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Traverse City area Lakefront Log Home, FREE Hot Tub, WIFI, & Boats.

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Sunny morning from our deck.
Beach
Road Entrance To Cottage
Lakeside Deck
Kitchen

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 892.9 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Beach view
  • Dryer
  • Washer

Explore the area

Map
South Boardman, MI
  • Perch Lake
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Fife Lake
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Traverse City Beach
    ‪46 min drive‬
  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪50 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Double Beds, 1 Double Futon and 1 Single Bed

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Traverse City area Lakefront Log Home, FREE Hot Tub, WIFI, & Boats.

Plan your family vacation or friend getaway. We are looking forward to helping you make priceless memories in 2022.

RENTALS ARE REMARKABLE AT THIS CHARMING LOG COTTAGE.

JUST A SHORT BEAUTIFUL DRIVE TO TRAVERSE CITY through forested historic Supply Road.

WEEKLY Summer Rentals, run Saturday til Saturday
3 DAY Minimum Spring & Fall

Get away to Nature and family memories. Join the growing list of renters who enthusiastically appreciate this great log cottage on Perch Lake, a 40 acre inland, no motor lake which thrills families and nature enthusiasts. The ambiance of staying in a log cottage with a stone fireplace with a beautiful view of the lake will warm your heart. The loft allows a getaway for family members who want their own space, play games, read a book or find the toy basket to play.

This Non-Smoking vacation home is an awesome place for a peaceful get-away or family retreat. Activities include swimming, fishing, boating, mushroom hunting, birding, and hiking. The outdoor fire pit is the site for many family evening activities.

SOME PETS are allowed at this cottage.

AMENITIES AND ACTIVITIES
Sandy beach, dock, rowboat, canoe, paddle boat, kayaks, outdoor deck, gas grill, fire pit, and a hot tub overlooking the lake are our guests favorite amenities. Enjoy sunning on the dock or sandy beach [120 foot water frontage]. Five complimentary boats provide lake access. Children enjoy wading along the shoreline. Fishing includes, bluegill, perch, pike, and bass. Nearby trails provide hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding.

OUR KITCHEN is stocked with all the utensils and kitchen equipment you will need to prepare most any meal, including a dishwasher.

Cable TV/VCR, DVD, stereo CD player, Broadband Wireless Internet, board games, puzzles, cards, and books, provide indoor entertainment.

On site washer and dryer provide family convenience.

Our covered entry deck houses a gas grill. On the front deck [overlooking the lake] you will enjoy a 4 person hot tub, a 4 person table with umbrella and additional seating.

Keep warm and share memories around a lakeside fire pit or inside in front of the stone fireplace. There is plenty of wood in the outdoor woodshed for the fireplace.

Area: Convenient location 20 miles east of Traverse City, Cherry Capital Airport [TVC] [an easy low traffic drive]. 100 miles from Mackinaw Bridge & Island, 50 miles from Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. TC is home to the National Cherry Festival, The Traverse City Film Festival, a renowned Equestrian Festival, prized restaurants and wineries, breweries and much, much more.

Don't miss the unique SHOPPING adventures including Traverse City's 'Front Street', smaller area towns with quaint shops and antique stores [including Suttons Bay, Leland, Glen Arbor, Alden,] Another favorite stop is The Village at Grand Traverse Commons [inside the lower level of the historic Traverse City State Hospital] where you will find award winning restaurants, area art displays, wineries, and unique shops.

The Kirchner family loves CHERRY STREET MARKET in Kalkaska. ALDEN SPICE MILL in Alden. A favorite eating place has recieved several "Best" awards and is our favorite breakfast spot.
THE YANKEE BOY restaurant only 3 miles from the cottage. And horseback riding is available at RANCH RUDOLPH about 10 miles away.

Nearby waterways, Big Manistee and Boardman Rivers provide excellent FISHING and CANOEING opportunities. There are hiking trails along the Boardman River and the Sand Lakes Quiet area plus many quiet interesting spots to hike near Perch Lake. Scenery is beyond compare in all directions.

Travel about 50 miles west to spend a day at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It has been designated "One of the most Beautiful Places in America." You will find many more lakes and rivers as well as hiking and biking trails. Canoes, kayaks and bicycles are all available to rent in the national park area.

You are guaranteed to love your visit to the greater Traverse City area and will enjoy your retreat to our log home, a swim in the lake or a soak in the hot tub, family time around our outside fire pit, making many more memories at the end of your daily adventures.

"Like" Kirchner Cabins on Facebook for current cottage and area updates.

Property manager

Stephanie Kirchner
Premier Host

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Safe, no gas motor lake. Fun for kids.
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Events

No events allowed
Ask owner if you are planning a special event.
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs and cats (limit 2 total)
Charge $125/pet with owner permission.
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
See below
If someone in your group smokes, take ALL evidence with you. No Smoking at all within the cottage Cigarette butts should be cleaned up!

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
Note from host: Ask owner if you are planning a special event.
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

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

South Boardman

Located in South Boardman, this cottage is in the city centre and on the beach. Twin Birch Golf Course and Timber Wolf Golf Club are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore South Boardman Preserve and South Branch Nature Preserve. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
South Boardman, MI

What's nearby

  • Perch Lake - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Fife Lake - 22 min drive - 16.3 km
  • Spider Lake - 41 min drive - 36.5 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 46 min drive - 43.0 km
  • Front Street - 52 min drive - 48.4 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 47 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Yankee Boy Restaurant - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Traverse City area Lakefront Log Home, FREE Hot Tub, WIFI, & Boats. pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total).

What time is check-in at Traverse City area Lakefront Log Home, FREE Hot Tub, WIFI, & Boats.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Traverse City area Lakefront Log Home, FREE Hot Tub, WIFI, & Boats.?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Traverse City area Lakefront Log Home, FREE Hot Tub, WIFI, & Boats. located?

Located in South Boardman, this beachfront cottage is in the city centre, steps from Perch Lake and within 6 mi (10 km) of South Boardman Preserve and Butler Lake. Bass Lake and Mud Lake are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.8

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. 86 out of 92 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 92 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 92 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 92 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 92 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Andrea M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Super cute cabin that had everything we needed. Owners very responsive to questions and needs.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Steve G.

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

It was a great place to rest and relax!

Was a nice stay and enjoyed our time and the cabin.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Heather and Jake R.

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

Great place

Such an awesome place for a vacation and spending time with family!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

10/10 Excellent

Joan W.

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

May stay

Nice place to stay-thank you
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heidi T.

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

Family vacation

Great vacation spot! We loved the lake and how clean the water was. We were in the water kayaking, fishing and sitting on the docks. We’ll definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carla M.

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

Cute rustic cabin

We enjoyed the quiet peaceful nature of Perch lake. The assortment for boat/canoe options was a plus for us. It was a more remote location for winding down, but close enough to Lake Michigan and touristy activities.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill H.

Peaceful, relaxing vacation rental

We had a great time at the log home! The lake was quiet and the area was beautiful. We took walks every morning and enjoyed spending some time on the lake as well as visiting the surrounding areas!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

amy m., royal oak

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

Beautiful cozy retreat

The Vrbo description is very good. Thank you.
Stayed 5 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Susan P.

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

Relaxing Stay

,
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mary C.

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

Honeymoon in the woods

We had the most amazing time staying here for our honeymoon! There are so many things to do at the cabin—we went paddle boarding, hot-tubbing, row boating, and made a campfire during sunset. The views are gorgeous and the cabin was stocked with all the essential cooking and cleaning supplies. While the cabin feels remote, it’s also a quick drive to downtown Traverse City, several alpaca farms, vineyards, amazing restaurants, and more! We’d love to come back again soon!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jane O.

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

Great Stay!

