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

Alden, Michigan
$1052 avg/night Minimum Stay 3 Nights
Bed 5

Bed

Bath 2

Bath

Home Cottage

Property Type

Sleep 9

Max Sleeps

Night 3 nights

Min Stay

This is a true Northern Michigan family cottage — built in the early 1900s and cared for by our family for generations. We offer it to a limited number of guests each season who are looking for a peaceful stay on the lake: morning coffee on the porch, long swims, shared meals, and time to settle into the rhythm of the water.

While the cottage retains its historic character, the bathrooms, kitchen, and major systems have been updated over time to ensure comfort for today’s families (one bathroom was redone in 2026). Additional improvements (including refinished wood floors and new pine walls and ceilings in several bedrooms renovated in 2025) — add comfort while preserving the cottage’s original character.

The heart of the cottage is the screened-in porch, open to the lake on three sides. It’s everyone’s favorite place to read, nap, watch Torch's famous “Caribbean blue” bands shift throughout the day, or sip an evening glass of wine as the sunset pours warm light across the water.

Inside, the large, light-filled living room with its stone fireplace is a comfortable gathering place for cooler evenings or rainy days. Bedrooms are cozy and simple, with classic cottage furnishings and antiques.

Outdoors, you’ll find a dock, firepit by the water, lakeside sun deck, and a second patio with grill near the kitchen. Sandy shallows extend out from the shoreline, and a mooring buoy is available for your boat (jet skis are not permitted, out of respect for neighbors and the quiet nature of the area).

The cottage sits among mature trees in a peaceful stretch of privately owned homes, yet the town of Alden — with restaurants, shops, playgrounds, and tennis courts — is just a 15-minute walk away.

This cottage is best suited for
- Families and multi-generation groups
- Guests who appreciate the charm of an older cottage
- Visitors looking for a quiet, residential setting
- Those planning to settle in and enjoy the lake for a full week in summer or a shorter stay in the quieter seasons.

It may not be the right fit if you’re looking for
- A party atmosphere
- A newly built or luxury property
- A high-turnover vacation setting

Because this is a family heirloom, we ask guests to treat the property, the lake, and our neighbors with care.

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  • Feature Features
  • Map Map
  • School District Rates & Availability
  • Review Review

Feature Features

  • PETS

    No Pets Allowed
  • BEACH

    Beach Sun Loungers
  • DINING

    Dining Table
  • SAFETY

    Deadbolt Lock Fire Extinguisher First Aid Kit No Carbon Monoxide Detector (host Has Indicated There Is No Carbon Monoxide Detector Or Gas Appliances On The Property) Smoke Detector Installed (host Has Indicated There Is A Smoke Detector On The Property)
  • BEDROOM

    5 Bedrooms Bed Sheets Provided Sofa Bed
  • GENERAL

    Unit Size: 1500 Sq Ft (139 Sq M)
  • KITCHEN

    Blender Cookware/dishes/utensils Dishwasher Electric Kettle Microwave Oven Refrigerator Stovetop Toaster
  • LAUNDRY

    Laundry Facilities Washing Machine And Dryer
  • PARKING

    Onsite Parking
  • INTERNET

    Free WiFi
  • OUTDOORS

    Barbecue Grill Garden Patio
  • BATHROOMS

    2 Bathrooms Bathtub Or Shower Hair Dryer Soap Toilet Paper Towels Provided
  • WORKSPACES

    Desk Desk Chair
  • THINGS TO DO

    Basketball Nearby Birdwatching Nearby Fishing Nearby Golf Nearby Hiking Nearby Kayaking Nearby Power Boating Nearby Sailing Nearby Water Skiing Nearby
  • ENTERTAINMENT

    Books Games Smart TV
  • LIVING SPACES

    Fireplace Living Room
  • CLIMATE CONTROL

    Heating
  • FAMILY FRIENDLY

    Children's Books Children's Games
  • LOCATION HIGHLIGHTS

    In A Rural Location In A Village Near A Hospital Next To A Golf Course On The Lake On The Waterfront
  • SERVICES AND CONVENIENCES

    Iron/ironing Board
  • SUITABILITY/ACCESSIBILITY

    Hardwood Flooring In Public Areas If You Have Requests For Specific Accessibility Needs, Please Contact The Property Using The Information On The Reservation Confirmation Received After Booking. Smoke-free Property

CheckIn Check-in : 04:00 PM CheckOut Check-out : 11:00 AM
No Wheelchair No smoking No pets Children allowed
Occupancy Max occupancy : 9

Map Map

School District Rates & Availability

Review Review

  • Carly S.

    Submitted Aug 27, 2025

    Stayed Aug 17, 2025

    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.

  • Micky A.

    Submitted Jul 5, 2025

    Stayed Jun 26, 2025

    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!

  • Amanda S.

    Submitted Aug 20, 2023

    Stayed Aug 12, 2023

    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.

  • janet p.

    Submitted Aug 1, 2023

    Stayed Jul 22, 2023

    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.

  • Judi S.

    Submitted Jul 26, 2023

    Stayed Jul 15, 2023

    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.

  • Marie L.

    Submitted Jun 8, 2023

    Stayed Jun 5, 2023

    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.

  • Jo G.

    Submitted Sep 16, 2022

    Stayed Sep 2, 2022

    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.

  • Todd E.

    Submitted Aug 25, 2022

    Stayed Aug 13, 2022

    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.

  • Aaron P.

    Submitted Aug 16, 2022

    Stayed Aug 6, 2022

    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.

  • Richard M.

    Submitted Aug 8, 2022

    Stayed Jul 30, 2022

    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.

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Total

Includes taxes and fees
$1,052+
View details