500' to Torch Lake & the park-Walk to quaint Alden-reduced spring and fall rates
4.9
Outstanding(81 Reviews)House in Torch Lake, MI
6 guests · 3 bedrooms · 2 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Free cancellationFull refund if you change your mind
Includes essentialsGarden, Kitchen or Kitchenette, Internet / Wifi and more
About this house rental
The week of June 29-July 6 is now available. Also, reduced spring and fall rates.
Walk to downtown Alden, to the historical Train Depot Park and Museum, up and around the preserve on Coy Mountain, and walk to the stunning Torch Lake shore and the nearby beach -- all from this circa 1870s historic Victorian home. Enjoy the amenities in this three bedroom, two bath, two story Alden village house.
Three bedrooms (2 with Queen Beds and 1 with 2 twin beds) and 2 bathrooms (one on the first floor and one upstairs) provide for a comfortable stay for up to 6 people. Fully equipped kitchen allows eating at home if you wish. Dining area choices include in the kitchen or front porch or even the original family dining room.
The exterior colors will remind you of the power and depth and beauty of Torch Lake itself. If it's been a few years since you've rented the home, welcome back to the 'new look' of our vacation home in quaint Alden.
You will be located just across the main east-shore road from Torch Lake. Locals and visitors know what a great lake Torch is for vacationing, sight-seeing, water-sports (including swimming, boating, kayaking, tubing and more). You'll be just a couple blocks from charming downtown Alden itself and its marina, unique shops and restaurants. And you are at the foot of the 17-acre preserve that is 'Coy Mountain'.
Experience beautiful sunsets and Torch Lake views from the kitchen and living room and from the west-facing porch on its settee or swing. Swim in Torch Lake and the connected chain of lakes, Boat through the lower 'chain of lakes' (Torch, Bellaire, Elk, Clam, Skegemog). This smoke-free home is very close to area pro golf courses, Traverse City shopping and the wineries of Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau County. Boyne, Petoskey and Harbor Springs are pleasant round-trip same-day excursions.
Sleeping Bear Dunes is just over an hour to the west.
You will be staying in what long-time locals still call 'the Chapelle' house, which in the late 1800s and early 1900s was the rooming and guest house for visitors from downstate and from Chicago and Ohio. The home was even larger then, with a 2-story guest room area, connecting at what is now the French doors in the formal dining room. In fact, you'll find the postcard of the home circa 1910 in the postcard collection at the Historical Museum, just across the main road from you, toward the Lake.
The double corner lot provides room for children of all ages to play right in your yard, if you and they prefer.
Alden is just 25 minutes northeast of Traverse City and the Old Mission Peninsula (and its great wineries) and just 15 minutes southwest of Shanty Creek and Bellaire. A little further west past Traverse City's dining and shopping pleasures are the wineries of the Leelanau Peninsula.
Alden is on the southeast shore of beautiful Torch Lake. Your boat will slip easily into and out of Torch Lake at the public marina and slips in town. Then, the entire chain of lakes lie ahead of you to explore and enjoy. No boat of your own? Rentals are available at your choice of local marinas. We can provide their contact numbers, if you wish.
If you prefer to stay home some day or evening, prepare your dinner on the Weber charcoal grill and enjoy it in the dining room or as a picnic on the porch or in the nearby park, or up on Coy Mountain.
Quiet evenings in on the porch or watching videos or TV are also your entertainment options. Cable TV service is provided with basic 'network' and cable channels.
Need to work or keep up with emails? (We know many have to do that) Our High Speed internet modem is provided for your use. Free, secured WiFi is provided. Or you can connect by Ethernet. If you do not have your own connecting cable, please borrow ours.
Alden's and surrounding Helena Township's history may be of interest to you. Research on the area tells all that "Helena became famous as a summer resort area in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The principle resorts were Belden Heights at Alden (the are our home is in and you will see the platting on the living room wall); Lone Tree Point and Waswagonik near Clam River; Crystal Beach Hotel on the south end of Torch Lake; and Watson's Inn at Torch River. Many beautiful homes and cottages were built on the shores of Torch and Clam Lakes. The Pere Marquete railroad officials stated that more tickets were sold from Chicago to Alden during the season than to any other point on their line in the resort area. It is still very popular and continues to grow in this respect."
