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Lake Front House on Beautiful Birch Lake

Photo gallery for Lake Front House on Beautiful Birch Lake

A small, single-story cabin with a dock, a picnic table, and a door leading to a covered porch.
A cozy living room with a fireplace, a dining area with a wooden table and chairs, and a television mounted on the wall.
A group of people standing on a golf course with a clear view of the surrounding landscape.
A white house with a number '14490' on the front, a door, and two windows with flower boxes.
A theater with rows of seats, a large screen, and a ceiling with leaf patterns.

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional

Highlights

  • On the beach
    A rare beachfront property in the area - enjoy direct access to the beach and sea.
  • Discover nearby landmarks
    Close to Grand Traverse Bay

Popular amenities

  • On beach
  • Ski lift privileges
  • Patio
  • Toys
  • Barbecue
  • Refrigerator

Explore the area

View map
Elk Rapids, MI
  • Place, Elk Lake
    ‪6 min walk‬
  • Place, Grand Traverse Bay
    ‪18 min walk‬
  • Place, Torch Lake
    ‪7 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪30 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

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About the area

Elk Rapids

Located in Elk Rapids, this cottage is near a water park and on the beach. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Torch Lake. Guntzviller's Spirit of the Woods Museum and Music House Museum are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the snowmobiling and ice skating.
View more Cottages in Elk RapidsOpens in a new window
Map
Elk Rapids, MI

What's nearby

  • Elk Lake - 6 min walk - 0.5 km
  • Grand Traverse Bay - 18 min walk - 1.5 km
  • Torch Lake - 7 min drive - 6.6 km
  • Front Street - 28 min drive - 37.7 km
  • Boyne Mountain - 58 min drive - 79.4 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 31 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Oasis Tavern - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪Johnny's Torch Riviera - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Pearl's New Orleans Kitchen - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪The Dam Shop - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Riverwalk Grill and Taproom - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Front House on Beautiful Birch Lake pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Lake Front House on Beautiful Birch Lake?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Lake Front House on Beautiful Birch Lake?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lake Front House on Beautiful Birch Lake?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Lake Front House on Beautiful Birch Lake located?

Nestled on the beach, this Elk Rapids cottage is within 1 mi (2 km) of Elk Lake and Lake Michigan. Elk Rapids Golf Club and Grand Traverse Bay are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

9.6

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. 29 out of 33 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 33 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 33 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 33 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 33 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our stay at the Birch Lake house was wonderful. The view out the front window is amazing and the sandy beach was great for the kids.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful stay at the lake house. Would definitely return.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2026
Response from VrboOwner on 31 Aug 2026
Thanks Stefan, come back anytime. George
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great trip

Wonderful place
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great location!

The cottage was clean and as advertised, but the best part is the location right on Birch Lake. The small sandy beach and shallow entry to the lake right in the back yard were great for our kids.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another great week at Birch Lake! Looking forward to next year :)
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Gorgeous destination, neat & tidy property. We enjoyed a quiet relaxing stay at the lake. 10/10 would return.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 4 Aug 2025
Crystal, Thanks for the kind review, please come back any time. George
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great location

We really enjoyed the close location to Elk Rapids. The lake was perfect for swimming with a nice shallow sandy bottom. The beach toys were a great bonus.
Stayed 21 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2023
Thanks Mary I am glad you enjoyed your stay, hope to see you next year. Thanks George
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Family Vacation Destination

Great lake house! I highly recommend this place to anyone looking to do a family vacation on the lake. It is perfect for young children with shallow water and an unlimited amount of water toys. Thanks for a great trip!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2023
David, Glad you had a good time, come see us again we like repeat renters! Thanks George
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great week!

Accommodations were fantastic. Well appointed house, very comfortable surroundings, beautiful lake view. Plenty to see and do in Elk Rapids! Plan on returning next year for our third visit.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect Week

This was a perfect getaway place for my wife and I. It was clean and just what we expected from the description. We will be coming back!
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2023
Kris, Thanks for the kind words, its been a pleasure talking to you. Your welcome anytime at the cottage. I would also like to thank you for the new coffee maker and the meat you left in the freezer. I am going up to the cottage this weekend to shut it down with a couple of buddies and i am going to use the meat in a chili dish. Thanks Again George
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Almost Heaven

We loved our stay! The water was so clear the cabin was clean and nice. There were fans in every room which made the warmer days more enjoyable. The owner was super nice and we would love to come stay again!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2023
Jody, I am glad you enjoyed your stay, come see us again! Thanks George
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great getaway location

This was our second year at this location. Except for some minor glitches it was a great week. Would highly recommend this place if your looking for a peaceful but beautiful getaway.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2023
Thanks Kris!! Come see us next year!! George
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

OW

Great place to relex.The lake is crystal clear and warm. Highly recommend this place. The House is cozy and clean. Has everything you need tor relax.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 25 Aug 2023
Thanks Olga we would like to have you back. Thanks George
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Lake Front Bliss

Birch lake cottage is a great place for swimming and offers an excellent "Up North" experience. It's a great location to explore northwest Mi. The cottage itself is comfortable, but dated and in need a of few upgrades. But overall, a wonderful experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect Week At The Lake

George & Colleen's cottage is the perfect place for a family getaway to the lake. This was our second year at the cottage and we've already booked again for next year. The home is well maintained and has all the amenities you'd need. The lake is nice and shallow for young swimmers and beautifully clear and quiet (not too busy). We love staying here and can't wait for the next trip we have scheduled! Highly Recommended!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 17 July 2023
Thanks Kathleen glad you had a nice stay. Yes you are all set for next year that will be 3 years in a row!!! Thanks for all the great comments George
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect Week in Northern Michigan

Our week at George & Colleen’s cottage was the perfect vacation for our family of three. The lake is perfect for little kids with a great beach and lots of water and sand toys to keep us all entertained. The cottage was great as well. It stayed perfectly cool throughout the week and had great amenities - dishwasher and washer & dryer were available for our use and everything we needed in the kitchen. I would highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2023
Kathleen, Thanks for the kind words this is your second time visiting the cottage your family is always welcome, we look forward to you staying again. George
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage was very inviting and comfortable. The lake is beautiful with a sandy bottom.The other cottages on the road are very well kept. The big window in the back gives you a view of the lake from the kitchen and living room. The only thing we had a problem with were the small closets. That would definitely not stop us from renting again,
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

An amazing vacation home.

