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The Irwin Cottage

Photo gallery for The Irwin Cottage

A modern kitchen with wooden ceiling beams, white cabinetry, and a central island.
A lakeside cabin with a deck, outdoor seating, and a view of the water.
A cozy cabin interior with a wooden ceiling, a sofa, a dining table, and a kitchen area.
A wooden cabin interior with a dining table, chairs, a chandelier, and a refrigerator.
A house with a hanging flower basket on the porch, a front door, and a clock on the wall.

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • The great outdoors
    Guests love the outdoor space here.
  • Centrally-located
    You're never far from where you need to be with this convenient location.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Near Little Traverse Lake

Popular amenities

  • Barbecue
  • Pet-friendly
  • Air-conditioning
  • Washing machine
  • Onsite parking available
  • Fireplace

Explore the area

View map
Cedar, MI
  • Place, Little Traverse Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Front Street
    ‪31 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪41 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 10)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Bunk Beds

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

Common Spaces

1 Double Sofa Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet ¡ Shower only

Bathroom 2

Spaces

Kitchen

Add dates for prices

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About the area

Cedar

Located in Cedar, this holiday home is on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum and Jacob's Corn Maze are also worth visiting.
View more Holiday homes in CedarOpens in a new window
Map
Cedar, MI

What's nearby

  • Little Traverse Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Village at Grand Traverse Commons - 31 min drive - 43.6 km
  • Front Street - 31 min drive - 44.0 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 38 min drive - 51.6 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Cedar River Coffee Company - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Pegtown Station - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Cedar Tavern - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Market 22 - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Laurentide Winery - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is The Irwin Cottage pet-friendly?

Yes, pets are allowed at this property.

How much is parking at The Irwin Cottage?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at The Irwin Cottage?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at The Irwin Cottage?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is The Irwin Cottage located?

Situated on a lake, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Little Traverse Lake and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Lake Michigan is 1.5 mi (2.4 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 25 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Amazing location and home was perfect for a family getaway. Can’t beat the lake and privacy the house offers. Had everything we needed for our stay.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Irwin cottage was beautiful! The cottage is older, but has the necessary updates to make it a very pleasant stay! The house is larger than appears in photos, providing plenty of room for our party of 9. It was fully stocked with lots of plush towels and linens. The best part was the stunning view of Sugarloaf Mt. it felt like something out of Pinterest. The home had neighbors but the property is tucked away and fairly private. The lake was nice to wade in and there is a floaty dock you can access with a brief swim. We had no issues with swimmers itch but also took the necessary precautions. The sensitive septic did not bother our group- kind of goes hand in hand with an older cottage. So if that bothers you, maybe seek out a newer place or hotel. The hosts were great, check in was simple. We would absolutely return!
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A wonderful slice of northern MI!

Clean, quiet, and right on the lake. Excellent communication from the host and a beautiful home for our family of 5 to enjoy. Perfect location to enjoy all things northern MI!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The location on Little Traverse Lake was amazing. We found it better in person than in the listing. The house was cozy and comfortable and the back yard fire pit area was heavenly. There were some rustic features in the house that need attention such as water stains on the ceilings and walls and the cookware was old and mismatched. The cleaning could be improved upon, but was generally good. Overall our stay was comfortable and lovely. The location on Lake Travis couldn't be better.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A cute cottage in an ideal location! The house is spacious and had everything we needed for a family vacation with adults and kids. The kids especially loved the floating dock. It’s warm during the day in the cottage as there’s just one wall unit ac but we spent the whole day outside and didn’t mind. It cools the place down enough at night, or turn it off and open the windows! The family photos and measurements on the wall were so cute. It’s definitely a place for family memories!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Little Traverse Lake

Beautiful spot. Little Traverse Lake is very picturesque and we enjoyed fishing and kayaking on the lake. It is a short bike ride from the cottage to the Heritage trail trailhead on Good Harbor Rd. It is also only a 10 to 15 minute walk to Lake Michigan on the God Harbor Bay trail. Great fish and chips at the nearby Little Traverse Inn. Easy drive to Leland, Glen Arbor and Sutton's Bay
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2020
Thank you so much! Hope tom see you soon! Mary Lou
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Nice escape to the lake