Keywords: Vacation House, Summer home, Victorian home, Historic home, Alden, Torch Lake, Traverse City, Bellaire
Walk to downtown Alden, to the historical Train Depot Park and Museum, up and around the preserve on Coy Mountain, and walk to the stunning Torch Lake shore and the nearby beach -- all from this circa 1870s historic Victorian home. Enjoy the amenities in this three bedroom, two bath, two story Alden village house.
Three bedrooms (2 with Queen Beds and 1 with 2 twin beds) and 2 bathrooms (one on the first floor and one upstairs) provide for a comfortable stay for up to 6 people. Fully equipped kitchen allows eating at home if you wish. Dining area choices include in the kitchen or front porch or even the original family dining room.
The exterior colors will remind you of the power and depth and beauty of Torch Lake itself. If it's been a few years since you've rented the home, welcome back to the 'new look' of our vacation home in quaint Alden.
You will be located just across the main east-shore road from Torch Lake. Locals and visitors know what a great lake Torch is for vacationing, sight-seeing, water-sports (including swimming, boating, kayaking, tubing and more). You'll be just a couple blocks from charming downtown Alden itself and its marina, unique shops and restaurants. And you are at the foot of the 17-acre preserve that is 'Coy Mountain'.
Experience beautiful sunsets and Torch Lake views from the kitchen and living room and from the west-facing porch on its settee or swing. Swim in Torch Lake and the connected chain of lakes, Boat through the lower 'chain of lakes' (Torch, Bellaire, Elk, Clam, Skegemog). This smoke-free home is very close to area pro golf courses, Traverse City shopping and the wineries of Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau County. Boyne, Petoskey and Harbor Springs are pleasant round-trip same-day excursions.
Sleeping Bear Dunes is just over an hour to the west.
You will be staying in what long-time locals still call 'the Chapelle' house, which in the late 1800s and early 1900s was the rooming and guest house for visitors from downstate and from Chicago and Ohio. The home was even larger then, with a 2-story guest room area, connecting at what is now the French doors in the formal dining room. In fact, you'll find the postcard of the home circa 1910 in the postcard collection at the Historical Museum, just across the main road from you, toward the Lake.
The double corner lot provides room for children of all ages to play right in your yard, if you and they prefer.
Alden is just 25 minutes northeast of Traverse City and the Old Mission Peninsula (and its great wineries) and just 15 minutes southwest of Shanty Creek and Bellaire. A little further west past Traverse City's dining and shopping pleasures are the wineries of the Leelanau Peninsula.
Alden is on the southeast shore of beautiful Torch Lake. Your boat will slip easily into and out of Torch Lake at the public marina and slips in town. Then, the entire chain of lakes lie ahead of you to explore and enjoy. No boat of your own? Rentals are available at your choice of local marinas. We can provide their contact numbers, if you wish.
If you prefer to stay home some day or evening, prepare your dinner on the Weber charcoal grill and enjoy it in the dining room or as a picnic on the porch or in the nearby park, or up on Coy Mountain.
Quiet evenings in on the porch or watching videos or TV are also your entertainment options. Cable TV service is provided with basic 'network' and cable channels.
Need to work or keep up with emails? (We know many have to do that) Our High Speed internet modem is provided for your use. Free, secured WiFi is provided. Or you can connect by Ethernet. If you do not have your own connecting cable, please borrow ours.
Alden's and surrounding Helena Township's history may be of interest to you. Research on the area tells all that "Helena became famous as a summer resort area in the late 1800s and early 1900s. The principle resorts were Belden Heights at Alden (the are our home is in and you will see the platting on the living room wall); Lone Tree Point and Waswagonik near Clam River; Crystal Beach Hotel on the south end of Torch Lake; and Watson's Inn at Torch River. Many beautiful homes and cottages were built on the shores of Torch and Clam Lakes. The Pere Marquete railroad officials stated that more tickets were sold from Chicago to Alden during the season than to any other point on their line in the resort area. It is still very popular and continues to grow in this respect."
