Entire home

Luxury waterfront home on W. Grand Traverse Bay. Soaking tub. Kayaks.

Beachfront holiday home with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Luxury waterfront home on W. Grand Traverse Bay. Soaking tub. Kayaks.

Exterior
Welcome to The Villa on the Bay
Property grounds
Beautiful main level living area. - Beautiful main level living area.
Interior

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
1 bedroom2 bathroomsSleeps 2189.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
Traverse City, MI
  • Place, Leelanau Cheese Company
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Lake Leelanau
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Place, Ciccone Vineyard and Winery
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪23 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bidet · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only · Jetted bathtub

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Luxury waterfront home on W. Grand Traverse Bay. Soaking tub. Kayaks.

This unique and stunning, two-story architectural gem was designed to take full advantage of the natural setting on West Grand Traverse Bay. It has been featured in numerous design magazines and on HGTV. The spacious accommodations offer stunning bay views from almost every point in the house.

The huge great room has 20-foot glass floor-to-ceiling water views! It’s like being in a terrarium. Large, open fireplace. Huge 4K HD flat screen TV with surround sound.

The kitchen is state of the art with black granite countertops. Equipped with a steam oven (perfect for fish and veggies) and Sub-zero refrigerator/freezer drawers. Hardwood floors throughout with radiant heat. This modern built home offers thick concrete walls that keep the inside comfortable. You will want to explore every inch of this ultra cool house.

Spa bathroom is located off the main level and features a two-person Jacuzzi Japanese hammered metal soaking tub and a very spacious shower/steam room. Perfect after a day of biking on the TART trail, kayaking from the shore, or visiting the many nearby wineries and restaurants. Relax with a glass of wine next to the fireplace which extends through to the soaking tub. Stereo system and WIFI.

A California king platform bed lies under a high, curved, wood ceiling upstairs. This bed was designed to easily roll out onto the screened-in porch. (Winner of the Architectural Detail of the Year Award.) Let the sound of the waves lull you to sleep in the cool night air. Off the bedroom, is a Precore Elliptical exerciser and large balcony for relaxing with that morning cup of coffee. Bathroom/shower and washer/dryer upstairs as well.

Outdoors, enjoy the deck for gas grilling. Walk down to the water’s edge where a screened gazebo provides the perfect setting to watch the spectacular moonrise over the bay. There is also seating at the shoreline. Two kayaks are included with life jackets. The bay faces east and offers beautiful sunrise and moonrise views. Grass goes to the shoreline. Need something special for your stay? Feel free to ask and if we can arrange it we will. Neighbor has three friendly dogs that may greet you on your arrival.

Centrally located a mere 8 minutes north of downtown Traverse City and 8 minutes south of Suttons Bay in the heart of the Leelanau Peninsula wine country. Shady Lane, Mawby, Ciccone, and Black Star Farms are just a few of the vineyards that are minutes away. The Hop Lot Brewery is just up the road. You will not be disappointed when you visit up north.

No pets allowed. NOT suitable for children.

-- THE PROPERTY --

Sleeps 2 people maximum

Bedroom 1:|| California King

OUTDOORS: Balcony, Bicycles, Kayak/Canoe, Grill

INDOORS: WIFI, DVD player, Fireplace

KITCHEN: Fully equipped, Cooking basics, Dishware & Flatware, Microwave, Toaster, Coffee maker, Pantry items, Refrigerator

GENERAL: Washer & dryer, towels & linens, toilet paper, bar soap, NO AC

MISC: Water view, Winery tours, Scenic drives, Library

PARKING: Space for 1 vehicle

-- POLICIES --

- No pets

- No smoking

- No events, parties, or large gatherings

- Must be at least 18 years old to book

- Additional fees and taxes may apply

- Cancellation: Reservations canceled at least 30 days before arrival will receive a full refund. Reservations canceled between 14 and 30 days before arrival will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be issued for cancellations received less than 14 days before arrival.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 18
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

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 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

About the area

Traverse City

Located in Traverse City, this holiday home is on the beach. Village at Grand Traverse Commons and City Opera House are local landmarks, and travellers looking to shop may want to visit Front Street and Grand Traverse Mall. Great Lakes Children's Museum and Great Wolf Lodge Water Park are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating.
Map
Traverse City, MI

