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Classic Lake Home

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Photo gallery for Classic Lake Home

A clear lake with a wooden pier extending into the water, surrounded by trees.
A white two-story house with a porch, a chimney, and a small garden area.
A wooden interior with a bar area, stools, and a large window.
A wooden cabin kitchen with a black refrigerator, wooden cabinets, and a red countertop.
A compact kitchen with wooden cabinets, a stove, a sink, and a refrigerator.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Entire home

3 bedrooms3 bathrooms2200 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Pet friendly
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
Alden, MI
  • Place, Thayer lake
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Torch Lake
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Traverse City Beach
    ‪35 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Room options

About the neighborhood

Alden

This vacation home places you next to Torch Lake and within a 5-minute walk of Thayer lake. The vacation home includes a kitchen, a refrigerator, and a microwave.
View more Vacation Homes in AldenOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Thayer lake - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Torch Lake - 5 min walk - 0.3 miles
  • Torch Lake Park - 8 min drive - 5.8 miles
  • Grand Traverse Resort Golf Course - 31 min drive - 26.9 miles
  • Traverse City Beach - 35 min drive - 30.2 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

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

Classic Lake Home

Classic Lake Home on Torch Lake invites families to step back in time and experience Torch Lake the way generations before them did. One of the oldest homes on the lake, this classic waterfront retreat brings back memories of summers at the grandparents’ house—simple, welcoming, and centered around time together.

This 3-bedroom, 3-bath home sits directly on Torch Lake and offers beautiful water views and unforgettable sunsets. The main level features a large family room, kitchen, laundry, bathroom, and a primary suite, making it comfortable and convenient for multi-generational stays. Upstairs, two additional bedrooms and a full bath provide plenty of space for kids, teens, or extended family. Guests frequently note how spacious and accommodating the layout is, especially with three full bathrooms.

The home retains its original character with vintage fixtures and furnishings, creating a true “blast from the past” experience. While the décor is classic and no-frills, guests are often pleasantly surprised by the comfort—especially the beds—and the well-equipped kitchen that works well for family meals. The photos accurately represent the home, so guests know exactly what to expect.

Outside, enjoy easy access to the lake with two shared docks and one buoy, shared with the two neighboring cottages on the property. The dock is ideal for swimming, relaxing, and docking a rented boat, with a marina located just down the lake. The location is hard to beat—about three miles to the Torch Lake sandbar and one mile to Clam Lake and The Dockside. Alden and Rapid City are also nearby for dining and exploring.

Evenings are perfect for lakeside fires, watching the sunset, and unwinding after a day on the water. While the home does not have air conditioning, opening the windows allows refreshing lake breezes, and each bedroom is equipped with a fan.

The home is dog friendly (maximum two dogs, nightly fee applies). Please note: if not a family with children, all guests must be 25 or older.

Classic Lake Home on Torch Lake is ideal for families seeking space, history, and a truly authentic Torch Lake experience they’ll want to return to again and again.
The vacation home is heated and features a kitchen and 3 bathrooms, and there's space to spread out with 3 bedrooms. Other standard amenities include a washing machine, a coffee maker, and a fan.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

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

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 3 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • Games
  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Fan
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Fishing nearby
  • Parasailing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Unit size: 2,200 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 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
  • Note from host: Must request to bring a dog and the dog fee is $20

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 indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
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: 4:00 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 carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, and a smoke detector.

Property is also known as

House
Classic On Torch Alden
Classic Lake Cottage on Torch Lake Alden
Classic Lake Cottage on Torch Lake Private vacation home
Classic Lake Cottage on Torch Lake Private vacation home Alden
orp5b40d3cx

Frequently asked questions

What's there to see close to this vacation home?

This vacation home in Alden is within a 10-minute walk of Torch Lake and Thayer lake. You'll also find Torch Lake Park and Lake Bellaire within a short drive.

Will I be able to park at Classic Lake Home?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer parking.

Is this vacation home associated with a casino?

No, this vacation home is not connected to a casino.

Will I find an indoor pool at this vacation home?

No, there is no indoor pool at this vacation home.

Is Classic Lake Home good for couples?

At this lakeside vacation home, amenities that appeal to couples include a kitchen, a lake view in some house, as well as a firepit.

Does Classic Lake Home have a hot tub?

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

Does this vacation home include breakfast service?

No, this vacation home doesn't offer breakfast.

Will this vacation home allow pets to stay for free?

Although pets can't stay for free, they are welcome at this vacation home.

Does Classic Lake Home have connecting rooms available?

No, there aren't connecting guestrooms at this vacation home.

How far is the airport from this vacation home?

The closest major airport to this vacation home is Cherry Capital Airport (TVC), which is 28.4 mi away (46 minutes by car).

Can I book a room with a balcony at Classic Lake Home?

No, you won't find house with balconies at Classic Lake Home.

Classic Lake Home Reviews

Reviews

8.8

Excellent

Rating 10 - Excellent. 13 out of 19 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 19 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 19 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 2 out of 19 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 19 reviews

7.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Phil M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Two night stay and it was absolutely worth every penny. Will consider staying here again when I'm in the area.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Shaenna M.

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

BEAUTIFUL

Such a beautiful location. Super peaceful. Very comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kate D.