This has to be one of my favorite trips. We had an amazing view from the house and on the beach, we even heard Loons. The water was so clear. The house had all the amenities we needed(minus towels and sheets). The owners are super sweet and very responsive. We went to several lighthouses, beaches and even Mackinac Island. We will definitely be returning!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2023
Amanda, Thanks for the kind words, come see us again! Geoerge
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect for a young family

Great property! We're a family of 4 with 2 under 5 yo. Even though it rained 3 days, we still enjoyed the games at the house and dvds. Great selection of beach toys and the kids loved the shallow water! Met the neighbor to the west too, nice guy. Already making plans to come back next year. And go to Pearl's for dinner one night in Elk Rapids!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2023
Sorry about the weather, that I cannot control. Glad you had an enjoyable stay we would love to have you back. Please book early I have already have a booking in 2022 and I like repeat renters. Pearls is a great place to eat if you can get in, always crowded. Thanks George
Archival

6/10 Okay

Cottage was in a great location on a really nice and clean lake. Neighbors are very nice.

Cottage wasn't the cleanest. Had to clean the floors upon arrival and clean some dishes before use. Small shower and hard water with rust stains. No alarm clock, no iron or hair dryer, so bring yours. No AC either. It is right in the lake and has nice boat and kayaks to use. I would give it 2 1/2 stars really.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2023
Thank you for your feed back. Please note you were our second guest so there will be some adjustments to be made. Based on your comments we have hired another cleaning service to clean our cottage. The rust spots came from opening of the cottage prior to us turning on our water softener system and with the proper cleaning supplies/cleaning people should not have been an issue. The iron and hair dryer have been placed under the bathroom sink. We will make sure to invest in an alarm clock as well (just assumed everyone had a phone with an alarm clock). Thank you for feedback in helping us make adjustments for future guests.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Another Great Stay at the Birch House

Another great stay at this house (2nd time). Wonderful house for our family. Plan to go again in a year or two. Kids range 1 to 6. They love the beach toys provided, the bunk beds, my daughter learned she loved going paddle boarding with mom on the provided boards, and my son loves all the fans (he is obsessed with them, good thing they are in the main and bedrooms). Great weather and great time. Only note is the guy renovating the house next store. Bit loud late a night demoing and left the exterior lights on one night that shined into the bedrooms (get some back out drapes for that side maybe?) Also he had a chocolate lab that was often not leashed. (My daughter is scared of dogs). Thankfully he was only there 2 of the days we were there. And know that is outside of the owners control. (Last year we lucked out and neither neighbor was there all week). Thanks again for renting out your house again to us!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great Vacation

Loved the beach, lake, water and toys. House came fully stocked with everything to cook and spices condiments etc which made meal prep for the family a breeze. Our small kids (ages 6,4,2) loved the shallow and warm water. It's shallow and calm for at least 75 yards out so you don't need to worry about them. TONS of lake toys (3 paddle boards, 2 kayaks and a massive bin of balls, shovels, squirt guns, frisbees, basically anything you can think of). Owner was great and easy to talk with. Overall A+. Thank you.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2023
Thank you for the kind words, we are glad you enjoyed your stay. George
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Great up north getaway!

Our late August stay at the cabin was perfect for our little family! Birch lake is shallow & warm. Our one year old had a blast sitting by the water and splashing all day! Super close to elk rapids, 30 ish minutes from traverse city. It was close enough to see the sights, but far enough away from town to be “away”. No AC was not a problem, we stayed cool the entire time. Complaints: They’re MSU fans (go buckeyes) The shower was a bit small for my husband who is 6’4” but it was something for us to giggle about. The floor was not vacuumed when we got there. My sons toys were covered in little hairs, and crumbs after playing on the floor. We would highly recommend this place to future renters, especially family’s! George was easy to contact when i had a weird problem with the door handle that later resolved itself. AND it’s the perfect area. It was well stocked with kitchen supply’s, beach toys, etc. Lastly, i think we left our sons book “brown bear, brown bear” there, so if you come across it; enjoy 😉
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2023
Thanks Kathryn for the nice words about your stay at the cottage. I will tell the cleaning people that they need to vacuum better. Please if your interested in booking again for next year we would love to have you. Thanks George
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Up north getaway

The cottage was perfect for family vacation. Water was warm and crystal clear. Kids loved the beach and all the toys provided and had a blast. Had an amazing week and would love to stay again.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2023
Joni, Thanks for the nice review, we would love to have you back again next year. George
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

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

Perfect lake cottage

This cottage was exactly what our family of four was looking for. We enjoyed watching our pre-teens play in the lake, whether on the kayaks and paddle board or with the squirt guns that were found in the storage bin. The lack of WiFi made it even better as they were forced to play with each other outside! The location is great and you can get to town in a few minutes. The only complaint is that the shower is a little on the small side, but I’m 6’7”. The rest of the family was fine with it. We’ll definitely be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 18 July 2023
Dave, Thanks for the nice review, we would love to have you back again next year. George
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