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Clam Lake Cottage, Torch Lake, Sandbar, Waterfront, Chain-o-Lakes, Pure Michigan

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HAPPY AS A CLAM LAKE HOUSE!
💗 MICHIGAN!
HAPPY AS A CLAM LAKE HOUSE!
Fall morning glow
Farmhouse table with 6 chairs & a bench

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6167.2 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor space
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
9155 Clam Lake Rd, Bellaire, MI, 49615
  • Clam River
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Torch Lake
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Lake Bellaire
    ‪10 min drive‬
  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪40 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Common area 1

1 Double Futon and 1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Clam Lake Cottage, Torch Lake, Sandbar, Waterfront, Chain-o-Lakes, Pure Michigan

HAPPY AS A CLAM LAKE HOUSE!
Clam Lake Michigan, Chain of Lakes, Torch Lake
Bellaire, Michigan
2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1800 sq ft
Est. Fall of 2019
Newly remodeled
Instagram: @happyasaclamlakehouse

BACKGROUND:
Welcome to our slice of UP NORTH heaven! Making lasting memories!
We purchased our dream cottage on CLAM LAKE in the fall of 2019 after renting and vacationing on CLAM for the last 45 years. My grandparents and parents were born and raised here so really for me it’s been all my life. We have been working for the past year remodeling this gem. At first making the 600 mile trip for long weekends until the pandemic lockdown. Once Michigan opened up again we were fortunate enough to spend 5 months of the pandemic here finishing up the cottage and enjoying the lake. We hope we have made it the perfect place to share with our guests.

Our lake front cottage is situated on the northwest side of CLAM LAKE right at the opening to the world famous TORCH LAKE! Less than a 5 minute boat ride to TORCH LAKE! Then a short boat trip to the famous TORCH LAKE SANDBAR!
CLAM LAKE is the perfect location to enjoy all of the CHAIN OF LAKES. Did you know that you can start in downtown BELLAIRE and boat all the way to LAKE MICHIGAN on the CHAIN OF LAKES?!! Some even paddle the chain in a kayak or paddle board!

OUTDOOR:
You can enjoy full use of our permanent 30 ‘ dock for your boat or for fishing. There is a CLAM LAKE boat launch just down the road so bring your boat or rent one when you get here. DeWitt’s Marine, Butch’s, Dockside and Northaire Resort all rent pontoon boats & jet skis right here on the lake. There a a couple more in Rapid City MI that will deliver. Gas and convenience items are available at both DeWitts and Butch’s. If you are boating be sure to float down the beautiful GRASS RIVER for a relaxing time, we love to do this for our morning coffee or Bloody Mary cruise. And of course blast over to the SANDBAR for the ultimate in blue waters with a soft sandy bottom. CLAM LAKE is an excellent place for water skiing & tubing as it is much calmer. It can be just like glass at times, especially in the mornings.

One key outstanding feature of the cottage is the large wrap around deck! Perfect for boat watching by day and stargazing by night. The stunning sunset blazes into CLAM LAKE from TORCH LAKE, you don’t want to miss it! Below the deck is a marvelously large brick patio space with table for more outdoor living and dining and grilling. Especially nice if a little rain sneaks up so you can still enjoy the view. Enjoy roasting hotdogs & s’mores by the fire pit. We have one 10’ kayak and one youth 6’ kayak as well as one 10’ SUP board for your enjoyment. Use of theses as well as swimming is at your own risk.

INDOOR:
The HAPPY AS A CLAM LAKE HOUSE has an open floor plan including a great room with a vaulted ceiling and large windows that provide a spectacular lakeside view. There are also beautiful lake views from the bedrooms.
A fully equipped kitchen. A counter with bars stools. A coffee bar with a Keurig which will make both a full pot of coffee or single cup pods.
We have been working hard to make our happy place perfect for our guests. So many new things! All brand new appliances in the kitchen and new washer/dryer (laundry room located downstairs). New flooring. New cozy furniture. We built a new farmhouse table so the whole family will enjoy delightful dining by the window, playing games or doing puzzles. TWO brand new Smart TVs, a 65” upstairs and a 55” downstairs and one small smart TV in the bedroom. And best of all … brand new mattresses so you will get plenty of R&R!

