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.
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
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.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 96 out of 98 reviews
10 - Excellent
96
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 98 reviews
8 - Good
2
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 98 reviews
6 - Okay
0
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 98 reviews
4 - Poor
0
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 98 reviews
2 - Terrible
0
10/10
Cleanliness
Reviews
10/10 Excellent
Rene O.
3 Sept 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Very clean , wonderful patio and amenities A short drive to Traverse city
Rene O.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
21 Aug 2025
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.
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Tracie W.
21 Aug 2025
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!
Tracie W.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Matthew L.
9 Aug 2025
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!
Matthew L.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2025
10/10 Excellent
Les M.
7 Aug 2025
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!
Les M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jill G.
1 Aug 2025
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!
Jill G.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Macy P.
30 Jul 2025
Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing property, very thoughtful and accommodating hosts! Everything was super clean and well stocked!
Macy P.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
christina s., Flat Rock mi
26 Jul 2025
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
christina s.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Catherine C.
20 Jul 2025
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.
Catherine C.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
10/10 Excellent
Jennifer M.
4 Jul 2025
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!
Jennifer M.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
tim p.
22 Jun 2025
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.
tim p.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025
10/10 Excellent
Olivia C.
28 May 2025
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!!
Olivia C.
Stayed 3 nights in May 2025
10/10 Excellent
Les M.
26 Aug 2024
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!
Les M.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
christina s., Flat Rock mi
16 Aug 2024
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.!
christina s.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Verified traveller
11 Aug 2024
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!
Verified traveller
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Ann T.
11 Aug 2024
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.
Ann T.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
Nancy L.
7 Aug 2024
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.
Nancy L.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024
10/10 Excellent
cody m.
31 Jul 2024
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.
cody m.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Patrick H., St. Louis, MO
21 Jul 2024
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!!
Patrick H.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lindsay-Erin B.
15 Jul 2024
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!
Lindsay-Erin B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Grant G.
15 Jul 2024
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!
Grant G.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Antonio M.
8 Jul 2024
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).
Antonio M.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024
10/10 Excellent
Lea L.
2 Jul 2024
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!
Lea L.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024
10/10 Excellent
Monica D.
24 Jun 2024
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!!!