We all had the best time! The cabin was perfect and the kids, 9 and 11 had so much fun on the kayaks and paddle boat. Had a little party around the fire pit, watching the fire works display across the lake.The beds were super comfy and the place has such cool decor. Kids want to go back again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Eric S.

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

Great option for a guys golf trip

Everything was as advertised. Kitchen was fully stocked for all of our needs. Owners were responsive to questions we had on minor issues with the tv and hot tub. Appreciated the multiple options of things provided to use on the lake. Only suggestion is to provide more fans as it was very hot the time we were there and only one bedroom has an AC unit.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Wonderful place to get away with family

The cabin was just right for our family of 6. The kids loved playing in the lake, paddling around in the kayaks, and having campfires. Jean always responded to my questions very prompt, and the whole place was well taken care of. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to get away to beautiful northern michigan.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

8/10 Good

Carolyn R.

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

1st Vaca in 2 years

This cabin has been kept in excellent condition. It definitely shows there has been family history here. We also appreciated that it's on a "no wake" lake!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

adam w.

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

Sublime

The quiet, stars, glistening lake with no trips for firewood, canoe…..it was all taken care of.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Carl Z.

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

Amazing Stay!

Had a wonderful time swimming, canoeing and fishing off the piers. Nice proximity to Traverse City for shopping and dining and to Kalkaska for groceries and restaurants. The cabin was perfect for our family (2 kids and 2 dogs). We grilled out everyday on the clean new grill. Owner was very responsive when I texted him a couple questions. We would definitely rent this cabin again.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Julie W., Jenison

Slice of Heaven on Perch Lake

We enjoyed our stay at this cute cabin on Perch Lake. It is so peaceful there being a non-motor boat lake. The swimming and fishing are great. The cabin has all the amenities of home and if you need anything the owners respond right away. It was also nice to be able to bring our dogs on vacation with us. They are a part of our family and had as much fun as we did.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017

10/10 Excellent

Cameron C.

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

Tranquil Lakeside Weekend

We stayed for a lovely spring weekend, and the home was everything we could have wanted. Evenings spent between the hot tub and the fireside, one rainy afternoon lounging around, enjoying the sound of rain on the metal roof. The beds were remarkably comfortable, and the kitchen surprisingly well appointed considering its size. We will keeping a sharp eye out for the next available weekend.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mark P.

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

Plumbing

Had trouble with bathroom plumbing. Owners responded quickly and appropriately. Great time, nice amenities.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Heather H.

Perfect location, wonderful atmosphere

What a wonderful secluded getaway just a short 35 minute drive from the excitement of downtown traverse city. The owners are easily accessible and very friendly. Jean even called to make sure we were enjoying our stay and to see if we needed anything (which we didn't because just about anything you need is already at the cabin). We enjoyed coffee on the dock in the mornings as the mist rolled off the lake and went off on our adventures during the day. Then it was back to the cabin for hot tub and bonfires. Just a wonderful stay. I would recommend this cabin for a girls weekend, family outing or a romantic getaway....it suits all. Thank you Paul and Jean
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Marisa W.

Perch Lake Cabin: Cozy, quiet, fully stocked cabin with beautiful Fall Scenery.

Fall is an amazing time to visit. We were able to enjoy the lake and hot tub everyday as well as the cozy fireplace. The kids loved sleeping up in the loft and all the beds were super comfortable. Taking day trips to Petoskey and Sleeping Bear Dunes were easy adventures from the cabin. The drives are both very scenic-- with fall colors and apple orchards lining the highways. I made all our breakfasts and dinners and even baked muffins in the well stocked kitchen. Not sure where the nearest grocery store is so it would be wise to have a few meals worth of food packed for your arrival. It was a great vacation and it was hard to leave!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2016

10/10 Excellent

Tina L.

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

Rest and relax

I had been through a lot personally over the past 2 years, death of my mother in law, mom and husband. Working full time and mandatory overtime and recovering from shoulder surgery the last day in may. I needed some where quite relaxing and with a hot tub which helped my shoulder loosen up. Just to get away and I found it here at this beautiful cabin. I plan on returning in the future. Thank you
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Angela T.