What's nearby

  • Leelanau Cheese Company - 4 min drive - 6.5 km
  • Lake Leelanau - 4 min drive - 4.8 km
  • Ciccone Vineyard and Winery - 5 min drive - 4.0 km
  • Black Star Farms - 6 min drive - 7.2 km
  • Brengman Brothers - 7 min drive - 9.4 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 33 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Farm Club - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Hop Lot Brewing Company - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪VI Grill - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Brengman Brothers - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Jolly Pumpkin - ‬32 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Luxury waterfront home on W. Grand Traverse Bay. Soaking tub. Kayaks. pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Luxury waterfront home on W. Grand Traverse Bay. Soaking tub. Kayaks.?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Luxury waterfront home on W. Grand Traverse Bay. Soaking tub. Kayaks.?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Luxury waterfront home on W. Grand Traverse Bay. Soaking tub. Kayaks.?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Luxury waterfront home on W. Grand Traverse Bay. Soaking tub. Kayaks. located?

Situated on the beach, this holiday home is within 3 miles (5 km) of Lake Michigan, Ciccone Vineyard and Winery and bigLITTLE Wines. L. Mawby Vineyards is 2.5 mi (4.1 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 63 out of 71 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 71 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 3 out of 71 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 71 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 71 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Don M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique layout and amenities! Loved sitting out on the screened-in porch at night. (The bed doesn’t work to slide out there, but there are chairs.). Have to be able to do stairs as accessing the bedroom and bathrooms involve going up and down stairs. Enjoyed the jetted soaking tub! Beautiful grounds! Great location! Very friendly hosts!
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Shawn K.

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

The best

One of the coolest properties ecer
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2025
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Sally S.

Amazing house with beautiful view

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We really enjoyed our stay! The house is quite unique and beautiful. Floor to ceiling windows so you can enjoy outside even when you are in! It is quiet and you feel "away" even though you are only 7 or 8 miles from dining or shopping opportunities, and wineries are close! I have to say we were disappointed to find that the bed didn't rollout on the porch (mechanism broken), but opening those wide doors and letting all the fresh air come in through the screened porch was still great! Soaking tub felt wonderful and friendly dogs next door to greet you! We'd go back!

10/10 Excellent

Lisa S.

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

Amazing house and location

We spent a week at this property and there are not enough good things to say about it. The location was amazing, the house was extremely well stocked and clean and the views were breath taking. However, even more than that is the house itself. The pictures don't do this very cool property justice. It's beautiful as well as unique. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

john k.

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

great location

great location
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

christoher t.

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

Wonderful property, view and hosts!

A unique and beautiful property. Great amenities, views and location. Peaceful and relaxing.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Matthew K.

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

Just Perfect

A lovely place with unique features that made for a very pleasant stay for my wife and I.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sarah R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Be warned: if you stay here, you won’t want to leave. We spent our 4-day trip almost entirely in the house or on the beach just a stretch of velvety lawn from the back door. This house is enchanting and reveals its many treasures slowly, from room to room and from day to night. Small skylights cast surprising pools and steaks of rainbow light. Every detail is curated to cultivate a sense of beauty and tranquility. The concrete facade and arched door are reminiscent of an old castle, while the blend of warm woods and enormous wall of windows conjure mid-century modern architecture and the nature-embracing designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. The amenities ensure peak comfort. We visited in June and didn’t miss AC; the breeze off the lake was beautiful. The staircase has to be seen to be believed; built-in nooks showcase fascinating art pieces. Lights are dimmable and placed to enhance the magic of the home’s features.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Raina W.

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

Great getaway!

Beautiful house and a great location! We will definitely be back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Derek B.

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

Really unique place to stay!

We loved it! Lots of cool features and we hope to be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Yunus C.

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

Unbelievable House & Environment

Staying at this house was like a dream for my wife and I. The mid-century modern architecture accentuates the beautiful surroundings with huge windows and balconies that overlook Lake Michigan. Very secluded yet only 15 minutes to Traverse City. And the Japanese soaking tub is as advertised!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Chris P.

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

Relaxing

Very clean Very relaxing Great views
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Janet G.

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

Perfect

Absolutely loved this house on the lake. Beautiful house and location. Very relaxing. Didn't want to leave.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ron M.

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

Great long weekend

This place is truly unique. We had a wonderful time during our stay. Great views of the bay both upstairs and downstairs. Watched the moon rise at night and the early morning sunrise. If you want to treat yourselves to an amazing experience, book it, you won’t be disappointed.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kim K.

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

Luxury Stay

Awesome home in a great location... close to everything but you feel far from the hustle and bustle. Loved the over-the-top amenities and music selections! Great hosts, home was exactly as described, and we really enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Julie N., Ann Arbor, Michigan

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

Unbelievably beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home

This is not only a place to stay, it is an experience. If you’re open to a unique environment, it’s a must do.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Scott D., Detroit, MI

Great home

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Great home with a great location.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Nan T.

Lovely and Relaxing

Rating Details: The property manager was more than helpful. The vacation rental was very clean. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This house was beautiful and private.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

6/10 Okay

Mark P.

Mixed Experience

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was more than satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I do not recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: First, it was a beautiful property. The lakefront view and beachfront were terrific. The water quality was excellent. We truly enjoyed it. There were a few issues that we wished were divulged in the property listing. First, we did not know the owners shared the property. Second, they have three very loud barking dogs (although the dogs are friendly) that roam the property. Whenever we would eat outside on the patio, one or more of the dogs would come and beg for food. Third, the property description boasts of a bed that rolls out onto a screened porch so you can sleep in the cool outside air. However, we were told upon arrival the bed no longer worked and will not work for the foreseeable future. This was problematic since the home is not air conditioned. We knew there wasn't AC, but felt the outdoor bed, would offset that. As a result, we spent a couple of sleepless nights in the 90 degree heat. I feel that feature should be removed from the listing. Overall, the property is interesting and unique. Unfortunately, the dogs, the onsite owners and broken bed diminished our experience.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Pat&mike L.

Amazing Property, Perfect Location

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This architectural gem was perfect for our anniversary trip up north. Location is perfect for visiting Sutton’s Bay, Traverse City, and Leland. We loved kayaking on the bay right from the property beachfront. Thank you Michael and Kathy for a perfect vacation!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Robert O.

Villa on the Bay

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: Excellent!Location and setting was terrific. Size and quality of rental was perfect for two. Owners lovely. We look forward to returning.
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie M.

Absolutely stunning home

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: We cannot say enough good things about our stay at The Villa on the Bay in Traverse City. The home is beautiful and the amenities are fantastic. We couldn't have asked for a better mini getaway and can't wait to come back!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022
This review comes from a trusted partner site and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jonathan N.

WOW WHAT A SLICE OF HEAVEN

Rating Details: The property manager was very helpful. The vacation rental was spotless. I was very happy with the location. I was very satisfied with the condition of the vacation rental. Overall, I recommend this vacation rental. Reviewer Comments: This place is a one-of-a-kind hidden gem! Pictures do this house absolutely no justice, The quality in the amenities of this home is top notch, The attention to detail is like nothing I’ve ever seen! We will definitely be returning to visit again thank you for sharing your beautiful home with us Jon and Shannon
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

8/10 Good

David R.

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

Cool Stay

This is a nice, unique stay for 2 people. Lots of fun extras like the bed that rolls onto the screened-in porch, soaking tub, sound system, and steam shower. The view is beautiful from the HUGE windows. We loved sitting out by the lake. There is a huge electric rolling screen that allows you to open the big sliding doors even in the evening. Things to know: There is no regular table inside for eating, not a big deal for us. The yard is shared with the owner's house very close next door, so the yard is not private. Owners were not intrusive. We enjoyed our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Luke v.

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

Beautiful, modern, house with a gorgeous lake setting!

This house is truly a piece of architecture. It was a beautiful place to visit. Albeit, we were, unfortunately, visiting during a heatwave. The house lacks A/C, but I carefully assumed we wouldn't need it visiting in late May. Boy was I ever wrong. No blame but to myself, but be mindful when booking if A/C is something essential.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

About the host

Hosted by Visit Up North Vacation Rentals

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