Just 25 steps from the back door to the private beach, The Dragonfly Cottage is a cozy 5BR vintage lakefront retreat where timeless memories are made. Spend days paddling the kayaks, canoe, or paddleboat on Intermediate Lake, and nights by the firepit with s’mores and stories. With a Star Wars pinball machine, hammocks, Smart TV, fast Wi-Fi, games, and dog-friendly touches, this is a warm and welcoming escape for families, friends, and all generations. Near wine tasting, Torch Lake & Bellaire.
Waterfront Fun for All Ages: Wake up to gentle waves and enjoy your morning coffee on the dock as mist rises off the lake. Spend sunny days swimming in the shallow, clear water (perfect for kids and pups!), paddling the included 2 kayaks, canoe, or paddleboat, and fishing right off the dock (the drop-off reaches 75 feet deep for great catches). Two hammocks by the shore invite afternoon naps. As evening falls, gather around the fire pit under a canopy of stars – we provide the firewood and even s’mores supplies for classic family fun. (Challenge your crew to lawn games like cornhole or ladder toss, or cast a line with the fishing poles provided – there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained outdoors.)
Room for Everyone – Pets Welcome: With 5 bedrooms plus a loft (8 beds total), The Dragonfly comfortably sleeps 12 guests – perfect for multi-generational getaways or group vacations. Grandparents will appreciate that three bedrooms (including a king suite with lake view) are on the main floor, while the younger ones can claim the two upstairs bedrooms (another king and a room with two queens) and the fun loft area (which features a daybed with trundle and the pinball machine!). We love hosting families and furry friends, so bring the whole crew – your dog is welcome here! You’ll find a dog bed, two crates, bowls, toys, a leash, waste bags, and even a convenient tie-out cable, so your four-legged family member feels right at home.
Vintage Charm + Modern Comfort: Built in 1964 and lovingly renovated in 2021, The Dragonfly Cottage offers the best of old and new. You’ll adore the rustic beams, hardwood floors, and nostalgic touches (there’s even a vintage record player with a collection of vinyl), all while enjoying modern amenities like high-speed WiFi, a 55” Smart TV, efficient heating & cooling, and keyless entry. The open-concept living area invites you to unwind with a plush sectional sofa, an electric fireplace, and picture windows overlooking the lake. The adjacent dining area has space for everyone to share meals with a view. When you’re up for some friendly competition, head to the loft and challenge the family on the vintage Star Wars pinball machine or break out one of our many board games – there’s entertainment for all ages, rain or shine.
Fully Stocked Kitchen & Coffee Bar: The spacious kitchen combines retro cottage charm with modern function, equipped with everything you need to feed a crowd. Whip up your favorite recipes with full-size appliances (stove/oven, dishwasher, microwave, blender) and a complete array of cookware, bakeware, and utensils. We’ve stocked the pantry with cooking basics (oil, spices) and provided a coffee bar to kickstart your mornings – a drip coffee pot with locally roasted ground coffee, an assortment of teas, plus sugar, creamers, and flavored syrups. Enjoy your coffee out on the deck or take it down to the dock for a tranquil start to the day. As a special welcome, you’ll also find a gift basket of local treats waiting when you arrive.
Year-Round Beauty & Nearby Adventures: The Dragonfly Cottage is a four-season haven in the heart of Northwest Michigan. In summer, enjoy boating, swimming, and lakeside barbecues. In autumn, the surrounding trees put on a brilliant show of color – take a scenic drive through the famous Tunnel of Trees or visit a nearby orchard for cider and donuts. In winter, use the cottage as your cozy base after skiing at the nearby slopes or snowmobiling and ice fishing on Intermediate Lake. Spring brings wildflowers, warming days, and a quiet serenity that’s perfect for a retreat. Our prime location means you’re never far from adventure. Downtown Bellaire (home of Short’s Brewery, shops, and restaurants) is just 10 minutes away. The famed Torch Lake with its turquoise waters is an easy 15-minute drive – great for a day trip of boating or beach-hopping. Shanty Creek Resort is 15 minutes away for skiing in winter or golf in summer. And if you’d like to explore further, charming Charlevoix, bustling Traverse City, and even the majestic Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore make great day trips (about 45–60 minutes by car). Whether you’re into hiking, golfing, wine tasting, or boutique shopping, you’ll find it all within reach.
