Entire home

Cozy Retreat with Elk Lake Access

Lakefront cottage with kitchen and patio

Photo gallery for Cozy Retreat with Elk Lake Access

Fall colors by the Cottage in Sept - Oct.
Fall on Carns Road on way to the Cottage.
Grandma Dean's house across Carns Rd from the Cottage.
Tree color around the farm.
Exterior

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 4142.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

View map
  • Place, Elk Lake
  • Place, Turtle Creek Casino
  • Place, Torch Lake
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Master Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Third floor hideaway

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom

Bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Cozy Retreat with Elk Lake Access

Look no further!! This inviting Cottage steps away from your private Elk Lake lot is the best choice for your get away. The Northern Michigan house is located 3.7 miles from Elk Rapids, 8.3 miles from Williamsburg, and 16.2 miles from Traverse City.

The original charm from the stone foundation to the barn wood feature walls and original wood floors help create a place you will love for relaxation and creating memories. It is the perfect size for 4 people with approximately 1263 square feet of living space and a 266 square foot deck/patio.

The house has been renovated from top to bottom with new furniture, and appliances including a gas grill on the deck. The cupboards are stocked with dishes, glassware, and silverware for inside or patio dining. There is a selection of cooking pans and it's stocked for at home baking.

There is one bedroom on the third floor with 2 twin beds, one bedroom on the second floor with one queen bed. The bathroom located on the second floor has a full bathtub and shower. The laundry is also on the second floor equipped with a washer and dryer.

The kitchen is equipped with stove, refrigerator, microwave, Keurig coffee maker, toaster, blender, dishes, glassware, silverware, pots and pans, and the moveable kitchen island is stocked with everything you need to bake if you wish. There are two dining options, one in the house at a counter height table with seating for six and the table on the deck with seating for four. If you want to grill, there is a gas grill on the patio.

The living room area has a 50-inch wall mounted TV, a couch, loveseat, coffee table and 2 end tables centered around a cheerful area rug.

Included with the rental is shared access to our private 50-foot Elk Lake access. It is yours for the week to use at your own risk. There will be 4 chairs and a couple of small tables for your to use at the lake.

Besides enjoying time at Elk Lake, there are many adventures in our regional area from boating, golfing, wine tasting, breweries, distilleries, farmer’s markets, shopping, horseback riding, and, of course, picking cherries when in season.

We look forward to your visit!

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 21
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Strip any used beds and gather used towels
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and return the keys
Please take time to write in our Guest Book located on the TV stand.
Please text me at 231-409-0511 when you leave so I can let the cleaner know the "coast is clear".
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Please read and follow the rules attached to the rental agreement.

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
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Williamsburg

Located in Williamsburg, this cottage is in a rural area and on the waterfront. Shoppers can check out Front Street, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Michigan and Traverse City Beach. Guntzviller's Spirit of the Woods Museum and Music House Museum are also worth visiting. Discover the area's water adventures with jet skiing and kayaking nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking and horse riding.
Map
Williamsburg, MI

What's nearby

  • Elk Lake - 1 min drive - 0.0 km
  • Turtle Creek Casino - 14 min drive - 15.1 km
  • Grand Traverse Resort Golf Course - 16 min drive - 16.6 km
  • Torch Lake - 26 min drive - 31.4 km
  • Torch Lake Park - 29 min drive - 37.4 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 28 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Oasis Tavern - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Season's Buffet - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪Kritters Hide Away - ‬25 min drive
  • ‪Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Bourbons 72 - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Cozy Retreat with Elk Lake Access pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Cozy Retreat with Elk Lake Access?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Cozy Retreat with Elk Lake Access?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Cozy Retreat with Elk Lake Access located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 0.2 mi (0.4 km) from Elk Lake and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Lake Michigan. Guntzviller's Spirit of the Woods Museum and Rotary Park are also within 6 miles (10 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 86 out of 88 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 88 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 88 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 88 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 88 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sam J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The house was very nice, clean, plenty of room and furnished nicely. It had been recently updated and full of everything you might need. The bedding, dishes, towels etc. were top notch. The owners were very nice and considerate of our needs. They were a pleasure to talk to.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Spencer B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
This place was perfect for my weekend away. It’s very peaceful and clean. Barb was a great host and I loved hearing about the history of the property and surrounding area. I definitely hope to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Fred W.

