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BJ's Retreat | On Torch Lake | Waterfront

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Exterior
Exterior
3 bedrooms, WiFi
Dining
TV

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroomSleeps 9

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue grill
  • Lake view

Explore the area

View in a map
Alden, MI
  • Place, Torch Lake
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Place, Torch Lake Park
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Boyne Mountain
    ‪46 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Room options

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About the neighborhood

Alden

When you stay at this vacation home in Alden, you'll be on the waterfront, just steps from Torch Lake and a 5-minute drive from Clam River. .This vacation home is 16.5 mi (26.6 km) from Lake Michigan and 3 mi (4.8 km) from Clam Lake.
View more Vacation Homes in AldenOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Torch Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Torch Lake Park - 5 min drive - 3.8 miles
  • Turtle Creek Casino - 25 min drive - 20.8 miles
  • Front Street - 44 min drive - 30.9 miles
  • Boyne Mountain - 46 min drive - 43.5 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 43 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Oasis Tavern - ‬21 min drive
  • ‪Short's Brewing Company - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪The Dockside - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪M88 Morning Grind - ‬14 min drive

About this property

Entire place

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

BJ's Retreat | On Torch Lake | Waterfront

Summary:

BJ’s Retreat is a cozy lakefront getaway on the east side of Torch Lake, just a few miles north of Alden. Perfect for families or groups, this property sleeps 8–9 with the main cottage and separate unfinished bunkhouse. Relax in the large yard with a fire pit while taking in lake views and stunning sunsets, or take a short walk to your private water access. With the towns of Alden and Bellaire nearby, guests can enjoy local dining, breweries, wineries, shopping, and outdoor activities. A mooring anchor is available for boaters, and local marinas provide boat rentals if needed.



The Space:

- 3 bedrooms | 6 beds | sleeps up to 9 | 1 King, 1 Queen | 2 Bunk Beds

- 1 bathroom

- Unfinished bunkhouse with 2 twin-over-twin bunk beds for kids

- Fully equipped kitchen with coffee maker, cookware, dishes, microwave, oven, refrigerator, stove, and toaster

- Dining and living areas with lake views

- Large backyard with fire pit and open space for games

- Private water access ~300–400 feet from the house

- Lake frontage with mooring anchor available

- Family/kid friendly

- Heating (no AC)

- Sheets and towels provided

- Pet allowed with owner approval (1 dog, ≤50 lbs, crated if unattended)



Guest Access:

- Full access to the cottage, bunkhouse, backyard, and fire pit

- Access to private water frontage for swimming, boating, or relaxing



The Neighborhood:

- Situated between Alden and Bellaire for dining, shopping, and recreation

- Alden: Vista Ridge Winery, Muffin Tin, Torch Lake Beer Company, Coy Mountain Preserve, ice cream, and local shops

- Bellaire: Short’s Brewery, Bee Well Meadery, Mammoth Distillery, movie theater, and Glacial Hills Natural Area for mountain biking

- Explore Torch Lake, Chain of Lakes, or nearby natural areas



Getting Around:

- Car recommended for local exploration

- Boat recommended to enjoy Torch Lake and Chain of Lakes



Other Things to Note:

- Rental agreement required

- Photo ID + copy of ID required

- Primary renters must be 25+

- NO SMOKING/VAPING

- Owner approval required for pets (see above)



Interaction with Guests:

- Hosts are available by message or phone call if needed during your stay
Make yourself comfortable in this vacation home, featuring a kitchen with a refrigerator and an oven. Conveniences include a microwave and a coffee/tea maker.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in the house: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Sofa bed

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Shower

Entertainment

  • TV

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit

Comfort

  • Heating

Pets

  • Service animals only (pets not allowed)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Optional golf privileges
  • Casino nearby
  • Cycling nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

Check-out before 9:00 AM

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

Pets

Pets not allowed (service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees)

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
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

Property is also known as

6823a8ec798aca0011a1f09f

BJ's Retreat | On Torch Lake | Waterfront Reviews

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 22 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 22 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 22 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 22 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 22 reviews

9.6/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

8/10 Good

Benjamin M.

Liked: Cleanliness
We had a nice time on the lake and the house is conveniently located and meet our needs.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

8/10 Good

Dawn J.

Liked: Cleanliness

4th of July holiday

My family from Boston joined us at this lovely property for the holiday. It is very spacious and private. We anchored our pontoon at their moor anchor and used the dock for loading/unloading. This was our 1st time using a moor anchor, it was a different experience but successful. We were able to see our pontoon from the dining room window. The home is also spacious. The bunk house is not attached. No a/c meant we needed to be very diligent about opening windows/doors and closing curtains throughout the day. The weather was mid 80s. Cool nights were helpful! Some fans were available. The kitchen was well stocked with basics. The yard was nicely lit with solar lights. The floor tile in the hall needs to be replaced for safety. The hardware on the beds needs to be tightened to ward off the noisy squeaks of the beds through the night. While the bunk house had to be well vented for comfort, the mattresses were actually more comfortable than those in the house. While I expected to pay a premium price for this place on the lake for a holiday, I still find it shocking and very inconvenient when linens are not included, especially with standard cleaning fees attached. The property management and owners were very attentive and accommodating for a couple unexpected minor issues we had arise. The property is 15 min by boat north of the sand bar and 10 min south of the Dockside restaurant. We enjoyed visiting both places. Thanks for the memories and sharing your property with us!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Pryce B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Torch lake

We absolutely loved this place! The kids thought the bunk house was the “coolest thing ever”…we had a wholesome time enjoying the beautiful lake, taking our kayaks out on the water, and enjoying one another. I like how this house isn’t a rich looking mansion….I liked how it felt like you were walking into great grandmas to grab a bite to eat and hit the water!! We appreciate those things in places! Don’t change a thing! It was perfect!!! I also adored all the artwork painted by the original owner. How cool that a railroad ran through the property years and years ago! Our children enjoyed unplugging and being with one another! Thanks for having us! We hope you will have us back!
Breathtaking sunsets!
Fire by sunset! S’mores for the win!
How cool is this bunkhouse? Mom this is the coolest thing ever!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

L R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Very enjoyable stay

Clean and quiet. Close to lots of thing to see and do but very nice if you just wanted to relax. I liked the info packet we were given when we arrived, very nice touch. Also ate at the Dockside just down the road, good food.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

6/10 Okay

Michael S.

Great and Not so Great

Great location and we did enjoy our stay however there is no AC and it was hot--we ended up leaving early rather than stay the last night in the heat. Also the place could use some maintenance and updating. Bathroom lav needs replacement, grille was too dirty to use, salvation army furniture and general maintenance was not up to standards we expect. That said, we did enjoy ourselves because it is a great location on a fabulous lake. Just have reasonable expectations if you rent this place.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rose P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Retreat

We needed a place to unplug and enjoy nature. This home is clean, simple and perfect for a long weekend retreat. It's on Torch Lake with a beautiful view from the dining room window. We enjoyed evening breezes and quick trips into Alden. Thank you for a terrific weekend!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect Getaway

We very much enjoyed our stay! The house was great, and we loved the fire pit and access to the lake. There was a lot to do in the area, and we would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Jennie P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lakeside was nice

It’s a cute house and lovely to have access to the water. The view from the dining table was beautiful. We didn’t use the fire pit but also a nice touch. I always list the negatives to help other renters. The bunk house had very little electric, and no heat. There’s no a/c anywhere but we don’t need it. There were no sheets (even fitted sheets), just big comforters. Check out is at 9 am which I’ve never heard of. King bed is very creaky when you move. With all the plus and minuses, I’d stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Amy P., Grand Rapids, MI

Liked: Cleanliness

Great

Beautiful piece of property! Close to everything.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jacki K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Wonderful Vacation

The lake was gorgeous and the house was quaint. Great stay and a wonderful vacation week!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Cindy G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Relaxing week on Torch Lake

We spent a week with family here. The house is as pictured, kitchen stocked with everything we needed and the view of the lake was gorgeous. It was very relaxing and we had a great time on the lake, golfing and exploring Traverse City and Bellaire.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kellie P.

Liked: Cleanliness

Every clean great view not far from the sand bar nice fire pit

We had a great time
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Danielle G.

Liked: Cleanliness

Torch

Beautiful place. Lots of outdoor space, perfect if you are traveling with a pup
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lance K.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family vacation

Loved the view of the lake. Loved the size of the property. Great location. No do they leave. Would rent again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Sarah W.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful cottage in a beautiful lake

What a beautiful cottage! Absolutely loved our stay at Torch Lake!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Tracey S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family getaway

The property is on a beautiful piece of land. It was the most relaxing and peaceful vacation we have ever experienced. Highly recommended.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kristina K.

Liked: Cleanliness

It was a great stay

Amazing stay
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Hope S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Perfect

The entire weekend was beautiful and perfect!! Should redo your pictures online cause the place looks WAY better in person!!

8/10 Good

Sinda Lou C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Little piece of paradise

Although our weather didn’t cooperate until the day before we left, the house and property gave us a lot of room to spread out. The walk down to the lake and the view from the house were wonderful. The kitchen was full stocked with pots, pans and utensils.Thanks to the property management for the ease of check in and communication prior to our arrival.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Janet t.

Liked: Cleanliness

Torch Lake Cottage

The property company was fantastic to work with. Beautiful Torch Lake can’t be beat! And the home and it’s ground were perfect for our small immediate Family wedding. Plenty of sleeping places, room to play games outside, a large fireplace with benches, a mooring to bring our boat down and the vest view in town. Sunset wedding was perfect!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jenny B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Long weekend

We spent a long weekend with friends at this beautiful property. Spent a lot of time outside despite a few pop up showers the kids loved the bunk house as they are older and enjoyed having a place to hang out and play games. Would definitely rent again!!!

10/10 Excellent

Priscila M., New Hudson

Liked: Cleanliness

Beauitful views of the lake

We really enjoyed our stay at BJ's retreat. The house itself was clean and comfortable. Everything was as advertised. The location is ideal and the view of the lake is amazing from the fire pit and dock. Would definitely recommend and return for a rustic and relaxing trip to Torch Lake!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019