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Lake Leelenau Waterfront Cottage-close to Traverse City, Fishtown & Suttons Bay

Lakefront cottage with kitchen and patio

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Nestled on a spacious tree-lined property, Willow Tree Cottage offers private lakefront views and serene sunsets over Lake Leelanau. Enjoy swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding or fishing with provided equipment. Relax by the fire pit or grill on the large deck while taking in scenic views.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

2 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 691 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Air-conditioning
  • Gym
  • Outdoor space

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Lake Leelenau Waterfront Cottage-close to Traverse City, Fishtown & Suttons Bay

Willow Tree Cottage is the perfect location for getaways with family and friends! Situated on spacious tree-lined property, this newly renovated cottage offers private lakefront views and breath taking sunsets over Lake Leelanau. Enjoy swimming in the crystal clear water or kayaking, paddle boarding, and fishing with provided equipment.

Enhance your stay on the Leelanau Peninsula Trail, featuring 17 miles of paved trails for biking, dog-walking or exploring nearby vineyards. Located 15 miles from Sleeping Bear Dunes, and just a 10-minute scenic drive to downtown Traverse City, Suttons Bay, and historic Fishtown in Leland.

New renovations (Spring 2022) include fully renovated bathroom; new flooring and furniture; central air and furnace heat; spacious new kitchen w/ eat-in island; exterior paint, fresh landscaping and much more! There are 2 bedrooms- each with a queen bed. There is a sitting room with 2 chair/ottomans that covert to twin beds. Amenities include wifi and smart tv; board games; DVD player with movies; fire pit; large deck for grilling; and an indoor porch, perfect for family meals and game nights. Provided equipment includes 2 kayaks, 2 paddle boards, life vests for all ages, and yard games.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
- We allow no more than 2 non-shedding dogs, under 50lbs. There will is a $100 charge per dog.

-There is a $100/day charge to dock a watercraft. Due to the shallow shoreline, there is a lot of wear and tear on the dock. Do not trailer the boat to the property, as we have a very steep driveway with a sharp, narrow turn. There is boat launch 1/4-mile south of the cottage, with a wash station to help protect against invasive species.

- We highly recommend that our guests purchase the VRBO Cancellation Protection, as unforeseen circumstances arise often and we advise protecting your vacation investment.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby
  • Beach loungers

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee grinder
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Hob
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 2 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Patio

Laundry

  • Laundromat nearby

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • Welcoming dogs only
  • Up to 23 kg per pet

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No lift
  • Smooth flooring in public areas
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • In a village
  • In the city centre
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Gym
  • Kayak
  • Water sports equipment
  • Basketball nearby
  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Golfing nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Jet skiing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Parasailing nearby
  • Sailing nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby
  • Wildlife walks nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby
  • Winery tours nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • First aid kit
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Garden
  • Unit size: 975 square feet

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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 27

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Gather used towels and store extra beds
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Turn off the lights and lock the doors
Leave all sheets and blankets on the beds, and place used towels in the bathtub. Run the dirty dishes thru the dishwasher, flipping the magnet to CLEAN. Empty the food from the fridge & cupboards.
Please tie up the umbrellas & cover the deck furniture and grill. Ensure all doors and windows are closed and locked. Turn off all inside/ outside lights.
Leave us a VRBO review! Our hope is that you enjoyed your stay at Willow Tree Cottage worthy of FIVE stars!
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.

Rules

No boats and trailers on the property.

Pets

Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total (up to 23 kg per pet)
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property on the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: Non-shedding dogs only. $100 charge per dog.

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

Property is also known as

Vrbo Property Traverse City
Vrbo Property Private vacation home
Vrbo Property Private vacation home Traverse City

About the area

Located in Traverse City, this cottage is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Village at Grand Traverse Commons and Hippie Tree are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Great Lakes Children's Museum and Great Wolf Lodge Water Park are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching. Visit our Traverse City travel guide
View more Cottages in Traverse City
Map
Traverse City, MI

What's nearby

  • Aerial of Leland, Michigan of Lake Michigan in Autumn
    Lake Leelanau
    1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Pie is Life!
    Front Street
    15 min drive - 22.0 km
  • Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore featuring general coastal views
    Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
    22 min drive - 29.8 km
  • Aerial view of Petoskey and Little Traverse Bay, Michigan
    Traverse City Beach
    23 min drive - 28.5 km
  • Old Mission Point Lighthouse In Michigan. The Old Mission Point lighthouse was built in the 1860's. It now is the centerpiece of a county park and tourist destination.
    Mission Point Lighthouse
    41 min drive - 60.3 km

Getting around

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

Restaurants

  • Brengman Brothers
    8 min drive
  • Paradise Cove Bar & Grill
    8 min drive
  • Bisto Polaris
    11 min drive
  • Farm Club
    5 min drive
  • Cedar Tavern
    20 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Leelenau Waterfront Cottage-close to Traverse City, Fishtown & Suttons Bay pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 23 kg per pet. Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.

How much is parking at Lake Leelenau Waterfront Cottage-close to Traverse City, Fishtown & Suttons Bay?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Lake Leelenau Waterfront Cottage-close to Traverse City, Fishtown & Suttons Bay?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Lake Leelenau Waterfront Cottage-close to Traverse City, Fishtown & Suttons Bay?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Lake Leelenau Waterfront Cottage-close to Traverse City, Fishtown & Suttons Bay located?

Located in the heart of Traverse City, this cottage is steps from Lake Leelanau and within 6 mi (10 km) of Lake Michigan and bigLITTLE Wines. L. Mawby Vineyards and Brengman Brothers are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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Lake Leelenau Waterfront Cottage-close to Traverse City, Fishtown & Suttons Bay Reviews

Reviews

Exceptional

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 57 out of 58 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 58 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 58 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 58 reviews

10

Cleanliness

10

Location

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

julia c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fabulous place inside and out!!! The cottage/home was wonderfully decorated and appointed. Beds were comfy, great sleep and linens top notch. Kitchen well supplied modern great space with island to gather. family room area cozy. LOVED the outside waterfront deck, with beautiful amazing views. We took full advantage of the kayaks for many paddles as well as the firepit with the great andirondeck chairs. would definitely stay here again!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

10/10 Excellent

Kelly K.

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

Great place to stay

We really enjoyed our stay at the cottage. It’s a really cute cottage with amazing sunset views. The location allowed us to easily explore the Leelanau peninsula early each day and to return to enjoy some lake time in the afternoon. All of the extra toys (kayaks, paddle boards, fishing poles) were a nice bonus. The size of the cottage worked out well for our family with 2 kids under 10, but I imagine we may have needed a bit more space if they were teenagers or if we had a bigger group. Overall, we had a great time and already miss relaxing on the deck watching the sunset.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Luther D.

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

Perfect getaway spot

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this property. It was the perfect location on Lake Leenanau. It had everything we could want and the place was nicely renovated. Would definitely stay here again if it was available when we vacation next.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Marsha H.

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

Relaxing lake cottage

We really enjoyed kayaking and paddle boarding . . . And the lovely sunsets.
Stayed 10 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frank N.

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

Great cottage to experience northern Michigan

Location is great and the renovations completed on this cottage are fantastic. It was the perfect distance from Traverse City and a number of other landmarks. We would stay again in the future.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tim M.

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

Great Lake House

Our family of five and dog had a nice time. House is comfortable and stocked with everything you need. Situated perfectly in the area with a short drive to most towns.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Bridget K.

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

Wonderful cottage!

We loved our stay - such a comfortable and charming cottage on a beautiful lake! The location was wonderful between Suttons Bay and TC. The cottage was so well stocked with water toys, towels, games, movies, kitchen tools, and so many other things. Thank you for a fantastic trip!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Heather C.

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

Fall Stay at Willow Tree

We had a lovely stay in this cottage. Its location is excellent. It is on Lake Leelanau and close to Suttons Bay, Traverse City, Old Mission Peninsula, and The Leelanau Trail. We visited all of these spots! The cottage is well stocked, very neat and comfortable.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

CHARLES R.

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

Lake Leelanau tranquility

The cottage was everything as stated in the listing. A beautiful location and updated cottage with all amenities needed. The property owner was outstanding to work with. We rented a pontoon at The Narrows which made our stay even more enjoyable. We would definitely stay here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cristie I.

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

Perfect Up North Lakeside Getaway!

Our family loved our stay at Willow Tree Cottage! Truly, the perfect Up North escape. We enjoyed access to Lake Leelanau, the beautiful sunsets and stars! It was the perfect location to explore Traverse City, Sutton’s Bay, Leland and the Great Bear Dunes! Our two year old daughter was in love with the sand pit, and we enjoyed taking in the lake view. Can’t say enough about this special cottage and hope to visit again soon!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Taylor H.

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

Just perfect!

The home was amazing- clean, adorable, perfect location, kid friendly, owners were so accommodating. It had everything you need!…. and the sunsets were gorgeous!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

kim M.

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

Beautiful Cottage

What a beautiful property and a great location for exploring Traverse City, and the surrounding areas. Loved spending time on the front porch gazing at the beautiful sunsets! Bonus that we could bring our dog and not only did we have plenty of space for him to enjoy, we felt right at home with dog bowls provided.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Breon W.

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

Perfect northern Mi getaway

Willow Tree Cottage has it all! The owners have you wanting for nothing- the most well appointed cottage stay i have ever experienced- breath taking views and privacy. The thoughtfulness and attention to detail did not go unnoticed. This place is a treasure and we enjoyed our stay so much that we booked again for next year. Cant wait!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jill D.

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

Perfect for families!

Our family of 5 (kids aged 8-10) had a wonderful stay at WTC. Our children had an abundance of activities to choose from kayaking to fishing to swimming in the lake. We will definitely be back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maggie K.

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

Great stay on Lake Leelanau!

Nichole and Frank did such a beautiful job renovating this cabin. We spent the most wonderful long weekend exploring the Leelanau peninsula using the Willow Tree Cottage as our jumping off point. When we returned from our adventures we would take the kayaks/paddleboards out or unwind with a fire and the sunset. Our family of 5 slept here comfortably, with our 8 and 6 year old fighting over the futons. I’ve already recommended their place to two people and hope that we can return in the future!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeff W.

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

Awesome

The cottage and scenery exceeded our expectations. The renovations were amazing. Not sure how you did it but it felt contemporary but still had that original cottage vibe. It was clean and well stocked with all the essentials. The hosts were quick to respond with any questions. We will be back!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wendy Y.

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

Relaxing retreat!

My husband and I enjoyed a short visit to this charming cottage. It was very clean throughout, and the hosts provided everything to meet your needs. The location is quiet with a gorgeous view of the Lake Leelanau right out the back door. I would recommend attention to the 2 back doors. Maybe due to the heat, they were very tough to close and lock. Lovely spot for a MIchigan getaway!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chelsea S.

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

A little slice of heaven

The property was beautiful, perfectly updated, and had pretty much anything and everything you would need in a rental house. The screened in porch was perfect for late evenings, had the most dreamy sunsets, and sat by the fire overlooking the water. The house was fully updated, bathroom updated, a very large kitchen. The property manager responded promptly and was very kind and helpful. Overall a wonderful place to stay. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Casey G.

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

Willow tree

This is a fabulous property. Right on the lake, fantastic sunsets!!!! Two lovely bedrooms, and a cozy living room. Very close to the Leelanau trail and short drive to Sleeping Bear Dunes. They thought of everything, from coffee pot, toiletries, cleaning supplies, spices, lots of dishes and kitchen supplies. I have never been in a VRBO so well stocked with everything!!! This is a wonderful property, we had three days of rain but still loved our vacation… the BEST!!!
Stayed 5 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

George A., Freeland, MI

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

Repeat visit was as amazing as the first time!

Our family (including two dogs) returned for another stay at Willow Cottage. This place has everything you could need for a family with kids and pets. We forgot the lifevest for our youngest son...no problem, they have several in the hallway closest in varous sizes. Everything from a fully stock kitchen with all the appliances needed to fishing gear and everything you could need for a campfire. They've got it! While we spent plenty of time at the cottage, this place is perfectly located with short drives to Suttons Bay, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Traverse City. Love this place and will definitely be making another visit in the future!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jessica R., Chicago

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

Perfect little lake cottage

Willow Tree Cottage was the perfect place to enjoy a week up north! The home & property were well maintained and had everything we needed for 3 adults and my pups. Unfortunately the weather didn’t cooperate for us to enjoy the water or firepit as hoped, but we made use of the sun room for playing cards & games, and still got to see a couple spectacular sunsets over the water. And of course, we were in a great location to explore the wineries which were mostly 10-15 mins away. Hope to come back next year! For future long stays, would just be great to have access to laundry- that was one amenity we would have really appreciated.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Sweet little cottage!

What a lovely little cottage on the west side of Lake Leelanau! We enjoyed the deck every day of our week long stay. The kitchen was fully stocked including spices which was nice to have (many vrbos don’t provide these simple amenities). This cottage is best for four adults. The extra sleeping room is basically a sealed in porch with two tiny beds. Maybe good for littles only. The bedrooms are very small—one doesn’t have anywhere to store clothing to unpack, but there is a little dresser in the hall closet that we used. We loved the use of the paddle boards and kayaks. We rented a 19’ Four Winns and fully enjoyed the lake. This is a special cottage! Thank you for opening it to others to enjoy!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott M., Flossmoor, IL

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

relaxing and beautiful cottage

My wife and I have stayed at numerous VRBO properties and are always looking for the little things that make a property stand out. The Willow Tree Cottage delivered with the things we expected (water views, proximity to popular Leelanau Peninsula sites) and it also had those intangibles that made our stay truly memorable. The cottage faces west, ensuring beautiful sunsets each night. Lake Leelanau is a large lake but the boat traffic was very moderate and the time outside was quiet and serene. The firepit had a great view of the water. There are 2 paddle boards and 2 kayaks with flotation vests. These were a great way to see the neighboring cottages from the water. The cottage has many features that draw you outside. The deck has new furniture with umbrellas that made it easy to comfortably sit outside in the sun. There is also an enclosed porch with a table and ample seating. The table was a great spot to work a puzzle (numerous puzzles and board games provided) and the chairs were comfortable for reading. The inside is equally comfortable; it is very well-stocked with everything you need to dine at home. It is incredibly clean and has lots of seating so the family can sit and watch TV at the end of the day. All and all, if you are looking for a clean, quiet, and well-apportioned cottage, this is a can't miss. We cannot wait to return!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Tracy M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We had a wonderful time enjoying the cottage and surrounding area. I would highly recommend this property!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Whitney A.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Willow Tree Cottage is a cute, comfortable little place in a great central location. Our family of 5 with 3 young kids had a great week exploring the lake and nearby towns. The lake bottom is quite rocky in front of the cottage, so I recommend bringing water shoes if you plan to spend time swimming there. Overall a great place to stay!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2025