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

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

On the beach, sun-loungers, beach towels
On the beach, sun-loungers, beach towels
Exterior
1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, free WiFi
Shower, hair dryer, towels, soap

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Air-conditioning
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

View map
Traverse City, MI

Room options

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About the area

Traverse City

With a stay at this guesthouse in Traverse City, you'll be on the beach, within a 10-minute drive of Lake Michigan and Chateau Grand Traverse. .This beach guesthouse is 10.6 mi (17 km) from Front Street and 10.6 mi (17.1 km) from Grand Traverse Bay.
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Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) - 27 min drive

Restaurants

  • The Dam Shop
  • Bisto Polaris
  • Masala Magic by Anita
  • Jolly Pumpkin
  • ‪Town Club - ‬38 min drive

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 sandy shores of Bowers Harbor, this private, remodeled guesthouse offers a serene setting for beach lovers and nature enthusiasts.
Key Details
• 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 but 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.
• Capacity & Policies:
Accommodates two adults only. No children or additional guests allowed.
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 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 nearby wineries, hiking trails, and restaurants like Jolly Pumpkin and The Boathouse.
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!
Bookings for 2025 are being accepted from January, 2025 thru October, 2025. Renting 7 nights or more earns a 10% discount off the rental rate.



Keywords: Waterfront, beach, beachfront, direct access, swimming, beach fires, sunsets, wineries, breweries, hiking, cycling, garage, 1-bedroom, cottage, guest cottage, pets can be allowed, Smart TV, WIFI, outdoor grill, outdoor spaces, firepit, views, city lights view, stars, quiet, tranquil, day trips, restaurants, foodies, special film showings downtown. air conditioning, internet, WIFI, hiking and biking trails, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, weekly discount, iron and ironing board, highly rated for location, highly rated for cleanliness, linens provided, towels, secure 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
  • Available in some public areas: WiFi

Parking and transport

  • 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 beach
  • On the waterfront
  • Outdoor furniture

More

  • Note from host: No smoking anywhere on the property
  • Smoke-free property

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
  • Hob
  • Kitchen
  • Kitchen island
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Paper towels
  • Refrigerator
  • Spices
  • Toaster

More

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

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

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

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

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Barbara P.

Liked: Cleanliness
This property is a dream, there are no words, it has everything. I only gave 4 stars on cleanliness because there were used coffee grounds left in the coffee maker when we arrived but no big deal. We moved the grill around to the patio outside the bedroom. Bugs outdoors were not a problem but I rented the 1st week in September with milder temps. I am not a tv person but my only complaint is that for what you are paying for this place it should have cable for those that are. Being able to bring my dog is a HUGE plus thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2025

8/10 Good

Stewart M.

Liked: Cleanliness
My son and I were having a great time fishing, boating and playing golf when business interrupted my trip and I had to leave early.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ed W.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Terry L.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

8/10 Good

Nancy B., Grand Rapids, MI

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

10/10 Excellent

Anaka T.

Liked: Cleanliness
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

10/10 Excellent

Daniel R.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

Kevin D.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Gourav G.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Ed W.

Liked: Cleanliness
The property is well equipped and peaceful. Pleasant accommodations that are well kept.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Jacob R.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

10/10 Excellent

Kelly R.

Liked: Cleanliness

Guesthouse on Lake Michigan

Beautiful location. Wineries close by. Near Traverse City for restaurants and shopping. Hosts were next door and friendly. Just wish we had come earlier in the year because the water was too cold for swimming. Otherwise it was a fantastic visit.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patricio B.

Liked: Cleanliness

Paddle boarding paradise

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

10/10 Excellent

June C.

Liked: Cleanliness

Could not have been better!

We enjoyed our stay so much that we are hoping to book again next year. The hosts were friendly and the cottage was absolutely spotless. There are plenty of nice restaurants nearby, but it was hard to leave the lovely beach just steps away from the cottage. We have rented Up North for years and this was our favorite place. Can't wait to go again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie H.

Liked: Cleanliness

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

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness

Great location, beautiful beach

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

6/10 Okay

David H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Traverse City

Beautiful spot, clean dwelling. Problems with Rental: Fruit flies, Terrible TV situation, no washing machine or dryer, no garbage disposal. Owner wouldn’t allow any visitors including our disabled upper 70’s in-laws to visit for the afternoon. Had to get dog sitter to go out to eat since owner wouldn’t allow leaving pet there. Traverse City very congested. Not a good experience.
Stayed 13 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brent C.

Liked: Cleanliness
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

8/10 Good

Joe V.

Liked: Cleanliness

Great get away!

Great time!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Vincent G., Ann Arbor, MI

Liked: Cleanliness

Guest house with private beach on beautiful Traverse Bay

The guesthouse on Old Mission Peninsula was clean and comfortable. The best part of us was the short walk to a private beach on the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay. We spent many hours on the sand and in the water which was warm and clear. The guesthouse was a short distance from many of our favorite wineries which we visited. Nancy and Norm were friendly hosts and made our stay memorable.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Beth S.

Great Location in TC Wine Country

Great location for exploring the Old Mission Peninsula. The Guest house was small but well appointed for all my adult daughter and I needed for our Up North getaway . There was a noticeable musty odor and many cobwebs but we were still happy with the setting .
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

8/10 Good

Phillip H.

Liked: Cleanliness

Mission peninsula guest house

Nice location for the immediate area. Harder to get to other places in greater Traverse area. We didn't utilize beach area to any real extent but it is small. Kitchen small. Don't plan to cook much. Overall, it served our purpose but overpriced.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark J.

Liked: Cleanliness

Lovely little place with a private beach

We loved our stay here. The property had everything we needed, and lots of thoughtful little extras that we didn't even expect, like wood for the fire pit on the beach and all the stuff needed to make s'mores, beach umbrellas, and beach towels. The location and the beach was beautiful. One thing to be aware of - the bed is extra firm. That's not really even a negative, just something to be aware of based on personal preference. We still slept just fine though.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kristen V.

Liked: Cleanliness

Beautiful!

The property is gorgeous! The hosts are incredible too - we accidentally locked ourselves out of the guesthouse when we walked to the beach and they were able to get us back in within minutes of texting them about our situation. During our stay, we enjoyed their clean beach and downtown Traverse City (~15minute drive). Next time, we plan to stop at one of the vineyards that is conveniently between the guesthouse and downtown. We highly recommend staying here for a fun weekend trip!
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael M., Rochester, MI

Liked: Cleanliness

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