Traverse City Gem Near Trails & Beaches | BBQ & Firepit
Nestled on the Boardman River, this 2-bedroom, 2-bath townhouse blends comfort with nature’s magic — lush gardens, towering trees, and visits from woodland creatures! Explore nearby Grand Traverse Bay, Sleeping Bear Dunes, vineyards, orchards, & trails. Return to comfortable accommodations that welcome you & your crew. Discover the wonder of this Traverse City vacation rental + make your Northern Michigan getaway unforgettable
-- THE PROPERTY --
002938
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS - Bedroom 1: 2 twin XL beds (converts to 1 king bed), 1 full futon - Bedroom 2: 1 queen bed - Living Room: 1 trundle-style queen sleeper sofa
OUTDOOR LIVING - Riverfront yard - Deck w/ seating - Fire Pit - Picnic table - Shared gas grill
INDOOR LIVING - Flat-screen TV w/ streaming services including YouTube TV, Netflix & Prime - Dining table & breakfast bar - Board games & books
FAQ - Homeowner on-site (separate unit) - Quiet hours (10:00 PM-9:00 AM) - May not be suitable for young children (fast-moving river)
ACCESSIBILITY - 2-story home, 2 steps to enter - All bedrooms on 2nd floor - 1 trundle-style queen sleeper sofa & 1 full bathroom on 1st floor
PARKING - Driveway (2 vehicles)
ADDT’L ACCOMMODATIONS - An additional property is available on-site with a separate nightly rate. If you would like to reserve both rentals, please inquire for more information prior to booking
-- THE LOCATION --
- Scenic riverfront location surrounded by natural beauty & wildlife - 3 miles to Brown Bridge Quiet Area Trailhead - 5 miles to Arbutus Lake public beach & boat launch - 11 miles to Mt. Holiday Ski & Recreation Area - 11 miles to Bryant Park Beach - 12 miles to Traverse City's downtown area: restaurants & shops - 39 miles to Sleeping Bear Dunes Nat'l Lakeshore - 9 miles to Cherry Capital Airport
-- REST EASY WITH US --
Evolve makes it easy to find and book properties you’ll never want to leave. You can relax knowing that our properties will always be ready for you and that we’ll answer the phone 24/7. Even better, if anything is off about your stay, we’ll make it right. You can count on our homes and our people to make you feel welcome — because we know what vacation means to you.
-- POLICIES --
- No smoking - No pets allowed - No fireworks - No events, parties (including bachelor/bachelorette and frat parties), or large gatherings - Please observe quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 9:00 AM - Additional fees and taxes may apply - Photo ID may be required upon check-in
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - This 2-story home requires 2 steps to enter. While there is a full bathroom on the 1st floor, stairs are required to access all bedrooms on the 2nd floor; however, the living room sofa converts to a trundle-style queen bed, offering 1 level access to a bed and bathroom - The homeowner and another bookable vacation rental are on-site, in completely separate units, and they may be present during your stay. The gas grill is shared - The property may not be suitable for young children due to the proximity to a fast-moving river
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Welcome to Serenity Shores! 🌅 Soak in the private hot tub, unwind by the fire pit 🔥, and savor calming lake views. Pet-friendly 🐾 and perfect for recharging, exploring, and making memories.
South Boardman
Welcome to Serenity Shores! 🌅 Soak in the private hot tub, unwind by the fire pit 🔥, and savor calming lake views. Pet-friendly 🐾 and perfect for recharging, exploring, and making memories.
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 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
Traverse City
Located in Traverse City, this holiday home is on the waterfront. Shoppers can check out Front Street, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Traverse City Beach and Lake Michigan. Interlochen Center for the Arts and Centre Ice Arena are also worth visiting.
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 15 min drive
Restaurants
Peegeo's - 15 min drive
Kingsley Local Brewing - 8 min drive
K.I. Bar & Grill - 9 min drive
Jet's Pizza - 13 min drive
The Village Cafe & Ice Cream Shop - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Riverside Serenity - Rivershire Retreat Guesthouse pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Riverside Serenity - Rivershire Retreat Guesthouse?
