Entire home

Charming Family Cottage- downtown Elk Rapids, 2-blocks to town

The front of the house with new sidewalk and decorative fence

Exceptional

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 9

Popular amenities

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

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Game Room (See Description)

1 Double Futon

Master Bedroom-1st floor

1 Queen Bed

The Butterfly Room

2 Single Beds

The Pink Room

1 Double Bed and 1 Single Bed

The Seashell Room

1 Double Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Garden

Dining area

About this property

Charming Family Cottage- downtown Elk Rapids, 2-blocks to town

Enjoy this spacious and tastefully furnished 2200 sq. ft. home on Chippewa St. minutes away from breathtaking views of Grand Traverse Bay and the charming downtown of Elk Rapids. This 1887 historic home has been totally remodeled and completed for use. Newly renovated kitchen and dining area equipped with all your needs. This home is decorated in pottery barn style with Martha Stewart colors on the wall that extend your stay from the beach to the beach house. Perfect location in town is ideal with walking distance three streets from the marina boat launch and walking distance to the Lake Michigan beach, with tennis courts, basketball courts and children's jungle gyms. The home features an enclosed porch with screens, a new kitchen with nice appliances including a black gas cooktop, dishwasher, fridge, and microwave. Not to mention we now offer WIFI and central air conditioning. There is a separate dining room with a table to accommodate 6-8 people. There are 2 finished bathrooms which include one with full vanity, toilet, tub-shower combination and one with a new shower, vanity and toilet. Both bathrooms are located on the 1st floor.

The family room is spacious with 2 large sofas and a 40” inch TV with YouTubeTV and WIFI. Need more room? There is also a den room equipped with an entertainment center with a 43” TV . The first floor has re-finished hardwood floors in the kitchen and dining room. To add in the comfort of your stay is a first floor laundry room with full capacity washer and dryer. Upstairs has 3 bedrooms-1 with a full bed, 1 with two twins and the loft bedroom with a day bed and ANOTHER full bed! Master bedroom is downstairs and has a queen bed.
Elk Rapids is a wonderful community with lots of activities for kids. There is also a local ice cream shop, toy store, antique stores, movie theater, bar and grille, Siren Hall for fine dining, and more two streets away!

The property in the back has fences on both sides for privacy, a paved alley for additional parking, a small BBQ for use and a wood deck.

Short term rental agreement required. 50% of rental period due at time of reservation. Balance due 21 days before stay. No refunds if cancelled. Rental period is weekly from Saturday to Saturday- although would consider shorter/longer stays. Check in at 4:00 p.m., check out at 10:00 a.m.

Keywords: Elk Rapids ,Traverse City, Lake Michigan ,Vacation House, Beach, Grand Traverse Bay, Marina

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Tennis court
Parking available
Laundry room
Microwave

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Property # 350038vb

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

About the area

Elk Rapids

Elk Rapids is home to this holiday home. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Torch Lake. Guntzviller's Spirit of the Woods Museum and Music House Museum are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledging.

View more Holiday homes in Elk Rapids

Elk Rapids, MI

What's nearby

Rotary Park - 3 min walk - 0.3 km
Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
Elk Rapids District Library - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
North Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
Elk Lake - 18 min walk - 1.5 km

Getting around

Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 26 min drive

Restaurants

‪Masala Magic by Anita - ‬13 min walk
‪Oasis Tavern - ‬7 min drive
‪Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen - ‬3 min drive
‪Johnny's Torch Riviera - ‬16 min drive
‪Short’s Brewing Company Production Facility - ‬18 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming Family Cottage- downtown Elk Rapids, 2-blocks to town pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Charming Family Cottage- downtown Elk Rapids, 2-blocks to town?

As of 16 May, 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming Family Cottage- downtown Elk Rapids, 2-blocks to town on 9 Aug, 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 Family Cottage- downtown Elk Rapids, 2-blocks to town?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Charming Family Cottage- downtown Elk Rapids, 2-blocks to town?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming Family Cottage- downtown Elk Rapids, 2-blocks to town?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Charming Family Cottage- downtown Elk Rapids, 2-blocks to town located?

Situated in Elk Rapids, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Rotary Park and Lake Michigan. Veterans Memorial Park and Edward C. Grace Memorial Harbor are also within 10 minutes.

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.

10/10 Excellent

Gwen G.

6 Sept, 2025

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

Fantastic location and a comfortable, well-equipped house where we could spread out and relax.

Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2025

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kate P.

1 Jun, 2025

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

Great spot

Great location just a couple blocks from downtown. House was spacious and accommodated 4 adults and 4 kids comfortably.

Stayed 4 nights in May 2025

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Darby H.

12 Jul, 2025

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

This house was perfect for a family vacation up north. The location was so close to walking in Elk Rapids, tennis, and the beach. The kitchen was very well stocked with what we needed for two very large family dinners. Thanks!

We had a blast in Elk Rapids. Walking distance to everything. House was great and had everything we needed for a wonderful week.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020

Response from VrboOwner on 24 Jul, 2020

Thank you Korrie for your kind review. We are so happy that you and your family were able to enjoy a much needed vacation. Sounds like you made some wonderful memories, too! We hope to see you back in Elk Rapids in the near future. Have a wonderful summer!

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca H.

21 Mar, 2023

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

Ladies Wine Weekend

There were 7 of us that stayed here for a weekend touring the wineries. The town was adorable and close to the peninsula. It was a perfect place to unwind and enjoy our time away.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

Verified

8/10 Good

Penny R.

1 Sept, 2025

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

We loved staying in Elk Ridge! The location was great for day trips to Traverse City, Mackinac, Charlevoix, Torch Lake... And the downtown shopping/dining area in Elk Ridge was our favorite. A short walk to the beach, and so much beautiful landscaping. The next door lot was a little sketch, but we never saw anyone there or had any issues. Also right across from the police station which was reassuring :) The house is historic, so a little less posh than we are used to. We had everything we needed and were very comfortable, but having no bathrooms upstairs was a bit of a hassle for us older ladies. The front porch/sunroom was our favorite spot to hang out. We had a fantastic trip -- thanks for hosting us!

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Kristina G.

21 Jul, 2019

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

Elk rapids charmer!

We had a lovely stay. Very nice home with a great location. Home owners were responsive.

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019

Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar, 2020

Thank you, Kris!! We are so happy you enjoyed your stay. We hope you will come back and visit Elk Rapids again in the near future. Best, Val & Paul

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Joseph M.

19 Feb, 2021

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

Fantastic Historic House

Loved the character and charm. Close to downtown. We enjoyed all the activities to do in the area during our winter stay.

Stayed 3 nights in Feb 2021

Archival

10/10 Excellent

Matt N.

31 Aug, 2012

Sunshine

We just returned home from this vacation and loved it. The house is beautiful and clean with so much space. The living room is very comfortable, which is hard to find in some rental cottages. We loved the location of this as well - you can quickly walk or bike to town or beach. Would happily rent here again!!

Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar, 2020

Thank you so much for your review! We are so happy you had a great vacation in our home. We really have tried very hard to make our home a great vacation spot. We would welcome you back anytime!

Verified

8/10 Good

Debra O.

9 Jan, 2021

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

Cute house in Elk Rapids

This house is centrally located to all the fun things in northern Michigan. Elk Rapids is a darling town and you can walk to the beach, shops, restaurants It’s a renovated old farmhouse, which we’re good with. The pictures are spot on.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2020

Response from VrboOwner on 9 Jan, 2021

Thank you for the review Debra. We certainly hope you enjoyed your stay. We strive to make sure our renters are comfortable and satisfied with their experience. I noticed you ranked us 4 out 5 stars and would appreciate further feedback of how we could’ve improved? We are a premier host and usually receive 5/5 stars. When we get under 5 it goes against our premiere status and could jeopardize that ranking. We would appreciate the opportunity to correct whatever it is that caused the rating. Thank you again for visiting Elk Rapids.

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Nicole D.

23 Jun, 2021

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

Perfect Vacation!

We had the best time at this home! There were two families, with 5 kids total, all under age 8. The layout worked well, everyone had their own space. The location was the best part- about a 5 min walk from town and the beach. We had a great time hanging out outside by the fire pit at night. Overall, great house and experience!

Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021

Response from VrboOwner on 23 Jun, 2021

Thank you, Nicole! We are so happy that everyone had a great time. Please visit us in the near future. Have a great summer! Val

Verified

10/10 Excellent

STEPHANIE G.

13 Sept, 2018

Charming up north home!!!

This home had everything we needed for our week stay and then some. We had plenty of space and the kitchen was very nice for making our morning meals in. The bedrooms had comfortable beds and lots of room. The fire pit in the background was a bonus too. The house was only 3-4 blocks from the beach and from downtown stores and restaurants. We definitely would come back and stay again!

Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2018

Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar, 2020

Thank you for the wonderful review!! We are so happy our home met your family's needs and that you made wonderful memories. Please come back and visit us again!

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay D.

20 Jul, 2023

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

Third Time and Still Charming!

This house is the perfect size for us and the perfect location! Three or four families rent houses in ER annually and this is still my favorite. It is spacious, nicely furnished and comfortable. I live the kitchen open to a large table where we all gather for meals, cards or a puzzle. We feel relaxed when we hit the front door!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

Response from VrboOwner on 7 Aug, 2023

Thank you Lindsay! Always a pleasure hosting you and your family! We hope you continue to make memories each year in Elk Rapids. 😊

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Christopher F.

23 Dec, 2022

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

Lovely, note the bathrooms are downstairs

This house in elk Rapids was lovely. It was clean and pretty and had lots of space. It would be particularly lovely in the summer with the back deck & the front enclosed porch. It would be easier for guests if there was a full stairway banister, since most of the bedrooms are upstairs and both bathrooms are downstairs.

Stayed 3 nights in Dec 2022

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Konda G.

2 Jun, 2024

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

Handrail

A handrail at the front door would have been helpful. One of the guests fell on the steps.

Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

Archival

10/10 Excellent

14 Nov, 2013

Bank President and Media Consultant

Dear Val and Paul, Your cottage reminded us of our stay in Maine. It is so beautifully decorated and so serene at your home. We enjoyed the surroundings and downtown Elk Rapids. We loved walking along the beach viewing the crystal clear Lake Michigan. The shops are so quaint and the people in town are so down to earth and nice. The wine shop had some great wines I never heard of. You are so close to the lake and there is so much to do. We were centrally located, so we rented a boat and went pontoon boating, wine tasting, We took the kids to several places. We loved your place and hope to come back annually. I could live up here all summer long. Thank you so much for opening your beautiful second home to us. Regards, The Cuttles

Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar, 2020

Thank you for the wonderful review! We're glad that our home met your needs; the city of Elk Rapids is really a magical place with so many things to do or just going to beach for a peaceful read of a favorite book. Thanks again.

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Richard D.

21 Aug, 2018

It felt like it was our home!

This cottage could not have been much better! The location in the town of Elk Rapids is perfect- walking distance to everything. The house is comfortable and roomy. We spent a lot of time with family from other cottages and often found ourselves around the large dining table with chairs pulled in from around the room. The large laundry room gave us a spot to drop beach gear without tracking sand through the house. The amenities are just right. Nice enough dishes, glasses, etc. without feeling nervous about using them! The deck was a nice spot for morning coffee. We were sorry there wasn't time to use the backyard fire pit, or to organize a tetherball tournament!! AC was a nice treat during this hot week! Family members have rented this cottage before and we were lucky enough to snap it up first! We are definitely coming back.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar, 2020

Thank you for the wonderful review!! We are so happy our home met your family's needs and that you made wonderful memories. We look forward to having you again next year!

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Gary P.

6 Oct, 2023

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

70 year old friends

4 couples in 70's who get together each fall for past 15 years or so and take a trip to upper Michigan. We love the Elk Rapids, Traverse and Petoskey area. Just a note to similar travelers. Because of our ages, trips to bathroom in the night happen. This is an older home with no bathroom on second floor. The stairs squeak so you will hear a fairly steady creak during the night. And being polite we tried to be as quiet as possible which just prolongs the noise. You might want some sort of alternative with you if you fall into this category. (smiley face). Very nice neighborhood and short, easy walk to town. For our group it was nice location.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

Archival

10/10 Excellent

Holly L.

11 Nov, 2013

Bride's last night of being single

We stayed in this lovely, historical home prior to and after our daughter's wedding in Elk Rapids, which is a nice place for a "destination wedding". The landlord allowed us to stay for a shortened stay as the wedding was not during the peak season. She was married at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the reception was at the Elk Rapids township hall. The home and the hall were both historical landmarks, which was very interesting. The location of the house was perfectly accessible for both venues. We enjoyed the services of the Beehive salon, which provided many spa services and helped to make the bride feel like a princess. The house was perfect with planning of room for our guests including my 91 year old mother, who had no trouble getting around the first floor. Everything that we needed was there. The decor was lovely... the colors and amenities made us feel very special. We have no complaints and would certainly use this home again... perhaps the next time for a vacation instead of to host and facilitate a wedding. The landlord was available by phone to answer any questions that we had. The only thing that we had difficulty with was the Direct t.v. as we were not familiar with how to access it for our 91 year old guest.

Response from VrboOwner on 23 Mar, 2020

Thanks for the wonderful review of our home. We're glad the wedding was a success and that our home met your needs for a nice fall weekend!

About the host

Hosted by Val/Paul

Why they chose this property

What makes this property unique

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Charming Family Cottage- downtown Elk Rapids, 2-blocks to town

Photo gallery for Charming Family Cottage- downtown Elk Rapids, 2-blocks to town

Reviews

Popular amenities

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

Game Room (See Description)

Master Bedroom-1st floor

The Butterfly Room

The Pink Room

The Seashell Room

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathroom 2

Spaces

About this property

Charming Family Cottage- downtown Elk Rapids, 2-blocks to town

Add dates for prices

Have a question?

Similar properties

1 mile from Torch Lake - The Farmhouse, remodeled getaway on 10 acres

House Rules

Children

Events

Pets

Smoking

Important information

You need to know

About the area

Elk Rapids

What's nearby

Getting around

Restaurants

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Exceptional

9.6/10

10/10

10/10

10/10

9.8/10

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Gwen G.

Gwen G.

10/10 Excellent

Kate P.

Great spot

Kate P.

10/10 Excellent

Darby H.

Darby H.

10/10 Excellent

John S.

Great location!

John S.

10/10 Excellent

Dave R.

Family lodging for a destination wedding

Dave R.

10/10 Excellent

Rebecca M.

Great Stay

Rebecca M.

10/10 Excellent

Linda S.

Wonderful winter weekend

Linda S.

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia C.

Family memories

Cynthia C.

10/10 Excellent

Debbie P.

Perfect Place

Debbie P.

10/10 Excellent

Korrie M.

Great Vacation Home

Korrie M.