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Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden

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December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden

Miscellaneous
Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Interior
Interior

Reviews

9.0 out of 10

Wonderful

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathrooms111 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Hot tub
  • Pet-friendly
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Room options

Aerial view

Torch Lake Oasis: Serene Views & Waterfront Bliss Await!

Hot tub
Kitchen
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
8.0 out of 10, Very good, (1)
Torch Lake Oasis: Serene Views & Waterfront Bliss Await!
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About the area

Map
Alden, MI

What's nearby

  • Torch Lake - 1 min walk
  • Torch Lake Park - 3 min drive
  • Clam Lake - 8 min drive
  • Elk Lake - 14 min drive
  • Schuss Mountain - 18 min drive

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Oasis Red Bull Tavern - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Dockside-Torch Lake - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Pearls New Orlean Kitchen - ‬22 min drive
  • ‪Torch Lake Beer Co - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Blue Water Bistro & Pizzeria - ‬4 min drive

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden

Welcome to my Grandfather's Cottage on Torch Lake, one of the very few cottages with a beautiful sandy beach and within walking distance to Downtown Alden. First off to address some of the reviews for last year. Full disclosure, I fell short on some of the minor maintenance that needed to happen while guests where staying with me. This past fall I spent and extensive about of time fixing everything that needed to be taken care of and will be spending this spring making additional improvements. For this coming summer we also are bringing on a new cleaning crew as the ones we had last year fell well short of expectations.

In regards to the review claiming Bed Bugs and Child Safety issues, Both of these are flat out incorrect. Swimming in Torch lake there is the possibility of getting swimmers ich, like most any inland lake, which can lead to minor irritation. Which is why it was only her grandkids that and any issues since they were the only one swimming.

I have welcomed people into my Grandfather’s Cottage coming to visit Up North for many years and I love being able to share this amazing and special place I hope that you will come stay with me and enjoy the place like so many people in the past. If you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to reach out.

This ideal location is only a brief walk from downtown Alden. The sandy beach slopes into the clear water gently, making this a great walk-in swim site for all ages. There is also a permanent anchor off the end of the dock for those who bring there boat. We also offer a few different options in boat rentals if you are interested in that as well.

This single story cottage has a fully fenced back yard making it perfect for dogs or small kids. It comes with a fully equipped kitchen with a small island and an attached breakfast area as you walk in from the street. Through the kitchen opens in to a spacious living room with large picture windows facing the lake. With a TV and fireplace on one end of the room and a dining area on the other.

The living room opens out through French doors onto the screened in porch which provides an exceptional sunset view. There are two bedrooms one with a queen size bed and the other with two twin beds located on one side of the house sharing a full bath. The third bedroom is on the opposite side with a set of bunk beds and a full bath attached to it.

VERY IMPORTANT - DUE TO SEVERAL RENTERS IN THE PAST NOT RESPECTING OUR NO SMOKING POLICY - WE NOW HAVE A ZERO TOLERANCE FOR SMOKING OF ANY KNID ANYWHERE ON THE PROPERTY, SO IF YOU SMOKE PLEASE EITHER RESPECT THE NO SMOKING POLICY

Keywords: House,

Property manager

Chris Stearns

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • On the beach
  • Beach loungers

Pool/Spa

  • Spa tub

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Fenced yard
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property
  • Note from host: THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO SMOKING ON OUR PROPERTY.

Location highlights

  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Cycling nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 1,200 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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 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
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

Property is also known as

Sandy On Torch Lake, In Alden
Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake in Alden
Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden Alden

Frequently asked questions

Is Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Sandy Beach Cottage on Torch Lake, in Alden located?

Nestled on the beach, this Alden holiday home is steps from Torch Lake and 1.4 mi (2.2 km) from Torch Lake Park. Grass River Natural Area and Clam Lake are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 39 out of 52 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 4 out of 52 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 52 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 3 out of 52 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 52 reviews" "

8.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Stephen H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Lake house!
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.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lisa B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful & Relaxing
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!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chuck E., Fenton, MI

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Torch Getaway
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!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

6/10 Okay

Gena P.

Amazing Location, Disappointing Details
READ ENTIRE REVIEW: The location is PERFECT. A few minute walk to downtown Alden with shops, food, and more. The public boat launch is down the road and of course you are directly on Torch Lake with a short boat ride to the sand bar or Torch River. The house itself is a great layout and very spacious. Split essentially into two wings with 2 rooms and 1 bathroom on each side with a great large living and dining area. The screen in porch is great. BUT, the house itself does need A LOT of TLC. The house is lacking for the price you pay. Things like not having handles for doors (ropes as latches), screens with holes letting bugs in (barely held together with tacks which I ended up stepping on one), painters tape in a half painted kitchen, etc. It also lacked the essentials you'd assume to have (spices, Tupperware, charcoal or a lighter for the grill, etc.). Chris is hard to get ahold of. I had messaged him for weeks asking for details on items within the kitchen, clarity on check-in, etc. I heard from him once via text, once in person (just to clear up the confusion on being double booked), and never heard from him on the check out process. We couldn't use one shower for multiple days due to the septic. The yard is fenced, but is SHARED with the house next to you, also "divided" by chickenwire. NOT what the listing says. Also the laundry is again, SHARED with your neighbor. Extremely disappointing to pay so much for items you aren't fully given the true details on.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

ANDREA B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Bachelorette weekend
Great little lake cottage. Has pretty much all you need, Beautiful view, quick easy walk to downtown Alden. Not to far from shorts brewery. Chris was friendly and easy to talk with.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

2/10 Terrible

Christina F.