We had a great time staying at the Irwin CottageThere were 8 of us total 4 adults and 4 kids between the ages of 7-11Enough space inside for all of us and there were 2 living areas so the kids could be away from the adultsThe best place was outside by the lake, there were enough chairs by the fire pit for all of usThe kids had great time playing the sand and the lake is shallow and sandyThe kids also enjoyed the kayaks and swim platform, they out there most of the tripThe owners needed to remove something from the property and notified first and were nice to respect our stayWe got an opportunity to meet one the owners and Michelle was very nice and brought a bottle of the local wineI would consider this place again if staying in that area again
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Amazing get away on the lake

Very happy with our stay at this property. Ideal location on Little Traverse lake. Home is as described - kayaks, dock, and chairs out by the water were great touches to make the stay really enjoyable. Only negative comment is the main bathroom shower/bathtub. Water drains very very slowly & bathtub looks worn out - needs updating. Otherwise this is a great rental and we'd be happy to stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2021
Very happy you had a good stay at the Irwin Cottage. We will check the tub drain immediately. Thank you for the heads up!
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location

Beautiful location with hidden thermostats and uncomfortable bed

The location was beautiful and greenery provided privacy. The use of the kayak and row boat was an added bonus. The front queen bed was used by two couples and two out of the four people were not at all comfortable. There were no written instructions in the notebook regarding the fireplace and the living room thermostat was completely covered by a large mirror.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 5 Oct 2020
So sory for the missing instructions and was so happy I could get them to you early on in your week. Thank you for bed feedback. We will be taking a look at that!!
Verified review

8/10 Good

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

Many Pros, one HUGE Con for our family

The Pros: This is a sweet lake cottage, in the family for generations and clearly well loved and cared for. The location is just what we wanted for our family of 6 adults: situated right on the lake in a quiet, non-touristy area, with easy access to stores and outdoor activities. The house accommodated our family nicely with 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, well equipped kitchen, large combination living/dining area with large windows allowing nice views of the lake. There is a second living room/TV room, allowing people to spread out and engage in different activities. Beach/firepit area is great (no shade, FYI). Kayaking on the lake was lovely, swimming in the deep water off the floating swim dock was great. We also rented a stand up paddle board from a local company who delivered it to the house. Day trips to Sleeping Bear, tubing on the Platte river, day out to a brewery in Traverse City. Also a pretty 30 min walk down the road and through the woods to a beautiful undeveloped Lake Michigan beach (intensity of biting flies varies by day, but no parasites in the water!). Communicating with Mary Lou was easy and she was helpful and responsive. The HUGE Con: Beware the shallow water. Three members of our group contracted swimmer's itch from the lake. This is a parasite that is apparently common in the lakes here but since we are not from the area so we weren't aware. While it is not dangerous to humans, the organism borrows into the skin causing extensive bite marks and severe itching. Two of our group had at least a hundred bites on their bodies and were miserable for most of the week due to itch, painful sores, difficulty sleeping, etc. Included in the house's information notebook was a pamphlet describing this problem, however, we would have appreciated a personal warning from the owner to take precautions. We now know these precautions include not spending time in shallow water, toweling off immediately, not sitting around in your suit, using oily sunscreen as a barrier. It surprised us that the description of the property even highlights how great it is for small children because the water is shallow for a long way out, without mentioning the risk of the parasite. At the end of the dock it is still only 1.5 feet deep. We used our SUP to get out to the deep water once we realized the swimmer's itch problem, and this probably kept the rest of us from getting it. It was a most unfortunate occurrence and spoiled and otherwise lovely week.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 June 2021
I am so sorry about the swimmer’s itch. I normally mention the possibility of swimmer’s itch to guests upon arrival, especially after the lake warms up in July and August. In June, it has not been a problem, but this June was quite warm. I will give every group a heads up.. Thank you.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

A perfect place to stay!!

I really loved this cabin on the lake. It was perfect. The adults sat by the fire pit nightly and the kids played in the water every day. The way the house is split with two living rooms flanking is he ends of the house was perfect. Kids could watch a movie while adults talked without interruption. This house is located very near hikes and bike paths. We really enjoyed our stay and would be back. The only suggestion I would have for the owner would be to have more rugs in the house. Without rugs, the sand was not contained and we were constantly sweeping. There is no avoiding sand in this part of Michigan. 😁
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Absolutely beautiful location. Open living room/kitchen with views of the lake.

