Birch Cottage - Torch Lake, Beach, Kayaks + SUPs
Entire cottage in Alden, Michigan
- 6 guests
- 3 bedrooms
- 6 beds
- 1 bath
Hosted by Alison
- Superhost
- 6 years hosting
Listing highlights
Top 10% of homes
This home is highly ranked based on ratings, reviews, and reliability.
Private lakefront deck
A private deck overlooking the water, ideal for watching sunsets over the lake each evening
Charming design, attentive host
Guests highlight the cozy, well-decorated interior and Alison's responsive, thoughtful hosting
Enjoy Northern Michigan from this charming home directly on Torch Lake! Stunning sunset views and easy access to the water, just steps from your door.
You will love the huge deck, sandy beach, swim dock, kayaks, paddle boards, gas grill, curated decor, spacious living room, flat screen TV, high-speed wifi, full kitchen, toys, games and puzzles.
Prime location close to world class wineries, trails, skiing and more! Easily visit Traverse City, Bellaire, Charlevoix, Elk Rapids and Shanty Creek.
The space
The Birch Cottage has 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath with full size washer and dryer, a spacious living room, dining area, washer/dryer, a recently updated kitchen with quartz countertops, and a private deck/patio overlooking the water (with epic sunsets every night!) right outside your door.
The space is ideal for couples, groups of adults and families. Renters may not have additional guests join them at the property during their stay. The recommended group size is 4-6 people. We have neighbors who are full time residents and we care deeply about ensuring the area remains quiet and peaceful for them.
Guest access
Our cottage offers the best of both worlds- the quiet privacy of a waterfront home along with the excitement of a variety of activities at your fingertips. We are part of a quiet, friendly community of 9 homes that share 265 feet of pristine Torch Lake frontage. During your stay, you can use a large community deck, swimming dock, swim raft, sandy beach area (perfect for wading in the water), beach volleyball court, swings, large open grassy area for yard games, picnic tables and chairs along the water.
There is a wide array of activities within a short driving distance. Whatever you love to do, you can make it happen here - fishing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, mountain biking, hiking, wine tasting, and more.
Other things to note
-Renters may not operate motorized watercraft (boats, jet skis, etc.) at our waterfront. This includes tying up to the mooring balls and/or pulling up to the swim dock for loading and unloading. Please plan accordingly. If you need to let people off or allow people on your boat, we ask that you do so at Alden Harbor, Dockside, Butch's or your boat rental location as alternatives. The waves and wind can pick up suddenly on Torch Lake so please be exercise caution while boating.
-Guests may bring up to 2 vehicles to the house. The 1st vehicle may be parked facing the water alongside the screened in porch. Please pull forward so the front of your vehicle is near the end of the screened porch. The second vehicle may be parked in the guest parking area about 150 feet up the driveway on the North side of Cedar Shores Ct. This area is marked by signs. If the first area is full you may park in the additional guest parking area further towards Torch Lake Drive.
-Note that our association does not allow renters to bring their boats/trailers on the association property. If you would like to bring a boat on a trailer to launch at one of the two nearby boat launches (Butch’s or Alden Harbor) please reach out to me for details about a convenient place to keep the boat and trailer during your stay. You may also be interested in renting a boat from DeWitt Marine, Butch's or Dockside Water Sports, all of which are located just a mile north of our cabin.
-Please only use the dock to the north which we call the swim dock. The south dock (with the boats) is for owners only.
-Smoking of all kinds is not permitted in the house or in the common spaces such as the beach, community deck, or dock.
-Guests may not bring pets. Some of the neighbors/owners in our community have dogs so you may see them on the property during your stay.
-Guests may not start campfires in the community fire pit. Guests are welcome to join in when there is a campfire already started, but an owner must start and be responsible for the fire.
-Drive slowly and carefully as there are often small children at play throughout the community.
-Please observe community quiet hours of 10:00 PM-8:00 AM.
-Maximum occupancy of the Birch Cottage is 6 people.
-Some of our neighbors have kayaks and paddle boards which are not for Birch Cottage guest use. You are welcome to use the 2 paddle boards and 2 kayaks that belong to the Birch Cottage which are kept along the north side of the house. Please put away after each use and be careful to keep track of paddles.
-Relax and have a great time! Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. I am more than happy to assist.
You will love the huge deck, sandy beach, swim dock, kayaks, paddle boards, gas grill, curated decor, spacious living room, flat screen TV, high-speed wifi, full kitchen, toys, games and puzzles.
Prime location close to world class wineries, trails, skiing and more! Easily visit Traverse City, Bellaire, Charlevoix, Elk Rapids and Shanty Creek.
The space
The Birch Cottage has 3 bedrooms, 1 full bath with full size washer and dryer, a spacious living room, dining area, washer/dryer, a recently updated kitchen with quartz countertops, and a private deck/patio overlooking the water (with epic sunsets every night!) right outside your door.
The space is ideal for couples, groups of adults and families. Renters may not have additional guests join them at the property during their stay. The recommended group size is 4-6 people. We have neighbors who are full time residents and we care deeply about ensuring the area remains quiet and peaceful for them.