Beautiful sunsets, unsafe security for children from lake & biting bed bugs!!
We loved the features & character of this old cabin with a Great location & Beautiful sunsets!! This place is very neglected which is so sad seeing it was his grandpas…he would be ashamed! Clearly he just cares about the money coming in! No proper security on lake side or secure fencing in front (wobbly Chicken wire between homes 🙄) Our biggest problem was the owner NEVER RESOLVED the safety issue that we addressed the very first night we arrived!! I texted 2 times which he answered with promises & he came over twice which was nice but what good is it if you never help to resolve the issues & make excuses!! He just doesn’t care! No door knobs on the water side of the lake with only a little slide lock on French doors that clearly was eye level that a small child could easily figure out & a porch door that didn’t even have a door knob let alone a lock! Such a hazard for small children that could easily escape & die from drowning!! I spent 2 days of my vacation cleaning & going to the hardware to find something to make it secure the day before our 2 grandsons arrived (3yrs-9mo) to make it SAFE, clean, & presentable!! We left it better than when we arrived! The next issue we had there was biting bed bugs all over the place! My daughter & 9 mo grandson were peppered with bites & huge welts from visiting! 😥 I also encountered sleeping with this residents!! 😖 *if you don’t mind biting bugs & no locks on lake side for children then this is your place! 👍
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Megan S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family vacation on the lake
We loved staying in this house! The ease of being able to walk to Alden and access the beach were exactly what our family was looking for. While some parts in the home are older the view and space were well worth it.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Monica J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cottage on the lake
A lovely rustic cottage on the shore line of Torch Lake. A perfect view of Torch Lake through the windows looking out on the lake. There's nothing like listening to waves. The cottage is rather spacious, great location for a short walk into down town Alden. Owner, Chris, quick to respond.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2022

10/10 Excellent

Robert F J., Grand Rapids, MI

Liked: Cleanliness
Torch Lake
Comfort Cottage as described
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christina H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful & Relaxing Long Weekend
The property is absolutely beautiful with a sandy shoreline on Torch Lake. We had a truly amazing long weekend with our friends and pups. The cottage is very clean, well appointed and in a great location (very short walk into downtown Alden). The owner Chris was great with communication and we enjoyed having the opportunity to meet him. All in all a wonderful trip!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chris S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Lovely
Tall ceilings, spacious rooms, and tasteful decor greeted us as we were transported back to the 1940’s in this lovely cottage. The beach is perfect, the water clear, and the view beautiful. Our only disappointment was one small bedroom containing a trundle bed, which was the access point to a bathroom and another bedroom. It is a memorable place that I’d love to revisit.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

4/10 Poor

Gregory T.

Disliked: Cleanliness
cottage on torch lake
The property was in a nice location. The property itself didn't meet the standards that we are used to when renting through VRBO.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

6/10 Okay

Stacey L.

Disliked: Cleanliness
Great location
Great property snd location. House needs some love and cleaning.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

staci t.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful
Perfect location on a beautiful clean lake!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Debbie C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Cozy Lakefront Cottage
We had a wonderful time! This was a perfect get away. Location was great.. beautiful views of Torch Lake & a short walk to Alden. The cottage had everything we needed. I would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Phil O., Muskegon, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
We love coming here!!
The cabin is spacious, comfortable, clean and Torch Lake is gorgeous! This is our second year staying at this property because we love it so much!! Great communication with the owner, couldn’t ask for a better place! We are already planning our trip there next year!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karl K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Alden
Fantastic property and very helpful host.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

lyndsey M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful
The house and view are amazing. Plenty of room for dogs or kids.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Vicki S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great Lake Place
Very peaceful and beautiful views. Loved our stay.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Phil O., Muskegon, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Family vacation
We had a great time! The home is beautiful and the property owners were wonderful!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tom V., Lake Ariel, PA

Liked: Cleanliness
Peaceful Easy Feeling
We had no problems here. Chris answered all questions promptly and keeps the property in pretty good repair. We enjoyed the Firepit by the lake which is simply gorgeous. Nice quiet neighborhood. Best rest that I’ve had in some time. Thanks Chris!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Balakrishnan S.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing Lake Front Property on Torch Lake!
Spacious, clean, Dog-Friendly Lake front property with boardwalk and private beach (a large one). Chris was a great host and my family & I thoroughly enjoyed our Labor Day getaway. Can’t recommended this property enough and we definitely would book again if we decide to stay on Torch Lake next year.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

laurie m.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fantastic!
Our trip was amazing! The location is perfect! The view is gorgeous! The owners are excellent! We, as guests, had a few hiccups, and Chris went above and beyond to accommodate us and help ensure our vacation was perfect! The living space is so open we had plenty of space for adults to chat while kids played and yet still all be together. The kitchen had everything you could ever imagine! Thank you Chris and Alex!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kirstin P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Love Torch Lake!
Such a perfect spot for our family vacation! Kids loved walking into Alden for muffins and ice cream. Great beach for our kids and dogs to play in the water. Love the big living area …plenty of room for all our stuff and a big table for all of us to play cards on. Chris and Alex could not have been better hosts. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect!
Wonderful stay in a charming rustic cabin - just what we needed to really feel like we had gotten away from it all. Great screened porch allowing a breezeway into the house. Fantastic access to beach and Alden. Very friendly owners next door, attended to any need. Highest recommendation, and would love to return!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021