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Guest House on Old Mission, Pure Sand Beach, Sunset, Wineries, A Couple Respite.

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A beach with clear water, a sandy shore, and a forested area in the background.
Terrace/patio
1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, WiFi (free)
Exterior
Property grounds

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View in a map
Traverse City, MI
  • Place, Chateau Grand Traverse
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Chateau Chantal
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Place, Mission Point Lighthouse
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Airport, Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Room options

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About the neighborhood

Traverse City

When you stay at this guesthouse in Traverse City, you'll be on the waterfront, just steps from Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. .This guesthouse is 13.2 mi (21.3 km) from Traverse City Beach and 2.8 mi (4.4 km) from Chateau Grand Traverse.
View more Guest Houses in Traverse CityOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Chateau Grand Traverse - 5 min drive - 3.6 miles
  • Chateau Chantal - 5 min drive - 4.1 miles
  • Mari Vineyards - 10 min drive - 8.9 miles
  • Haserot Beach - 10 min drive - 8.5 miles
  • Mission Point Lighthouse - 11 min drive - 11.0 miles

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Dam Shop - ‬38 min drive
  • ‪Riverwalk Grill and Taproom - ‬38 min drive
  • ‪Jolly Pumpkin - ‬2 min drive
  • ‪Town Club - ‬38 min drive
  • ‪Boathouse Restaurant - ‬9 min walk

About this property

Guest House on Old Mission, Pure Sand Beach, Sunset, Wineries, A Couple Respite.

Bowers Harbor Guest Cottage: A Waterfront Retreat
Welcome to our cozy, waterfront beach cottage designed for two adults seeking a tranquil escape.
Located directly on the rare all-sand sand shore of Bowers Harbor, this private, remodeled guesthouse offers a serene setting for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Key Details
• Grand Traverse West Bay Beachfront Experience:
Perfect for those looking to enjoy swimming, sunsets, and the natural beauty of the lake. Not just a place to sleep—it’s a destination for relaxation.
Beach Access: The path to the beach is scenic and includes a short, steeper section with stability posts. Guests with mobility challenges should take note. To see a wide-angle picture of the beach area go to Google Earth and type in "Boathouse Restaurant, Traverse City, MI 49686". Scan out to see Power Island, a beautiful County Park. Our guesthouse faces west southwest.
• Capacity & Policies:
Accommodates two adults only. NO CHILDREN OR EXTRA GUESTS ALLOWED AT ANY TIME.
Dogs considered upon approval (crated when left alone).
Please respect our policies to maintain harmony for all.
• Amenities:
Central air, fully equipped kitchen, and private path to the beach.
Outdoor furniture, fire pit, and options to rent kayaks or paddleboards.
Thorough cleaning practices and ample fresh air from the lake.
• Location Highlights:
Set on nearly an acre with 110 feet of sandy shoreline (25 feet for your private use).
Panoramic views of Bowers Harbor Marina, Traverse City, Power Island, and more.
Quiet neighborhood of seasonal homes, 10 miles from Traverse City.
• Local Attractions:
Enjoy 11 nearby wineries, hiking trails, and restaurants like Jolly Pumpkin, Peninsula Grill and The Boathouse and a recently opened coffee house within walking distance.
Explore Traverse City’s vibrant downtown, Farmers’ Markets, and cultural events at the City Opera House and Interlochen Arts Academy.
• Insight
Please review our rules and photos carefully to ensure this unique rental aligns with your expectations.
Feel free to reach out with questions—we’re happy to help and look forward to welcoming you to this peaceful retreat and sharing the beauty of Bowers Harbor!
Renting 7 nights or more earns a 5% discount off the rental rate, but remember, no onsite washer or dryer.



Keywords: Waterfront, quiet, direct private access to beachfront, private 25' beach, swimming, beach fires, sunsets, romantic, wineries, breweries, hiking, cycling, garage, 1-bedroom, cottage next to owners' home, smaller pets can be allowed, Smart TV, WIFI, outdoor grill, outdoor spaces, firepit, peaceful, views including Power Island and Traverse City lights, stars, day trips, restaurants, foodies. air conditioning, internet, WIFI, smart TV with your account, hiking and biking trails, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, weekly discount, highly rated for location and cleanliness, linens provided, beach towels, brand new refrigerator, secure garage parking, tennis, pickle ball, museums, winter activities, cancellation policy.
A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a Smart television is provided for your entertainment. The bathroom has a shower and a hair dryer. Conveniences include a desk and a microwave.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like wireless internet access, onsite parking, and a car charging station.

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • In-room WiFi speed: 500+ Mbps (good for 6+ people or 10+ devices)
  • Available in some public areas: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Things to do

  • Kayak

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Beach loungers
  • Beach towels
  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • On the waterfront
  • Outdoor furniture

More

  • Note from host: No smoking anywhere on the property
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • Hair dryer
  • Shampoo
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • Smart TV

Food and drink

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dining table
  • Electric kettle
  • Kitchen
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

More

  • Air conditioning
  • Desk
  • Desk chair
  • Heating
  • Iron/ironing board

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Contactless check-in available

Minimum check-in age: 21

Check-out

Check-out before 11:00 AM

Contactless check-out available

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

Rules

A small dog is allowed when approved by us. Dogs must be crated when left alone and leashed, if needed, to stay within the 25' width guest area.