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

Beautiful Place

Enjoyed our stay. We will be booking this one again,
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

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

Wonderful stay

My wife & I were looking for someplace to get away & had never stayed in this part of Michigan. Barb made it amazing. Place was clean & bed was comfortable. Everything you need for a long stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark P.

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

Elk Lake Vacation

We had a fantastic time. The cottage was perfect for our small family. Very clean and a convenient location. We had the opportunity to meet the owners and they are fantastic people. We look forward to returning.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Amanda B.

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

Great location!

We enjoyed kayaking and relaxing on the patio of this beautiful lake property. The owner was great, and the property was well-stocked with everything we needed. It was just a Short walk across the road and we were able to drop our kayak in the lake and enjoy. Would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Regina K., Grand Rapids

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

Cozy Cottage

We felt at home as soon as we pulled in. The cottage is stocked with everything you could possibly need while on vacation. We had great communication from the owners before checking in and throughout our stay. Great location close to shops & restaurants in downtown Elk Rapids.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda M.

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

Another Memorable Year

Thank you Deans!
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2024

2/10 Terrible

Richard H.

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

Paradise

Exactly what we were looking for. Peace and serenity! Thank you!!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tricia B.

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

Views of Elk Lake

Quiet cottage with nice view and access to Elk Lake. Place was clean and spacious. Kitchen was well equipped. Barb was a good host! Thank you,!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda M., Grosse Pointe Park

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

Everything you need

Perfect updated home with private lake access and view. Barbara and Dennis thought of all the amenities you need. 2nd stay. Plan to come again.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Judy H.

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

Cozy Countryside Cottage

This home was very clean and cozy. Barb and Dennis were great at communicating with us. It was also in a great location for checking out local areas and going on a color tour. We hope to rent this home again. Up North Lovers
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Patti V.

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

Cute Cottage

Very clean cottage in a nice quiet area. Barb and Dennis are great hosts. We had plenty of room to park our boat and trailer. Elk Rapids is 3 miles away and has a nice beach which is near the main street with restaurants/shops and marina with food/drinks and a large lawn with corn hole and games for kids. We look forward to visiting again!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brienne D.

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

Great place on Elk Lake

Loved our stay here over the 4th of July. Cottage is located close to everything we wanted to do (Traverse city, torch lake, elk rapids). Very clean. Fully stocked kitchen. Big field in front of the house was great for kids to play. The lake access is nice, bottom is rocky so suggest water shoes. Host was super nice and even brought us a bucket of fresh cherries from the orchard behind the house. Will definitely stay here again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Judith F.

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

Pure Michigan

This property is very clean. Recently restored and has a very new look to it! Located in a nice neighborhood with Elk Lake access. A cherry orchard is back of the property. Very quiet and private. Easily recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sue N.

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

Cozy cottage

The cottage was perfect,…very relaxing and quiet, nestled between a lake view and fields of cherry trees. Elk Rapids only 5 minutes north and wine tasting, in the TC area, only 10 minutes to the south. My only con …..with 3 ladies in the cottage a second mirror would have been helpful. I would definitely stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sandra K.

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

An Absolute Delight!

This property is in a great location with easy driving distance to Elk Rapids, Traverse City, restaurants and shopping. The cabin was clean, airy, spacious and full of light. The furnishings and decor were lovely and comfortable. It was well stocked with everything needed for cooking, baking and serving meals. I found my time spent there quiet and peaceful and enjoyed the beauty and access to Elk Lake. Barb and Dennis were kind and gracious hosts quickly responding to any requests. Putting it quite simply, I’m so looking forward to a return visit next year - one of my best vacations.
Stayed 21 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Perfect stay for our family of four!

