Torch Lake Cottage • Screened-Porch • Walk to Alden • Historic Family Retreat

Photo gallery for Torch Lake Cottage • Screened-Porch • Walk to Alden • Historic Family Retreat

A sunlit room with a large window overlooking a body of water, furnished with a sofa, chairs, and a table.
Property video
A cozy room with a wooden floor, a sofa, a coffee table, and a patterned rug.
A room with large windows overlooking a calm lake, a wooden deck outside, and a table with chairs inside.
A lakeside deck with a table and chairs, a small boat, and a clear view of the water and distant shoreline.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • Beach equipment
    A rare find — beach equipment ready to go for your days by the sea.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Torch Lake

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Barbecue
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet
  • Washing machine
  • Onsite parking available

Explore the area

View map
Alden, MI
  • Place, Torch Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Torch Lake Park
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Boyne Mountain
    ‪42 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪38 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 9)

East Bedroom

1 Single Bunk Bed

Living Room

1 Double Futon

Master bedroom - south west corner

1 Queen Bed

Northeast Bedroom

2 Single Beds

Northwest Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Bathtub · Toilet · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

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About the area

Alden

Located in Alden, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Twisted Fish Gallery and Guntzviller's Spirit of the Woods Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Elk Rapids District Library and Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall. Kayaking and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and cycling nearby.
View more Cottages in AldenOpens in a new window
Map
Alden, MI

What's nearby

  • Torch Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Torch Lake Park - 4 min drive - 4.3 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 31 min drive - 43.6 km
  • Front Street - 36 min drive - 49.0 km
  • Boyne Mountain - 42 min drive - 69.7 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 41 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Shanty Creek Resorts - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Oasis Tavern - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Johnny's Torch Riviera - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Coffee Bar - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen - ‬23 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Torch Lake Cottage • Screened-Porch • Walk to Alden • Historic Family Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Torch Lake Cottage • Screened-Porch • Walk to Alden • Historic Family Retreat?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Torch Lake Cottage • Screened-Porch • Walk to Alden • Historic Family Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Torch Lake Cottage • Screened-Porch • Walk to Alden • Historic Family Retreat?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Torch Lake Cottage • Screened-Porch • Walk to Alden • Historic Family Retreat located?

Situated in Alden, this golf cottage is 0.1 mi (0.1 km) from Torch Lake and 1.9 mi (3 km) from Torch Lake Park. Thayer lake and Grass River Natural Area are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful location and accurate descriptionWe enjoyed our stay very much, location secluded and quiet for the most part. The lake was lovely and clean, afternoon water a bit rough from many boats but it was Labor Day weekendWould return
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Phenomenal location, great sunsets, short boat ride or drive to Alden or famous Torch Lake Sandbar. Nan was super responsive and helped us link up with whatever we needed in the area (boat rentals, etc)
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
My family and I enjoyed our stay on Torch lake. Nan was a great host, so helpful and ALWAYS available for questions. Thank you for such a wonderful week.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage is absolutely perfect for family vacations! It feels like you’re tucked away in your own little slice of paradise. The view from the screened porch of the lake is unparalleled. The hosts are lovely!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This is one of the best cottages we have stayed at. Everything was just as pictured. We would recommend this to anyone and we will be staying again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage on Torch Lake was just as advertised! It was very clean and comfortable. The common spaces were great as was the view. Nan was very responsive to questions we had. It was nice being able to walk into Alden.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time at the cottage. The views from the sun room are beautiful. We enjoyed swimming together n the crystal clear water and watching sunsets from the dock. The proximity to Alden is just a short 15 minute walk for breakfast at the Muffin Tin, dinner at Alden Bar, or ice cream at Higgins. The rented a boat from Up North Pontoon, which was delivered to the dock at the cottage. The cottage is about halfway between the sandbar to the south and Dockside to the north
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Cute little place with inviting sun porch. Kitchen was well equipped

Owner was very responsive to requests my renters.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Beautiful views

We enjoyed our stay at this cozy cottage on Torch Lake. The location was perfect as we spent most days on the water. The cottage was well appointed and comfortable. The views were amazing. Communication with owner was quick and friendly. We would return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Torch lake-Alden rental

