Property Details

Waters Edge Cottage

  • Sleeps 5

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Bedrooms: 2  |  Bathrooms: 1.5  |  Sleeps: 5
Beds: 1 Queen, 1 Full, 1 Twin
Unit Code: 3985375
Rental Type: Entire House
Check-In: 4PM  |  Check-Out: 10AM
Location: Charlevoix / Lake Michigan 

Serene Lakeside Cottage with Stunning Sunsets, Just Minutes from Charlevoix!
This century-old log cabin combines atmosphere, location, stunning water views, and modern amenities into an authentic “Up North” vacation experience. The cottage sits on a bluff overlooking Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan, with 200 feet of private shoreline below. Spacious, comfortable, well-appointed rooms reflect rustic origins while offering the features and conveniences you seek for optimal relaxation. The flexible layout offers spaces to gather, for privacy, for working, for relaxing.

While the surroundings are scenic and peaceful, the central location (about 10 miles south of Charlevoix) is also the gateway to dozens of recreational opportunities and adventures throughout the region. Petoskey/Harbor Springs, Traverse City, Boyne Falls, the Leelanau Peninsula, and the Mackinac Bridge are all within an hour’s drive or less. The true heart of Northern Michigan is waiting for your visit!

The spacious backyard area is protected by cedar, birch and pine and offers a panoramic water view. Prepare a meal on the charcoal grill, dine outdoors at the picnic table, and gather at the firepit seating area.

Enjoy the cabin’s 200 feet of private shoreline for rock-hunting, wave-watching, and relaxing in the sun. Sand chairs, a beach umbrella, and some float toys are provided. Shallow water extends outward from the beach at least 100 feet, but the bottom is stony—water shoes make exploring and swimming much easier. There are two small township beachfront parks close by, and numerous public beaches and parks are within a short drive.

Important: The Big Lake is sometimes called an ‘inland ocean’ and is a freshwater treasure. It can also be unpredictable, so watch the waves and the skies when venturing into the water—conditions can change rapidly. The actual beach area can also vary (ranging from sandy to stony) depending on seasonal and weather variables. There is a natural pathway down to the water. Due to previous erosion and the steep inclines, climbing the hillsides is strongly discouraged.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD
The residential road to the cabin, well-known for its scenic beauty, hugs the shoreline for more than 2 miles and is easily walkable. You’re also near a northern segment of the historic Dixie Highway, a favorite of bicyclists who call it the “flat road.” There are 2 older bikes on the property, but you may want to bring/rent your own.

This is a private home with neighbors nearby; quiet hours are from 10 P.M. to 8 A.M. Smoking is not permitted. Additionally, please understand that the cabin is more than 100 years old and retains its original cedar log and mortar structure, which has its imperfections. You’ll be surrounded by woods and water, so please prepare for summer insects.

Please be aware that the cottage does not have central air; lakeside temperatures typically are noticeably cooler than inland. There are multiple fans provided, and space heaters for any chilly Nights.

NEARBY DESTINATIONS
Downtown Charlevoix: 12.6 miles
Downtown Traverse City: 44 miles
Downtown Petoskey: 29.6 miles
Downtown Boyne City: 30 miles
Friske's Farm Market (Pizza): 5.4 miles
King Orchards: 13.8 miles
Rowe Inn Restaurant (Famous Dining & Wine List): 13.3 miles
Fisherman's State Park (Beach, Trails, Hiking, Fishing): 3.3 miles
Cherry Capital Airport (Traverse City): 42.3 miles
Beaver Island: 2-hour ferry ride out of Charlevoix

Suitability
Non-Smoking, No Pets, Children Welcome
Stories: 2
Dining: 4 Seats (On Porch)

Kitchen
Full Kitchen, Refrigerator, Microwave, Toaster, Toaster Oven, Cookware, Oven, Dishwasher, Dishes & Utensils, Regular Coffee Maker with Filter, Crockpot, Blender, Hand Mixer

Living
Linens, Towels, Washer & Dryer, Internet, Woodburning Fireplace, Ceiling/Free Standing Fans,Tub/Shower Combination, Iron & Ironing Board, Hair Dryer (1)