Only the renters are allowed on the property. No visitors or others can be allowed to accompany the renters at any time due to property constraints.

A garage is provided. Please use it for your vehicle with the door closed to avoid unwanted critters. This is a non-smoking property.

Pets

Pets allowed

Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Welcoming dogs only

1 total (up to 20 lbs per pet)

Note from host: Dog crated when alone and pre-approved by owner.

Children and extra beds

This property does not allow children

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

No smoking anywhere on the property

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
Cashless transactions are available
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios, terraces which may not be suitable for children; if you have concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm they can accommodate you in a suitable room
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

A car is required for transportation to and from this property

Guest House on Old Mission, Pure Sand Beach, Sunset, Wineries, A Couple Respite. Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 126 out of 137 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 10 out of 137 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 137 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 137 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 137 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

Verified review

8/10 Good

Verified traveler

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

Great location, beautiful beach

Property just as described, beautiful quiet beach
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Dave K.

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

Wonderful Stay

Clean, tastefully simple, great location to wineries and restaurants. Great place for a couple!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Emily T.

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

Lovely beach cabin

Clean, relaxing cabin with beautiful beach access.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Terry L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The cottage was perfect for a three day getaway. It was our first visit to the Traverse City area. The location was perfect and having the beach so accessible was truly perfect. Highly recommend.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Sara W.

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

Second stay

Had a wonderful stay with our pup! Great location with beach access. This is our second time staying and will definitely look to book again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

8/10 Good

Joe V.

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

Great get away!

Great time!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ed W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property is well equipped and peaceful. Pleasant accommodations that are well kept.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Anaka T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
It was absolutely great! A perfect space for a couple’s vacation. The beach was lovely, the house was clean, and the garage was honestly a great bonus too! Nancy and Norm were absolutely lovely!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Daniel R.

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

Quiet Getaway

To get away from the busy life, this quiet oasis provided a close spot to the hidden gems of the peninsula. The property was right on the water, had a cute charm, and all the amenities you would need.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Jacob R.

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

Peaceful

The guesthouse was serene and relaxing, and perfectly located outside of town. Exactly the getaway we'd hoped for, and couldn't have been happier! Thank you for the stay and we'd love to come back!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie H.

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

Adorable spot with a view!

Nancy was a great host! This place had everything we needed for a short stay. Can’t beat the location!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gourav G.

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

Great spot with great hosts

Great spot on the peninsula with access to the water. Close to great restaurants and wineries. Host were friendly, place was clean and in great shape and super easy process all around.Hard to get an uber to Travers city but easy to get one back to the place.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Crystal M.

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

Perfect Little Getaway

Wonderful little cottage on the bay with beach access. Comfortable and peaceful. Very Enjoyable!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Julie K.

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

A Great Getaway

A relaxing beach property with an excellent location on the peninsula. We went looking for a quiet place to stay and enjoy some time away and this exceeded our expectations. Our dog Charlie also highly recommends this location for four-legged friends.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ed W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The property is well cared for. Very pleasant setting with the bay and the quiet neighborhood. Very convenient to local attractions such as Jolly Pumpkin and the Boathouse. Beech is very nice, with chairs , tables and umbrellas. I have stayed at this property multiple times. A gem indeed
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Steve L.

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

Wine Country

Nice property. The owners were great!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Chris S.

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

Anniversary

Great place to get a away!…We spent a lot of time on the awesome beach area…it was quiet and so relaxing…thank you
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

8/10 Good

Nancy B.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful property and waterfront. Hosts and neighbors very friendly. Felt like part of the neighborhood for the week. Lots to do around Old Mission penninsula. Wish the kitchen had a few more things as we cooked most meals there.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly D.

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

Ideal location on the beach

My husband and I had a wonderful stay at this adorable guest house just steps from the beach. The house had everything you’d need and the hosts were available if you needed anything. We plan on booking this amazing property again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael M.

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

Cozy and Comfortable

Really loved the location of this place, the quiet, and cleanliness. Check-in and out was seamless and our hosts were available if needed. Loved the beach and access to it as well. Will definitely rent again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Patricio B.

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

Paddle boarding paradise

Great location. Peace and tranquility. Awesome sunset paddle outs and sunrise kayaking
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2024
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Heidi R.

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

Quiet Getaway

This guesthouse is perfect for two people. The amenities are exactly as described in the listing. The location was convenient to explore Traverse City and the surrounding area. We enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend this property!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Bill H.

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

Everything as advertised

Small Comfy room in a great location. Hosts are super nice but non-intrusive.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2023
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Kathryn W.

Amazing, peaceful spot!

This was the perfect getaway. It was peaceful and secluded but near Old Mission restaurants and close enough to downtown to make it convenient for when you wanted to do other things, too. It was the first time staying on Old Mission and it was a great experience.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018
Verified review

8/10 Good

Kevin D.

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

Great weekend getaway!

Had a great long weekend here during Cherry festival! The location is fantastic and the private beach is a great perk. The hosts were very welcoming and helpful. The house was very clean and had plenty of towels, blankets, and pillows. The only downside is the bed is very small and hard - two larger adults will struggle to sleep comfortably. Thankfully there is a pull out couch which helped in a pinch
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025