Keywords: Vacation House, Summer home, Victorian home, Historic home, Alden, Torch Lake, Traverse City, Bellaire
Amenities
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Parking
Balcony or Patio
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Torch Lake, MI
Reviews
4.9
Outstanding(81 Reviews)4.9
We had an amazing time in Alden and the surrounding towns, lakes, beaches. This was a comfortable and very cute home with all of the things you would need for a comfortable stay. There is no AC, which made for some warmer nights, but the home has windows with screens and plenty of fans to use as well. There is lake access across the street which was wonderful and some cute shops and restaurants within walking distance. We were within 20 minutes from some cute surrounding towns- my personal favorite was Elk Rapids! We also drove about 15-20 minutes to have dinner at Dairy Delight in Mancelona- inexpensive and tasty dinner! We have fallen in love with Alden and Torch lake. Thank you to awesome hosts and an awesome home!!
4.9
We loved all the little walking trails.
4.9
Kitchen had every imagimable item. Close to town, Generally clean
4.9
Historic house in an tiny town of Alden. Everything was excellent. Only challenge is the toilet location in the master bathroom. Beautiful area and Torch Lake is lovely. Will stay there again.
4.9
Charming historic home was clean, well appointed and stocked. Enjoyed walks to town, lake, pier, restaurants and in the neighborhood. My friend and I are preparing to walk a half marathon, so there were interesting routes to take long walks. Family likes fishing so we tried different access points. We really enjoyed this house!
4.9
This house is the perfect get away in a quiet neighborhood near Torch Lake. Town of Alden is in walking distance. We would definitely like to return in the Fall. Even our teenagers enjoyed our stay!
4.9
We had a great week enjoying the lake. Home is close to boat launch and a short walk into town.
4.9
Quaint, clean, close to lake and town
4.9
We adored this beautiful home located right near torch lake! The home was fully furnished with all the necessities you would need for vacation, dishes, utensils, spices, cookware and TVs with firestick capability so we could enjoy catching up on our shows in the evening!
The owners were so kind, helpful and really made our stay wonderful. We appreciated the history we read about the house and all the character it has. We also enjoyed all of the helpful notes/information located in the house regarding how to work devices, etc. The owners put a lot of thought and care into the stay and we greatly appreciated all the small touches.
4.9
This home was perfectly located! It allowed us to take several day trips to explore Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. It provided my children with an opportunity to see a part of this country they'd never seen before. It gave my husband and I a much needed break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The house itself was well stocked with all the essentials. The owners are very easy to work with and communicate quickly. If and when we find our way back we will certainly consider staying here again.
4.9
This cottage is super charming and a great location to explore the towns around Torch Lake. The owners have done a great job to make sure guests have everything they need for a memorable stay in Alden. We especially enjoyed learning the history of the home and beautiful area. A hike up Coy Mountain is a must and provides a great view of the lake.
4.9
Beautiful property in a great location. It was an easy walk into Alden and centrally located to many of our favorite areas ~ TC, Elk Rapids, Leelanau Peninsula, Bellaire and the like. The property was just as described and the owners provided even more details to allow us to be well-prepared for our trip. The love of their home is evident in the details and history of the home/area that mr & Mrs. Brown share with renters. We would gladly stay here again. Thank you so much for sharing your property with us to allow our annual vacation UpNorth to continue.
4.9
Perfect location, clean, excellent. Nice property
4.9
The house was great it was clean the staff i talked to was awesome we arrived rather late, she had the outside lights on when we got there.
4.9
Thank you so much to the Brown family for allowing us to stay in your lovely cottage. The lake was so beautiful and we enjoyed visiting the new suspension bridge at Boyne Mountain. Thanks to your recommendations. We also enjoy a delicious meal at Terrain. The house was perfect and even though it was raining, your cottage offered us the cozy nest that we needed to enjoy a perfect weekend. We will definitely be back to enjoy another season. Thanks again.
4.9
We had a nice time and appreciated the amenities. The location was great and we enjoyed our stay. The house is historic with interesting details.
4.9
This was our 2nd year in a row renting the Brown Victorian and we absolutely love this house. Everything was just as we remembered from the previous year and even though it was only our 2nd year there it was a comfortably familiar feeling being at that house again. The charm, the location, the town of Alden and the wonderful view of torch lake. The kids had just as much fun this year as last and many more memories to hold onto. One thing we did miss was the porch swing that was on the front porch last year but aside from that we have already talked about booking this same house again for next year. Thank you to the Browns for again opening up there home for others to enjoy!
4.9
Historic Alden house in the pines
This lovely old house gives your stay a very local feel, with a special patch of lake (and caboose!) view from the porch. Beautiful, quiet neighborhood with mature trees and a great backroads walk to the main part of town. If you aren’t going to stay right on the lake, then this house is pretty ideal. Walking to town for ice cream at Higgins and watching the sometimes shocking sunsets from the docks were favorites. The kitchen has storage for groceries and a toaster in the cupboard was appreciated.
Loved the original wood floors and staircase. The other, spiral staircase is handy for kitchen access but a little wobbly. No air conditioning fine and we were even on the cool side some mornings with windows open and ceiling fan on.
We opted for the sheet and towel rental and we’re very happy with this service. And kitchen towels were appreciated, thank you for renting these. The paper bath mats provided are better than nothing,, but cloth would be a step up and keep the floor drier. The living room is big and comfortable and the maps/magazines about the area were helpful and fun to look through, also our kids loved the games. Renting a pontoon boat was fun, even on a cool and cloudy day. The sandbar anchoring was a little tricky but our kids loved it. Best to go during the week on the early side or it gets crowded. Discovering Torch Lake Vineyards up the road in Bellaire was really special. Not enough info about this place. Its vineyards and a patio looking over another lake are breathtaking. I was given free tastings and found their wines and ciders and original seltzers just wonderful. What a cool place!
The only drawbacks to the house were the beds and the upstairs bathroom. To be honest, the upstairs queen bed is only barely tolerable. My husband and I met in the abyss in the middle every night and the box springs are ancient. Also, when putting the sheets on, the mattress pad had others hair on it and was past need of a wash. The kids beds were hard as rocks, but most kids won’t notice, I guess. Since you have to take your luggage through the bathroom to the main bedroom, a revamping, renovation of the upstairs bathroom would be a good idea. It’s kept up alright, but really out of date and awkward. And since the drain is as slow as molasses, it isn’t an easy place for a family to share.
We really enjoyed most of what this neat old house offers. If the beds get replaced, we would return.
4.9
Cute and Charming
This property is very cute and has a lot of history. There are some quirks that you get used to since it is such an old home (like floors with varying heights), and the upstairs bathroom is great for kids, but not so much for adults, but the downstairs bathroom is perfect.
The beds are not comfortable, especially the first couple of nights, but I found myself sleeping fine after adjusting.
The house itself is quite adorable and there are a lot of great amenities. The owners are very knowledgeable and were great sources of information. They provided so much information that we knew a ton about Alden and Torch Lake without looking to outside sources.
The swimming area of the lake is about 10 minutes by car from the house, so not too bad. Higgins', in Alden, is the best spot for ice cream.
Overall, it was a very nice experience.
4.9
Fuller Vacation
Everything looked just like it did online when we arrived, check in was super easy. The house had all we needed and then some! Lots of useful information was left for us as well as suggestions for food laundry ect. This is an excellent property to rent and a beautiful little town to visit. The hardest part was leaving, but we surely will be back.
4.9
Quiet ! Nice walks! Close to town!!
We had a great time boating .The boat launch was never busy and close to home!
Also plenty of golf courses and great places to eat or shop!! It will be nice when the little grocery store in town opens but there is a fully stocked store a few miles from home..
