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South Cottage on Torch Lake

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Property grounds
Property grounds
Dining
Smart TV
Exterior

Reviews

7.8 out of 10
Good

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroom750 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Outdoor Space
  • Parking available

Explore the area

View in a map
alden, MI
  • Place, Torch Lake
    ‪3 min walk‬
  • Place, Torch Lake Park
    ‪8 min drive‬
  • Place, Traverse City Beach
    ‪35 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪42 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Alden

Located within a 5-minute walk of Torch Lake, this cottage is within a mile (2 km) of Clam River. The cottage includes a kitchen, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
View more Cottages in AldenOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Torch Lake - 3 min walk - 0.2 miles
  • Torch Lake Park - 8 min drive - 5.6 miles
  • Traverse City Beach - 35 min drive - 30.0 miles
  • Front Street - 40 min drive - 33.4 miles
  • Boyne Mountain - 45 min drive - 45.8 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 36 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Short's Brewing Company - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪M88 Morning Grind - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Shanty Creek Resorts - ‬18 min drive
  • ‪The Shanty - ‬19 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.

South Cottage on Torch Lake

Timeless Cottage on Torch Lake is a true step back in time—an authentic, 75+ year-old lake cottage filled with original fixtures and vintage furnishings that reflect generations of up-north memories. This cozy, no-frills retreat is perfect for a small family or two couples looking to unplug and enjoy Torch Lake in its most classic form. The photos accurately show the cottage, so guests know exactly what to expect.

The 2-bedroom, 1-bath cottage is thoughtfully laid out and larger than it appears from the outside, with spacious bedrooms, comfortable beds, and a welcoming living room that guests consistently describe as charming and clean. A small kitchen, gas grill, and private fire pit make it easy to enjoy meals and evenings together after full days on the water. A washer and dryer are also available for guest use.

Timeless Cottage is located on a shared lakefront property with the main house and another cottage. While the cottages are close together, the setting offers a nice balance of shared space and privacy, surrounded by trees and set back from the road. Guests enjoy access to two shared docks, shallow water for swimming, and beautiful Torch Lake views just steps from the door. The area near the dock is rocky, adding to the natural shoreline feel.

Outdoor living shines here—spend your days swimming, relaxing by the water, or taking a 15-minute boat ride to the sandbar, then gather around the fire pit for grilling, conversation, and unforgettable Torch Lake sunsets.

The cottage is dog-friendly with prior approval (one dog only, nightly fee applies), and both neighboring cottages may also host dogs.
Please note: the cottage does not have heat or air conditioning.

For non-family groups, all guests must be 25 years or older.

Conveniently located near Alden and Bellaire, Timeless Cottage on Torch Lake is a relaxed, nostalgic getaway families return to for its setting, simplicity, and enduring charm.
The cottage features a kitchen and space to spread out with 2 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and a dining table.

Similar properties

Exterior
Grand Traverse Resort And Spa
Williamsburg
  • On private beach
  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Spa
8.4 out of 10, Very Good, 1,002 reviews
$156 nightly
The price is $171
Jun 28 - Jun 29
Total with taxes and fees
Grand Traverse Resort And Spa

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • One pet total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • On a lake

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 750 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Rules

All renters must be at least 25 years of age, except families with small children.
A Security Deposit hold is required prior to arrival and will automatically be released 14 days after check out unless there are damages or other issu
All guests must sign a rental agreement for every reservation.

Pets

  • This property welcomes pets
  • Dogs only
  • 1 total (50 lbs is the maximum weight per pet)
  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Note from host: pet fee is $20 per night

Children and extra beds

Children allowed: ages 0-17

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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
  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 10:00 AM
  • Minimum check-in age: 25

We should mention

Details about charges, deposits, or other important information:

  • This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business, or profession.
  • Charges for extra guests may apply and vary depending on the property's policy.
  • A cash deposit, credit card, or debit card for incidental charges, as well as a government-issued photo ID, may be required at check-in.
  • Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in and can't be guaranteed. Certain requests may come with additional charges.
  • Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited.
  • Onsite safety features include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector.

Property is also known as

orp5b4123fx

Frequently asked questions

What can I see near this cottage?

This cottage is located in Alden within a short 4-minute walk of Torch Lake. You'll also find Torch Lake Park and Clam Lake within a short drive.

Is there parking available at South Cottage on Torch Lake?

No, there isn't parking at this cottage.

Is this cottage next to a casino?

No, this cottage is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this cottage?

No, there is no indoor pool at this cottage.

Is South Cottage on Torch Lake a good place to stay for couples?

Amenities that appeal to couples at this lakeside cottage include a kitchen and a smart TV in each cottage, and some feature lake view.

Are there hot tubs at South Cottage on Torch Lake?

No, there isn't a spa tub at this cottage.

Does this cottage provide breakfast?

No, this cottage doesn't offer breakfast.

Does this cottage allow pets to stay free of charge?

Although dogs can't stay for free, they are welcome at this cottage.

Are there connecting rooms at South Cottage on Torch Lake?

No, this cottage doesn't feature connecting guestrooms.

What is the closest airport to this cottage?

The closest major airport to this cottage is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which is 28.3 mi away (36 minutes by car).

Are there rooms with balconies at South Cottage on Torch Lake?

No, there aren't any cottage with balconies at South Cottage on Torch Lake.

South Cottage on Torch Lake Reviews

Reviews

7.8

Good

Rating 10 - Excellent. 2 out of 6 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 6 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 6 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 6 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 6 reviews

6.8/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Daniel N. R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
great older cottage..
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Darrin K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Internet router dropped every twenty minutes for about 2 minutes, annoying on movie night. Cannot run the microwave and coffee maker at the same time, it will blow the old round fuses. Great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

jessica r.

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

Paying for the lake!

This is a nice comfy bed and acess to the lake. Property is gorgeous . Beds are comfy. The tv was very nice for family movie night. However no ac made it a bit uncomfortable. This is not someplace where you want to do heavy cooking. But it is a nice landing pad after lake fun.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Fred W.

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

Fun Family Stay at the Torch Lake Cottage

We recently spent an unforgettable long weekend at this charming lake cottage on Torch Lake, and it exceeded all our expectations! From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by the stunning views and the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the cottage. The interior was cozy and beautifully decorated, providing plenty of space for our family to relax and enjoy each other’s company. One of the highlights of our stay was the firepit. We used it to warm the cool fall air while we enjoyed our coffee with a great view of the lake. The cottage was equipped with everything we needed, from a well-stocked kitchen to cozy bedding. It felt like a home away from home, and we appreciated the thoughtful touches that made our stay even more enjoyable. Overall, our family getaway at the Torch Lake cottage was a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. We left with cherished memories.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Kim N.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Beautiful views smelly cabin

We booked our stay last minute. We understood that it was an old cabin and wasn't what we're used to. We wanted to be waterfront though. That part of our stay was beautiful. However, the smell inside of the cabin was horrible. It wasn't just musty it smelled like a cat had lived there previously. The bed I slept in was just okay. It was nice to have a grill to cook outside, the screened room outside was nice. Beautiful sunsets from that location. They just need to do something about the cleanliness of the cabin and get rid of that smell. I spent a lot of money just to be on the lake and stay in a place that I didn't feel comfortable even cooking in. My contact person Tressia Mooney was nice. We lost power from a storm one night and the most that she could do for us was bring a bucket so we could flush the toilet. There was no generator or any other thing to help us out. We made it through it. It ended up only being about 6 or 7 hours without power. We never had wifi either for the 4 days 3 nights. She did try to reboot at the main house, but she did not know what to tell us so never watched TV or had Internet. Will not go back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified

6/10 Okay

Mike M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness
The bed room pillows are gross and need to be changed out. They are stained, yuk! The cottage had not been dusted. The shower needs another way to lower the sprayer. It was barely accessible to me and I am 5 ft tall. We realize you are going for a “vintage vibe” but honestly we did not feel safe with the very old if not original electrical outlets. They had no gfci outlets. The bathroom only had 1 outlet connected to the light which was also probably original to the cottage. The dryer had old dryer sheets inside and misc. paper from who knows what? The dryer also makes a large banging noise. The kitchen sink is so stained I wonder if anything can get clean in there. We did not use the covers as they were very old and dingy looking. The dock was nice but definitely needs some love. Sorry, we feel it’s best to be honest. The location is amazing, however the property, even the big house looks run down and in disrepair. Landscaping is non existent.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

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