Book Your Lakefront Getaway: The Dragonfly Cottage isn’t just a place to stay – it’s a place to connect with family, friends, and nature. Watch your kids build sandcastles on your private beach while your dog splashes in the shallows. Savor a quiet moment in the hammock with a good book, or swap stories and roast marshmallows around the fire pit at night. From spectacular sunsets to the call of loons at dawn, this Up North lake escape is everything you’ve dreamed of. We can’t wait to welcome you – reserve your dates now and get ready to create lifelong memories at The Dragonfly Cottage!
At-a-Glance Features
- Direct lakefront: Private sandy beach and 90-ft dock – only 25 steps from the door to the water.
- Space for 12: 5 bedrooms + loft (8 beds total), 2 full bathrooms – comfortably sleeps up to 12 guests.
- Pet-friendly: Dogs welcome! Provided amenities include dog bed, crates, bowls, toys, leash & waste bags.
- Watercraft included: 2 kayaks, 1 canoe, and 1 paddleboat are free for you to use and explore the lake.
- Family fun amenities: Lakeside fire pit (with firewood & s’mores kit), 2 hammocks by the water, vintage Star Wars pinball machine, board games, lawn games, and fishing gear – entertainment for all ages.
- Vintage charm, modern comfort: 1960s cottage with vintage décor, renovated in 2021. Enjoy modern conveniences like air conditioning, high-speed WiFi, a 55” Smart TV, and keyless entry alongside the home’s rustic character.
- Prime location: Minutes from Bellaire (10 min to Short’s Brewery and shops), Torch Lake (15 min), and Shanty Creek Resort (15 min). Easy day trips to Traverse City, Charlevoix, and Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Important to Know: To maintain our peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere, no parties or events are allowed (and the primary renter must be age 25+). Quiet hours are in effect from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM to respect our neighbors and the tranquil lakeside setting. For security, we have exterior cameras on entry points (monitoring the driveway and front door). The cottage uses well water; it’s clean and fine for cooking and bathing, though you may wish to bring bottled water for drinking if you prefer. Also, since we’re right on the lake, please supervise children and pets near the water – there’s no lifeguard on duty, so all water activities are at your own risk.
THE LOCATION:
Welcome to the heart of northern Michigan’s Chain-of-Lakes, where life moves at a relaxed “Up North” pace. The Dragonfly Cottage sits right on Intermediate Lake in the village of Central Lake, just minutes from downtown for ice cream, playgrounds, and grocery stops. Ten minutes south, the town of Bellaire offers boutique shops, cozy cafés, and the iconic Short’s Brewing Company.
Love local flavors? Sample cider, mead, wine, and spirits at nearby favorites like Bee Well, Cellar 1914, Torch Lake Cellars, and Mammoth Distilling—all just a short drive away. Along the way, stop at farm stands for orchard pies, maple syrup, and homemade ice cream.
Outdoor fun is everywhere: paddle your own lake, swim off your private beach, or explore nearby Torch Lake’s famous blue waters. Hike the Glacial Hills trails, golf at Shanty Creek, or snowshoe and ski come winter. The area is beautiful year-round, from fall color drives to cozy evenings after ice fishing.
Perfectly located for day trips, you’re 45 minutes from Traverse City, 30 from Charlevoix, and just over an hour to Sleeping Bear Dunes and Mackinac Island. Whether you’re chasing adventure or soaking up small-town charm, The Dragonfly Cottage makes the perfect home base.
Please note: no parties are allowed at the property. This is a lakefront property and there is no life guard on duty. All guests acknowledge they will be swimming, boating, and enjoying the lake at their own risk when booking. Lastly, we have quiet hours between 10pm and 7am - it’s very important this is followed, so our neighbors continue to be supportive of The Dragonfly!
VINTAGE CHARM: The Dragonfly was built in 1964 and was used as a seasonal cottage for over 60 years! In 2021, it was renovated for use year-round. Your hosts are the third owners of this cottage, and all owners have kept the original vintage charm! This also means the cottage has quirks – the kitchen and bathrooms are original to the cottage, the stairs can be a bit squeaky, and sometimes the humidity makes the doors stick. The cottage is on a well and septic. If you are not used to well water, we recommend bringing drinking water with you.
Security cameras are installed on the front and back doors. The light on the front of the house is on a timer, for convenience.