RESTAURANTS & ACTIVITIES:
HAPPY AS A CLAM LAKE HOUSE is 6 miles from the quaint village of Bellaire Michigan where you can visit Short’s Brewery, Ruthann’s Bakery & Coffee Shop, Corner Bistro, Hello Vino, Mammoth Distillery and Bee Well Meadery to name a few fun spots. The shopping is heavenly! There is a marina, park, movie theater, bakery, ice cream shop, library & more restaurants. Paddles & Pedals offers sales and rentals of bikes, kayaks, paddles boards & snowshoes.
Dockside Restaurant is so close, only a half mile by boat or to walk/drive. They have an amazing outdoor dining deck and also have a great swimming beach and boat rentals.

King’s Orchard is only 5 miles away and a must stop for the best fresh local seasonal goodies like berries, corn, apples, peaches, cider and must have fresh donuts. Alden is another quaint village with the sweetest little shops and is also only 5 miles away. Traverse City Michigan is a 45 minute drive but it has everything you could ever want. Including the Cherry Capital Airport to fly into if you want to come from afar. It has big name stores and an amazing downtown full of the cutest shops. You will also find more golf, miniature golf and parasailing over Grand Traverse Bay in TC.
There are so many day trip possibilities for shopping, winery trails and fall color drives / sightseeing. Locations include: Traverse City, Petosky, Charlevoix, Elk Rapids, Suttons Bay, Fish Town, The Tunnel of Trees and more.
Wineries abound! There are some great winery tours to take—from Torch Lake Tours to Old Mission Peninsula to Leelanau County. Nearby favorites are Torch Lake Cellars & Cellars 1914 or Traverse City favorites Chateau Chantal & Black Star Farms.

Shanty Creek is the place for golfing and dining – the best. And do not forget about their winter sports at Schuss Mountain. Skiing, snowboarding, tubing (fav) & snowshoeing.

Hike and bike this beautiful north country at near by Glacier Hills Trails and hiking and kayaking at Grass River Natural Area and more.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is world famous and is about 60 miles away. You will want to visit The Dune Climb for fun with the kids but do not miss the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive to the top, you will be amazed when you look out over Lake Michigan at lookout #9! In the near by town of Empire there is a Coast Guard museum and a great park for swimming with a few good restaurants. We love to wait at the park for the sunset over Lake Michigan!

AMENITIES:
Sleeping designed for 6 adults:
-Upstairs bedroom has a new king size bed
-Downstairs bedroom has a new queen size bed
-Downstairs family room/common area has a new queen size bed plus a futon for kids if needed
-Each of the two bedrooms have 1 youth Coleman cot (125#) and 1 toddler cot (2-5 year olds up to 55#)
-One pack-n-play with sheets is provided

One pop-up type foldable high chair
One booster chair
Baby tub

Upstairs bathroom: full with tub/shower (accessible from the family room)
Downstairs bathroom: full with shower (accessible from the family room)

Bed linens plus bath + kitchen towels provided
Starter pack of paper products

Washer/Dryer
Central air & heat
WiFi
3-Smart TVs
Fire pit
Charcoal grill
Kayak 1-10’ adult
Kayak 1-6’ child
SUP board 1-10’ adult
Life jackets 2-adult, 3-child
Retractable baby gate at top of the stairs
Gate on the deck
NO PETS, sorry owner allergies
Sat. to Sat. rental only, during the summer
7 day minimum summer/3 day minimum winter
4 pm check-in/10 am check-out
Minimum renters age = 25 years old
50% paid at booking
50% paid 60 days prior to check in
100% rent refunded up to 60 days prior
50% of deposit refunded up to 30 days prior
Zero refund if less that 30 days
Damage deposit will be collected
Parking is limited
3-Security outdoor only cameras on the property. 1-nest doorbell cam at front door, 1-nest cam on the road side of the house, and 1-nest cam on the top peak of the back of the house for a view of the back yard and dock

This is definitely our HAPPY PLACE!
We have been working hard to make it a comfortable place for you.
We hope you will love northern Michigan as much as we do!
Enjoy your stay at the
HAPPY AS A CLAM LAKE HOUSE!
We are sure you will want to return!
THANK YOU!

