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Charming cottage on Crooked Lake - the ideal retreat for families & friends!

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Exterior
Exterior
Morning or evening the porch is a great place to relax.
Private kitchen
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 81350 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 King Bed

Bedroom 4

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 2

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

Bathroom 2

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

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Dining area

About this property

Charming cottage on Crooked Lake - the ideal retreat for families & friends!

One of six privately owned cottages in a unique, park-like community called Waters Edge on Crooked Lake. This cottage has tons of charm and is very well maintained. The pine beam ceilings create a cozy yet open feel. It is perfect for one or two families and great for all seasons!

Our immaculate cottage has 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths. On the main floor there is a full bathroom and two bedrooms each with a queen bed. On the second floor there is a bathroom with a shower as well as a bedroom with two twin beds and the master bedroom with a King size bed.

It has a fully stocked kitchen with everything you'd need for your vacation. There is a maximum of 8 persons allowed.

We share 450 feet of lake frontage with the 6 cottages. The beach area is shallow and the sandy bottom makes for the best and safest swimming on Crooked Lake. Relax and kick back in the evening by roasting marshmallows from one of the multiple bonfire pits.

The Little Traverse Wheelway bike trail can be accessed just across the street from our cottage. Enjoy a great bike ride to Petoskey or the cute town of Alanson, just 3 miles north.

The resort also includes volleyball, small basketball court, and horseshoes. You can really relax here!

We have a protected marina area with a spot for you to bring your boat or rent one from one of the two close marinas just North and just South of the cottage. Jet skis can be anchored in shallow water off the beach. Enjoy partial views of the lake from the deck of the cottage which sits back back approximately 50 feet from the lake.

There are many restaurants, and lots of golfing and shopping close by and we are minutes from Boyne Highlands and Nubs Nob. The Odawa Casino is 15 minutes from the cottage and Mackinac Island is only 35 miles away. A great location!

The beach and park-like setting with boat docking makes this a unique vacation property. If you need more space, we also work with the owners of cottage #1289660 which sleeps 6. Reserve now to rent this cozy cottage only seven miles from Petoskey and nine miles from Harbor springs!

Maximum 8 persons. No pets, no smoking.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
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

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
2 parking spot limit, please

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Alanson

Located in Alanson, this cottage is on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Petoskey State Park, while Little Traverse History Museum and Andrew J. Blackbird Museum are cultural highlights. Cheboiganing Preserve and Great Lakes Center for the Arts are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
View more Cottages in AlansonOpens in a new window
Map
Alanson, MI

What's nearby

  • Crooked Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Nub's Nob Ski Area - 13 min drive - 14.2 km
  • McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital - 19 min drive - 16.7 km
  • Odawa Casino - 23 min drive - 18.8 km
  • Boyne Mountain - 38 min drive - 45.8 km

Getting around

  • Pellston, MI (PLN-Pellston Regional) - 17 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Piper's Mighty Good Pizza - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Culver's - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Taco Bell/KFC - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Petoskey Brewing - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming cottage on Crooked Lake - the ideal retreat for families & friends! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Charming cottage on Crooked Lake - the ideal retreat for families & friends!?

As of 10 Mar, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming cottage on Crooked Lake - the ideal retreat for families & friends! on 15 Mar, 2026 start from S$510, including 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 Charming cottage on Crooked Lake - the ideal retreat for families & friends!?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Charming cottage on Crooked Lake - the ideal retreat for families & friends!?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming cottage on Crooked Lake - the ideal retreat for families & friends!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Charming cottage on Crooked Lake - the ideal retreat for families & friends! located?

Nestled on the beach, this Alanson cottage is steps from Crooked Lake and 1.8 mi (2.8 km) from Oden State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center. Pickerel Lake and Petoskey State 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.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 37 out of 39 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 39 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 39 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 39 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

8/10 Good

David S.

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

Our stay in alonson

We enjoyed our stay! Great location
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anita C.

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

Cottage

Cottage and beach were great . Sarah very helpful !!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sally S.

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

Family time

Relaxing….hosts were awesome
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jessica E.

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

Amazing property

We had a great stay! The owners gave us a heads up on construction along the way, which was awesome! The cottage is beautiful and was everything and more the pictures show. We really enjoyed our stay and would return in a heartbeat!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Erin S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location! Neighbors are very friendly. Beach is great. We brought our boat and used their slot which was easy. It was a warm week (80 plus) and only the upstairs bedrooms are air conditioned, downstairs was very hot!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shelby C.

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

Wonderful vacation spot!

We stayed for a week with our 2 boys (ages 8 and 10) and had a great time! Very clean and well-equipped cottage that was perfect for our family. Absolutely love the beach area and how shallow the lake is for kids to play safely, and our boys enjoyed the basketball court right off the beach. Sarah was super responsive, accommodating and helpful with recommendations in the area and fun tips! We look forward to coming back next year!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Monica Y.

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

Trail Riders

We are a group of bicycle riders and have stayed in this house twice now. It's a perfect location for us with the trail across the road. We also take a trip to Mackinac Island and take our bikes. This is a great location with lots to do in the area.
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Carolyn W.

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

Living the lake life

My family spent a wonderful week at this great cottage filled with sunshine, watersports, kayaking/paddleboarding, bike riding, sunsets, bonfires, beautiful sunsets, and fantastic family memories. This cottage is in a great location, had plenty of room, was clean and nicely decorated. Sarah is a fabulous host: responsive and accommodating! We would recommend it highly to anyone looking for a great get away.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Adam L.

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

Absolutely Perfect Lakeside Retreat

Perfect. No notes. Sarah and Ty were some of the best hosts we’ve ever had. The space was inviting and cozy. The location with a private beach can’t be beat. All of the little touches in the home were wonderful, even down to labels of what goes where and what switches controlled which lights. Even my meticulous wife couldn’t think of anything that would’ve made the place any better. We can’t wait to come back again.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Molly M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a fantastic stay. The house was clean and perfect for our friend reunion. We loved being right by the lake and had a wonderful time!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

NAncy and Mike C.

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

Cozy lake house with sandy beach!

This was a wonderful family cottage with a lake view in a small group of homes that included a basketball court, volleyball net, sandy well-kept beach with tables and umbrellas and a large walk-in shallow swim area. No weeds! There are 2 fire pits available on the beach and another out by the marina area. Easy to rent boats nearby for tubing. Owner supplies and delivers lily pad, kayaks, and an SUP board for a fee. Great communication and help from Sarah, the owner. There is also a marina area to park a boat. There is much to do for families in the area and some good restaurants also. The lake is clear. The sky was beautiful at night! Thanks for a fun week! We recommend for a casual and relaxing vacation.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Andrea J.

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

Crooked lake

Bonfires, s'mores, fishing, swimming and kayaking!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kate N.

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

You won't be disappointed!

My family stayed for a week in late June and had a fantastic time. The location is perfect for accessing the many local sites/activities, and the fishing was great. The host was very helpful and responsive. I definitely would recommend this to others, and hope to return there next summer!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marita T.

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

Good time

Disappointed in lack of lake view. 6 women in their 70’s and 80’s…we were out and about during the day…hit petosky, harbor springs and Charlevoix …all very close…lazy mornings and rather boisterous card games at night…cottage had everything we needed….had a GREAT time!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Michelle B.

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

Labor Day weekend get away

Very cute, clean and cozy cottage!!! Our family had a great stay and most definitely will be back!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Gina F.

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

Great!

This was our second time staying at the property. Always a great time! Wonderful location and the beach area is always a hit with the kids. Definitely will be back! Thanks!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Susan T.

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

Wonderful family vacation

We had a great week. Our family rented 4 cottages on the property. This house was set up perfectly. The beds were comfortable, the kitchen had everything we needed, and the porch complete with gas grill gave us an additional room. The beach, the grounds, and the boat docks were perfect.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Candy S.

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

fun despite the weather

The cottage met our expectations and more! The beach, the lake, the amenities--all wonderful and right in your backyard. There's also an awesome bike trail directly across the street and excellent restaurants all near by. The beds were comfy and the kitchen was well stocked. We'll definitely stay again. Ty and Sarah are lovely and provided answers to all of our questions and were above and beyond gracious.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jerome G.

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

Metal Guys

Property worked out great for my guys and gave them a great place to relax at night.
Stayed 18 nights in Apr 2021

10/10 Excellent

Laura M.

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

Perfect ski getaway

We stayed here for a ski weekend to Nub’s Nob with another family. We had 4 adults and 4 kids, and had plenty of space. The home is beautiful and nicely furnished, the beds are nice, the kitchen is stocked. The location is perfect, being on crooked lake, very close to Harbor Springs and Petoskey. The owner is very responsive and attentive. I’d stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

10/10 Excellent

Kate B.

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

Nice beachfront property, great communication with hosts

We had a nice October week at this house. Our family of four was more than comfortable in the space. House was very clean and all furniture and linens in great condition. Thought the beds were very comfortable! We haven’t explored northern Michigan much, and this was a great base to check out Petoskey and Harbor Springs and beyond. Did a day trip up to the UP. Highly recommend all of the nature preserves and state parks. We were here to get away and enjoy nature, and the house’s location made that easy. Only negative is that it’s close to a road, so there is some road noise. Beach was great, water nice and clear. Even though it was chilly, my kids enjoyed finding shells and dipping their toes in the water. Overall the resort property was lovely with multiple swings and a very nice view (especially in autumn) across the lake!

10/10 Excellent

Kim F.

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

AWESOME COTTAGE

Exactly the same as pictures!!! Will stay there again next year!!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Julie B.

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

Prime location, peaceful beach setting

We enjoyed our long weekend stay at this cozy beach cottage with quaint beach house decor. Sarah, the owner, was very helpful in sharing advice about the area. Plenty of space in the house and the resort property was perfect for our kids to keep busy with activities. The location is perfect, just a short trip to Petoskey, Harbor Springs, or Burt Lake.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Paul E.

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

Wonderful stay - will definitely come back

We loved the cottage, the location and the ambiance!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Petra B.

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

Mother/Daughter getaway

This was a lovely place for our getaway. Comfy enough to stay in when it rained for 2 days, but close to bike trail to Petoskey and 12 minute drive to Harbor Springs. Very clean and owner was very responsive and accommodating. Would definitely rent again !
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

About the host

Hosted by Sarah Ratliff

Host profile image
Ty and Sarah Ratliff have lived locally in Petoskey for over 20 years. We've spent 10 summers on Crooked on our pontoon and have been looking for the right spot to call a vacation home.

Owner purchased this Cottage in 2018

Why they chose this property

Crooked Lake is a great lake for diversity and family fun--- the sand bar, the Black Hole, fishing, all types of wildlife, the locks and the swinging bridge in Alanson. The setting that Water's Edge provides allows for a little of everything while still being very convenient to Petoskey and Harbor Springs.

What makes this property unique

The proximity of this property to the sandbar as well as the great boat slip makes water adventures an easy escape. If you choose to stay put, the swimming beach is the best on the lake.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

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