Outdoor
Beach (200 feet), Charcoal Grill, Beach Chairs, Portable Firepit

Entertainment
Smart TVs (2), Games, Puzzles, Books

Location
Lakefront, Lake Michigan, Parking By Cottage and Space Across The Street

Local Activities
Paddle Boarding, Boating/Sailing, Photography, Cycling/Mountain Biking, Fishing, Golfing, Walking/Hiking, Hunting, Ice Skating, Jet Skiing, Paragliding, Roller Blading, Snorkeling, Skiing/Snowboarding/Tubing, Swimming, Water Skiing, Water Tubing, Bird Watching, Kayaking/Canoeing, Sight Seeing, Scenic Drives, Sledding, Zip Lining

Local Attractions/Services
Nearby Medical Services, Nearby Grocery, Nearby ATM/Bank, Nearby Post Office, Nearby Internet Cafe, Nearby FedEx, Laundromats, Massage Therapists, Shopping, Dining/Restaurants, Area Fitness Centers, Movie Theaters, Golf Courses, Marinas, Casino, Churches, Library, Museums, Winery Tours, Festivals, Water Parks

Great lakeside hideaway
Overall satisfaction
Reviewer from HINSDALE, IL recommends this vacation rental
Stayed 2 days ending in October, 2025
Spent a couple of nights here with friends to see the fall colors and enjoy a lake view. Was a perfect spot for cool autumn nights with a fire pit outside and a wood burning stove inside. Cabin was very cozy and well kept.
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Peaceful
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Jean W. from Covington, OH recommends this vacation rental
Stayed 4 days ending in October, 2025
Wonderful stay - quiet and beautiful spot for a long relaxing weeend
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Wonderful experience with great views and cool temperatures
Overall satisfaction
Reviewer from Richmond, VA recommends this vacation rental
Stayed 18 days ending in July, 2025
This log cabin, which is comfortably furnished and has authentic decor from the last century to add to the ambience, was the perfect place for an extended getaway. It literally had everything what needs. The description and pictures on VRBO or accurate and the cabin seemed even better than those! It is located right on Lake Michigan in the town of Norwood, which is about 9 miles south of Charlevoix. It is located on a road, which ultimately dead ends. That made it great for privacy, walking, and seeing dear up close. We could not have asked for a better experience. The rental company was very helpful. At one point, a repair man needed access to fix the heating system and they worked around our schedule. Lots of communication. It was a wonderful experience all the way around!
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Beautiful lake escape
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Kristofer K. from AUSTIN, Texas recommends this vacation rental
Stayed 8 days ending in August, 2025
This cabin exceeded my expectations. Bigger and more beautiful than the pictures give it credit for. Quiet and peaceful, perfect for a private getaway for a couple or small family.
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Relaxing long weekend in a cabin
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Dan H. from Grand Haven , Michigan recommends this vacation rental
Stayed 4 days ending in September, 2025
we had a wonderful time at the Waters Edge Cottage. Clean and cozy cabin on the water of Grand Traverse Bay.
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A dream Lake Michigan retreat!
Overall satisfaction
Janice S. from Ann Arbor, MI recommends this vacation rental
Stayed 3 days ending in July, 2024
This log cabin home was absolutely lovely for a summer stay near Charlevoix. The place has so much character but with modern amenities. It was truly a dream to stay on the back porch overlooking Lake Michigan. At night we opened the windows and let the sound of the waves soothe us all to sleep. Our infant even slept through the night! The home is also conveniently located only 15 mins from Charlevoix, and extremely close to Biers and Lost Cellars. There was also a farm market close by with really nice produce for dinners. As with all lake homes, I recommend getting your own multi gallon jug of spring water from the grocery, but that's a small price to pay for such a wonderful location. I hope we can return every year, and enjoy a far longer stay.
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Awesome getaway
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Cindy B. recommends this vacation rental
Stayed 2 days ending in August, 2024
Very cozy. Wonderful place on lake with great views. Beautiful sunsets. Cabin was very clean. Would rent again
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Great Anniversary Getaway!
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Tracy M. from Charlotte, MI recommends this vacation rental
Stayed 2 days ending in September, 2024
We loved the area and atmosphere. It was quiet and the view was beautiful.
The only downside with the property was the mattress. It was a bit old, if you have any back issues, possibly bring a topper. Everything else was amazing and exactly what we were looking for!
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