Instagram @happyasaclamlakehouse

Property manager

Rebecca Patton
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Gates, cots, highchair, pack-n-play
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
Owner extreme allergy
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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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

About the area

Bellaire

Located in Bellaire, this holiday home is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Torch Lake and Grand Traverse Bay. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, or try out other outdoor activities such as snowmobiling and sledging.
Map
Bellaire, MI

What's nearby

  • Clam Lake - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Clam River - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Torch Lake - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Lake Bellaire - 10 min drive - 7.4 km
  • Torch Lake Park - 12 min drive - 10.1 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 40 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Oasis Red Bull Tavern - ‬27 min drive
  • ‪Short's Brewing Company - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪Bellaire Bar & Restaurant - ‬13 min drive
  • ‪M88 Morning Grind - ‬13 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Clam Lake Cottage, Torch Lake, Sandbar, Waterfront, Chain-o-Lakes, Pure Michigan pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much is parking at Clam Lake Cottage, Torch Lake, Sandbar, Waterfront, Chain-o-Lakes, Pure Michigan?

Self-parking is available for a fee. Limited spots are available.

What time is check-in at Clam Lake Cottage, Torch Lake, Sandbar, Waterfront, Chain-o-Lakes, Pure Michigan?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Clam Lake Cottage, Torch Lake, Sandbar, Waterfront, Chain-o-Lakes, Pure Michigan?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Clam Lake Cottage, Torch Lake, Sandbar, Waterfront, Chain-o-Lakes, Pure Michigan located?

This family-friendly Bellaire holiday home is located on the waterfront, within a 10-minute walk of Clam Lake and Torch Lake. Clam River is 0.4 mi (0.6 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 47 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 47 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 47 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

gabriella k.

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

Couples Getaway

My husband and I wanted to stay at a lake house in a secluded area with a beautiful view and plenty of space. The host was swift to respond to our messages. This house was PERFECT!! We are HAPPY AS A CLAM!!
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2025

10/10 Excellent

Scott R.

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

The complete package

What a great place! Seriously, this home has everything you would want in a place by lake. The views are great, the location is beautiful and the amenities are plentiful. The most impressive part of the stay is the thoughtfulness of the owners.  The house is super clean, very organized, and the hosts are quick to respond to anything you need not that you will need anything. The hosts have thought of almost everything. They even have a little milk frother next to the coffee maker! Who does that?  Every room is comfortable and ready to go when you arrive. We felt like we were home when we were there. The kitchen is well stocked with many accessories and supplies. We cooked a couple of our meals and we had everything we needed at our fingertips.  The kayaks were great for a few hours paddling on Clam Lake. The fire pit made for a lovely ending to the evening.  I would definitely return and recommend this for couples or families looking for an easy, carefree stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cal M.

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

Nice stay

Very close to Torch by the Marina. Clean, comfortable and Becky was very communicative.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

patricia g.

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

Up North Birthday Get-Away

Wonderful location, nice dock, coffee in the morning watching wildlife on the lake, all made for a fabulous respite.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Husband’s birthday trip.

We loved our stay at “Happy as a clam”. We enjoyed the view, the location, the dock, fully stocked and clean house and amenities. We are thankful for all details the house and the outdoors offered for us to have a relaxing and entertaining week. We were so close to amazing sights and shopping. We look forward to book it again. Thank you.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan H.

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

Wonderful cottage....will be back for sure!

This little cottage has it all, location 4+++! Perfectly decorated with all the little touches you would expect in someones home ....couldnt have been more perfect!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michele P.

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

Everything we expected plus more

As soon as my husband walked into the property, he said we will stay again. The host is quick to reply to questions, house well appointed and location perfect for boating, golfing and visiting nearby towns - Bellaire, Elk Rapids, Fisherman's Island State Park & Charlevoix. Clam Lake Cottage will not disappoint - book it!!
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

JOHN K.