As of 17 Jul, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Riverside Serenity - Rivershire Retreat Guesthouse on 18 Aug, 2026 start from S$1,520, 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 Riverside Serenity - Rivershire Retreat Guesthouse?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Riverside Serenity - Rivershire Retreat Guesthouse?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Riverside Serenity - Rivershire Retreat Guesthouse?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Riverside Serenity - Rivershire Retreat Guesthouse located?
Situated on the waterfront, this holiday home is 1.6 mi (2.7 km) from Forest Lakes and 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Arbutus Lake. Spider Lake and Rennie Lake 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.
We had a great weekend and the house was wonderful!
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 16 Aug, 2022
So happy you enjoyed your stay at Rivershire! We certainly enjoyed having you. Please come back anytime. Thank you for choosing Rivershire Retreat!
Tricia
My friends and I were attending a wedding right down the road from this location and it was perfect… The place was extremely clean and comfortable. We definitely enjoyed our stay.
Darlene K.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun, 2023
Darlene and friends - It was a joy having you stay at the Rivershire Guesthouse. Thank you for choosing to stay here and for your kind review. We're glad the weekend was wonderful in many ways, with a joyful wedding just up the road. Please come back anytime. Sincerely, Tricia Frey
This property was in a great location, extremely clean, everything was perfect. The hostess was charming. I definitely would give this the highest rating in all categories and would stay there again if the need arise.
janet t.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 27 May, 2025
Thank you for your kind review! We’re happy you enjoyed your experience at Rivershire Retreat. It was a delight having you stay here. Please come back again. Tricia
We were a short drive from all the local attractions. Easy access to major roads, clean, quiet accommodations. It was a pleasure!
Leah S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 14 Jul, 2024
Thank you for your kind review and for choosing the Rivershire Retreat Guesthouse. We're happy the accommodations suited you well and we enjoyed having you as guests. Please come back any time! Tricia
We enjoyed our stay, great fishing on the Borgman River. Place was clean and peaceful. Would highly recommend this place.
kimberly W.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 8 May, 2023
Thank you for your kind review of Rivershire Retreat on the Boardman River, Traverse City, MI. We enjoyed having you stay. Please come back anytime! We're happy to hear you enjoyed staying here and that the fishing was good! Tricia
Tricia was very friendly and helpful!! The place was very private and the inside was very clean. Had everything that you would need.Was very close to Traverse city.
Pat K.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jul, 2025
Pat - Thank you for your wonderful review! We really enjoyed having your group stay at Rivershire Retreat. It was a delight meeting all of you. We’d love to welcome you back any time! Thank you for choosing Rivershire Retreat. Tricia Frey
This house is wonderful! Our stay was just perfect and we hope to stay here again! It was clean, well supplied, nice and cool even during a several day heat wave! We met Tricia upon arrival and she was delightful. Thank you and we hope to see you again in 2 years when we return!!
Jeanie S.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Aug, 2025
Jeanie - Thank you for this wonderful review and rating! It was delightful having you and your group stay in the Rivershire Retreat Guesthouse. We are so happy you enjoyed your time here and we look forward to welcoming you back in two years! Thank you for choosing Rivershire Retreat and for all your kind comments. Tricia Frey
We all enjoyed the comfortable “digs” and Tricia’s attention to detail. Especially nice to have coffee available. Saved us a trip to the store on our arrival. Very quiet and peaceful surroundings. Would definitely stay again if we travel in northern Michigan.
Larry R.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 17 Sept, 2025
Hello Larry, Martha, Tom, and Cynthia - Thank you for the wonderful review! We really enjoyed having you stay at Rivershire ... It was a pleasure meeting all of you. We're happy you enjoyed your stay in the Rivershire Retreat Guesthouse and would love to welcome you back again anytime. Thank you for choosing Rivershire Retreat! Tricia
Great location, close to everything but felt like we were away from it all! The grounds are beautiful and the house was perfect for us. Communication with Tricia was great. Looking forward to next time!
Stephanie S.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug, 2024
Stephanie - Thanks for your wonderful review! You were great guests and we’d love to welcome you back any time. We’re so happy you enjoyed your stay. Tricia
We loved our time at Rivershire. Tricia was so nice and if anything came up she was quick to respond. The location was perfect for what we had planned in the area. We would book this location again if in the area.