The home worked great for two couples plenty of privacy
Nice shaded backyard for grilling and games. Friendly quiet neighborhood!
Thumbs up we will tell friends and hopefully be back!!
Thanks Dave and Judy
Ken and Cheryl
4.9
We got together for a craft weekend. The property was well kept and comfortable for the 6 of us. Alden is our home town for most of us, so it was a great location for us to join up. Richard is AWESOME and was patient with me.
4.9
Craft Weekend
We got together for a craft weekend. The property was well kept and comfortable for the 6 of us. Alden is our home town for most of us, so it was a great location for us to join up. Richard is AWESOME and was patient with me.
4.9
we were so pleased with this home! the house was so clean, & it was very welcoming & made us feel like we were at home. they really have everything you need there to accommodate you with your stay. i love older homes, so this was perfect for us & love all of the details about the home & area that are placed throughout the house. it was in the perfect place & right across from public access to the lake! Alden was such a small & cute town, we walked down a few nights to LakeSide Dip to have our ice cream nights. the front porch swing was one of my favorite spots in the evenings with a view right to the lake & the kids loved it as well as they loved watching all the squirrels & chipmunks run all over. Rich & Karen were very responsive with their messages & gave so many great details & suggestions that helped us for our stay. Thanks again, if we ever venture back to Torch Lake (which i am sure we will) this home will be the first one we search for!
4.9
great house & perfect location
we were so pleased with this home! the house was so clean, & it was very welcoming & made us feel like we were at home. they really have everything you need there to accommodate you with your stay. i love older homes, so this was perfect for us & love all of the details about the home & area that are placed throughout the house. it was in the perfect place & right across from public access to the lake! Alden was such a small & cute town, we walked down a few nights to LakeSide Dip to have our ice cream nights. the front porch swing was one of my favorite spots in the evenings with a view right to the lake & the kids loved it as well as they loved watching all the squirrels & chipmunks run all over. Rich & Karen were very responsive with their messages & gave so many great details & suggestions that helped us for our stay. Thanks again, if we ever venture back to Torch Lake (which i am sure we will) this home will be the first one we search for!
4.9
Perfect home for an overdue family vacation
We stayed at the Brown Victorian home for a week for a much overdue family vacation that took 12 years to finally take. The home itself was very clean, very spacious and was walking distance to some of the best memories we made as a family. The small quaint town of Alden was very charming and everyone was very friendly and helpful to any questions we seemed to have. The 500' walk to the lake was a nice walk we would take as a family to watch the beautiful sunsets or just to dip our feet in the water. The grocery store was very close for anything we needed and the boat launch was just a short (very short) drive down the street to launch our kayaks. For the age of the home the Browns did an incredible job renovating and keeping the old charm touches to the home. Both my kids loved the porch swing out front and they do provide a grill for grilling. We were lucky enough to have beautiful weather every day we were there for the week and the ceiling fans and additional fans provided in house was more than enough to keep us all comfortable every night of our stay. We loved staying here so much we would like to make this our new yearly family vacation spot. I would highly recommend this house and these renters!
4.9
We love Torch Lake and this property was in a great location, and close to the town of Alden, which was really nice!
4.9
Perfect location
We love Torch Lake and this property was in a great location, and close to the town of Alden, which was really nice!
4.9
The location of the home is perfect. You can walk to adorable Alden which has more to offer than you first may see. It's also close to boat launches and marinas. The house is spacious, great porch to hang out. There is no AC which did make it uncomfortable at times even with all the fans. Not having a washer/dryer was also inconvenient for a long stay. Important to note you have to bring all your own bed linens, towels and even bath mats.
4.9
Cute Historic Home in Great Location
The location of the home is perfect. You can walk to adorable Alden which has more to offer than you first may see. It's also close to boat launches and marinas. The house is spacious, great porch to hang out. There is no AC which did make it uncomfortable at times even with all the fans. Not having a washer/dryer was also inconvenient for a long stay. Important to note you have to bring all your own bed linens, towels and even bath mats.