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

Clam Lake House

Everything was well stocked. They had everything we needed and more. Will definitely recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mary L.

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

Wonderful place!!

We loved staying here for a week!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Justin D.

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

Perfect lake vacation property

Very clean and nice property. Felt like u were at your own house
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark R.

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

Best vacation this summer

This is our third year staying at Happy as a Clam. The house is just perfect for our group. The outside area is beautiful overlooking Clam Lake. The deck is great for a morning cup of coffee or just relaxing and enjoying the fresh air. You will not find a cleaner house for your summer vacation stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Patrick C.

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

Happy as a Clam!

Excellent accommodations! Enjoyed being able to keep our boat at the dock for the week.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K.

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

Favorite Place on Clam!

We have been visiting Torch Lake for our summer vacation for years now, and this was hands down our favorite place we have stayed. We will be back, and soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Frances M.

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

Well thought out

The amenities were great and the home was nicely decorated and very clean.The location was perfect for boating. The owner is very responsive and the check in and out was as easy as it gets.
Stayed 5 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Rich A.

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

Wonderful waterfront retreat

You wont need to pack too many extras the home offers everything u will need to sit back and enjoy. Kitchen is well stocked, main floor offers a nice main bedroom, large bathroom, living room with wonderful waterfront views and easy access to wrap around deck. Lower level is extra bonus living space and access to yard and bon fire area. The extras are what singles this home out. We will for sure try to rent again
Stayed 3 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy S., Granger, IN

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

Ideal location for hiking, biking, boating, eating, shopping, and drinking

Beautiful home in perfect location. Something for everyone!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shelley H.

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

Very cute!

The house was super cute and worked perfectly for a short getaway with our friends!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deb L.

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

Great R and R

We had a relaxing and good time. Beautiful area.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

elizabeth g.

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

Awesome lake home!

We can’t say enough about Clam Lake Cottage! Amazing house that has everything you need-beautiful view, perfect location, lovely decor, well equipped etc. Rebecca, the owner, was so helpful and patient with all our questions. Can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Brett R.

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

Little Slice of Heaven

Very relaxing family fun!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sue D.

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

Happy

Everything was perfect. We hauled our own pontoon and the access was right near the house and we were minutes to Dockside restaurant and beautiful Torch lake. We were all definitely happy as a clam😊 Definitely would vacation there again. Becky the property owner is better than any other owner we have ever vacationed with.
Stayed 6 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

nicole f.

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

Relaxing and pleasant stay

The “Happy as a Clam” house was just that for our group. Our younger children had the entire downstairs of the house to themselves while we were able to enjoy the master and large wraparound deck. Plenty of room for a family of six, nice and close to the marina and Torch Lake where we rented a boat for the week. The weather was less than cooperative, but the kids had fun playing games and doing puzzles and shopping in Bellaire, Alden and Traverse was easily accessible. We had a great stay and if you love swimming, fishing and boating this is the perfect rental!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

nancy t.

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

Beautiful home

We really enjoyed the home and the area. Met all our expectations! We would definitely rent again!
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark R.

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

Fantastic Lake House

This was our second year staying at Happy as a Clam. The house is just perfect for the six of us. The house was very clean when we arrived and the check in was also easy. We enjoyed the top deck all week just relaxing and getting some sun. We also visited Shorts Brewery in Bellaire and Elk Rapids, the shops in Alden and some of the nearby wineries. All these places are a short drive from the house. We have been coming to this area on vacation for years and this house with all the amenities it has to offer are the best. We are already planning to rent again next year. The only problem we had was the week went by to fast. If you are looking for a five star rental this is the place to be…
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Dan M.

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

Happy as a clan

Our family loved this property!! From the moment we walked into the home and seen Clam lake from the front large window to all the thought put into the decorations incorporating all northing Michigan has to offer. This home had everything and more needed to have an amazing time. Very clean!! The boat dock was great for our 20ft runabout. They are located at the start of the no wake zone which really was nice has the boat did not take on any large wakes while docked. Overall, couldnt be any happier and hoping to come back soon!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

About the host

Hosted by Rebecca Patton

Host profile image

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests