You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
Private Sandy Beach on Torch Lake • Cottage + Guest House • Walk to Alden
Our large lakefront deck — newly rebuilt in 2025 — is designed for relaxing days and comfortable gatherings. With expansive water views and multiple seating areas, it’s where guests spend their days enjoying morning coffee, shared meals, and long summer evenings.
A private sandy stretch of shoreline with a gentle entry makes swimming easy and enjoyable for all ages — a rare feature on Torch Lake and one of the reasons families return year after year. The property includes 150 feet of total lake frontage, with the main sandy beach area located at one end of the property and additional sandy shoreline extending along portions of the water’s edge. A private dock, boat hoist, mooring buoy, and kayaks are available for guest use.
Our family has cared for this lakeshore since the late 1800s, and the cottage itself, built in the 1930s, remains a long-cherished family retreat. While the home retains its historic character, the bathrooms, kitchen, and major systems have been thoughtfully updated over time to ensure comfort for today’s guests. All three bathrooms were fully renovated in 2021.
The main cottage features warm natural wood interiors, two wood-burning fireplaces, shelves of books, and wide lake views. A baby grand piano adds to the sense of a lived-in family home and is often enjoyed on quiet evenings or rainy afternoons.
A separate guest house sleeps four in one large room and includes its own bathroom, providing additional privacy and flexibility for grandparents, another couple, younger families comfortable sharing a space, or older children. With three full bathrooms across the property, extended families or two households can share the week comfortably while still having room to spread out.
In addition to the deck and beach area, the property includes hammocks and quiet seating areas that invite you to slow down and stay awhile. The cottage sits at the end of a private road among mature trees in a peaceful residential setting.
The village of Alden — with restaurants, shops, galleries, playground, and tennis courts — is a pleasant 15-minute walk away. While there are many wonderful destinations within driving distance, most guests find themselves content to spend their days enjoying the lake.
This property is especially well suited for • Multi-generation families • Families with young children (safe sandy swimming) • Groups who want space and privacy • Guests who enjoy settling in and slowing down, whether for a full week in summer or a shorter stay in the quieter seasons.
It may not be the right fit if you’re looking for: • A party or event location • A high-traffic rental area • A luxury or resort-style property
Because this is a long-held family property in a residential neighborhood, we ask guests to be respectful of the home, the lake, and our neighbors. Jet skis are not permitted in order to preserve the quiet character of the area.
Property amenities
Beach
On the beach
Beach loungers
Beach towels
Internet
Available in the cottage: Free WiFi
Parking and transport
Parking on site
Kitchen
Blender
Coffee grinder
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Electric kettle
Hob
Microwave
Oven
Paper towels
Refrigerator
Toaster
Dining
Dining table
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Bathroom
3 bathrooms
Bathtub or shower
Hair dryer
Shower
Soap
Toilet paper
Towels provided
Living spaces
Dining table
Fireplace
Living room
Separate dining area
Entertainment
Books
Games
Smart TV
Outdoor areas
Balcony
Barbecue grill
Dock
Garden
Outdoor furniture
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
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.
No lift (single-level property)
Smoke-free property
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Limited housekeeping
Location highlights
On a lake
On the waterfront
Things to do
Golf
Kayak
Tennis
Birdwatching nearby
Fishing nearby
Golfing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Kayaking nearby
Motor boating nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Sailing nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Windsurfing nearby
Winery tours nearby
Safety features
No carbon monoxide detector or gas appliances (host has indicated there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
General
Garden
Unit size: 1,855 square feet
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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
Check-out instructions
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Strip any used beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Rules
No firearms
No jet skis allowed on the property (out of respect for our neighbors and the peaceful area)
Outside quiet hours: 11 PM – 8 AM
Pets
Pets not allowed
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there are no carbon monoxide detectors or gas appliances on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
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
About the area
Located in Alden, this cottage is on the beach. The Chief Golf Course and Short's Brewing Company are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those looking for area attractions can visit Guntzviller's Spirit of the Woods Museum and Music House Museum. Kayaking and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and hunting nearby. Visit our Alden travel guide
Is Private Sandy Beach on Torch Lake • Cottage + Guest House • Walk to Alden pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much is parking at Private Sandy Beach on Torch Lake • Cottage + Guest House • Walk to Alden?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Private Sandy Beach on Torch Lake • Cottage + Guest House • Walk to Alden?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Private Sandy Beach on Torch Lake • Cottage + Guest House • Walk to Alden?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Private Sandy Beach on Torch Lake • Cottage + Guest House • Walk to Alden located?
