Towels provided · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer
Spaces
Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area
About this property
WHISPERING PINES COTTAGE-The Most Beautiful Place in America-Sleeping Bear Park
Winter has arrived - Crystal Mtn Ski Resort-down-hill skiing (16 minutes - 13 miles away) is opening this Friday December 6th, 2025. Snowmobiling/cross-country skiing/ice-fishing. Whispering Pines Cottage is a Year-Round Rental with Natural Gas Base Board hot water heat/plowed/winterized/gas-fireplace/fire-pits (wood provided). We are here for all of your Winter enjoyment. Come visit us. Restaurants, breweries, wineries, it's all waiting for you to visit and enjoy - the Northern Michigan Splendor we all love to see - leave your frustrations at home -- evenings at your new favorite restaurant. Our goal, through Whispering Pines Cottage, is to provide you and your family privacy, solitude, a chance for your family to 're-connect' and comfortable lodging when you're up north having family fun in our beautiful, friendly, and fun-filled area for the whole family. Little towns with stores, restaurants, wineries, breweries, and a meadery abound in our corner of Northwest, Michigan. The fun never ends in Benzie and Leelanau County. Whispering Pines Cottage is just 15 minutes away from the 'Most Beautiful Place in America' - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore bounded by M-22, Michigan's Scenic Highway. That 15-minute drive (12 miles) will put you on the shore of Platte Bay beach within the 35 miles of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore – with miles of hiking/biking trails, pristine sand beaches, crystal clear waters for swimming. Steelhead fishing fall through spring in our Betsie and Platte Rivers, Summer trout fishing on our many streams and lakes, Late summer and fall Salmon and Lake Trout in Lake Michigan, if you have an appropriate boat for Lake Michigan, we have the place to park it at the cottage, or rent a Charter Boat - Cap'n Bob Smith berthed at Leland. Golf Courses close by -Crystal Mountain Resort, Crystal Lake -Beulah, Pinecroft-Beulah, Champion Hills, Mistwood, Bear Lake, Dunes, Chestnut Hills, Arcadia Bluffs, Interlochen – these and more within 30 minutes of the cottage. September and October is a beautiful time to vacation in Northern Michigan, as well as summer - Mother Nature has her elves prepared with their paint and paint brushes ready to color the tree leaves for that Northern Splendor we all love to see at the end of summer. Leave your frustrations at home - this is a time to rejuvenate and enjoy the wide-open beaches of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore - enjoy the cool evenings by the firepit, the warm days walking beaches, woodland trails, stellar golf courses - relax at your new favorite restaurant. Our goal, through Whispering Pines Cottage, is to provide you new places to enjoy, and relax. Come join us in Winer - Crystal Mountain Ski Resort with down-hill and cross-country skiing is just 20 minutes away. Miles of Cross-country skiing trails /snowshoeing are just minutes away within the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore
Whispering Pines Cottage overlooks our two acre "Mirror Pond", a deep, spring fed, icy-cold body of water home to our native brook trout (The State "Fish" of Michigan), with a large stand of tall White Pine as a backdrop behind the pond. Our cozy cottage has two bedrooms with queen-sized beds, dressers and closets, a bathroom with shower, living room - with gas fireplace, Wi-Fi, Int4rnet, TV and a large couch for laid-back evenings after a busy day exploring Benzie and Leelanau Counties, a fully equipped kitchen with adjacent dining area which has a "slider" to our deck, overlooking "Mirror Pond", gas grill, and patio furniture. A new deck has been created by the pond with a fire pit and grill. The cottage also has a washer and dryer for your convenience. The closely mowed grass surrounding the cottage and pond provide ample area to stretch your legs and enjoy the property. The bird feeders attract numerous species of birds from the forested area around the cottage who also "kick-out" enough bird seed for the "resident ducks" who come to the grassy areas surrounding the feeders for the treat left for them by their "cousins". Pond visitors include various species of ducks, Blue Herons, and occasional Egret's, and resident deer. Whispering Pines Cottage is at the hub of Our Northwestern Michigan vacation paradise. Going West on Honor Hwy (US-31) within fifteen minutes you'll quickly arrive on the shore of Lake Michigan in the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. Going East within ten minutes you'll arrive at Interlochen National Music Camp with its summer student performances as well as international "headliners" contracted by the Interlochen Music Camp to perform during the summer with monies raised from performances going toward student scholarships and operation of the school. Going North up Benzie Hwy 669 will quickly get you into the Sleeping Bear National Park's northern reaches as well as the "Winery Vineyards" of Leelanau County. Five -night minimum June through August and three nights minimum May, September, October and two night minimum the rest of the year. Come join us - we will meet you at the cottage when you arrive providing a detailed map of the area- showing you the quickest routes for things to see and do.
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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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Beulah
Located in Beulah, this cottage is on the waterfront. Kresge Auditorium and Michigan Legacy Art Park are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Champion Hill Golf Course and Crystal Lake Golf Club. Interlochen Center for the Arts and Burnett Park are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as sledging and snowmobiling.
Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 33 min drive
Restaurants
Papa J's Pizzeria & Diner - 5 min drive
Platte River Inn - 4 min drive
Fallen Timbers - 3 min walk
Sweet's Bar And Grill - 4 min drive
Jim's Joint - 4 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is WHISPERING PINES COTTAGE-The Most Beautiful Place in America-Sleeping Bear Park pet-friendly?
No, pets are not allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at WHISPERING PINES COTTAGE-The Most Beautiful Place in America-Sleeping Bear Park?
As of 1 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at WHISPERING PINES COTTAGE-The Most Beautiful Place in America-Sleeping Bear Park on 2 April 2026 start from NZ$435, 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 WHISPERING PINES COTTAGE-The Most Beautiful Place in America-Sleeping Bear Park?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at WHISPERING PINES COTTAGE-The Most Beautiful Place in America-Sleeping Bear Park?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at WHISPERING PINES COTTAGE-The Most Beautiful Place in America-Sleeping Bear Park?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is WHISPERING PINES COTTAGE-The Most Beautiful Place in America-Sleeping Bear Park located?
Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is within 6 miles (10 km) of Lower Woodcock Lake Nature Preserve, Bronson Lake and Turtle Lake. Platte Lake and Champion Hill Golf Course 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.
Our family had a fantastic stay at Whispering Pines, we can't wait to come back. Thank you Shirley and Ray for all of your hospitality and for your suggestions about places to visit in the area!
Stephen L.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 August 2025
So Glad you had a good time and enjoyed our area! Always lots to do! Thank You for taking good care of our cottage also! Come back any time you can! Ray and Shirley
Very clean and comfortable cottage as shown in the pictures. Deck and pond were very pleasant for hanging out. Convenient location for getting to many towns, beaches, and golf courses in the area.
E E.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 August 2025
So glad to have you here! And would gladly have you back! You left everything great! Thank You Shirley and Ray
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Joelyn
15 September 2025
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The owners were very warm and welcoming.
The home was comfortable, and had everything we needed. The property is serene.
We hope to return for another stay.
This is our second time staying at this location, and we really love it here. It's an easy drive to multiple locations, especially the beaches in Traverse City.Shirley and Ray are both amazing people, and we always enjoy getting to catch up with them each year when we go up north.The cabin comes stocked with all the things you would need in the kitchen, the beds are comfortable, and sitting on the back deck is an amazing place for watching birds.
Michael H.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 5 August 2025
Thank You So Much for your nice write up on the Whispering Pines cottage, so glad you enjoyed and come back anytime!😊
Shirley and Ray were the best! Ray gave us great tips for the best spots to fish, eat and visit. The cottage was very clean and comfortable and located where there was easy access to everything we wanted to do. And, oh, the property was so beutiful and calming! We loved sitting outside in the morning and watching the birds and other critters. Great way to start the day! We highly recommend this cottage!
Well-maintained and tastefully furnished with truly comfortable furniture and beds, surrounded by exquisite views and exceptional privacy. Absolutely no problems of any kind, with personable and helpful hosts. Slight road noise must be mentioned but did not detract measurably...the place is simply that nice!
This property is conveniently located to many activities including fishing, hiking in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, wineries, breweries, kayaking, biking, shopping in area villages. It is a beautiful area to visit!
We enjoyed a lovely relaxing week, and were grateful to have found a place that provided privacy and ease of access to the sights nearby. Check in was easy, with Ray providing some great recommendations as to where to go in the Leleenau.
Host were very nice and provided great recommendations during our stay. Cabin was exactly as described and the property is amazing. Sure we will be back! Thank you for sharing your cabin with my family!!
The cabin was easy to get to, private, and central to all that the sleeping bear/Traverse City area has to offer.
Communication was good and the home had everything we needed 🙂
Dean U.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 21 October 2023
Thank you so much! Glad you had a nice vacation! Come back when you can.
Shirley and Ray really made us feel welcome, and the communication leading up to, and during our trip was phenomenal. The home had plenty of household items for cooking / food storage and the view from the back deck was serene.
This home was very conveniently located to all of our destinations and we hope to return again.
This property was better than advertised. Quiet, clean, the pond is great, and the hosts are extremely responsive. Sorry drive to some of the most beautiful places and some of the best fishing in the country. Highly recommended!
Very nice location for Sleeping Bear we grilled and had cocktails on the porch overlooking the pond everynite!!! Very clean and Ray was great with the helpful hints about Sleeping Bear. Super communications. Would Stay again if ever in that beautiful section of the country!!
This property is everything mentioned in the listing and more. Sitting on the deck, watching birds at the feeder and looking out over the pond was so peaceful. The house was well stocked with basics. We especially enjoyed the gas fireplace during the cool evenings.
Carolyn H.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Really happy you decided to come to Whispering PInes cottage, and enjoyed everything it has to offer! So much to see in our beautiful area! Thank You Shirley
We had a really nice getaway with our granddaughters.The only 2 things that I wish were included in the description would be.. that the water is well water. It was something we weren't prepared for. We just went and bought cases of water. The second thing would be that it has an air conditioning unit.. half the cottage was nice and cool but the bedrooms were very warm which made it hard to sleep.The house was completely equipped with anything and everything you could need. Alot of thought and personal touches were put into this cottage which made it feel like a home away from home.
The outdoor space shines! The deck near the pond is just beautiful. House is comfy and has everything you would need. Furniture is dated but fine. Road noise is present but you soon get used to it.
This was the perfect place to relax. The property was on a pond with beautiful wildlife. Hummingbirds all over the place. One can relax just there and not go anywhere else. Nearby, however, are many places to enjoy. One of our favorites is Platte River Pointe. My personal favorite of the stay is seeing Brandi Carlile at nearby Kresge Auditorium. Amazing performance! I organized a successful tailgate for her biggest fans from our state. We loved our stay and would love to return to that same spot.
Anastasia P.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 20 September 2023
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed yourself! Come back anytime!
Amazing Spot!! Location, Comfort, Space and Scenery!!
We had such a GREAT time at the Cottage! What amazing hosts, we got so much detailed local information from Ray and Shirley made sure we were taken care of all week. The property is awesome and so much bigger than we anticipated.
The pond is gorgeous and feeds into the Patte River, the house is completely stocked, 2 Bedrooms each with a Super Comfy Queen bed, Open concept living room/dining room/Kitchen (great for family living), full Laundry facillity in foyer, Board Games, sand toys, outdoor furniture, gas Grill, Firepit and so close to the National Park!! Eveything is within 15-20 min so the location is just perfect! Words can't even express how much we enjoyed this trip and the cottage was a huge part of it. We can't wait to come back~ I highly recommend this rental.
Renee C.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 September 2023
Thank You Renee for the nice write up! Truly glad you had a great time! Hope to see you again! Shirley and Ray
About the host
Hosted by Shirley Villeneuve
As a hair-stylist and owner of my own Salon, "Shirley's Countryside Salon" located on the corner of US-31 and Indian Hill Road about a mile "West" of Honor, I've worked with my client's for many years and I know the pleasure they receive when they can look in the mirror and see the hair style that "we" created together. I also know the joy of living in this beautiful area of Michigan and participating with family and friends in many of the activities that this area has to offer, including golf, hiking, fly-fishing, hunting, bird-watching, canoeing, kayaking, down-hill skiing, cross-country skiing, swimming, sitting on the beach at Lake Michigan eating a dinner made over a beach fire while watching a beautiful sunset. This is my life and I want others to experience the same joy I do. I want to provide the opportunity for couples and families to experience fun activities together and reconnect with one-another in this gorgeous, unique, area.
Why they chose this property
Whispering Pines Cottage, named from the "Whispering-Sound" that occurs when a soft summer breeze floats through the needles of the White Pines on the property. " Whispering Pines Cottage" is a cozy and comfortable retreat for stress-release relaxing and a perfect spot to venture forth into the surrounding play-ground of this area of North-West Michigan. Because I feel as I do about seeing people of all ages enjoying themselves in activities that I also enjoy I wanted to provide a unique opportunity for guests at Whispering Pines to be able to "fly-fish" our "Mirror Pond" using barb-less hooks, artificial lures, and catch-and-release only. We will be glad to introduce you to this fun and relaxing sport.
What makes this property unique
Whispering Pines Cottage is located at the "hub" of this beautiful area, and just like the "hub" of a wheel a guest can head out to any of the surrounding destinations and reach them within a relatively short time that usually won't exceed 30 minutes. A unique feature of this property is our Beautiful "Mirror Pond" with naturally reproducing brook trout with added rainbows that feed exclusively on the forage growing in the pond. We allow our guests to use catch and release, barbless artificial lures only. We encourage fly-fishing and will be glad to supply instruction and equipment, if needed. There is ample space, around the pond, for the novice or expert to practice their fly-fishing techniques over the pond for the resident trout. The Blue-Ribbon Platte River, mid-sized, gin-clear, easy wading, easy fly-fishing, abuts our property and river entry is a five to ten minute walk, in waders, from the cottage. The Platte River has spring and fall Steelhead Runs, Fall Coho Salmon run (the Platte River is the home of the beginnings of Salmon Fishing in the Great Lakes), and resident Brook, Rainbow, and Brown Trout available during the trout season. This stretch of the river, putting in at Veteran's Memorial Park, is a delightful canoe or kayak trip where you can exit the river at multiple locations depending on how far you want to travel. The mouth of the Platte River and Platte Bay, about 15 minutes from Whispering Pines, lend themselves to fun fishing spring and fall as well as beautiful places to walk the beach, have a bonfire, cook a meal, swim or just relax and enjoy the beauty of the area. Our property and area are great places to visit and we want to help you to enjoy your stay with us.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests