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Charming Lakefront Cottage on Torch Lake - walking distance to Alden

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January 2025

Photo gallery for Charming Lakefront Cottage on Torch Lake - walking distance to Alden

Exterior
Smart TV, fireplace, books
Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Smart TV, fireplace, books

Reviews

9.4 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 11139 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Outdoor space
    Outdoor space
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Fireplace
    Fireplace

Explore the area

Map
Alden, MI
  • Torch Lake
    1 min walk
  • Torch Lake Park
    4 min drive
  • Clam Lake
    8 min drive
  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    41 min drive

Room options

About the area

Alden

On lake.At this Alden cottage, you'll be within half a mile (1 km) of Torch Lake and 3 miles (5 km) of Torch Lake Park. Grass River Natural Area and Clam River are also within 6 miles (10 km).
View more Cottages in AldenOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Torch Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Torch Lake Park - 4 min drive - 3.4 km
  • Clam Lake - 8 min drive - 7.7 km
  • Schuss Mountain - 17 min drive - 17.9 km
  • Lake Bellaire - 20 min drive - 12.9 km

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 41 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Oasis Red Bull Tavern - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Shanty Creek Resorts - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Dockside-Torch Lake - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Pearls New Orlean Kitchen - ‬24 min drive
  • ‪Torch Lake Beer Co - ‬3 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Charming Lakefront Cottage on Torch Lake - walking distance to Alden

My grandmother's brother built this cottage in 1910 - and he got a prime lakefront location. Now with updated bathrooms and refinished wood floors the interior provides up-north cottage charm alongside all the modern amenities.

Everyone's favorite place to spend time indoors seems to be the screened-in porch which opens to the lake and shoreline on 3 sides. Here you can settle down in a comfy chair to enjoy Torch’s famous “Caribbean blue” stripes chase across the lake, or sip an evening glass of wine and watch the sunset pour molten light into the water.

The large living room with its central stone hearth is a great spot to gather around a fire on a cooler evening or around the TV on a rainy day. Bedrooms are cozy and simple, with 2 queens, 1 set of twins, and 1 double-single bunk and classic cottage antiques. The property features a dock, a firepit by the lake, a lakeside patio with chairs and an umbrella table, and another patio with a grill off the kitchen.

This is not a party spot, but it would be great for families or groups of adults seeking a relaxing getaway. Nestled in among majestic trees and private cottages, the location offers privacy and quiet. Sandy shallows extend for dozens of yards off the rocky shoreline; we also have a dock a mooring buoy for your motorboat or pontoon boat. (Jet-skis are not allowed.)

The charming town of Alden, with boutiques, dining, and public tennis courts and playground, is a 1/2-mile walk away. Nature preserves and well-maintained roads throughout the area also provide beautiful hiking and biking.

Note that we also own the cottage next door (VRBO #37825, built by my grandmother). You could consider that cottage if this one is already booked or, if you have a very large group, consider combining the rentals – a "family compound" that could accommodate up to 20 people.

Property manager

Nan Reed Twiss

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach sun loungers

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Coffee grinder
  • Paper towels
  • Cookware/dishes/utensils

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathrooms

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Soap
  • Towels provided
  • Toilet paper
  • Hair dryer

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV
  • Games
  • Books

Outdoor areas

  • Patio
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On the lake
  • On the waterfront
  • Next to a golf course
  • In a rural location
  • Near a hospital
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Water tubing nearby
  • Power boating nearby
  • Cycling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Hiking nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Winery tours nearby
  • Sailing nearby

Safety features

  • No carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is no carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 1500 sq ft (139 sq m)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 30

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a private host, not a professional engaged in trade or business. Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited. For guests' safety, the property includes a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock in each accommodation.

Charming Lakefront Cottage on Torch Lake - walking distance to Alden Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 7 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 11 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 11 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Amanda S., Ann Arbor

Liked: Cleanliness
Windows windows and more windows
Wonderful stay in a Torch Lake cabin that was so much more than anticipated. Hidden away off the main road , every room had lake views from big windows, sitting standing or laying down you could see the lake. spacious rooms bigger than expected The porch was THE place to be. Windows galore, with unobstructed views, and great seating or you could be outside on the water deck lounging in chairs. I had planned to visit lots of local lakes , I did very little because I had all I needed right here . Kayaked or walked to lovely Alden village , total relaxation, with a bonus of nighty sunsets. An extra was that it was not like a property bought just to rent, they obviously stay here and leave everything they need , for guests to use , from books, spices, printers , lots of cookware, kayak and more . Very responsive to my questions about restaurants in the area. I like adventures and don’t usually go to the same place twice ,I would come back to this cabin for sure and already looking at availability for next year. this would be an excellent location for a company retreat renting this home along with the property next door.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

8/10 Good

janet p.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful views
We enjoyed our stay at this cozy cottage on Torch Lake. The location was perfect as we spent most days on the water. The cottage was well appointed and comfortable. The views were amazing. Communication with owner was quick and friendly. We would return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Judi S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Gardner cottage
We enjoyed our week @ TL immensely. The Gardner cottage has a superb location--steps to the beach and a pleasant walk to Alden. We enjoyed good weather for the most part, tho a bit cooler this year. It was just the two of us this time--no problem settling in. You have thought of everything to supply the Gardner Cottage --such a treat to use the French china! Thanks so very much for your graciousness.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

8/10 Good

Marie L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Torch Lake Garden Cottage
Our first VRBO get away with family. Enjoyed the large family room inside and the attached outdoor sunroom where we could enjoy seeing the lake and watch the sunrise and sunset. We enjoyed our stay, however the bedrooms and bathrooms had a few bug webs on lights and in wall corners, so just not quite as clean as I hoped it would be. Owner is very nice to work with.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jo G.

Liked: Cleanliness
location
Beautiful location with amazing sun sets. The home was well stocked with everything you could possibly need. The property manager was very accommodating and wonderful to work with.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Todd E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect sunsets, unbelievably close to the water
I have spent summer vacations at Torch my whole life and have never been so close to the lake. The water is great, with the normal rocky shore quickly becoming almost purely sandy swimming area, sloping slowly deeper far beyond the buoy. We saw loons every night at sunset and had wonderful deck and grassy areas to view them while talking. The weather was great while we were there and we were able to keep the windows open most of the time to enjoy the sounds of the lake. While there are neighbors, it was mostly secluded and all interactions were positive. The cabin is well equipped and it was easy for everyone to get in and out and relax. Definitely a great experience! The owners were very responsive and great to work with, without being intrusive. Highly recommend staying with them if you have the chance.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Aaron P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great time
I think everyone in our group really enjoyed the cottage feel. The location is secluded and hidden away which makes it feel like your in the middle of a forest. Plenty of room for 11 people. We had 2 rainy days which was unfortunate but the size of the living room table and the awesome front porch was perfect for playing cards and games with the kids. The firepit was great for a couple chilly nights. But the best of all is being on the water. You can touch 100-200 yds out from the shore. The dock seems a little flimsy in spots but that would be the only minor complaint. The proximity to Alden, Dockside and Butches Tackle and Marine was convenient as well. Overall, we would definitely return and was a great family vacation spot for our group of 11. The owners are quick to respond if you need to reach them for any reason.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

8/10 Good

Richard M.

Liked: Cleanliness
family cottage week
We had a great time at this property. Loved the location close to bottom of lake sand bar and not far from Clam lake to water ski. We enjoyed gathering in the family room area and seating was ample at the large kitchen table. The beds were comfortable and kitchen was well equipped.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

tim c.

Liked: Cleanliness
excellent location
beautiful property
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Shelley L., Corydon

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful views
Property was right on the lake with beautiful views. Home was very well stocked with everything you need. We only needed to buy our groceries. Owner was very helpful and responsive when we needed her. Highly recommend this home for staying on Torch Lake. We were a group of 9 people and the house accommodated us quite comfortably.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

8/10 Good

Nina N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cute little place with inviting sun porch. Kitchen was well equipped
Owner was very responsive to requests my renters.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022