Entire home

Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River

Photo gallery for Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River

Exterior
Exterior
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop
Smart TV, fireplace, DVD player, books
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Entire home

4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8130 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
Traverse City, MI
  • Turtle Creek Stadium
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Front Street
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Traverse City Beach
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Room options

Similar properties

About the area

Traverse City

Located in Traverse City, this vacation home is on the waterfront, within a 15-minute drive of Forest Lakes and Grand Traverse Natural Education Reserve. .This vacation home is 10.7 mi (17.2 km) from Lake Michigan and 10 mi (16.2 km) from Front Street.

What's nearby

  • Turtle Creek Stadium - 11 min drive - 9.1 km
  • Arbutus Lake - 11 min drive - 8.0 km
  • Grand Traverse Mall - 15 min drive - 15.9 km
  • Front Street - 21 min drive - 18.3 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 22 min drive - 20.1 km

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Culver's - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Burger King - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Starbucks - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Samsara - ‬10 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.

Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River

Enjoy rural Traverse City's outdoor haven with this riverfront non-smoking home situated directly on the Boardman River just 15-20 minutes south of downtown Traverse City. Hop in the river and kayak or float the spring-fed Boardman River! This home is only minutes away from off-roading in Chums Corner and is a short drive to winery trails up the Leelanau and Old Mission Peninsulas. Visit Traverse City's bustling downtown area that is home to many restaurants, charter boat companies, and TART trails. Take a drive northwest to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes for a day. This home is far enough away from the city to enjoy peace and quiet at the fire pit right next to the river or lounge on the new 600 square foot back porch, but plenty close enough to enjoy what Traverse City has to offer! Home is equipped with central heating and air conditioning! This property is about 45 minutes away from Crystal Mountain, one hour away from Caberfae Peaks, and 1.5 hours away from Boyne Mountain. For snowmobilers, this home offers a close place to stay being only 5-10 minutes away from Mayfield's snowmobile trailhead! Outfitted with central heating and air conditioning. This home is not wheelchair accessible - there are stairs to the entry door and narrow halls and doors inside, as well as stairs to the second floor. NO PETS ALLOWED. NO SMOKING ALLOWED. THERE WILL BE A $500.00 ADDITIONAL CHARGE IF PETS COME TO PROPERTY.
Make yourself comfortable in this air-conditioned vacation home, which features a fireplace and a Smart TV. There's a private patio. A kitchen is outfitted with a refrigerator, an oven, and a stovetop. Complimentary wireless internet access keeps you connected, and a DVD player is provided for your entertainment.
Take in the views from a garden and make use of amenities such as barbecue grills.
Guests will find features like internet access and onsite parking.

Property amenities

Ski

  • Cross-country skiing nearby

Internet

  • Available in the house: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Car required
  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Blender
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Hob
  • Ice maker
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2 bathrooms
  • Bathtub or shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Soap
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Books
  • DVD player
  • Games
  • Smart TV

Outdoor areas

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

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Work spaces

  • Desk
  • Desk chair

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoke-free property

Location highlights

  • In a rural location
  • Near a health/beauty spa
  • Near a hospital
  • Near the bay
  • Near the marina
  • On a river
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Birdwatching nearby
  • Casino nearby
  • Fishing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Sledding nearby
  • Snowmobiling nearby
  • Wildlife walks 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: 1,400 square feet

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

Check-out

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

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

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
Long-term renters welcome
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
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

Property is also known as

Waterfront Cottage Boardman River House Traverse City
Waterfront Cottage Boardman River House
Waterfront Cottage Boardman River Traverse City
Waterfront Cottage Boardman River
Waterfront Boardman River
Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River Traverse City
Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River Private vacation home

Waterfront Cottage on the Boardman River Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 96 out of 98 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 98 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 98 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 98 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 98 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Rene O.