Charming cottage within walking distance of Alden Michigan. The place was VERY clean and the kitchen well stocked with all needed utensils and kitchen items!! Bathrooms VERY clean as well and plenty of sitting areas for guests. We had 2 nights with 11 guests and everyone had a bed and extra bedding was provided! Great dock with ample deck chairs and a mooring buoy which held our 24’ master craft boat all week long!
Stayed 9 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We were booked to stay in this cottage, however due to a maintenance issue, Nan reached out a couple of days before and offered us their other cabin, located right next door. She and her family offered to move so that we could stay there and not be disturbed by the maintenance workers. So while I cannot speak to this cabin, I can say that Nan was an excellent host and her property was clean, well-stocked and lovely. Would happily rent either cabin from her again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Torch Lake Garden Cottage

Our first VRBO get away with family. Enjoyed the large family room inside and the attached outdoor sunroom where we could enjoy seeing the lake and watch the sunrise and sunset. We enjoyed our stay, however the bedrooms and bathrooms had a few bug webs on lights and in wall corners, so just not quite as clean as I hoped it would be. Owner is very nice to work with.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 13 June 2023
This feedback is much appreciated. We have an excellent cleaner, but in a lake cottage the spiders can return quickly. We are committed to providing our guests with a clean and healthy space and are unwilling to spray chemicals for environmental/health reasons. However, we will be experimenting with frequent applications of various non-toxic spider repellents.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Gardner cottage

We enjoyed our week @ TL immensely. The Gardner cottage has a superb location--steps to the beach and a pleasant walk to Alden. We enjoyed good weather for the most part, tho a bit cooler this year. It was just the two of us this time--no problem settling in. You have thought of everything to supply the Gardner Cottage --such a treat to use the French china! Thanks so very much for your graciousness.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Windows windows and more windows

Wonderful stay in a Torch Lake cabin that was so much more than anticipated. Hidden away off the main road , every room had lake views from big windows, sitting standing or laying down you could see the lake. spacious rooms bigger than expected The porch was THE place to be. Windows galore, with unobstructed views, and great seating or you could be outside on the water deck lounging in chairs. I had planned to visit lots of local lakes , I did very little because I had all I needed right here . Kayaked or walked to lovely Alden village , total relaxation, with a bonus of nighty sunsets. An extra was that it was not like a property bought just to rent, they obviously stay here and leave everything they need , for guests to use , from books, spices, printers , lots of cookware, kayak and more . Very responsive to my questions about restaurants in the area. I like adventures and don’t usually go to the same place twice ,I would come back to this cabin for sure and already looking at availability for next year. this would be an excellent location for a company retreat renting this home along with the property next door.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

location

Beautiful location with amazing sun sets. The home was well stocked with everything you could possibly need. The property manager was very accommodating and wonderful to work with.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect sunsets, unbelievably close to the water

I have spent summer vacations at Torch my whole life and have never been so close to the lake. The water is great, with the normal rocky shore quickly becoming almost purely sandy swimming area, sloping slowly deeper far beyond the buoy. We saw loons every night at sunset and had wonderful deck and grassy areas to view them while talking. The weather was great while we were there and we were able to keep the windows open most of the time to enjoy the sounds of the lake. While there are neighbors, it was mostly secluded and all interactions were positive. The cabin is well equipped and it was easy for everyone to get in and out and relax. Definitely a great experience! The owners were very responsive and great to work with, without being intrusive. Highly recommend staying with them if you have the chance.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great time

I think everyone in our group really enjoyed the cottage feel. The location is secluded and hidden away which makes it feel like your in the middle of a forest. Plenty of room for 11 people. We had 2 rainy days which was unfortunate but the size of the living room table and the awesome front porch was perfect for playing cards and games with the kids. The firepit was great for a couple chilly nights. But the best of all is being on the water. You can touch 100-200 yds out from the shore. The dock seems a little flimsy in spots but that would be the only minor complaint. The proximity to Alden, Dockside and Butches Tackle and Marine was convenient as well. Overall, we would definitely return and was a great family vacation spot for our group of 11. The owners are quick to respond if you need to reach them for any reason.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

family cottage week

We had a great time at this property. Loved the location close to bottom of lake sand bar and not far from Clam lake to water ski. We enjoyed gathering in the family room area and seating was ample at the large kitchen table. The beds were comfortable and kitchen was well equipped.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

excellent location

beautiful property
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Beautiful views

Property was right on the lake with beautiful views. Home was very well stocked with everything you need. We only needed to buy our groceries. Owner was very helpful and responsive when we needed her. Highly recommend this home for staying on Torch Lake. We were a group of 9 people and the house accommodated us quite comfortably.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2026
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