Entire home

Relax by the river in style & comfort just minutes from Traverse City, MI

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Living area
Property grounds
Golf
Snow and ski sports
Living area

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Beach view
  • Dryer
  • Barbecue grill
  • Washer
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Traverse City, MI
  • Arbutus Lake
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Spider Lake
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Traverse City Beach
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Common area 1

1 Double Futon

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Relax by the river in style & comfort just minutes from Traverse City, MI

East Bay Township STR License #002938

Rivershire is on Ottawa and Chippewa land. As stewards of this land, we practice sustainability, inclusiveness, and welcome diversity.

The Retreat at Rivershire Guesthouse offers beautifully appointed comfort on the banks of the Boardman River, a Blue Ribbon trout stream. Two-story floor plan features two upstairs bedrooms, two baths (one on each floor), upstairs laundry, remote-control heat and AC, kitchen, dining area and living room space with comfortable pull out couch, recliner, and TV. The Boardman River is mere steps from the back porch which comes complete with glider for comfortable relaxation outside. Just off the porch is a picnic table.

Enjoy the pristine, flowing river waters of the Boardman and possible wildlife sightings (trout, blue heron, beaver, otter, marten, muskrat, etc.). Bedrooms are spacious and feature a queen bed in one and two twin beds in the other that can be set-up in advance as a king-size bed by our staff—guest's choice! Kitchen features apartment-size stove and refrigerator, toaster oven/air fryer, plenty of dishes, glassware, mugs, utensils, pots and pans for those who prefer to prepare their own meals. Rivershire is minutes from downtown Traverse City and surrounding areas where shopping, restaurants for any taste and budget, and wineries/breweries/distilleries are plentiful. Bring a book, your own kayaks, and fly-rods for peaceful relaxation and river enjoyment. Hiking trails just minutes away. Take in the scenic beauty of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay beaches, Leelanau County, Benzie County, Old Mission Peninsula and more within minutes by car.

This property doesn't allow pets or children under 12 years of age.

Located just 10 minutes from Traverse City, The Retreat at Rivershire Guest House offers peace and quiet in a natural setting with easy access to all that Traverse City and the surrounding area have to offer. Gaze up at the stars and planets in the night sky as the river flows smoothly by. Minutes away from Brown Bridge Quiet Area for accessible nature hikes and Ranch Rudolph for horseback riding. If you're looking for quiet, cozy comfort and plenty of natural charm, The Retreat at Rivershire Guest House is for you! Owner lives on the property and looks forward to welcoming you!

Please note: The Retreat at Rivershire offers quiet relaxation and enjoyment of property in a scenic nature setting. Fraternity/sorority gatherings and bachelor/bachelorette parties are not permitted. Also, per our house rules, only children ages 12-17 are permitted with accompanying adult(s). Minimum age for an accompanying adult is 25. Thank you for understanding and following these guidelines.

Keywords: Waterfront, Pure Michigan, Boardman River, East River Road, Traverse City, National Cherry Festival, Wineries, Beaches, Kingsley, Mayfield Township, Grand Traverse Bay, Paradise Township, Grand Traverse County, Kayaking, Fishing, Golfing, Swimming, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Restaurants, Dining, Distilleries, Breweries, Shopping, Rafting, Tubing, Camping, Shopping, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Orchards, Vineyards, Canoeing, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Traverse City Film Festival, Horse Shows By the Bay, Leelanau County, Old Mission Peninsula, Leelanau Peninsula, Benzie County, Dune Climb, Scenic Drives, Horseback Riding, Color Tours, Leaf Peepers, Water Frontage, Recreational, Photography/Painting/Viewing, Snow Skiing, Snowmobiling, Snowboarding, Snowshoeing, Ice Fishing, Winter Wonderland, Rivershire Retreat.