Guest access
Our cottage offers the best of both worlds- the quiet privacy of a waterfront home along with the excitement of a variety of activities at your fingertips. We are part of a quiet, friendly community of 9 homes that share 265 feet of pristine Torch Lake frontage. During your stay, you can use a large community deck, swimming dock, swim raft, sandy beach area (perfect for wading in the water), beach volleyball court, swings, large open grassy area for yard games, picnic tables and chairs along the water.
There is a wide array of activities within a short driving distance. Whatever you love to do, you can make it happen here - fishing, boating, kayaking, paddle boarding, mountain biking, hiking, wine tasting, and more.
Other things to note
-Renters may not operate motorized watercraft (boats, jet skis, etc.) at our waterfront. This includes tying up to the mooring balls and/or pulling up to the swim dock for loading and unloading. Please plan accordingly. If you need to let people off or allow people on your boat, we ask that you do so at Alden Harbor, Dockside, Butch's or your boat rental location as alternatives. The waves and wind can pick up suddenly on Torch Lake so please be exercise caution while boating.
-Guests may bring up to 2 vehicles to the house. The 1st vehicle may be parked facing the water alongside the screened in porch. Please pull forward so the front of your vehicle is near the end of the screened porch. The second vehicle may be parked in the guest parking area about 150 feet up the driveway on the North side of Cedar Shores Ct. This area is marked by signs. If the first area is full you may park in the additional guest parking area further towards Torch Lake Drive.
-Note that our association does not allow renters to bring their boats/trailers on the association property. If you would like to bring a boat on a trailer to launch at one of the two nearby boat launches (Butch’s or Alden Harbor) please reach out to me for details about a convenient place to keep the boat and trailer during your stay. You may also be interested in renting a boat from DeWitt Marine, Butch's or Dockside Water Sports, all of which are located just a mile north of our cabin.
-Please only use the dock to the north which we call the swim dock. The south dock (with the boats) is for owners only.
-Smoking of all kinds is not permitted in the house or in the common spaces such as the beach, community deck, or dock.
-Guests may not bring pets. Some of the neighbors/owners in our community have dogs so you may see them on the property during your stay.
-Guests may not start campfires in the community fire pit. Guests are welcome to join in when there is a campfire already started, but an owner must start and be responsible for the fire.
-Drive slowly and carefully as there are often small children at play throughout the community.
-Please observe community quiet hours of 10:00 PM-8:00 AM.
-Maximum occupancy of the Birch Cottage is 6 people.
-Some of our neighbors have kayaks and paddle boards which are not for Birch Cottage guest use. You are welcome to use the 2 paddle boards and 2 kayaks that belong to the Birch Cottage which are kept along the north side of the house. Please put away after each use and be careful to keep track of paddles.
-Relax and have a great time! Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. I am more than happy to assist.
Where you’ll sleep
1 of 2 pages
What this place offers
Lake view
Beach access
Kitchen
Wifi
Dedicated workspace
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Rated 4.95 out of 5 from 100 reviews.
Guest favorite
This home is in the top 10% of eligible listings based on ratings, reviews, and reliability
Overall rating
- 5 stars, 95% of reviews
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Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for cleanliness
Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars for accuracy
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for check-in
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for location
Rated 4.7 out of 5 stars for value
Guest reviews mention
Where you’ll be
Alden, Michigan, United States
This listing's location is verified and the exact location will be provided after booking.
Neighborhood highlights
Our community consists of 9 homes that share 265 feet of beautiful Torch Lake waterfront and the common spaces on the community property including a sandy beach area, large lawn for yard games, beach volleyball court, a swim dock with benches for lounging, a large waterfront deck with tables and chairs, and a swing set.
Our town, Alden, is a perfect launching pad for boating and fishing on Torch Lake and enjoying the 30+ miles of all season trails on the Glacial Hills Pathway. You will love quaint Alden and nearby Bellaire and Elk Rapids. Spend a day exploring Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs or take the short drive to Traverse City and visit some wineries or shops around Grand Traverse Bay. If you want to venture further north for a visit to Mackinac Island, it’s just a 1.5 hour drive to board the ferry. You may also wish to explore Leelanau Peninsula (an hour’s drive) with its picturesque towns Suttons Bay, Northport, and Leland. Sleeping Bear Dunes also makes for a fun day trip.
Our town, Alden, is a perfect launching pad for boating and fishing on Torch Lake and enjoying the 30+ miles of all season trails on the Glacial Hills Pathway. You will love quaint Alden and nearby Bellaire and Elk Rapids. Spend a day exploring Charlevoix, Petoskey, and Harbor Springs or take the short drive to Traverse City and visit some wineries or shops around Grand Traverse Bay. If you want to venture further north for a visit to Mackinac Island, it’s just a 1.5 hour drive to board the ferry. You may also wish to explore Leelanau Peninsula (an hour’s drive) with its picturesque towns Suttons Bay, Northport, and Leland. Sleeping Bear Dunes also makes for a fun day trip.
Meet your host
Born in the 90s
Where I went to school: Calvin University
Hi, I’m Alison! I’m a wife, mom of 3, and lover of Northern Michigan. Our family fell in love with beautiful Torch Lake in 2020, and we are honored to share this slice of paradise with you through our 3 cabins! I am passionate about creating memorable experiences for each person who walks through the door and will do everything I can to ensure you have a safe, comfortable, restful and fun time with your friends and family.
Alison is a Superhost
Host details
Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
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