Top 10% of guest reviews in this areaTop 10% of guest reviews in this area
Set along the shore, this cottage features 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, accommodating 6 guests. Enjoy beach views from the balcony while engaging in nearby swimming, game walks, or fishing. The property offers outdoor areas, games, and is pet-friendly. Explore attractions like Peterson Park and Willowbrook Mill.
Highlights
Scenic water view
Relax and unwind with top-rated water views, offering a scenic experience.
On the beach
A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the sand and sea.
Waterfront cottage on 10 acre bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Very Private,Pets
(There is no Wifi and cell service is spotty) The cottage sits 150 feet above Lake Michigan with views of the Manitou and Fox Islands. 700 feet of frontage and very few neighbors afford an unusual degree of privacy and solitude. A winding path down to the lake leads to miles of shoreline perfect for Petoskey stone and agate hunting, swimming, kayaking, and relaxation.
The cottage has a wide covered deck that is the perfect spot to lounge: read, eat, watch a breathtaking sunset or storm clouds fly in from the west, star gaze or dream. There is an eagle's nest nearby and regular flybys. Track and identify freighters sailing through the Manitou Passage by phone app!
There is a second patio under the porch with comfy lounge chairs for a quiet respite.
You are close to everything that is Leelanau County: wineries, restaurants, beaches, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, golf, hiking, and the best road biking in the Midwest..... but you may never want to leave this spot. It is perfect for those who want to get away from it all and UNPLUG (no wifi, spotty cell). And still only 3 miles from the village of Northport.
From June 15 to Sept 1, the rental is 6 day minimum starting Sundays. For the rest of the time, there is a 2or 3 day minimum. There is also a fee if you have a dog.
There is no wifi or cable. No TV. Cell service can be spotty. There are fans in each bedroom . There are puzzles, games, and books available. Yard games too.
The path is 15 stories up and down, winding and narrow in places. It takes about 5 minutes to go down and 8 minutes to go up. You need to be in reasonable shape to navigate.
Note for guests with young children or for guests that have mobility issues, this cottage may not be right for you. The bathroom is in between the living floor and the bedroom floor (7 steps up/down). The trail down to the beach is like a hiking trail in a state park. If you have to carry your child, it is quite a trek. If you are content to be on the deck for the beautiful views and to venture off to nearby playground and parks, this cottage can work for you.
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Charming updated cottage in the heart of Leland. Walk to all the attractions!
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Charming updated cottage in the heart of Leland. Walk to all the attractions!
The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Remove leftover food and drinks
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Just make it obvious which beds and towels have been used.
Thank you
Please do not start laundry.
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Please note:There is no wifi and cell service is spotty. From June 15-Sept 1, we require a 6-7 day stay, starting on a Sunday or Monday.
If you bring dogs, please bring covers for furniture if needed and bring your own towels for dogs. NO fireworks, No smoking anywhere on property.
No large gatherings, no wedding parties, family reunion. cannot be a gathering place for events. One event of no more than 10 people is allowed.
Important information
You need to know
Property # 1092539vb
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
Note from host: Max of 10 people here at a time. Max 6 Sleeping
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector 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 has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
About the area
Northport
Located in Northport, this cottage is in a rural area and on the beach. Grand Traverse Lighthouse and Historic Fishtown are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Good Neighbor Organic Vineyard and Winery and Nathaniel Rose Wine. Kayaking and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and hunting nearby.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 29 min drive - 42.4 km
Traverse City Beach - 54 min drive - 71.9 km
Getting around
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 58 min drive
Restaurants
Fischer's Happy Hour Tavern - 16 min drive
Fingers Crossed - 9 min drive
Yard & Lake - 9 min drive
Barb's Bakery - 9 min drive
Fingers Crossed - 9 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Waterfront cottage on 10 acre bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Very Private,Pets pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total).
How much does it cost to stay at Waterfront cottage on 10 acre bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Very Private,Pets?
As of 18 September 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Waterfront cottage on 10 acre bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Very Private,Pets on 25 September 2026 start from NZ$4,519, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Waterfront cottage on 10 acre bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Very Private,Pets?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Waterfront cottage on 10 acre bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Very Private,Pets?
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Waterfront cottage on 10 acre bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Very Private,Pets?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Waterfront cottage on 10 acre bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Very Private,Pets located?
Nestled on the beach, this Northport cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Peterson Park and Lake Michigan. Christmas Cove Beach and Grand Traverse Bay are also within 3 miles (5 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This is probably the 6th or 7th time we’ve stayed here - our favorite Up-North destination. Love the uniqueness of the cottage, the beautiful views of the lake, and the peaceful location. Would highly recommend!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 30 August 2026
Thank you, J******, we love having returning guests. It means a lot.
This place is beautiful - nice open upstairs, really great deck with fantastic views. It is a great place to relax. If you can get by without wifi, the rewards are great - my kids played hard with the Lincoln logs and the really interesting blocks among other old school items on hand. Kate was a wonderful host.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 25 August 2026
Thank you. THank you also for taking such good care of cottage.
A. Beautiful well loved family cottage. The care and history of the house was a delight. Sunset views were amazing. Super quiet and peaceful on 10 acres, but also located next th cherry orchard so it is even more private. The lack of WiFi was great to unplug. I was able to drive 10 minutes to New Bohemian coffee shop (shout out) in the morning for great pastries and coffee when I needed to check in. Host was completely responsive to our needs. Strongly recommend local farmers markets and Leelanau Cheese to cook up some memorable dinners.Hope to go back again some day
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 30 August 2026
Thank you. So glad you liked it here. It is such a special place. Thank you for taking good care or the cottage. I hope you come back.
Leelanau is always a treat, and this spot is truly a gem. We visited to celebrate our anniversary and unwind with our dogs away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It was such a delight to unplug for a week. Kate, our host, was wonderful and brought us a lovely flower arrangement from her garden on our anniversary. We had such a wonderful time watching the sunset and stargazing each night. We spent a lot of time on the beach searching for Petoskey stones and took some lovely long walks on the beach at Christmas Cove and the local hiking trails. We also couldn’t miss all the wonderful wineries, local food, and farm stands in the area. And finally, the house—it’s an amazing job what Kate’s father did, and how Kate and her family have preserved the natural beauty of the place and its surroundings.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 26 August 2026
Thank you. These pictures are wonderful! I have wanted drone shots of how the cottage is perched on the bluff. Spectacular. Also you found my favorite swimming rock!!!
Wonderful lake house tucked away in the woods! All of the small details make this place incredibly special, and Kate is a fantastic host. We loved being able to truly unplug, setting our electronics to the side in favor of game nights and sunsets on the deck. My daughted loved the wildlife around the home --owls, eagles, and beautiful butterflies...deer every morning on our walks. Close to everything, but off the beaten path enough to actually feel relaxed. We drove to several sand beaches, and enjoyed looking for rocks at the beach below the house. Highly recommend this place!
We had an amazing stay at this property, it truly feels like a very special place. The home is lovely and cozy and our pup loved the wooded area. Beautiful sunset views!
Perfect for unhooked solitude with incredible views of Lake Michigan, nature and sunsets. Beautiful drives to wineries, Sleeping Bear Dunes, local eateries, Leland, Lake Leelanau, Norhtport, Glen Arbor and Sutton’s Bay. One of the most relaxing visits ever. Great Host!
The word that seems best to describe is “magical”Not only one of the most spectacular views in Michigan but in the US! When you walk in the front door the view will overwhelm you.Our time there will not be soon forgotten and we are already planning a return visit.
We spent several days here enjoying the views of Lake Michigan and the quiet of the surrounding nature. Very private location where all you will hear are the waves, wind, and birds. A great place to slow down and reconnect.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 16 November 2024
Thank you. So glad you chose our spot for your getaway.
The photos truly do not do justice to this wonderfully designed home, with huge windows overlooking the lake, a wide and sheltered porch, and simple, elegant furnishings. We hope to return!
We have stayed at this cottage annually for a number of years. While it has everything we need, we especially love the incredible quiet and privacy it affords. This year our visit overlapped with the spring bird migration, and our week was awash in bird song from the more than 90 bird species we saw in Leelanau. We surely hope to return!
Overall great stay. House was lovely with a wonderful view. Clean and well stocked. Host was communicative and pleasant to deal with. We enjoyed our stay and would like to return. Thanks.
Our mid-May week at the cottage was the perfect get-away: far from traffic, without internet, TV, or cell access, surrounded by trillium, ferns, and emerging leaves, awaking to the sound of the surf and the dawn chorus with hundreds of birds, long sunset dinners on the porch. Hoping to visit again!
Stayed 7 nights in May 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 25 May 2021
thank you for visiting again. This sounds perfect to me.
This was truly a magical place. It’s not only stunning.. it’s warm, comfortable and cozy. Kate is a fabulous host and is very accessible and helpful. It was a perfect getaway for our family, the babies..and dogs and it was refreshing to be disconnected.We can’t wait to come back!Liz
The perfect destination to unplug and take in Michigan’s peak fall colors. The view of Lake Michigan is second to none, and Kate’s communication was stellar. Looking forward to coming back again.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
About the host
Hosted by Kate
I am my father's daughter. I am so lucky to have learned so many skills from my dad and mom. My dad was a Jack of all trades, and I hope I am Jill of all trades. My mom was a friend to all. I would like to be more like her.
Why they chose this property
This cottage was built by our family starting in 1960. The beams were built in our back yard using timbers from Saint Francis Church in Traverse City. My father bought remnants from the demolition of the church and much of the frame is from those remnants. My dad was a frugal man and reused everything. There is a kitchen counter top he made from left-over wood scraps from an archery manufacturer. Old cabinet doors are inlaid in the floor, as are many game boards he hand assembled. He used old colanders for ceiling lights and left-over water heaters for the duct work. He made the wall paneling from trees he milled himself! He also used under-aged laborers to build this house. We children never thought to thank him as we pulled and straightened nails and screwed the nuts to make the beams, but we thank him now. Thank you Pa.
What makes this property unique
Seclusion and magnificent views from high above Lake Michigan, but easy access (3 miles) to the village of Northport. 10 acres and 700' of beach frontage