provide tips on visiting the area. This is an excellent property for vacationing, and you will enjoy waking up in the morning to see the bay right outside your front windows.
Beach House Within Walking Distance of Downtown Traverse City
Views of West Grand Traverse Bay are fantastic!
If one has mobility challenges, the place is perfect for getting into and about the house though the bathroom is small. There is only a slight incline down to the house whereby the yard from the house to the beach is level. The distance to the beach and water is only 30 yards max.
Though the place is relatively close to downtown Traverse City thus there is traffic nearby, one can easily hear the sound of the water lapping upon the beach 24/7.
There is an almost continual southern breeze from the bay which provides additional cooling to the well shaded house and wooden patio on the north side of the house.
Cute, comfortable, quiet beach house with LOTS of natural light and air flow. Great view of the lake, and very easy access to the beach - just a 30 second walk, no inclines, steps, or obstacles - and you're right at the water on large, perfectly sandy beach. We were a little concerned since there were no photos of the beach, but it is one of the nicest MI beaches we've been on! No rocks, no need for water shoes. Firepit overlooking the lake with plenty of wood and chairs.
What makes this rental so special though is not only the lovely private beach, but its proximity to downtown Traverse. We walked or biked into town almost every day, which make it perfect for late nights and not worrying about a DD.
Our hosts were charming, thoughtful and helpful, but still gave us plenty of space, and let us borrow bikes to use on all the great TC trails. We can't wait to come back!
My husband and I stayed with our dog for a week and we all loved our time there. The cottage is cute and had everything we needed, the hosts are so nice, and the view is outstanding. The location is close to restaurants, bakeries, etc. We highly recommend this rental!
Beautiful location exactly as described. Close to so many fun activities and also great for relaxation. Very easy walk to many restaurants Hosts Terri and John friendly and helpful. Highly recommend this for a getaway. We absolutely loved our stay.
This is a great location right on the water and near downtown. We easily rode our bikes to everything. Terrie and John were wonderful hosts. John even gave us a stand up paddle board lesson! We would definitely stay in the cottage again.