Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden

The place is in an excellent location and beautiful sunsets over lake, and close walking distance to a very small quaint town. Cottage is cute and has been updated in some places very nicely. As it does state it truly is Grandfather's Cottage. The downside we felt were lack of privacy curtains in the bedrooms. There were very sheer white curtains that were completely see through. It would be very nice if actual privacy curtains or blinds there, so if you wanted to change in a bedroom or shut for some morning sleep in time, not have entire bedroom light at sunrise. The 2 small windows in living room would be nice to have a pull down blind option (there is nothing on these windows) to have privacy from close neighbors if you wanted. There were only two of us, so we hung some bed sheets in bedrooms & improvised with towels in the living room. Electrical outlets are very minimal and very outdated (thus to be expected with age of home). Tough if needing to work with a computer or electronic devices in certain spots/limited capacity. I give it an 8.5/10 for being clean (will admit, I probably have a little OCD on the cleaning scale). Great place if you want to be directly on lake and have the views, along with the BEST feature of being able to bring your fur babies along. Thanks for the adventure!

The house was in a perfect location, and we loved that it was pet friendly. We loved the view of the lake, and the beach was beautiful. The host was very nice and helpful! The problem we had was with vrbo. The cabin was listed as having a hot tub, and it did not. When we asked the host, he stated he knew nothing about it showing it had a hot tub. That was something we all looked for to enjoying. Sitting in the hot tub and enjoying the view. I have already stated this with vrbo and have heard nothing from them. This is my first time using vrbo and I'm not satisfied with vrbo at all! That is why I gave them 1 star!

Torch Lake in your backyard is an absolute dream. We seemed to be the only people on the lake at times in late August. It was eonderful to be able to swim, snorkle and float. We did not see a need to rent a boat but it is an option in the area. Gorgeous, quiet neighborhood with a couple restaurants a very short walk away, several places to walk your dog or yourself and stop and enjoy the views. House is older but open layout and good AC are a real plus. Beds were comfy, too.

Super cute, vintage lake house! Pet and family friendly! Beachfront and Walkable to the town of Alden. Was the perfect low key family getaway

What a beautiful lake and wonderful location!!! We had an awesome family vacation - close enough for day trips to Mackinaw Island, the Dunes, lighthouses, and wineries. Chris was great! The house is stocked with everything we needed - even a family game we loved! The quiet street was great for walking the baby and short walks to Alden.

Extremely disappointed with this stay.House was very dirty, didn't appear cleaned recently, spiderwebs/bugs, filth under couch cushions, bedding had stains; oven didn't work; walk-in shower valve broke or required adjustment from host multiple times; washer/dryer are shared, then couldn't use due to washer malfunction; fenced yard is shared, unable to freely use for our dogs due to hosts dogs; window coverings were to sheer/translucent to provide privacy, even in the bathrooms; french doors to back patio were unable to be locked, door knob was broken; patio screen door and screen windows were torn allowing for insects/bugs to enter; box steps down to water from house were in disrepair, making it very difficult for our daughter with special needs to walk down. We ended our stay early due to these continuous problems, culminating with my wife waking to approximately three dozen bug bites on her body. Chris suggested it was probably swimmers itch, but it did not look like a rash.The host, Chris, was staying next door. He was very friendly, but admitted he's never had guests experience as many issues as we had. We feel some kind of compensation and/or a refund would be appropriate, but he made no offer to do so.

This is the perfect house for family fun. You are right on the water for daytime activities. Perfect for playing board games in the evening! We had a blast!

Comfy home and comfy bed. Enjoyed the screened in porch. No contact person phone number was given to us before arriving. No contact person phone number was posted at the cottage. Up the creek if something happened and needed to contact someone.

This is a comfortable home right on the lake. Plenty of space for 3 of us and a large dog. We didn’t even use 2 of the bedrooms. Torch Lake is crystal clear and so beautiful! Chris is easy to work with and we enjoyed meeting him! We will return.

Perfect cottage for one or two families. Beautiful view of the lake from inside, screened-in porch, and multiple outdoor seating areas. Sandy beach with a dock for the kids. Walking distance to Alden, which I didn't think would matter, but it was so nice to walk for coffee and muffins in the mornings. Very clean and comfortable. Can't wait to stay here again!

A quaint comfortable cottage with plenty of room and amenities, with an incredible view of the lake and sunsets! The host was ALWAYS quick to respond to questions and went out of his way to make sure we had everything. We will be back!