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

Fourth of July fun

It was very easy to get in touch with the host. We had a great time , there was lots of room for everyone.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Corinne S.

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

Exactly as described!

This classic cottage has a spectacular setting on Torch Lake. The views are to die for and the famous turquoise blue water is steps away from the house which is spacious and comfortably furnished. We thoroughly enjoyed it!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020
Verified review

8/10 Good

Amy S.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Large cabin, Great location

Overall great vacation. Wonderful location on Torch Lake. Large cabin, great bedrooms (large master), bathrooms for our family. The kids loved swimming, playing in the yard. The dock is in rough shape, seemed unstable. Needs repair/replacement. We were fortunate that the other 2 cabins on either side were rented out by families after our first night with noisy neighbors. Otherwise, we had a wonderful week.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Megan M.

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

Great location

The location is great, but they could invest in fixing things around the house. For example, ceiling fans not working in a bedroom, lightbulbs burnt out, windows could be cleaned and carpet needs replaced. However, they were very responsive when we told them there was no hot water. They fixed it that day.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Vicki B.

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

Torch Lake girls week

Kitchen stunk, main bedroom bath sink was completely plugged, couldn't take one shower without water freezing before we got to our hair. It could have been cleaned up better, bugs in all the windows, entry way was dirty, etc. Nice location on the lake but wouldn't go there again. No air which we knew and no problem with that.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Teresa P.

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

Great lake retreat

Beautiful and quiet wooded property with small sand beach entry to Torch Lake. We 5 women stayed in the main house which was much roomier than expected - and had large open living room nice for spending rainy evening indoors. No renters at the 2 adjoining small cottages gave us the proporty all to ourselves. Don't expect state-of-the-art kitchen and bath accomodations, but all in working order and arranged in the house in a way that early risers could start breakfast and shower without disturbing the late-sleepers. We really enjoyed our stay and had fun exploring the small towns and restaurants nearby.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Erik H.

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

Good spot on TL

Good for groups or family
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joe S.

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

Beautiful big throwback cottage

Everything worked, the place was clean with a good feeling, and it had room for all 7 of us plus a Big dog, we will be back
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

8/10 Good

Amanda G.

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

Grandmas house

Great dock, beach for the kiddos, location of the house. Cleanliness was unfortunately an issue, mold visible on living room ceiling. Could use some love, but not a bad stay.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bruce L.

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

Excellent lake house

Very clean and comfortable. Location is excellent.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kathleen R.

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

What a delightful home/cottage! We thoroughly enjoyed the excellent old workmanship and the antique

We were very pleased with the location - right on the shore of Torch Lake facing west. We enjoyed watching the sunsets. It's also very pleasant seeing the sun begin to shine on the opposite shore in the morning. The call of the loons is so soothing. The furnishings were more than adequate and comfortable. We were very relaxed and accomplished exactly what we came for - doing nothing in a beautiful, peaceful setting. Thank you!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Ashleigh T.

Liked: Check-in, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Disappointed

Beautiful piece of property literally steps from the beautiful Torch Lake! The home is very old and could use a little updating. Almost all the kitchen utensils you could need. Absolutely reminds me of being at grandmas cabin. I do have to say I was disappointed in the cleanliness of the home. I new when I rented this property it was an older home so I can live with the outdated appliances and no air conditioning! That being said if it weren’t for the location and the amount of money we spent booking over 1 year ago, we probably would have left. The floors were covered in dirt/sand and dog hair! After cleaning the floors and washing sheets for the the first few hours, When I was able to find a vacuum cleaner it was clogged so badly the dust was shooting out everywhere with no suction! so I had to fix it ( Which makes me wonder if the cleaning service even uses or used the vacuum)? My children’s bed linens were never washed because there was sand all over their sheets. Nothing smelled freshly washed. We made the best of it because we wanted to be together. Needless to say the home was much cleaner upon our departure than arrival. It also might not be be a bad idea to get some sort of pest control the ants and spiders are quite bad. Obviously outside but terrible on the inside as well.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Joseph K.

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

Wonderful place!

Loved the old cottage feel of this place. Tons of space. Beautiful views. Falling asleep and waking up to the sound of the lake was amazing!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Grant W.

Liked: Communication, location

Torch Lake cottage

Overall we enjoyed the property and location on the lake, it is very close to dockside and a great Marina and the cute town of Alden. The house is 50 years one on a beautiful secluded property. It could use a thorough update and cleaning, but we could make it work. The layout of the house was great for a family and the water frontage as very nice. We were not clear at rental that we would be sharing the property with 2 other parties in smaller cottages on either side, all in all we had 3 different renters during our stay, which proved to be disruptive because we shared a dock and outside space, some stayed up into the late hours of the night. It just was not very private. The house is a full week rental which is much more, the cottages can be rented for shorter time, I don't think it was fair for us to have that inconvenience with the higher price tag. It would be a great place to rent all together with a large group, but we will not return with this set up of multiple renters on one property.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Tristen S.

Traditional cottage directly on the shores of Torch Lake with beautiful views.

Traditional cottage directly on the shore of Torch lake with beautiful views. The cottage was well maintained with plenty of room and had a classic cottage vibe. The east side location was perfect and a short drive to Alden. We will be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Rob D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

JAMIE W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2025

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