Liked: Cleanliness
Very clean , wonderful patio and amenities A short drive to Traverse city
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
Everything was clean and even stocked with some basic condiments. The area was quiet and restful, just what we were looking for. On the other hand, there the big grassy yard that would have been wonderful for a family gathering with children of all ages who wanted to run around and play games.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Tracie W.

Liked: Cleanliness
The house was very clean and well maintained! One of the best stocked VRBOs I have stayed in! We were there for a wedding and the location was close to everything! Heather was a great host, we got a phone call on the day of our arrival with instructions and asked if we had questions, very impressed and would definitely stay there again!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Matthew L.

Liked: Cleanliness
I highly recommend this property as it is very clean, has everything you need for a comfortable stay and the property manager is easy to get a hold of if ever needed. Book with confidence!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025

10/10 Excellent

Les M.

Liked: Cleanliness
This is the second year in a row in which our family stayed at this home for a weekend of fun and memory-making in the Traverse City area. It was so perfect for us last year that it was a no-brainer to book it again this year! Once again, the home and Heather and Allison's attention to detail did not disappoint!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jill G.

Liked: Cleanliness
Wonderful place to stay! Secluded, quiet, loved the firepit right on the river, beautiful deck. Not far from Traverse City. Heather immediately answered our question about nearby pizza. Allison called us about 2 hrs before check in with some details and to see if we had questions. The kitchen had everything you could need, spacious and comfortable bedrooms, pretty decor and very clean! It was perfect for 6 of us!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Macy P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing property, very thoughtful and accommodating hosts! Everything was super clean and well stocked!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

christina s., Flat Rock mi

Liked: Cleanliness

Family tradition

Our stay was nothing but perfect! Very peaceful, great communication and beautifully updated year to year! A nice get away for my family from the hustle of day to day. We have made this our family tradition for years. We are looking forward for many more to come
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Catherine C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing!!!

This was more than we could have ever expected... the beautiful river, lawn, deck were all exaordinary. And indoors, the cleanliness, AC, every amenity you would need from s'mores to coffee to shampoo. I travel the world and this was a special special place. We are rebooking immediately for next year the same week.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

Liked: Cleanliness

More than we expected!

This property is absolutely beautiful. We are from Florida and came to Michigan to visit family for a week. We didn't know what to expect, but the photos looked nice. When we arrived the property was EXACTLY as advertised... And More! The linens were soft, beds comfortable, lots of space, kitchen fully stocked with utensils, coffee, all the extras we have in our own home. The deck and yard is wonderful and leads out to a pretty river in the back with a fire pit we used every night. The kids loved it... So did the adults. We felt right at home and it was close to the Cherry Festival. Such a great trip. We will definitely come back!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

tim p.

Liked: Cleanliness

Amazing

We stayed for a long weekend for a softball tournament in traverse city. The house had everything that you could think of to make it feel like home. By far one of the most stocked properties that we have ever stayed. Check in was great and we would definitely stay again.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Olivia C.

Liked: Cleanliness

This place was beautiful

We had a great time, we played some games, enjoyed the deck and beautiful view. Checking in was easy and checking out was easy! Pretty close to downtown TC and even to the wineries, we had the best weekend. If we had any questions they were quick to answer! Highly recommended!!
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025

10/10 Excellent

Les M.

Liked: Cleanliness

An AWESOME place!

My family, which included me and my wife, our two adult sons and daughter-in-law and two grandchildren, had such a great time together and this home was the perfect place for all of us to hang out together for the long weekend! We cannot say enough good about our stay at this home on the Boardman River!! Heather and Allison were prompt, thorough, and friendly with all of their communications. This house had everything, with ample amenities, and then some! The location was perfect for day trips but we also had plenty to do and enjoy at the house and on the property! We will definitely stay there again the next time we plan a trip to Traverse City!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

christina s., Flat Rock mi

Liked: Cleanliness

Making memories

Absolutely wonderful! Became a family getaway four times now, making memories. Great communication with manager! Fully stocked, very clean, great location!!! Can’t ask for better.!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness

Fabulous house!

Beautiful house just 20 minutes from Traverse City. Very clean, kitchen well stocked, everything labeled and clear directions. New patio and fire pit were a 10. Looking forward to coming back!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ann T.

Liked: Cleanliness

Adorable Cottage

We had an amazing stay at this adorable cottage. Being here allowed family from the West and East coasts to enjoy a little get away together without anyone having to “host”. The home was stocked with everything we needed, it was very clean & had a great patio with lots of fun games to enjoy too. Being on the river was so peaceful and relaxing. Thank you to Allison for being super helpful and kind throughout our time here. We will absolutely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Family reunion in Traverse City

We were traveling to Traverse City for a family reunion. The other 10 people going to the reunion were staying in a hotel on Lake Michigan in Traverse City (very expensive I might add). Our group of 8 decided since we had a 3 and 5 year old in our group that a house might work better for us. I found this VRBO that was absolutely PERFECT for my husband and I (grandma & grandpa), my son, daughter-in-law and 2 grandkids, and my daughter and son-in-law. There were plenty of bedrooms for all of us - with room to spare. The spacious yard was nice for the kids to be able to run around in. The river in our backyard was great for the kids to fish in and for us to wade around in to cool off. I could not have chosen a better spot for our group to stay in. It was very clean and the beds were comfortable. The kitchen was well equipped. My grandsons were thrilled with the DVD collection they had to choose from. Heather (the owner) and Allison (the property manager) were very easy to communicate with - answered any questions we had promptly. This property gets a 10 out of 10 for sure!! We would definitely stay here again if we come back to Traverse City.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

cody m.

Liked: Cleanliness

The river is enough

The view from sitting down by the river with a fire going made this trip great. The house was clean and the property manager was in good contact the whole time as well.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patrick H., St. Louis, MO

Liked: Cleanliness

Fantastic Guy’s Trip Location

Terrific house for longtime college friends to connect and unwind. Backyard direct-access to the Boardman River, fire pit, and super-comfortable back deck were perfect for dining and activities. Our group of 7 guys had plenty of space inside and the kitchen was well-stocked for our big meals. Bedrooms and bathrooms were nice and mattresses were better than typical VRBO’s. We were blessed with beautiful summer weather and spent much of it enjoying the backyard area and exploring Traverse City. If we return to the area, we would certainly rent this home again. Well done!!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lindsay-Erin B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Girls Trip

Beautiful home stocked with everything we could possibly need for our girls weekend! The host was so friendly and easy to communicate with, she even connected with me beforehand to ensure a smooth arrival. Would absolutely stay here again and recommend to anyone travelling to Traverse City & area!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Grant G.

Liked: Cleanliness

A wonderful place to stay

This place was great! The house was well kept and very accommodating. The atmosphere was wonderful, secluded on the Boardman River while still close to all the destinations in Traverse City. Would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Antonio M.

Liked: Cleanliness

What a wonderful stay!

The house and host were amazing. The house was quietly located on a beautiful river had yard games available and very comfortable and clean inside. The host was friendly helpful and available as needed (but we didn’t need anything).
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lea L.

Liked: Cleanliness

Girls Trip Review

This property was perfect for our girls we can get away! It was great to be right by the river. We also went on a wine tour in the bus was able to pick us up at the property. Very clean and equipped with everything we could need during our stay. I would love to use this property again on another trip!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Monica D.

Liked: Cleanliness

Flawless wedding weekend stay

Thank you for providing this amazing home for our family during my daughter’s wedding weekend. Everything from arrival to departure was flawless. This home is absolutely beautiful & equipped with everything we needed and more!! Amazing location & amenities When we come back to TC, we will most definitely book here again. Highly highly recommend!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Scott S.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great relaxing oasis

Loved the outdoor space right by the river.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023