Arbutus Lake l Spacious l Hot Tub l Near TC l Beach

Crisp-white and quietly charming, this Traverse City cottage rental sits tucked beneath towering white pines on the shore of Arbutus Lake — one of the area's most beloved inland lakes. The low-pitched cottage is framed by mature pines and a manicured lawn that slopes to the water's edge, with a shared barrel sauna on-site delivering that quintessential Northern Michigan lakefront experience. A covered porch, patio deck off the back, and a grill round out the outdoor setup, and the property comes with a hot tub for soaking after a long day on the lake.

Step through the door

Inside, the living room is bright and freshly updated, two sofas in soft grey flank a rustic wood-coffee table, and a pair of wood-framed windows frame green pines on both sides, keeping the forest close. The layout flows through an arched doorway into the kitchen, which is outfitted with honey-toned oak cabinetry, granite-look countertops, a stainless gas range, and a generous full-sized refrigerator. A dining counter and open sightline back to the living room make the space feel connected and easy for groups.

Room to rest

Three bedrooms sleep up to 8 guests comfortably. The bedroom photographed features a queen-sized bed with deep-blue bedding, a warm wood nightstand, and a window looking into the pines, easy and calm. Two full bathrooms serve the household.

Outside your door

The back deck faces the lake through the pines, with the BBQ grill and hot tub both accessible from the patio. The property's shared barrel sauna sits near the water, a heated cedar pod with a round porthole window framing a golden sunset view across Arbutus Lake.

What's Nearby

Arbutus Lake is just minutes from downtown Traverse City, putting you within easy reach of the Leelanau Peninsula wine trail, local breweries, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and the Traverse City beaches on West Grand Traverse Bay.

Perfect For

Families or groups of up to 8 who want genuine lakefront access without sacrificing a well-equipped kitchen and modern comforts, pets welcome for a complete Northern Michigan getaway.