Christine W.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 1 Aug, 2022
Christine - Thank you for your kind review! I'm so pleased to hear that your stay was pleasant and perfect for what you had planned. I really enjoyed having you and your group here. Come back any time! Tricia
Very comfortable and clean, had everything we needed. Nice location by the river. Caring and pleasant owner was very respectful of our privacy but available if we needed something. I would stay there again, highly recommend.
Linda B.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Sept, 2024
Thanks for your positive review! It was a pleasure having you and Elaine stay here for a sisters getaway. Come back any time! Tricia
The Guest House was in a perfect location to walking trails, Traverse City only a few minutes away, and great for downtime to relax. Our host, Tricia, was so welcoming and friendly. We look forward to returning and encouraging friends and family to stay at The Guest House.
Anita D.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 24 Jul, 2023
Thank you for your very kind review. It was a delight having all of you stay in the Rivershire Retreat Guesthouse! We'd love to welcome you back anytime. Please thank Wanda for sharing the zucchini bread with me. It was delicious and a big hit with my friends who were visiting. Thank you also for purchasing my books. I hope you've been enjoying them. All the best, Tricia
My friends and I enjoyed our stay at Rivershire, it’s a beautiful setting on the Boardman River. The house was clean and comfortable. Tricia the owner was friendly and helpful. We’ll be back!!
Karen H.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 9 Sept, 2022
Karen - It was our pleasure having you and your friends stay at Rivershire. I’m so happy you enjoyed being here! Thank you for your kind review and please come back anytime! Tricia
super clean and very comfortable space. Beds are great and kitchen is well stocked. Very quiet with good access to the beautiful Boardman River. Good internet. Some road noise that quiets down at night. Tricia is an awesome host very anxious to please. My husband and our adult son had a wonderful stay and hope to return!
Rivershire is an awesome place! It's a peaceful place, but close to everything! The cottage is so clean! We hosted a small family dinner (8). BBQ worked great. There was plenty of everything in the kitchen. Tricia was a great host. Great stay. Thank you!
Anna V.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 12 Jul, 2024
Thank you! We loved having you here. You’re welcome back anytime. I’m so happy the accommodations suited you. Thanks for the feedback. Tricia
We came for a wedding and this was a good location for hikes near the river, museums and shopping in Traverse City, a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, and the wedding on the peninsula.
Tricia was very responsive to the minor issue we had and proactive when needed. Thanks Tricia
The condo/apartment was very adequate for the four of us. It was clean and comfortable and easy to get to. Although I had to borrow another friends pot because there wasn’t one big enough for pasta! Lol. Would stay there again.
Mary R.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 2 Sept, 2022
Mary - We are so glad you enjoyed your stay at Rivershire! We enjoyed having you here. We are already investigating the locating of a pasta pot! Thank you for the helpful suggestion and please come back anytime!
Tricia
Loved working with Trish to stay at her beautiful property! We were a last minute booking and she was wonderful to accommodate us. The townhouse easily held five of us with space for all of us. The property was well cared for with easy access to the water. Boardman River was great to float down with our tubes, next time we will bring kayaks too. The location was conveniently located to Traverse City and a 45 minute to one hour quick drive to charlevoix and Frankfort. We look forward to coming back and staying again!
Cynthia S.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 26 Jul, 2022
Thank you for staying at Rivershire and for your kind review! I loved having you all here. It was great meeting you and getting to know you a bit. Come back any time! And bring the kayaks!
Tricia
We rented the apartment for a week and just loved our stay! Rivershire has a beautiful setting on the river and we especially enjoyed relaxing by the river, feeling the flowing waters wash our stresses away. We also had a great time kayaking the river. The apartment is super comfortable and has everything you need for a pleasant stay. There is some road noise off and on during the day but it quiets down during the evening and we got used to it after the first day. Tricia is an awesome host and has a deep love and reverence for Rivershire. We really enjoyed getting to know her a bit. She respects guests’ privacy but is available if you need something or just want to chat.
We look forward to staying at Rivershire again!
Dave B.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jul, 2024
Thank you for this beautiful review! It was so nice having the two of you (Dave and Sherri) stay here. As happens with some (many) guests, you arrived as strangers and left as friends. (And ... As you also point out, I keep my distance unless someone wants to engage.) It always warms my heart when guests truly appreciate the Rivershire experience. You embraced it! We look forward to welcoming you back any time! Tricia