Entire home

Sandy Bottom Cottage on Intermediate Lake

Lakefront cottage in Bellaire with kitchen

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Interior - Sandy Bottom Cottage on Intermediate Lake (Bellaire)
Interior - Sandy Bottom Cottage on Intermediate Lake (Bellaire)
Exterior - Sandy Bottom Cottage on Intermediate Lake (Bellaire)
Property grounds - Sandy Bottom Cottage on Intermediate Lake (Bellaire)
TV - Sandy Bottom Cottage on Intermediate Lake (Bellaire)
Located on Intermediate Lake, this cottage offers the perfect family getaway with a huge dock for boats and a fire pit for cozy evenings. Enjoy water activities with 2 kayaks available to rent or relax in the bonus bedroom off the garage.

Reviews

8.4 out of 10
Very good

Entire home

3 bedrooms1 bathroom850 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Water view

Add dates for prices

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Sandy Bottom Cottage on Intermediate Lake

Sandy Bottom Cottage is a classic Northern Michigan lakefront retreat on beautiful Intermediate Lake, perfectly located between Bellaire and Central Lake. This charming cottage offers everything families need for a relaxing, memory-making week on the water, with one of the area’s most loved features—a true, natural sandy lake bottom.

Unlike many lakes that advertise sand, guests consistently rave about the genuine sandy shoreline here, making it ideal for kids to wade, splash, and play. The water is clear with a gradual drop-off farther out, allowing parents to easily keep an eye on little ones. A large dock provides plenty of space for swimming, lounging, and accommodating up to two boats, perfect if friends or family plan to visit from across the lake.

Days are easily spent swimming, floating, kayaking, or simply soaking up the peaceful setting. Two kayaks with paddles are available for guests to enjoy. The shaded yard invites slow afternoons, naps, and quiet moments, while mornings bring beautiful sunrises over the water that guests return year after year to experience.

As evening settles in, gather near the shoreline fire pit for s’mores, stories, and a glass of wine as the sun dips below the horizon. Inside, the cottage is cozy and well-equipped for a comfortable stay, capturing the nostalgic spirit of an up-north cabin that families love.

A bonus bedroom with a queen bed located off the garage provides additional sleeping space and flexibility for guests. While there is no air conditioning, the shaded property and lake breezes help keep the cottage comfortable during summer stays.

2 kayaks with paddles available to use.

Please note: If not a family with kids, all guests must be 25 and older

Please Note: a refundable security deposit is required on all rentals ranging from $100 to $500 based on the place. This is refunded upon departure as long as no damages and the pool pass is present where applicable. If an Airbnb reservation, Airbnb will charge this fee when necessary.

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach nearby

Internet

  • Available in the cottage: WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Car recommended
  • Onsite parking options include a garage

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Bedrooms

  • 3 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 1 bathroom
  • Hair dryer
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Living room

Entertainment

  • TV with cable/satellite channels

Outdoor areas

  • Barbecue grill
  • Firepit
  • Porch/lanai

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Location highlights

  • On a lake
  • On the waterfront

Things to do

  • Golfing nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Motor boating nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Water skiing nearby
  • Water tubing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector not reported (host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher

General

  • Unit size: 850 square feet

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 3:00 PM
Contactless check-in available
Minimum check-in age: 25

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

All renters must be at least 25 years of age, except families with small children.
A Security Deposit hold is required prior to arrival and will automatically be released 14 days after check out unless there are damages or other issu
All guests must sign a rental agreement for every reservation.

Pets

Pets not allowed

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher
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 recommended for transportation to and from this property

Property is also known as

Cottage
Cozy On Intermediate Bellaire
Cozy Lake Cottage on Intermediate
Cozy Cottage on Intermediate Lake Cottage
Cozy Cottage on Intermediate Lake Bellaire
Cozy Cottage on Intermediate Lake Cottage Bellaire
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About the area

Located in Bellaire, this cottage is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Torch Lake and Lake Michigan. Looking to get your feet wet? Kayaking, water skiing and water tubing adventures can be found near the property. Visit our Bellaire travel guide
View more Cottages in Bellaire
Map
Bellaire, MI

What's nearby

  • The drop off at Torch Lake in northern Michigan; Shutterstock ID 748887706; purchase_order: SP-1269 HA 2018 Batch 1; Order: ; client: ; other:
    Torch Lake
    8 min drive - 9.4 km
  • Sunset On Lake Bellaire; Shutterstock ID 575672365
    Lake Bellaire
    11 min drive - 13.4 km
  • In my much younger and foolish days, I would downhill ski at Caberfae (Cadillac, MI) and Snow Snake (Harrison, MI).
    Boyne Mountain
    41 min drive - 46.0 km
  • Intermediate Lake
    2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Avalanche Bay Indoor Waterpark
    43 min drive - 51.0 km

Getting around

  • Cherry Capital Airport (TVC)
    62 min drive

Restaurants

  • Short's Brewing Company
    10 min drive
  • McDonald's
    11 min drive
  • M88 Morning Grind
    11 min drive
  • Toonies Fish & Steakhouse
    10 min drive
  • Blue Pelican Inn
    5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Sandy Bottom Cottage on Intermediate Lake pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Sandy Bottom Cottage on Intermediate Lake?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

Where is Sandy Bottom Cottage on Intermediate Lake located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is steps from Intermediate Lake, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Torch Lake and Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area Trailhead. Short's Brewing Company and Bauer Nature Preserve are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Sandy Bottom Cottage on Intermediate Lake Reviews

Reviews

Very good

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.
More informationOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 8 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 8 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 8 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 8 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 8 reviews

7.0

Cleanliness

9.8

Location

Reviews

8/10 Good

Barbara H.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Cleanliness

Nice cabin, but needs updating

The property manager provides exceptional service. We have been coming to Intermediate Lake for years and have stayed in similar cabins. We choose this one because it offered a separate bedroom in a converted garage. We were 6 adults. Generally pleased with the cabin. but it is in need of a serious update. The carpet was stained and dirty, side table (1) and lamp (1) were very old and worn, living room lacked enough setting for 6 adults, the sunporch was great but again lacked enough seating. The dock and lake were wonderful. Sandy bottom with very little seaweed. Neighbors were very friendly.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patrick M.

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

Great cabin!

The cabin was in an awesome spot on the lake. Great hosts!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Libby H.

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

Great time at the lake

We loved having the extra space for extended family to stay at the lake! Thanks for a wonderful time!!!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Terrie S.

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

Cousin weekend!

Easy to rent. Cozy, Clean and wonderful neighbors.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2021

8/10 Good

Angela V.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect family getaway

The cabin is right on the lake with an awesome dock and sandy area for the kids to play. We had everything we needed for a fun week of swimming and relaxing.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2020

6/10 Okay

audrey e.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

First vacation stay in Michigan after Covid 19 shutdown

We were looking for a place to accommodate 4 adults and three kids ages 8,3,2 that had a shallow. safe beach. This location on Intermediate Lake was great! Older grandkids could play in the sand and walk quite a distance in the shallow water. Enjoyed the fire ring and , new gas grill. We were thankful there was a covered area with a picnic table to eat on a rainy day. The cabin itself is small and rustic, but we made it work. Kitchen is equipped with all you need to cook for a family. The shower in the bath was very nice. It was not as clean as we would have liked, but after contacting the manager, they came out and cleaned it up.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2020

4/10 Poor

Nitasha D.

Liked: Check-in, location
Disliked: Cleanliness

Nothing Cozy About It - Left Early

Upon checkin, we noticed the floors were dirty so I swept under the cupboards and along the stove. I ended up with a pile of old food and dirt. Later that night we we returned after some fun on the lake, we realized there were screws under the furnace and we had no heat. Immediately emailed property manager and never heard back. With 3 kids with us, we decided to “rough it out”. The 7 year old was up most of night complaining of the cold. When we woke up the next morning and still didn’t have a response from the manager, we left early. Got our stuff and left. The rooms had dead bugs in the corners of every room. I have lots of pics saved to my phone of what we experienced. The cabin location is great and the neighbors were friendly but this cabin is not as clean as it should be! Won’t book here again unfortunately. Property manager should have responded to the email about the heat and still to this day, I have heard nothing.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2020

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2025