Enjoy classic Northern Michigan lake living at this spacious, family- and dog-friendly lakefront cottage on Intermediate Lake. Designed for easy summer vacations and memorable time together, this five-bedroom home offers a private sandy beach, 90-ft private dock, and included kayaks, canoe, and paddleboat, all just steps from the house.
Whether you’re planning a full week on the lake or a long summer weekend with family and friends, everything here is set up so you can arrive, unpack once, and start enjoying the water immediately.
Lakefront Location with Private Beach & Dock
The cottage sits just 25 steps from your own private sandy beach, with easy, shallow entry that’s ideal for kids and dogs. The beach is usable all summer.
A 90-ft private dock extends into deeper water and is perfect for:
● Swimming and jumping in
● Dockside coffee and sunset watching
● Fishing and tying up water toys
● You’re welcome to tie up your own boat overnight, or have a rental delivered directly to the dock by a local marina.
Included at no extra cost:
● Two kayaks
● Canoe
● Paddleboat
Explore the beautiful Chain-of-Lakes, spend the day on the water, then return home without ever loading the car.
Comfortable, Spacious Home – Sleeps 12
With approximately 2,000 sq ft, five bedrooms, and two full bathrooms, there’s plenty of space for large families and groups to spread out while still spending time together.
Main floor:
● One lakeside king bedroom
● Two bedrooms with full beds
● Two full bathrooms
Upstairs:
● One king bedroom
● One large bedroom with two queen beds
Loft area:
● Daybed with trundle (popular with kids)
● Star Wars Pinball Machine & Checkers table
Two full bathrooms (one recently renovated) are stocked with towels, shampoo, conditioner, and basic “forget-something?” essentials.
Well-Equipped for Families
This home is designed with families in mind and equipped to make traveling easier.
Family amenities include:
● Pack ’n Play
● Outlet covers
● Children’s books, puzzles, and board games
● Sand toys for the beach
Families return year after year because the house is easy, comfortable, and truly kid-friendly.
Dog Friendly!
Dogs are welcome and thoughtfully accommodated.
Dog amenities include:
● Dog crates
● Dog bed
● Food and water bowls (including slow feeder)
● Dog Toys
● Tie-out and waste bags
The sandy beach, grassy yard, and shallow water entry make this an especially enjoyable spot for dogs to relax alongside the family.
Indoor Living & Entertainment
Inside, the cottage blends classic Up North character with modern comfort.
Highlights include:
● Comfortable living room with fireplace and plush seating
● 55” Smart TV
● Star Wars pinball machine for nostalgic family fun
● Handcrafted 12-seat dining table with lake views
The kitchen features:
● Full-size appliances
● New countertops
● Well-stocked coffee and tea bar (drip brewer, coffee, teas, syrups, creamers)
● Everyday cooking essentials
Four mini-splits provide reliable air conditioning on warm summer days, and fast Wi-Fi is available throughout the house.
Outdoor Living & Summer Evenings
Outdoor time is a big part of the experience here.
Outside you’ll find:
● Lakeside fire pit (firewood provided year-round)
● Propane grill for easy dinners
● Cornhole and ladder ball
● Lakeside Hammocks for lounging
● Yard lights for relaxed summer nights
Spend your evenings grilling, sharing stories by the fire, listening for loons across the lake, or unwinding after a full day on the water.
Great Location – Close to Northern Michigan Favorites
You’ll enjoy a peaceful lake setting while staying close to popular destinations:
● 10 minutes to Bellaire and Short’s Brewery
● 15 minutes to Torch Lake and Shanty Creek
● Easy day trips to Traverse City, Charlevoix, and Sleeping Bear Dunes
Everything you need is nearby, yet the property feels comfortably tucked away.
Seasonal & Practical Notes
● Dock, kayaks, canoe, and paddleboat available May 15 – October 15
● Firewood provided year-round
● Local marina can deliver rental boats directly to the dock
Why Guests Love This Home
● Private sandy beach, with no stairs or long walks (just 25 steps from the back door)
● Easy boat rentals and overnight dock access
● Sleeps 12 comfortably
● Family- and dog-friendly (uncommon for the area)
● Easy, stress-free lake living
Reserve Your Stay
Peak summer weeks, including July 4th, book well in advance. If you’re looking for a true lakefront vacation with space, privacy, and everything needed for a memorable family getaway, this Intermediate Lake cottage is ready to welcome you.
Explore the Area
Located in the village of Central Lake, you’re minutes from downtown shops, ice cream, and the local playground. Ten minutes south, Bellaire offers boutique shopping and the iconic Short’s Brewery. Torch Lake’s turquoise waters are a 15-minute drive away—perfect for a day trip to the sandbar. Golfers will love Shanty Creek’s courses, and wine lovers can explore nearby vineyards, cideries, and farm stands. Day trips to Charlevoix (30 min), Traverse City (45 min), or Sleeping Bear Dunes (1 hr) make exploring easy.
Know Before You Go
This is a peaceful, family-friendly retreat—no parties or events, and quiet hours run from 10 PM–7 AM. The primary renter must be 25+. For everyone’s safety, exterior cameras monitor entry points. The cottage uses well water that’s perfectly clean and safe, though guests unfamiliar with well systems may notice a natural mineral taste. Many bring bottled water for drinking as a personal preference. Because you’re right on the lake, please supervise children and pets near the water—there’s no lifeguard on duty.
Vintage Notes
The Dragonfly was built in 1964 and has been lovingly maintained through the decades. As the third owners, we’ve preserved its vintage charm—so you might hear a squeaky stair or find a sticky door on humid days. It’s part of the cottage’s story and authenticity, a place where laughter echoes through generations.
The Dragonfly Cottage is more than a place to stay—it’s where families reconnect, friends unwind, and everyone feels at home by the water. Book your stay today and start making memories on beautiful Intermediate Lake.
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!
Security cameras are installed on the front and back doors. The light on the front of the house is on a timer, for convenience.