Property manager

Tricia Frey
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including stag and hen parties

About the area

Traverse City

Located in Traverse City, this holiday home is in the city centre and on the waterfront. Shoppers can check out Front Street, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay. Centre Ice Arena and Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Traverse City, MI

What's nearby

  • Arbutus Lake - 5 min drive - 3.0 km
  • Spider Lake - 11 min drive - 6.3 km
  • Turtle Creek Stadium - 16 min drive - 12.6 km
  • Traverse City Beach - 17 min drive - 16.6 km
  • Front Street - 18 min drive - 19.2 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 15 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Peegeo’s - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪K I Bar And Grill - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪China Lee - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪Village Ice Cream Shoppe - ‬8 min drive
  • ‪Taqueria TC Latino Dos - ‬11 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Relax by the river in style & comfort just minutes from Traverse City, MI pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Relax by the river in style & comfort just minutes from Traverse City, MI?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Relax by the river in style & comfort just minutes from Traverse City, MI?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Relax by the river in style & comfort just minutes from Traverse City, MI located?

Located in the heart of Traverse City, this golf holiday home is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from Forest Lakes and 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from Arbutus Lake. Spider Lake and Rennie Lake are also within 6 miles (10 km).

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. 20 out of 20 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 20 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 20 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Michael C.

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

Rivershire

Had a great time, central location to explore the area, comfortable beds, had a great stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda B.

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

Rivershire

Very comfortable and clean, had everything we needed. Nice location by the river. Caring and pleasant owner was very respectful of our privacy but available if we needed something. I would stay there again, highly recommend.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie S.

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

Perfect Weekend Getaway

Great location, close to everything but felt like we were away from it all! The grounds are beautiful and the house was perfect for us. Communication with Tricia was great. Looking forward to next time!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Melanie N.

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

Wonderful!

Lovely place. Very very clean.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave B.

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

Loved our stay!

We rented the apartment for a week and just loved our stay! Rivershire has a beautiful setting on the river and we especially enjoyed relaxing by the river, feeling the flowing waters wash our stresses away. We also had a great time kayaking the river. The apartment is super comfortable and has everything you need for a pleasant stay. There is some road noise off and on during the day but it quiets down during the evening and we got used to it after the first day. Tricia is an awesome host and has a deep love and reverence for Rivershire. We really enjoyed getting to know her a bit. She respects guests’ privacy but is available if you need something or just want to chat. We look forward to staying at Rivershire again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anna V.

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

Such a Peaceful Spot!

Rivershire is an awesome place! It's a peaceful place, but close to everything! The cottage is so clean! We hosted a small family dinner (8). BBQ worked great. There was plenty of everything in the kitchen. Tricia was a great host. Great stay. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Leah S.

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

Quiet, easy stay

We were a short drive from all the local attractions. Easy access to major roads, clean, quiet accommodations. It was a pleasure!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Susan A.

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

Great place for a relaxing getaway!

super clean and very comfortable space. Beds are great and kitchen is well stocked. Very quiet with good access to the beautiful Boardman River. Good internet. Some road noise that quiets down at night. Tricia is an awesome host very anxious to please. My husband and our adult son had a wonderful stay and hope to return!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jim P., Jacksonville FL

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

Beautiful location

We came for a wedding and this was a good location for hikes near the river, museums and shopping in Traverse City, a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes, and the wedding on the peninsula. Tricia was very responsive to the minor issue we had and proactive when needed. Thanks Tricia
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Anita D.

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

Can't wait to return!

The Guest House was in a perfect location to walking trails, Traverse City only a few minutes away, and great for downtime to relax. Our host, Tricia, was so welcoming and friendly. We look forward to returning and encouraging friends and family to stay at The Guest House.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rishi K.

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

Nice and cozy

Wonderful place to stay. Tricia is a great host, very caring and responsive.
Stayed 20 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Darlene K.

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

Wedding retreat

My friends and I were attending a wedding right down the road from this location and it was perfect… The place was extremely clean and comfortable. We definitely enjoyed our stay.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

kimberly W.

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

Trout weekend

We enjoyed our stay, great fishing on the Borgman River. Place was clean and peaceful. Would highly recommend this place.
Stayed 3 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Karen H.

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

Beautiful setting

My friends and I enjoyed our stay at Rivershire, it’s a beautiful setting on the Boardman River. The house was clean and comfortable. Tricia the owner was friendly and helpful. We’ll be back!!
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mary R.

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

Clean and cosy

The condo/apartment was very adequate for the four of us. It was clean and comfortable and easy to get to. Although I had to borrow another friends pot because there wasn’t one big enough for pasta! Lol. Would stay there again.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Weekend stay

We had a great weekend and the house was wonderful!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Christine W.

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

Great location

We loved our time at Rivershire. Tricia was so nice and if anything came up she was quick to respond. The location was perfect for what we had planned in the area. We would book this location again if in the area.
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cynthia S.

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

Wonderful weekend getaway

Loved working with Trish to stay at her beautiful property! We were a last minute booking and she was wonderful to accommodate us. The townhouse easily held five of us with space for all of us. The property was well cared for with easy access to the water. Boardman River was great to float down with our tubes, next time we will bring kayaks too. The location was conveniently located to Traverse City and a 45 minute to one hour quick drive to charlevoix and Frankfort. We look forward to coming back and staying again!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Shonna D.

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

Rivershire

We had a lovely stay. No complaints.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Pamela S., Highland, Mi

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

Great place to stay if you want to be out of the city.

Nice big bedrooms for us.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

About the host

Hosted by Tricia Frey

Host profile image
My name is Tricia Frey and I will be your host at Rivershire although you may never see me. My sister Sandra and I co-own the property and allow guests the space and quiet relaxation they desire without intrusion. Of course, if you need something, I am here to help and take care of any issues promptly.

We love the beauty and wonder of the Boardman River and enjoy kayaking, gardening, watching for wildlife, and relaxing by the river with a good book (and a glass of wine!) ... we know you will, too. (And no, you won't be expected to garden while you're here!) Please bring your own kayaks, canoes, or innertubes (these are not provided) or let the trusted folks at Ranch Rudolph (just a few miles up the road) take care of the details by providing kayaks and taking you four miles upstream for a lovely float back to the ranch to pick up your car. They also provide horseback riding.

I'm also the author of two books, both of which are set at Rivershire and feature two very special pets: a Sheltie named Sheldon and a Cat named Snickers. You can read all about them in my 2020 memoir River Love: The True Story of a Wayward Sheltie, a Woman, and a Magical Place Called Rivershire and its children's book counterpart Sheldon's Journey: The Story of a Sweet-Natured Dog in Search of His True Home. Copies of the books are in the cabin for your reading enjoyment.

If you're a writer or an artist, Rivershire is a great place for doing both. Bring your creative spirit!

We hope you make your way to Rivershire!

Tricia & Sandra

Why they chose this property

Rivershire is a magical place! The flowing Boardman River, stately pines and hardwoods, lovely gardens, and relaxed, natural setting make it the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

However, should you want hustle and bustle, nearby Traverse City has plenty to offer including a plethora of restaurants and shopping venues for every taste and budget, breweries, distilleries, and entertainment options galore. (Interlochen Center for the Arts is just 15 minutes away ... downtown Traverse City offers two historic, state-of-the-art movie theatres ... and Turtle Creek Casino is a 20 minute drive from here if you're feeling lucky!)

Did someone say beaches, dunes, boating, and wine? Walk a Lake Michigan beach or climb a dune at Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore ... both are just 45 minutes away. Grand Traverse Bay is 20 minutes north of Rivershire for beaches and boating. The area offers many small inland lakes for boating and floating, too. And both Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas offer plenty of wineries, orchards, and stunning views.

And don't forget hiking and bike riding! Grand Traverse, Leelanau, and Benzie counties have more hiking and biking trails that we can count and all are an easy trip from Rivershire. As a matter of fact, Brown Bridge Quiet Area is just TWO minutes away and many other trails can be accessed within 5- 10 minutes. Bring your bike or go for a hike!

If that sounds like more effort than you bargained for, simply spend your lazy days by the Boardman River. Bring your own kayaks, canoes, innertubes, and fly rods for a leisurely river experience. Put your feet up. Read a good book. Pour a glass of wine.

And, with high speed internet on the property, your devices will run perfectly for streaming or whatever may be to your liking. We've got your covered.

We can't think of any reason why you wouldn't want to visit Rivershire!

What makes this property unique

Hmmm ... pretty much covered "unique benefits" in the space above, but how about this? You may see a couple of martens playfully running on the opposite bank of the river. How's THAT for unique? Who knows what else you may spot if you keep your eyes open. Don't forget to look up ... an eagle may just soar overhead. Magical!

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests