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Historic Wheeler Cottage on Scenic North Lake Leelanau

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The Wheeler Cottage
The Wheeler Clan welcomes you to The Wheeler Family Cottage
Entrance to The Wheeler Cottage
The early days! Circa 1906
House from the lake.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
7 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 17464.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Dryer
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Gym
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
Lake Leelanau, MI
  • Place, Lake Leelanau
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Historic Fishtown
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪42 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

7 bedrooms (sleeps 17)

Bedroom 1 - Master 1st Floor

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2 - 2nd Floor

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3 - Master 2nd Floor

1 Single Bed and 1 King Bed

Bedroom 4 - 2nd Floor

1 Double Bed and 1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 5 - 2nd Floor

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 6 - 2nd Floor

1 King Bed

Bedroom 7 -2nd floor

2 Double Beds

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 5

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Historic Wheeler Cottage on Scenic North Lake Leelanau

Now Booking for 2025 and Beyond

Discover the enchanting beauty and endless activities of the Leelanau Peninsula. The Wheeler Cottage is ideally located on North Lake Leelanau, close to Lake Michigan and charming nearby towns.
Our cottage is within 10-25 minutes of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park, Leland’s Fishtown, premier golf courses, renowned local wineries and restaurants, hiking trails, and the sandy beaches of Lake Michigan. Traverse City regional airport provides easy accessibility with direct flights from many major metro areas. Enjoy water sports like swimming, skiing, fishing, sailing, and boating. Explore art galleries, antique shops, and quaint boutiques for a leisurely day out.

The historic Wheeler Cottage, a cherished local landmark on Warden’s Point, North Lake Leelanau, was built over 115 years ago (circa 1907) and sits on nearly 4 acres. Our cottage was one of the earliest cottages built by a prominent businessman named Warden on the east side of Lake Leelanau and could only be accessed by steamboat at the time The property boasts a verdant landscape of tall maple and cottonwood trees, lush grounds, and flower gardens. The Cottage faces west, offering stunning sunsets and over 360 feet of prime Lake Leelanau frontage with full dock access.
Constructed from local natural materials, the spacious Wheeler Cottage is approximately 5,000 square feet and features a foundation of large field rocks formed by ancient glaciers, with interiors crafted from wild cherry and maple woods. Most of the original maple furniture, now considered collectors' items, remains in the Cottage along with modern furnishings for comfort.

Check out drone video of property (copy and paste in URL)

https://youtu.be/d0y8JzxRtF4?si=iw4h3xl9gTi_zlAg

Offline VRBO Cancellation Policy:

Due to the limited flexibility on how to define cancellation policy within VRBO, we offer the following offline cancellation policy:

Cancellation by Guest:
If you wish to cancel your reservation, please notify us as soon as possible. We will immediately relist the cottage for the dates of your booking.

Refund Policy:
If we are able to successfully re-rent the cottage for the same period and at the same rate, we will provide you with a refund minus any costs incurred in the re-rental process (e.g., relisting fees, discounts offered to secure the re-booking).

Communication:
We will communicate with you promptly regarding the status of re-rental efforts and refund calculations.

This policy ensures that we can provide flexibility to our guests while managing our rental property effectively.

Thank you for your understanding.


Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Gym
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 3:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 9:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Badminton,volley ball court,sandy beach, 2 docks
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Non Smoking
No RVs or camping.
Use mooring and dock at your own risk. No overnight parking of boats on dock.
Absolutely, no fireworks! (town ordinance)

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 is no carbon monoxide detector on the property, but there are gas appliances; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
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

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic Wheeler Cottage on Scenic North Lake Leelanau pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Historic Wheeler Cottage on Scenic North Lake Leelanau?

As of 9 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Historic Wheeler Cottage on Scenic North Lake Leelanau on 11 April 2026 start from NZ$2,373, 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 Historic Wheeler Cottage on Scenic North Lake Leelanau?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Historic Wheeler Cottage on Scenic North Lake Leelanau?

Check-in begins at 3:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic Wheeler Cottage on Scenic North Lake Leelanau?

Checkout is at 9:30 AM.

Where is Historic Wheeler Cottage on Scenic North Lake Leelanau located?

Nestled on the beach, this Lake Leelanau holiday home is steps from Lake Leelanau and 2.9 mi (4.7 km) from Aurora Cellars. Boathouse Vineyards and 45 North Vineyard & Winery 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. 51 out of 56 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 56 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 56 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 56 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 56 reviews

9.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The best family vacation at the Wheeler cottage on Lake Leelanau! I loved watching the kids run around on the lawn and taking advantage of the open space, our boat rides and quiet mornings on the lake and evenings around the bonfire. What a dream.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

8/10 Good

Kellyn P.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful setting and grounds

Nice, roomy, and well stocked kitchen. Loved that we were right on the lake!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified

6/10 Okay

Ray M.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The yard and fire pit area were fantastic. We had 8 adults and 6 grandchildren and we played kick ball, volleyball and a variety of yard games and really used the grounds a lot. Having the pontoon right our front was nice but there was not a beach for the kids to play and swim at the house. The lack of air conditioning was somewhat uncomfortable. We used the laundry the water has a lot of iron in it and stained some of the clothes. Overall we had a good stay with family...
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 14 August 2025
Thank you for your feedback. We are sorry that your experience was less that perfect. The cottage has been in our family for 4 generations and we take extreme pride in it. Our goal is to make everything as pleasant as possible. It was built around 1905 as a summer cottage, and we have tried to maintain its original character. Typically, summer temperatures are very comfortable and breezy. AC has never been a major concern over the decades, however, periodically there may be spells of warm weather and we do have ceiling fans in ALL bedrooms which provide some relief. Unfortunately, your family experienced an unusually warm period. We do have a nice sandpile play area down by the boathouse waterfront where children can wade and splash around plus unrestricted swimming off the dock with access ladder. Unfortunately, the ground water quality in the area characteristically has a high iron concentration. We appreciate your perspective and will try to more clearly call it out on our website for future guests. Thank you The Wheelers
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Bambi S.

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

Pure Michigan

We loved the huge yard for all of our grandkids to play. The three season room was used all of the time. Beds were comfortable. Rink was such a gracious host. We will be renting this lovely place again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 2 April 2020
Thanks Bambi for your kind words. Looking forward in having you back. It was our pleasure to have you and your family as our quests at The Wheeler Cottage. Our little piece of Paradise. You have a lovely family and glad they enjoyed their stay. Kathy and I try very hard to make your experience the best it can be. Thanks again. Rink and Kathy.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Most Beautiful Home on Lake Leelanau!!

My family and I have been vacationing on Lake Leelanau for 17 years and this is the most beautiful and well maintained home of any that we have stayed at. The home is very charming and the grounds are spectacular. It's been great to be able to stay in a home that is able to accomodate all 15 of us without feeling like we're on top of each other. Looking forward to more fabulous summers to come!!
Response from VrboOwner on 2 April 2020
Thanks Bridgette for your kind review. It is always a pleasure to have your family at The Wheeler Cottage. Hope to see you back in 2012. The Wheeler family tries very hard to make your vacation as enjoyable as possible. Rink and Kathy Wheeler
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Samantha M.

Incredible!

The Wheeler Cottage is perfection. So beautiful and peaceful. Rink Wheeler was so pleasant and sweet and accommodating. Anything you could need is already there. We will come back yearly.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 2 April 2020
Hi Samantha and thank you so much for your very kind review. Know this is a start for a long relationship. Our home is your home. Everybody who stays here loves it and become part of the WHEELER CLAN. THANKS AGAIN. Rink
Verified

10/10 Excellent

ann b.

Beautiful setting for a multi family vacation

We stayed here for a family reunion with 14 adults and 3 children. We were pleased that there was room for all of us. The historic home is set on a very large lot with a great view of Lake Leelanau. We rented a pontoon boat from a local company for the week and was able to dock in in front which was convenient. Rink was responsive and helpful when we had questions. We had wonderful weather and ate all of our meals outside in the shade of the massive trees on the property. We hope to return for a future visit.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 2 April 2020
Hi Ann and thanks for your very kind review. Sorry a little later in responding, been a really busy summer. The Wheeler Cottage is very special. You all become family. Thanks again. Rink and Kathy Wheeler
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Meredith C.

Thanks, rink!

We had four families at the property for memorial weekend 2013. The children were ages 2 to 9. Everyone had a ball! The location is beautiful with plenty of room for catch, capture the flag, baseball... S'mores every night. We all fit extremely comfortably. It was a great choice. We hope to come back!
Response from VrboOwner on 2 April 2020
Thanks Meredith for the kind review. It was a pleasure to have you and your friends guests at The Wheeler Cottage. You are always welcomed. Rink and Kathy Wheeler
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jeff m.