Nestled on the beach, this Alden cottage is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Torch Lake and 1.9 mi (3 km) from Torch Lake Park. Grass River Natural Area and Clam River are also within 6 miles (10 km).
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Private Sandy Beach on Torch Lake • Cottage + Guest House • Walk to Alden Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
The house, property, and views are beautiful! It felt like home in the best way and had all the amenities we needed including a variety of water toys. I will return as often as I can!
The property was in a great location with a variety of outdoor spaces to spread out and choose from. The home was well stocked with all supplies needed. The owner was very responsive and had lots of recommendations for fun during our stay. The scenery was spectacular! Would highly recommend.
We really enjoyed our stay. We've rented a number of cottages over the past 30 years, so we have experience with what to expect, and this definitely met our expectations.
Nice large rooms for socializing, and the master bedroom is really large too.
Kitchen was well equipped and they have a very nice outdoor grill as well.
Mark H.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2019
Archival
8/10 Good
Sam G.
29 Sept 2016
Cozy Cottage in a wonderful location on Torch Lake.
The cottage was very cozy and clean. The view of the water was incredible. Especially the sunset! The beach area was clean and the kids loved it. Just a few minute drive and you could grab groceries or a bite to eat in Alden. We had a few very minor issues when we arrived to the cottage but the owner was very responsive and prompt to our request to get handled. She was also very polite! Our only disappointment was the master bedroom did have a "musty" kind of stench. Maybe could use some fresh paint to clear that up. And also the water is very hard (It's well water). So definitely bring bottled water to drink. We would definitely stay here again!
Overall, we had a wonderful week on Torch lake and the house was passable. Thank you to Nan who was extremely pleasant, available, and helped us check in early and get access to the water toys which were locked up.
The good: Access to the lake is excellent, the beach area is nice, and the outdoor deck area has a great view of the lake. It is nice to sit on for coffee etc. The house is pretty and rustic and the Wi-Fi was good. Beds were comfortable.
The not as good: The house is partially updated and has very old bones as advertised. It is also well used as a rental. The kitchen appliances, instruments, and dishware would belong more in a much less expensive rental. There were a number of cleanliness issues. The well water smells strongly of sulfur. The master bathroom shower curtain was totally molded with black mold. In the kitchen pantry there was a waffle maker with previously cooked waffles left in it for months, covered in a smelly moldy slime. The bushes and ferns around the house are quite impressive and frankly need to be trimmed back. There are a few safety issues which were present. The stone walkways are all covered in moss and very slippery as described in the welcome packet. I slipped carrying a couple of bags and injured my pride. The dock has a broken board that is dangerous. There are ant and spider friends inside and out. We had two days near 90° and temperatures in the house were really unmanageable despite numerous fans and everything being open.
We were a group of two families with four teenagers (14-17) and a child under 10; we all enjoyed every minute of our stay. Nan is highly responsive to any issue and the property is lovely in a great location on the lake.
We spent the vast majority of our time on the lake, beach or deck. The cabin gave the teen girls a place to stay with more independence and their own bathroom.
At the end of our vacation, all the teenagers told us they want to come back because there was so much to do. If you are on the fence, book it; you'll really enjoy your stay.
This was the second time that we have stayed at this property and we loved it!! The location is absolutely beautiful, perfect for sunsets and moonsets. The cottage is thoughtfully equipped. The lovely family room stocks a cupboard of board games and puzzles. The master bed was really comfortable and combined with the peace and lakeside tranquility helped us have the most restful nights sleep. The owner was most helpful and made staying here a delight.
Had my family vacation at this beautiful property. Everything was perfect. Home is very clean and the kitchen has everything you could ask for. The private beach area was our favorite,new beach chairs were available for us to use. Portable fireplace was very nice.plenty of swings and patio furniture for my family of 10. It's was a bit chilly but we still had a great time. Sunsets are beautiful and seem like they last for hours! Best vation ever!
This cottage was amazing! The views were breaktaking, the house was perfect, and the owner is extremely responsive and helpful! I will absolutely book here again when returning to Torch Lake!
Very nice location, beautiful view of the lake and the beach area was very nice.
Bathrooms were all just renovated, but they were very small. Kitchen was very well supplied. The guest house was very nice. The deck was a very nice to sit out on in the mornings and the evenings. We used the beach area too, even though there had been a bad storm before we got there we were still able to use it. Lots of living, and dining space and windows with the view of the lake. We had cool mornings and cool evenings, there is no air conditioning which could be an issue in the heat of the summer. There were plenty of fans that were in all the bedrooms. We enjoyed our stay for sure! Nan was available when we needed to get in touch with here before the trip and during our stay!
This gem on the lake combines the sense of happy history you get from, say Edison's grandparents' house at Greenfield Village--with space, comfy furniture, and board games and books. We can vouch that the piano works for everything from Chopin to Elton John, so take a pianist if you can. The house smells like good old wood and cozy fires. We put the charming and handy kitchen through its paces, the baths are new and pretty, the common areas are gracious. The place has been accumulating its own spirit for a long time. If you are looking for something miles beyond the cliched beach house with Live, Love, Laugh signs on the walls, I highly recommend this cottage-house. It's a true Place.
This classic cottage was a great place for our family to spend a return visit to Torch Lake. We had a wonderful stay - enjoying the beautiful lake and all of the cottage's outdoor space, including a boat dock/hoist, deck perfectly placed to watch the sunsets, sandy beach and shady lawn with picnic table and hammocks. The location is perfect for privacy, quiet and a walk into Alden. Our adult children loved staying in the guest house - a charming spot just steps from the cottage with a brand new bathroom. The main cottage had everything we needed for great family time (and the two new bathrooms are fabulous)! Nan was a pleasure to work with. We can't wait to return!
Our stay was great over the 4th! Close boat ride to the sandbar and we loved traveling the Torch River to Elk Lake. We walked into town a couple of mornings for the best breakfast and coffee at the Muffin Tin. We also visited Elk Rapids…such a cute downtown!
The cabin is rustic and offers all the up north charm one would expect in Michigan! We all slept great throughout the week. The beds were comfy (I always worry about that when we rent) and peaceful mornings on the deck. Everything was clean and fresh towels were on the bed upon arrival.
The owner was extremely responsive and easy to contact!
Thank you for a great week!
Lovely cottage on the East side of the lake, great for sunsets. Cottage has some recent upgrades but still maintains the "Old" charm. Nice large deck overlooking the water with a small beach area for swimming and evening campfires for making smores. Located within walking distance to park, tennis/pickleball courts and Alden for a nice ice cream treat. This was our third stay and will always consider it for future visits to the area.
We had a good time despite the less than desirable weather which was no ones fault. Furnishings inside the house were good. Loved the big dining room table. Outside deck and beach were very nice. Children did get a bit of swimmers itch, but again no ones fault. Wish someone could come up with a solution for that!! We love vacationing in Michigan. Made a lot of good memories.
When we arrived at the property, we were shocked at how beautiful and peaceful it was. I’d love to live in a home like this. The landscaping was so gorgeous. It is nestled in the woods on the lake and though there are other houses, it feels so private. It is right on the lake and has amazing views of the sunset.
The house was perfectly clean and had all the amenities and items we needed for our stay from cooking in the kitchen to playing in the water to extra blankets for the beds.
The hosts communicated very well with us and always responded very quickly. They were very accommodating to us and our needs.
I am excited to return to this house and stay again! The town was wonderful and had everything we needed as well. We also loved the beach that was just a few feet away. I can’t say enough good things about our stay.
My three sisters and I spent three days at Torch Lake. Beautiful cottage. It has a small kitchen but it had everything we needed to cook. The nearby grocery was wonderful! The location of the house is great. We could walk to town easily to shop and eat lunch. Will definitely return
The vintage style cottage is adorable. The views are beautiful of Torch Lake. We enjoyed walking to town for breakfast down a path near the cabin. The location is great .We dined in Bellaire, Elk Rapids, Traverse City and then visited Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. This location was great to be centrally located. We also spent several days out boating the beautiful lakes . Nan was very responsive as a host.