We had an absolutely wonderful time. The open floor plan living room kitchen area is wonderful with big windows looking at the lake. The dock and kayaks and tow boat were great. We enjoyed the fire pit as well. Our only quibble would be the overall cleanliness was only moderate (it is an older cottage). The towels and linens are quite old as well. And this might be TMI but single ply toilet paper?? I didn’t even know anyone still made that. Will probably bring my own towels/toilet paper next time but would definitely stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Oct 2021
Dear Andrew, Thank you for your thoughtful comments. We do use 1ply due to septic. The water is well eater and full of minerals which can discolor clothing, towels, sinks and so on. We do use a water softener and leave drinking water for our guests. I am happy you enjoyed your stay enough to consider returning sometime in the future. We look forward to welcoming you and your group!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Roomy Cottage

This 4-bedroom cottage is very roomy and good for a large group, but even just the 2 of us enjoyed it much. A beautiful view of Little Traverse Lake from the large windows. Also a deck and a lake-side area for gazing at the stars. Excellent location for access to Glen Arbor and Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Amazing cottage!

Had a great time with my friends here :-) Everything was very clean and orderly and overall it is just a beautiful cottage!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great cabin

My family and I loved this cabin, private lake access and everything about the house was great
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Loved it!

This place was incredible. The lake was so nice and everything was very clean.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great location

We had a great stay at the Irwin Cottage. The kitchen was extremely well stocked, the view of the lake was lovely (we saw loons and muskrats), the bed was comfortable, the property manager was very responsive and helpful, and the location was superb (private frontage on lake, quiet, short walk to Good Harbor beach, relatively short drive to Leland for fresh fish and groceries, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore, and Traverse City). We highly recommend this property and plan to return.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great family spot

Great location. Walkable to Great Lake Michigan beach, about 20 minutes. Close to Glen Arbor and Leland. Very clean and comfortable beds. My toddler grandchildren had the best time in the sand and shallow waters edge. Wonderful, relaxing time!
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great place!

Loved the lake, nice house, secluded, Mary Lou was very kind and helpful!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Family vacation

We had a wonderful stay at the Irwin cottage. Very relaxing and great to spend time with family. The younger kids enjoyed splashing in the lake while the older kids enjoyed the kayaks. I would defiantly stay here again. Mary Lou was wonderful about answering any questions and easy to reach.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great location for kids and adults

This cozy cottage was perfect for our family with younger children. The kids loved swimming off the dock which is not too deep, and playing in the sand. Great location close to everything we wanted to do.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2020
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

The Perfect Lake House

The Irwin Cottage is on the most beautiful lake with some amazing sunsets and night sky’s. My whole family had a blast and felt so relaxed after our stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 27 June 2020
Thank you, Charles. I hope you can come again. Mary Lou
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Private Cottage on Little Traverse Lake

The Irwin cottage is a peaceful getaway on a beautiful lake in an absolutely beautiful area. Although the cottage is older it is clean, well equipped, well maintained and right on the lake. Mary Lou, the property manager was always only a phone call away. The cottage was child friendly with a small sand beach, large shallow area for young children and a floating dock for the adults. Two kayaks and row boat are provided. Many places to explore: picturesque towns, wineries, galleries, biking paths, hiking trails, restaurants. The road the cottage is on is great for walking and biking. Bring your binoculars many different birds, Kirtland warblers, kingfishers, variety of woodpeckers etc. Good fishing. We had a great time!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 25 June 2020
Thank you’. We are delighted you had a good time! Come again!
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lovely Cottage for a Family

We absolutely loved our stay at Irwin’s Cottage! It was clean, well maintained and perfect for 10 whole people. Our favorite parts were all the lake activities and how close you are to everything!
Response from VrboOwner on 18 Mar 2020
So glad you had a good time! Enjoyed meeting all those redheads! Hope to see you in the future! Mary Lou
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful home in a great location. They had everything we needed there.

Located on a quiet lake with a nice beach, this home was everything we were looking for. Mary Lou kept in touch and made sure we had what we needed. We'll be back next year.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
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