Very peaceful and relaxing!

The Kirchner cabin was everything we expected. We had a fantastic few days just relaxing and enjoying family time. It was nice to take time away from our hectic lives. Everything you need is provided - it felt like we literally were staying at someone’s house versus a commercial condo. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a must see. There is a nice scenic drive to Traverse City. The kids love Peace, Love and Little Donuts. Monkey Fist Brewing is a great place to watch a game, get a bite to eat and enjoy a beer while the kids play arcade games, puzzles, cornhole and twister. Kalkaska is a short drive from the cabin where we stumbled upon a great restaurant called Up North Grill. We would definitely return and highly recommend this cabin.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

JENNIFER H.

The Perfect Vacation

The Perch Lake Cabin offered everything we could have asked for and so much more. We loved the personal touches such as the sign welcoming us at the front door when we arrived and the bottle of wine. My family and I could have happily spent every day at the cabin fishing, enjoying the boats, the hot tub and just relaxing. Such a peaceful place. However there was also so much activity close by. Hiking Sleeping Bear Dunes was an experience we would not have wanted to miss. We also found a quiet beach to play on at Lake Michigan and enjoyed all of the shops in Traverse City. I just really cant say enough about the Perch Lake Cabin. It just felt like home. So clean and cozy but plenty of space for the whole family. From children to adults we all agreed this was one of our best vacations. Thank you to the Kirchners for the wonderful experience. We definitely plan to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dave, Troy, MI

Weekend Getaway

We had a very relaxing weekend and really enjoyed our stay. This cabin is clean and very well-maintained, the decor is really amazing for the "up north" feeling. We've stayed in the area at other venues in the past. This is definitely the most "complete" cabin - with the paddle boat, canoe, rowboat, gas grill and especially the hot tub, and nice peaceful lake. (There a Labor Day party across the lake with some music - but it was not annoying and there were some nice fireworks that evening as a bonus). We went fishing a bit and although the warm lake made it tough we did catch a nice bass and some small perch and bluegill. I would definitely recommend this for couples or families. Our kids are grown now but a place like this would have been perfect when they were young. There is a lot to do in Traverse City - many restaurants, shops, golf courses - but since the weather was nice and the cottage so comfortable - we chose to stay at the cabin mostly and enjoy the lake, read a book, or soak in the hot tub.

About the host

Hosted by Stephanie Kirchner

Host profile image
We are retired administrators from Munson Healthcare and Michigan Public Schools. We both grew up in Western Michigan and wanted an opportunity for our sons to experience it too.
We celebrated every holiday at the cabin. three sons and their families enjoy the great outdoors and playing Bluegrass Music throughout Michigan and Massachusetts. We have owned, enjoyed and improved this cottage since 1987. It was our home full time for more than a year while we were permanently relocating to the Traverse City area. The cottage is lovingly updated yearly.

Why they chose this property

We found this breathtakingly beautiful log cottage with a perfect setting on a non-motor lake while we were vacationing "up north" in early 1987. We bought the cabin as a family Up North retreat. Swimming was a top request for our boys. They also loved fishing and catching turtles. It was safe for our kids when they were growing up and offered so many opportunities for area exploration and was close enough to Traverse City so we could enjoy all the opportunities in the entire area. It offered a very easy access to Traverse City without enduring the traffic of some of the major roads.

What makes this property unique

This is a quiet repose from the summer busy schedule in Traverse City, while easily accessible via paved county roads. It is also uniquely accessible to Cherry Capital Airport which is served by at least 3 major airlines. It also puts Mackinac Island and the Mackinac Bridge an easy day trip away. [100 miles]. The sleepy village of Alden is also a personal favorite. A day trip to Torch Lake and Elk Rapids is also delightful. There is great canoeing on the Manistee River or the Boardman River within 10 miles. Hiking trails are also plentiful in the area.

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests