Charming lake house combines rustic ambiance with modern amenities.

I’ve been a renter here since 1980. If you are a returning guest and you have seen someone doing yoga on the dock at sunrise in their pajamas, that was me, Laurie.
I raised my boys, Jack and Jude, here. My husband, Dennis, proposed to me on the dock in 2015, and we held our rehearsal dinner here in 2016 before getting married at 45 North Vineyard. My mom passed away in 2019 and asked that a portion of her ashes be spread on the south end of the lake. If my dad had been cremated, he’d be there too.

Our family's love story with this cottage began in 1980, when my parents first rented here. I can still hear my mom declaring, “We’re never staying anywhere else again!” She was a nurse and immediately fell in love with how clean and well-kept everything was—sparkling lake, tidy grounds, and a home that balanced modern comfort with that classic “rustic up north” charm. My dad? He was hooked from the moment he caught a fish.

There’s nothing quite like that magical moment when you crest the hill from Cedar and catch your first glimpse of the lake below—especially under a glowing full moon.

Our cottage sits on the widest part of Lake Leelanau, nestled along a soft, clean sandbar that’s perfect for swimming, jumping off the dock, or just relaxing with your toes in the water. Being near the southern end of the lake, the area is peaceful and just a little wild at night, thanks to the surrounding preserved lands. Nature lovers, rejoice—you’re in for a treat.

Looking for adventure? You can drop a kayak into the river in Cedar and paddle through Michigan’s only freshwater “everglades,” where wildlife abounds and bass practically beg you to cast a line with surface bait. It’s one of our favorite local secrets.

But the fun doesn’t stop at the water’s edge. A short drive (or boat ride!) takes you to some of the best spots in the area:

Good Harbor Beach is our go-to for unforgettable sunset bonfires.

Wineries are everywhere—you can boat to some or drive to others, each one more charming than the last.

We love curling in Maple City, exploring the quaint shops and smoked fish in Fishtown, and enjoying the vibrant food and craft beverage scene nearby.

Our son takes the boat to South Manitou Island every summer to do a little rustic camping—he swears it’s the highlight of his year.

And of course, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Sugar Loaf Mountain, and Traverse City (just 25 minutes away) are all close by, offering hiking, biking, shopping, dining, and more.