Entire home

Now Booking Fall Getaways at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire

Beachfront cottage with kitchen and patio

Paddlesport fun included for the pleasure of guests at The AhWaGa.

View the stunning sunsets from the front porch.

Overview
Amenities
Policies
Location

Exceptional

2 bedroomsSleeps 4700 sq ft

Popular amenities

Parking available
Dryer
Washer
Fireplace
Barbecue grill
Kitchen

Place, Lake Bellaire
Place, Schuss Mountain
Place, Short's Brewing Company
Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bathroom 1

Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio

Porch or lanai

Kitchen

Dining area

About this property

Now Booking Fall Getaways at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire

The AhWaGa, built in the 1890s, is a fully renovated lakefront retreat. Wake up in a bright, cheery bedroom, make coffee in a full kitchen, and ease into your day under the covered porch, while overlooking the serenity of Lake Bellaire and listening for beckoning calls of the loons.

The cottage features the original maple hardwood floors, milled by the Thomas Forman Lumber Company of Petoskey, Michigan in the early 1890s.

Kitchen/Living Room: Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, quartz countertops, and stainless appliances, beautiful gas fireplace with TV and Blu Ray DVD player, queen-size pull out couch, and historical décor.

Master Bedroom: Queen bed, flat screen TV, windows looking over Lake Bellaire. Second Bedroom: twin trundle bed with flat screen TV. (very small room)

Bathroom: Tiled shower and floor, quartz countertop, full-size washer and dryer.

Wrap Around Covered Porch: Adds additional outdoor furnished space with eating and seating areas.

This 1890's cottage, noted as the first built on Lake Bellaire, maintains its original design and boasts updated décor that features items from The AhWaGa's founding family.
Uniquely 15 feet from the shoreline, this historical cottage invites the cool lake breeze. West-facing porch offers views of magical sunsets that paint the sky and water as a changing mural with dusk falling into quiet, star-filled nights.

Lake Bellaire is a part of the Antrim County Chain-of-Lakes waterway. Bring your watercraft and boat across Lake Bellaire to the Grass River, Clam Lake and River to the famous Dockside eatery on the shore of Torch Lake. Enjoy a variety of activities on crystal clear Lake Bellaire with provided kayaks and paddle boards. The water frontage is a firm, sandy bottom for swimming.

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Amenities

Kitchen

Washing machine

Dryer

Free WiFi

Air conditioning

Outdoor space

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Kitchen
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue grill

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM

Minimum age to rent: 25

Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Our cottage is cozy and best suited for couples.

Events

No events allowed

No parties or events allowed. No exceptions.

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No smoking is permitted on the premises/property.

Please no wet swimsuits on wood floors or furniture. Please help protect our 130 year old wood floors. No smoking/vaping in cottage nor outside.

Cottage is best suited for couples. 2nd bedroom is very small. Please inquire prior to booking if a concern. Signed rental rules agreement required.

Please, no day or overnight guests/events on site. Fireworks not permitted on site. Cottage must be left in clean condition.

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

Note from host: No parties or events allowed. No exceptions.

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

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Bellaire

Located in Bellaire, this cottage is in the city centre and on the beach. Elk Rapids District Library and Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at The Chief Golf Course and Short's Brewing Company. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.

View more Cottages in Bellaire

Bellaire, MI

What's nearby

Lake Bellaire - 1 min walk - 0.0 km
Short's Brewing Company - 5 min drive - 5.5 km
The Legend - 7 min drive - 3.6 km
Torch Lake - 17 min drive - 15.2 km
Clam Lake - 23 min drive - 20.3 km

Getting around

Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
‪The Dockside - ‬15 min drive
‪Short's Brewing Company - ‬4 min drive
‪Shanty Creek Resorts - ‬6 min drive
‪Toonies Fish & Steakhouse - ‬4 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Now Booking Fall Getaways at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Now Booking Fall Getaways at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Now Booking Fall Getaways at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Now Booking Fall Getaways at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire located?