Wedding venue extraordinaire!

My wife and I chose to have our wedding at the Wheeler cottage and what a great decision we made! This property and home are absolutely beautiful. The old-world craftsmanship, historic charm and unbeatable views were enjoyed by everyone that attended. I would not hesitate to recommend the Wheeler cottage to anyone looking for the perfect lake retreat or wedding venue on Lake Leelanau. Rink Wheeler is an exceptionally classy and helpful individual who made sure that we were totally comfortable and at ease before and during our stay. Thanks again for such a memorable weekend!
Response from VrboOwner on 2 April 2020
Thanks Jeff and Ashley for the nice review and kind words. It was indeed a pleasure to have you and your families stay at The Wheeler Cottage. It is a remarkable place. The Wheeler family wishes you all the happiness in the world. Rink and Kathy Wheeler
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Patty E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was very comfortable for our extended family. Plenty of sleeping space and relaxation areas. Enough bathroom space for our 14. Well stocked kitchen. Terrific laundry/entry are to drop all our bags of supplies.The best part of the property is the outside! The trees are spectacular!!! 120 year old poplars line the lake’s edge and dot the yard along with beautiful flower beds and other mature trees. Sitting outside was magnificent!!! Cool breezes, just the best. Our young children played their hearts out for hours. They claim that was their favorite part of the trip! Playing in the huge yard. Everything was pretty perfect.The only change I’d like to see is some brightening in the living room. Possibly some better lighting and lighter colors in the decor to give the room a little lift. It’s very brown. Otherwise, rent this grande dame. She’s a stunner!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Katie O.

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

Beautiful Cottage!!

Our family had a wonderful time at the Wheeler cottage. We were welcomed with red carpet treatment. The peaceful setting and large yard was perfect for our family with little children. The kitchen was fully stocked and there were supplies for all your needs. Rink was a very good host and made sure we were taken care of all week. We could not have asked for a more peaceful and relaxing week to get away during this crazy year. We look forward to returning to this wonderful cottage in the future. Thank you Rink and the Wheeler family for sharing your home with us. We are very grateful to have the opportunity to experience Lake Leelanau at its finest.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Stewart S.

Beautiful, spacious lakefront property, perfect for family get-togethers

Our family recently converged on Wheeler Cottage from near and far, for what all agreed was one of our best reunions ever! The seven bedrooms gave everyone their own space, and the well-equipped kitchen allowed us to prepare gourmet meals, served overlooking beautiful Lake Leelanau. The property is located close to Leland and Sutton's Bay, and not that far from Traverse City. The golfers among us were thrilled to be within an hour of some of the best golf in the country. The non-golfers were entertained with winery tours, canoeing, and trips to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Rink Wheeler was a gracious host, and made sure all of our needs were met. We could not have been more pleased with our experience!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2018
Response from VrboOwner on 2 April 2020
Thank Linda for such a lovely review. It was a pleasure in having you and your family as our quests and looking forward to your return in 2019. The Wheeler Cottage is a very special place which is hard to discribe in words and photos. Serene and beautiful. Plus so many things to do, as your described, for kids of all ages. Thanks again. Rink and the Wheeler family. (Lora, Rink jr, Kathy and Rob)
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth S.

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

Wonderful lake cottage!

We had a great time staying at the Wheeler cottage. Three families, ages 6-50+ stayed in this wonderful home- loved all the spaces for hanging out and the craftsmanship is beautiful. The living room had enough seating for all 15 of us to watch a movie. The kitchen was extremely well stocked. The yard was huge. The large fire pit was the center of our family's nighttime dinners and after-dinner relaxation. The back porch was a great morning coffee spot and for puzzling on a rainy day. The bedrooms all had ceiling fans and additional fans were available, so we were very comfortable at night. The beds and linens were also very clean and comfortable. The whole cottage was very tidy and a great place to relax with family!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Melinda A.

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

More like a mansion than a cottage...