4.9
The house is cozy and very clean. My teenage daughter loved the added room to the bedroom we shared. She was able to get ready without having to dominate the bathroom. The house is in a great location, a few steps away from the lake and a short walk to downtown Alden. The owners were responsive and easy to work with.
4.9
We were so pleased with our stay in Alden at the Brown Victorian. The house was immaculate and well stocked. We were so comfortable there and truly enjoyed our time. We enjoyed the park and the walk into town. The town itself is charming. We highly recommend this rental- we would love to return! Torch Lake is a beautiful area. Thank you Brown'sfor sharing your lovely home!
4.9
Beautiful spot!
We were so pleased with our stay in Alden at the Brown Victorian. The house was immaculate and well stocked. We were so comfortable there and truly enjoyed our time. We enjoyed the park and the walk into town. The town itself is charming. We highly recommend this rental- we would love to return! Torch Lake is a beautiful area. Thank you Brown'sfor sharing your lovely home!
4.9
My family and I had a great week here. We loved the small, old fashioned town that matched the home. It was peaceful and relaxing. We also loved that the trails were so close by. We went on the trails daily. The home came with pretty much everything we needed. Made our stay very smooth. Very beautiful place to vacation!
4.9
Wonderful House in a Great Location
The house is cozy and very clean. My teenage daughter loved the added room to the bedroom we shared. She was able to get ready without having to dominate the bathroom. The house is in a great location, a few steps away from the lake and a short walk to downtown Alden. The owners were responsive and easy to work with.
4.9
Property was located central to our fishing needs. Just a short trip to many of the area lakes. House was clean and comfortable, and located close to grocery store. The weather was very warm and home was close to the water and surrounded by trees, so it stayed bearable in the day and cooled nicely at night. Pleanty of ceiling fans and other fans.
I would not have a problem returning. The owner was very helpful with any questions or concerns that I may have had.
Had a great time.
4.9
Fishing trip
Property was located central to our fishing needs. Just a short trip to many of the area lakes. House was clean and comfortable, and located close to grocery store. The weather was very warm and home was close to the water and surrounded by trees, so it stayed bearable in the day and cooled nicely at night. Pleanty of ceiling fans and other fans.
I would not have a problem returning. The owner was very helpful with any questions or concerns that I may have had.
Had a great time.
4.9
Torch lake
My family and I had a great week here. We loved the small, old fashioned town that matched the home. It was peaceful and relaxing. We also loved that the trails were so close by. We went on the trails daily. The home came with pretty much everything we needed. Made our stay very smooth. Very beautiful place to vacation!
4.9
Quaint and roomy
We needed a home base for visits around Traverse city area. This home provided all the necessities and enough room to cook breakfast, play cards & games, and still have private sleeping areas. So much better than an impersonal hotel. Porch was great for early morning coffee and a glimpse of Torch lake. Accurately described as 500 feet to lake but not lakefront property; view is limited due to another home and trees. Our walk to the lake for the sunset and later for stargazing was memorable especially for city girls. The town was within walking distance and had a few cute shops (due to off-season and pandemic not many open) We enjoyed our stay; clean, quaint and great value.
4.9
Awesome
We loved the home. We picked it on the age and wanted to stay in something with a lot of character. It was amazing, we saw many pieces that reminded us grandmas house. We were able to reimense about our childhood. We would definitely stay there again if we come back that way with 6 or less. The owners were great in staying in touch with us. Thanks for letting us share a bit of your home
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Torch Lake?
The average price for a rental in Torch Lake is £350 per night. This rental is £165 less expensive than the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at 500' to Torch Lake & the park-Walk to quaint Alden-reduced spring and fall rates. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is 500' to Torch Lake & the park-Walk to quaint Alden-reduced spring and fall rates pet friendly?
Unfortunately, this house is not pet-friendly. Try searching again and filter for "Pets Allowed"
What amenities are available at 500' to Torch Lake & the park-Walk to quaint Alden-reduced spring and fall rates?
We found 7 amenities for this rental. This includes kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, parking, balcony or patio, and tv.
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