Located in the heart of Bellaire, this cottage is steps from Lake Bellaire and within 3 mi (5 km) of The Chief Golf Course and Short's Brewing Company. The Legend is 2.9 mi (4.7 km) away.

Exceptional

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

Learn more

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

10/10 Excellent

Beth M.

18 Aug, 2025

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

Lovely cottage, great porch and close to the water. Had a wonderful stay.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Travis

28 Sept, 2025

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

It was very clean and newly updated, secluded right on the water and only 5 minutes from Bellaire. Perfect sunsets.

Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sherri W.

1 Sept, 2025

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

Beautiful cottage on very nice lake! Owner was very responsive! We very much enjoyed our stay and would definitely return!

Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kristin B.

10 Oct, 2025

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

The cottage was clean, comfortable, and nicely decorated. Jen was available if we needed anything. The view of the lake was beautiful. The kitchen was well supplied.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tori B.

20 Sept, 2025

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

Absolutely fabulous! One of the best cabins we’ve ever stayed at. Spotless inside and out! Charming and inviting with an awesome history. So important is the comfort of the front room furniture and it was great.

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sarah P.

15 Sept, 2025

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

The property was just as described! It was a quiet and relaxing weekend on Lake Bellaire. You can tell the love they put into renovating this old cottage!

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kamelia S.

24 Sept, 2025

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

Superb! I needed a break from the monotony of life. This was the perfect place. It is set up beautifully, it’s very clean and tidy. The amenities were perfect. The location on Lake Bellaire was astounding. My favorite part was sitting on the wraparound porch facing the lake, watching and listening to nature and the ripples of water splashing the shoreline . I can’t say enough about this place. It was an oasis for a tired grandma. The lake was beautifully crystal clear. The leaves were falling to the ground softly. Perfection!

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kori D.

9 Sept, 2025

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

The AhWaGa is exactly as described! And captures your heart! It really is Enchanting, with its integrity in its historical form, but updated just perfectly…. If I had my own cottage on a lake this is EXACTLY what I would want!! Cozy, with all the amenities you want!! The weather for us was not ideal, but staying here made it just perfect.. And we did get some beautiful sunsets!!!!! Jen the host is so attentive and is there for anything you need ,you feel like she is a friend looking out for you!! Everything was so clean , you have everything you need laundry all the stuff in the kitchen there’s even an old-school record player which we enjoyed! I can’t say enough about this property probably my favorite that I’ve ever rented. And we will definitely be back!!

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Andrew F.

8 Oct, 2024

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

Weekend Getaway

Absolutely Amazing!!!! We could not ask for more from the views of the lake, the location and amenities. This was exactly what we needed to get away.

Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

8/10 Good

Cynthia B.

23 Sept, 2023

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

Vacation

Extremely quiet and great location

Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sandra T.

18 Sept, 2024

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

Another Great Stay

This was our second stay at AhWaGa. Beautiful. This time we rented a pontoon boat from a local place and kept it overnight. Perfect since there is a wonderful dock at the cabin.

Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

17 Oct, 2024

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

This place is amazing!

We have stayed here multiple times and could not ask for a better location to unwind and relax. The location is an easy drive to Charlevoix or Traverse City, and Bellaire itself has many cool spots to check out. The host takes great pride in the cleanliness of the home and it is well stocked with kitchen items for preparing your own meals.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

27 Oct, 2023

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

Wonderful experience!

This was our second stay at The Ah-Wa-Ga. We love it there! Jen is a fantastic host and the home is always clean and inviting upon arrival.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Reid J.

25 Aug, 2023

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

Wonderful cottage and location

Everything as described. Clean and comfortable. Nice quiet spot on the lake.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

13 Oct, 2021

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

This place is special!

The Ah Wa Ga is amazing! My wife and I enjoyed our stay and the stress-free booking process orchestrated by Jen made all the difference. The home was clean, the lake was beautiful, and we will plan on returning one day.

Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Donald D.

2 Aug, 2024

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

Awesome location

Everything we expected! Very close to the water and with a boat ramp. Best sunsets ever. So private and good area to walk. Everything was there that we needed and more. The owners took very good care during our long stay.