We loved the wheeler “cottage”. It was super serene and on a great private point of lake Leelanau. It is a special home full of old beautiful wood and with lots of space. Our family was smaller than usual because the elders did not join during the pandemic, so it felt even more luxurious. There is a master suite on the main floor and 6 bedrooms upstairs. And the bedrooms are quite large with room enough for cribs etc. there is no air conditioning but the house is shaded and we did not feel uncomfortable once. We loved it here! We also significantly improved our volleyball and badminton skills during the course of the week!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Such a beautiful place!

We had our wedding at the Wheeler cottage and could not have found a better place. Our family has a cottage on the lake but it was not big enough to have our wedding. We found the Wheeler Cottage and fell in love with it instantly. The grounds are beautiful and the home has such an old time charm. Our pictures from our wedding were stunning. Our family stayed in the cottage with us and just loved it. Rink was very accommodating and answered all our questions. He even provided us with ideas and contact information for vendors to use for our wedding. We received several comments from our guests about how much fun they had and the place we picked was perfect. Thanks to the Wheeler's for sharing your home!
Response from VrboOwner on 2 April 2020
Thanks Barbara for you nice review. It was our pleasure to have you and your family as our guests at The Wheeler Cottage. We try very hard to make sure your venue is a wonderful experience. Again thanks and please stop by when ever you get a chance. Kathy and Rink Wheeler
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Perfect Wedding Setting in Northern Michigan

We were delighted to find the Wheeler Cottage for our fall wedding up north. It had exactly the charm and amenities we were looking for including plenty of space for two families and all the kitchen equipment you'd ever need. Though it rained nearly the entire weekend, we were still able to appreciate the beauty of the property and had ample comfort indoors. Rink was exceedingly gracious and accommodating. We held our small ceremony in the main living room in front of the fireplace because of the rain, but it proved to be a wonderful setting for our nuptials. I heartily recommend the Wheeler Cottage for large families looking to vacation on a lake up north on a property with incredible character. The pictures are great, but hardly do the place justice - have to see it to believe it. Thanks for everything Rink!
Response from VrboOwner on 2 April 2020
Thanks Mike for the kind review. It was a pleasure to have your families at The Wheeler Cottage and glad that you had a great experience. It is truly a very special place. I also really enjoy the rainy days when I can just sit back and enjoy the moment. Also I would like to thank your families for leaving me the wonderful corn bread and donuts. They were great and quickly consumed. Also for leaving the cottage in such good shape. Please know that all of you are welcomed back at any time. Thanks again for the great review. Kathy and Rink Wheeler
Verified

6/10 Okay

Sandra E.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Great location and beautiful yard but house could use lots of improvement for the price you pay.

Beautiful property but interior improvements to bathrooms, kitchen, screens, sliding doors should not be an obstacle to home owner for the weekly price charged. Water cooler should be provided because of only drinking water option being well water . Other homes we have rented in this price range have always provided this when well water was only option. Also, home is very cluttered with no drawer space or comfortable areas for your clothing and belongings to be accessible .
Stayed 8 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 2 April 2020
We are very sorry you were not totally satisfied with our home Sandra. We try very hard to make everybody as comfortable as possible. Thank you for your feedback. Wish you would have let us known of your concerns so that we could correct. My daughter Kathy did stop by a number of times to see if things were ok. Everyone she talked with said things were great and enjoying themselves. For the record 41 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ We are very proud of our 113 year old classic cottage/home. Rink Wheeler
Verified

10/10 Excellent

William D.

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

Phenomenal week in Michigan

Everything was perfect. We had 16 of us including my wife and 3 kids with one girlfriend and my three brothers and their families. The home, which is a classic lake home, fit us all perfectly. Tons of space, including a large yard, alot of frontage on the lake, and a dock. Plenty of outdoor furniture, firepit, and room for outdoor games. Communication was extremely important as Michigan was just opening up from quarantine. Rink kept us well informed and we were glad to be the first renters of the season. The house was well equipped, with everything we needed. Check in and out was painless. The location is one of the best on the north lake. It was only a 10-15 min jaunt into Fishtown in Leland, 5 min from the public boat ramp, and 7 min from a small grocery store and a gas station. 15 min to Suttons Bay. We have already committed to the same week next summer and cannot wait to return. Thanks for everything Rink and Kathy Wheeler!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Joanne S.

A lovely vintage "cottage" for a large group.

We booked a year in advance and from the first correspondence we were impressed by the prompt replies and personal touches. Didn't hurt that we are all Boilermakers, as is the owner! We had two weeks with two different families and it was perfect for both! Lots of grandkids, lots of yard, even a sand beach area that got replenished while we were there! Rink couldn't have been more accommodating, even offering to buy a newer high chair for one of our little ones ( a very generous offer but not necessary). We served meals- we had up to 16 - mostly on the lawn or on the porch. The kitchen worked great for us and on chillier mornings we all found a way to have coffee there together. Our favorite evening location was around the fire pit. Lots of wood to wagon over, and big enough for all the marshmallow sticks for the s'mores. The kids loved the huge yard, and it was wonderful not having to worry about traffic or road noise. The home is located on a private drive away from the main road - very safe and quiet. Great location on the lake, too. It's faster to boat to Leland than to drive! All in all, a successful vacation! Thanks, Rink, for sharing your home.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 2 April 2020
Thanks to all of you for your kind review. We try VERY HARD to make you experience at The Wheeler Cottage a pleaseant one. Please know you are always welcomed back at any time and thanks for leaving the cottage in such good shape. It really helps us. It was great meeting the both of you and your lovely familes. GO BOILERS The Wheeler Family.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Best Wedding Location Ever!

We recently had our wedding at the Wheeler Cottage and it exceeded all of our expectations! We were looking for a location that offered a low-key, up-north Michigan feel - and we sure found it. Rink was extremely helpful since we were planning the wedding from Colorado and he was more than accommodating for us and our guests. The property was breathtaking; it is surrounded by water on three sides and the trees that frame the property are not only beautiful but offer great shade for events. Since it faces west, we were able to enjoy the nightly sunsets. The house has a classic rustic feeling that is welcoming for those staying in the house as well as those who just stop by. For the actual wedding; there was plenty of room for our caterer, the wedding tent, parking, a bonfire and extra space for people to wander the property in awe of its beauty. From the day we arrived until the day we left the house was perfect and we could not have asked for a better place for a week vacation as well as our wedding. We are already planning a trip to return with our friends and family. Our friends and family cannot stop talking about the best wedding location they have ever seen! If you have the opportunity to host any event at this house (wedding or otherwise) you would be missing the chance of a lifetime if you pass it up!!
Response from VrboOwner on 2 April 2020
Thanks Angie for the wonderful review. It was our pleasure to have your wedding at The Wheeler Cottage. All of you really become part of our family. We try very hard to make every moment enjoyable for you. You, your family and your friends are always welcomed at our home. Thanks again, Kathy and Rink Wheeler
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Rachel M.

Fairytale wedding

Stayed at the Wheeler cottage for a week in August and had the best time! My fiance (now husband) and I wanted to choose a spot where we could not only have a beautiful wedding but also spend some time with our families. We stayed for the week with both sides of our family, about 15 in all, and everyone had a fantastic time. The cottage was plenty big that there was enough privacy for everyone and no one felt like we were on top of each other. The inside of the house is amazing, with beautiful woodwork and art everywhere; each room was unique. The kitchen was well equipped and we were able to cook every meal there for the whole group; we had some wonderful dinners gathered around the table on the sun porch, watching the sunset. The property was also spectacular and we all enjoyed lounging in the chairs and drinking wine, playing games in the yard, and riding around the lake and into Leland on the pontoon we rented. We had our wedding on Friday and it was like a fairytale. The weather was perfect and the setting was so romantic and perfect; many guests told us it was the best wedding they had ever been too. Rink was also extremely accommodating and helped us with anything we needed when it came to the wedding or any arrangements; he went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and comfortable. Overall the week and the wedding were absolutely perfect and I couldn't have imagined anything better!!
Response from VrboOwner on 2 April 2020
Thanks Rachel for your very kind review. We were happy to be apart of your beautiful wedding and celebration. It was our pleasure to have you, your family and friends as our guests. The Wheeler family wishes you all the happiness in the world. Please stop by at anytime at The Wheeler Cottage, we would love to visit again with you. All the best...Kathy and Rink Wheeler
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Great Home for Vacationing the "Lake Living" Lifestyle

A huge home with even bigger property. We had 10 adults and 9 small children, ranging from 5 years to 6 months. There was plenty of space that we did not drive each other crazy! Plenty of room to run around for kids, and the volleyball court is in great shape. Excellent views for sunsets and the dock accommodates rental boats and sun bathers. Don't leave things on the dock overnight, a steady breeze took away a life vest and cooler! There is a small sandy beach on the property and was "good enough" for some of the kids to play in, but for a real beach experience drive the 6 miles to the Big Lake near downtown Leland. 350' feet of frontage is mind blowing and a beautful view, but you really only want to access the water by this beach area or the docks. Close drive to Leland and other great places on the peninsula. The kids rang the "dinner bell" every night to let everyone know food was on. Great glass-enclosed porch was a good place to hang out on our rainy day. Both propane and gas grills available, just about all appliances and dishware you can think of are there. Rink Wheeler is one of the nicest and most attentive people you will meet. Answered multiple email questions before our trip promptly, and addressed any questions/concerns just as fast when we are at the property. We would definitely come back! Thanks again!
Response from VrboOwner on 2 April 2020
Thanks Jim for your kind words. Glad that you and your friends and particularly your kids had a great time. The Wheeler Cottage is a very special place. Thanks again from the Wheeler family.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Patrick G.

Beautiful Wedding on the Lake

We hosted our wedding at the Wheeler Cottage this summer. The house is a beautiful, well-maintained structure with exquisite detail and turn of the century charm. Just as importantly, it is large enough to entertain big groups. We were able to host several members of our wedding party. Even with every bedroom full, the place seemed quite spacious. The property itself is also quite large: we were able to hold our ceremony and reception in separate areas on the grounds with ease. We had ~90 guests though we could have easily accommodated several more. On-site parking was also sufficient. The house is situated on the Eastern shore, so sunsets are an added bonus. The owner was attentive and quite accommodating, while affording us plenty of privacy. He took the trouble to have the landscaping touched up before the big event, and was generally willing to help however necessary. We rented a 40' x 60' tent for the reception, though could have fit something bigger if needed. Had their been rain or very cold weather, we would have felt comfortable moving folks inside to the large patio and great rooms. Our guests loved the house too: many openly considered renting the property themselves for future events. We were quite familiar with the Leelanau Peninsula and selected this site carefully after viewing several others in the area. Compared to many other outdoor wedding venues in the area, we felt we were getting a great deal. Many other venues only offered single day access - and for a higher price. We were able to have a lovely vacation and wedding all in one. I can't think of any negatives about our experience. We hope to have another gathering at the Wheeler Cottage in the future.
Response from VrboOwner on 2 April 2020
Thanks Patrick for the wonderful review! It was indeed a pleasure to have you and your family consider The Wheeler Cottage for this special occasion. One which you will remember the rest of your lives. It brings back beautiful memories when I had my daughter’s wedding here in 1999. A special day. We also had some 100+ attend. It worked out perfectly as she had her bridesmaids and close family stay with her at the cottage during the week. My best to you and to Tiffany and know that you are always welcomed anytime at The Wheeler Cottage.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Jane L.

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

Unforgettable Labor Day Weekend at Wheeler Cottage

A magical place in the Land of Delight! Step back in time but with all of the modern conveniences! Kids loved it so much, they didn’t even want to leave to go to Lake Michigan. Rink Wheeler would be so proud of the fabulous job his children have done continuing his mission of maintaining, updating and sharing this epic estate with others. Thank you Kathy and family for a fantastic family experience that will last a lifetime!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022
Verified

8/10 Good

Anne S.

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

Lots of space in a fabulous location

The location and the owner were wonderful- the property is amazing and the owner was lovely: responsive and very helpful . The house is older and could use some TLC (the bathrooms are dated ) as well as more lighting in the common areas . The upstairs rooms were very warm when the weather was hot out and not easy to cool them off even with the additional fans the owner brought over. Fortunately we got the gamut of weather so it was only unbearably hot the first day and a half. The kitchen is very well equipped and the family porch is a great hang out space when not enjoying all the outdoor space and the lake.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Rink Wheeler and Kathy Wheeler-Stoerck

Host profile image
The Wheeler Cottage has been a beloved part of our family for over 60 years. Purchased by our grandparents in the early 1960s as a summer retreat, it became a cherished gathering place for our extended family. In the 1990s, our father moved there full-time and spent the best years of his life there as part of the Leland community. He loved his home with all his heart and transformed it into a very special place for all of us. His legacy lives on in The Wheeler Cottage, inspiring a love for the Leland community in his children and grandchildren. We are honored to share this wonderful place with you. We hope that it brings your family much joy, love, and lasting memories

Languages:

English
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