We enjoyed every moment of our stay at this perfect cottage! It was beautifully updated with plenty of space for us all! The private access to Elk Lake made it possible for us to put our kayaks in with ease whenever we wanted. This cottage was one of the cleanest places we have every stayed with comfortable beds and we were in want of nothing. Every need was met. Barbara was quick with any communication and provided a personal touch. We especially enjoyed the delicious cherries upon arrival! Thank you, Barbara, for one our most delightful stays in one of our favorite spots Up North!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jordan P.

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

“Charming” doesn’t do it justice.

The Grey Cottage was the perfect getaway for our family of 4. It was clean, comfortable and well appointed with everything we needed for a relaxing lake vacation. The lake access is ideal for swimming, skipping rocks and enjoying a beautiful sunrise. The property is beautiful in every direction (water, woods, cherry orchards), and the location is ideal to explore the surrounding lakes and towns. We were lucky enough to be there during Harbor Days in Elk Rapids which was a fun surprise, especially for our daughters. Lastly, Barb was a wonderful hostess. She was warm, welcoming, and made some wonderful recommendations of things to do while we were in town. Thank you for a wonderful stay and, of course, the cherries! We’ll definitely be back.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Patrick Q., Berkley, MI, USA

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

Boater’s Paradise

Ideal VRBO property for boaters - just a few minutes from Memorial Harbor in Elk Rapids, which provides launches on both East Grand Traverse Bay and Elk Lake. NOTE: Travel via water between the Bay and Elk Lake is not possible due to the hydroelectric dam - boats must be trailered to either location. Elk Lake also ties into Lake Skegemog, which allows you to access Torch River and travel up to Torch Lake. Barbara is the perfect VRBO host. The house and property are maintained beautifully, and communication could not have been better. We can’t to plan our next visit!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2020

10/10 Excellent

Janie B.

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

Charming cottage; great location

Wonderful experience at this charming cottage. Great access to Elk Lake. Host was very kind and welcoming. We didn't need any assistance, but felt confident that she would respond if we had needed anything. Easy walk down to Elk Lake to enjoy the water (nice shallow access, perfect for kids or easy input for kayak or paddle boards). Cottage had everything we needed and was nicely updated. Listing description was very accurate. Lovely trees offered a lot of shade on the property. The cherry tree farm in the back is gorgous and I bet it would be a fun little addition to a picking season stay. Great location as you can go west to Sleeping Bear Dunes or east to Charlevoix in an hour either way. And of course, everything else between. Elk Rapids is a great little town with a nice beach. Loved the Nauti Cat Catamaran out of Traverse City as an easy way to get out on the bay. Old Mission Penninsula Lighthouse/Beach is not to be missed! Thank you for sharing your lovely cottage with us. We will be recommending to others and hope to return again!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jillayne W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Barbara was gracious and hospitable and walked over to meet us when we arrived. A very clean, roomy, comfortable cottage with extra amenities for the two of us taking a long weekend for a reading retreat. She even added two reading lamps for us when she found out that we would spend our time reading. There is a mowed path down to the lake and chairs down there available. The fall colors in the area were beautiful and we were even invited to eat apples from the tree in the yard.
Sunrise over Elk Lake
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Augie C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thank you. We will try and book with you next year when we come back to the horse show.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

John H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property was spacious and clean, with full kitchen and a wide range of pots and pans, baking sheets, mixing bowls, utensils, etc. Wifi worked well. The location was awesome, just a short walk to Elk Lake, and a short drive to the village of Elk Rapids, plus Traverse City and the whole wonderful area! Lot's of fruit and pie stands along the roads, and orchards everywhere!
view of the house from lakeside
view of Elk Lake from the house
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Mark P.

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

Great Place!

We had a fantastic stay at this wonderful place
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025

About the host

Hosted by Barbara Dean

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests