PLEASE NOTE: During peak season (mid June to Labor Day), we rent weekly ONLY, (Saturday to Saturday).
Located in the private community of Benway Landing on the Chain, our lakefront French country cottage was designed by national award winning home designer, Robert Martignoni of Building Science Associates.
Nestled in the woods on a private road, the house is built on a slope and offers views of the lake from the large great room, the primary bedroom, the screened porch and the sprawling deck. The floor to ceiling windows in the great room provide plenty of light and add to the spacious feel. The stone (wood burning) fireplace is the focal point in the great room and not only warms the room but provides a romantic ambience on those cold winter nights.
The home features natural pine floors throughout with porcelain tile in bathrooms and carpet in upstairs loft. The gourmet kitchen has a Jenn-Air gas stove with convection oven. New in 2023, we replaced the refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave with new KitchenAid appliances. We also replaced the original dark granite countertops with light, fresh, Cambria quartz countertops.. The new quartz looks beautiful with the painted custom cabinets. There is plenty of storage and all kitchen essentials are provided including a Cuisinart blender, Kitchen Aid mixer, dishes, glasses, serving trays and cookware. The eating area seats eight, with an adjoining enclosed screened porch that seats six to eight more guests.
The main level great room has just been updated with a 55" Smart TV (YouTubeTV), a Blu-Ray DVD player and a new sound bar.
The primary bedroom has a queen size iron bed and a closet with drawers and hanging space. The adjoining bathroom includes a granite vanity, Jacuzzi corner tub, stall shower and linen closet.
The guest bedroom has a full size bed and is next to the main bathroom which has a new quartz vanity and stall shower.
The loft upstairs sleeps five. There is a bunk bed (full bed below, twin above) and a trundle bed with two twin mattresses. There is a wonderful view of the lake from the loft.
The newly finished basement (the stated overall square footage includes the basement) has two bedrooms, a full bath, a wet bar/morning kitchen and a living area with a large 65" Smart TV and an electric fireplace. New in 2021 is the completed game room! The game room features a video arcade game (Pacman, Frogger, Donkey Kong and other "old school" games). The game room also has a foosball table, dart board, stereo equipment, flat screen TV and bar area. It's a fun room!
The first bedroom in the basement has a queen bed and a twin bed and the other bedroom has a queen bed. We also have a roll-a-way bed and a few cots.
The walk out patio provides additional outdoor seating at ground level with easy access to the boardwalk leading to the lake. The fire pit is conveniently located close to the walk out patio and there is an additional seating area across the flagstone path and another down by the lake. Enjoy the new outdoor pizza oven!
The expansive outdoor deck is approximately 10' x 30'. Enjoy the quiet and serene setting gazing at the lake and surrounding wooded areas. There is a gas grill, Adirondack chairs, and a large table with umbrella which seats six to eight. Guests thoroughly enjoy drinking their morning coffee as the sun comes up on this wonderful deck. Enjoy dinner and drinks in the evening!
Attention wildlife enthusiasts! The cottage is located on Benway Lake, which is among the 'Upper Chain of Lakes'. The lakes are perfect for kayaking and canoeing. Paddle through all six lakes on one trip or break this fabulous landscape into day trips. Either way, you are in for a unique kayaking or canoeing experience. We have two one-person kayaks and a canoe for your use, as well as life jackets. Enjoy wildlife such as loons, swans, ducks and turtles. Fish for bass, pike, walleye, and even trout and muskie! We also have a row boat available so if you'd like to bring your own boat motor you can easily attach it.
Please note: There is not a sandy beach at this property, but both Lake Michigan and Torch Lake beaches are just 15 minutes away. We do not permit diving off the dock due to shallow water. However, the lake is fine for swimming, boating and fishing. The maximum depth of Benway Lake is 42'.
The best northern Michigan golf courses are all a short drive away: Bay Harbor, Shanty Creek, The Chief, Hawks Eye, Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands, A-Ga-Ming, Antrim Dells and Dunmaglas. The cottage is a great base location for golfer's who enjoy playing a different course each day. Local restaurants include The Blue Pelican in Central Lake, Shorts Brewery in Bellaire and Torch Lake Cafe in Eastport. Classic Pizza in downtown Central Lake has pizza and subs. And, believe it or not, the Central Lake BP gas station (Louie's) on M-88 also has great pizza (order fresh)!
The local grocery store in Central Lake has most everything you will need to cook at home and if not, the larger Family Fare market in Bellaire is a short drive away. There is also a grocery/ hardware store on US 31 just north of M-88 that has tasty fried chicken and ribs ready to go.
Renting a boat? Contact Bedell's Crossing (231-544-8211) the upper chain of lakes. If you'd like to cruise Torch Lake, contact Northaire Resort (231-377-7764) or Torch Lake Pontoon Rentals (231-633-0149).
Keywords: Cottage, Lake House, Cabin; Benway; Upper Chair