Stayed 21 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul K.

13 Jul, 2025

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

Perfect Getaway

There is no way to describe just how lovely this property is. It has history, but is updated to be modern with all top of the line appliances. It is beautifully decorated with nods to the history of the area and the cabin itself. The bed is firm, but comfortable. The provided kayaks and SUP boards are fun to use. You wake up to Loons calling and tiny waves lapping on the rocky shore, and close the day with Loons and the most beautiful sunsets. The lake is never overly busy. If you have your own boat you can dock right there. Or you can lounge on the dock (bring your own chairs and towels) and wade out in the shallow waters when you get too warm. Jen was a perfect host providing clear communication, great recommendations, and an easy rental process.

Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Greg R.

27 Aug, 2018

Just perfect

We couldn’t have asked for more lovely accommodations with the absolutely most picturesque view of the lake and sunsets. The owners were so kind and thoughtful... really, just the perfect place.

Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Kim S.

27 Sept, 2020

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

Belair

Great place right on water! Clean

Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Rachel H.

12 Sept, 2023

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

Great cottage stay to celebrate the last bit of Summer

We really enjoyed our stay at AhWaGa. The cottage was private, tastefully decorated, historic, charming, updated and ticked every box on our list. The porch was our favorite place to hang out and watch amazing sunsets, feel lake breezes and listen to loons calling. Jen was a great host—we wanted for nothing. We hope to return soon!

Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shawn C.

27 Jun, 2023

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

Anniversary vacation

We honeymooned here two years ago and wanted to revisit again this year. What an amazing place! It was like our honeymoon all over again and we didn’t want to leave. This place is simply amazing. Thanks so much for sharing this with others. So beautiful!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark H.

21 Dec, 2023

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

AH-GA-WA Cottage

The cottage was perfect. It was a quiet beutiful weekend. It was clean and upon arrival the host left the Christmas Tree on which gave the cottage and extra zing. Morning coffee on the back porch just feet from the water. We watched the fishermen fishing.

Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda, Ann Arbor

18 Jun, 2023

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

Our True North

This was our second stay at the AhWaGa, and we hope there will be many more. The cottage and property are very well maintained and outfitted. The host is an excellent communicator who is dedicated to providing a first rate experience. Lake Bellaire is a haven for fishing and wildlife. Staying at the AhWaGa feels like stepping back in time, to what used to constitute the Michigan “up north” vacation but with all of today’s conveniences. I can’t wait to go back!

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda D.

17 Jun, 2024

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

The Essence of “Up North” Michigan

The property manager has done a brilliant job of updating a historical property with all the modern conveniences. Many people fantasize about experiencing northern Michigan the way it used to be. This cottage is as close as could be. This was our third visit, so I have seen the care the property manager gives this cottage and its guests. She is highly attuned to its maintenance and to making sure guests have what they need.

Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Madison M.

23 Jul, 2023

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

Summer Vaca

Had the best week at this lovely cottage for a week with our 1 and 3 year olds. The lake front is perfect for all ages as it’s shallow for quite some time. The cottage is small but has everything you need. The host thinks of everything- even a one time burner bag for the grill to avoid needing to buy charcoal. She even shipped us a watch that we forgot free of charge!

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Jen

Bellaire native, historian by trade, fan of Northern Michigan.

Why they chose this property

I saw The AhWaGa for the first time while boating on Lake Bellaire. The historic cottage, the first built on Lake Bellaire, called to me. It was in desperate need of renovation, and begged for revitalization. We are only the second owners of The AhWaGa - purchasing the cottage from the original family who built the cottage in the 1890's. The restoration of the cottage has been an incredible experience.

What makes this property unique

We fell in love with the quaintness of the cottage, from the wrap around porch, to being so close to the shoreline. The sunsets are stunning, and second to none. The AhWaGa is an authentic experience of an old Northern Michigan cottage, loved by families and friends for generations. To the north, views of unspoiled shoreline. We share the cottage with the Eagle who flies overhead from the nest at the river's mouth, and the loons who swim our shoreline.