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Now Booking for Summer 2025 at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire

Photo gallery for Now Booking for Summer 2025 at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire

Lake view of The AhWaGa
Living room view of Lake Bellaire
Paddlesport fun included for the pleasure of guests at The AhWaGa.
View the stunning sunsets from the front porch.
Quiet moments for two

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedroomsSleeps 465.0 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Bellaire, MI
  • Lake Bellaire
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Short's Brewing Company
    ‪4 min drive‬
  • Schuss Mountain
    ‪13 min drive‬
  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital)
    ‪51 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

2 Single Beds

Bathroom 1

Soap · Toilet · Shower only · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Now Booking for Summer 2025 at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire

The AhWaGa, built in the 1890s, is a fully renovated lakefront retreat. Wake up in a bright, cheery bedroom, make coffee in a full kitchen, and ease into your day under the covered porch, while overlooking the serenity of Lake Bellaire and listening for beckoning calls of the loons.

The cottage features the original maple hardwood floors, milled by the Thomas Forman Lumber Company of Petoskey, Michigan in the early 1890s.

Kitchen/Living Room: Fully equipped kitchen with dishwasher, quartz countertops, and stainless appliances, beautiful gas fireplace with TV and Blu Ray DVD player, queen-size pull out couch, and historical décor.

Master Bedroom: Queen bed, flat screen TV, windows looking over Lake Bellaire. Second Bedroom: twin trundle bed with flat screen TV. (very small room)

Bathroom: Tiled shower and floor, quartz countertop, full-size washer and dryer.

Wrap Around Covered Porch: Adds additional outdoor furnished space with eating and seating areas.

This 1890's cottage, noted as the first built on Lake Bellaire, maintains its original design and boasts updated décor that features items from The AhWaGa's founding family.
Uniquely 15 feet from the shoreline, this historical cottage invites the cool lake breeze. West-facing porch offers views of magical sunsets that paint the sky and water as a changing mural with dusk falling into quiet, star-filled nights.

Lake Bellaire is a part of the Antrim County Chain-of-Lakes waterway. Bring your watercraft and boat across Lake Bellaire to the Grass River, Clam Lake and River to the famous Dockside eatery on the shore of Torch Lake. Enjoy a variety of activities on crystal clear Lake Bellaire with provided kayaks and paddle boards. The water frontage is a firm, sandy bottom for swimming.

Property manager

Jen
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 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Our cottage is cozy and best suited for couples.
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Events

No events allowed
No parties or events allowed. No exceptions.
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
No smoking is permitted on the premises/property.
Please no wet swimsuits on wood floors or furniture. Please help protect our 130 year old wood floors. No smoking/vaping in cottage nor outside.
Cottage is best suited for couples. 2nd bedroom is very small. Please inquire prior to booking if a concern. Signed rental rules agreement required.
Please, no day or overnight guests/events on site. Fireworks not permitted on site. Cottage must be left in clean condition.

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
Note from host: No parties or events allowed. No exceptions.
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Bellaire

Located in Bellaire, this cottage is in the city centre and on the beach. The Chief Golf Course and Short's Brewing Company are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Torch Lake and Grass River Natural Area. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Bellaire, MI

What's nearby

  • Lake Bellaire - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Short's Brewing Company - 4 min drive - 4.1 km
  • The Legend - 8 min drive - 4.7 km
  • Schuss Mountain - 13 min drive - 12.1 km
  • Clam Lake - 25 min drive - 16.3 km

Getting around

  • Traverse City, MI (TVC-Cherry Capital) - 51 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Short's Brewing Company - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Bellaire Bar & Restaurant - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪M88 Morning Grind - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Shanty Creek Resorts - ‬8 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Now Booking for Summer 2025 at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Now Booking for Summer 2025 at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire ?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Now Booking for Summer 2025 at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire ?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Now Booking for Summer 2025 at Enchanting, Historic Cottage on Lake Bellaire located?

Located in the heart of Bellaire, this cottage is steps from Lake Bellaire and within 3 mi (5 km) of The Chief Golf Course and Short's Brewing Company. The Legend is 2.9 mi (4.7 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. 67 out of 69 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 2 out of 69 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 69 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 69 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 69 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Andrew F.

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

Weekend Getaway

Absolutely Amazing!!!! We could not ask for more from the views of the lake, the location and amenities. This was exactly what we needed to get away.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

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

This place is amazing!

We have stayed here multiple times and could not ask for a better location to unwind and relax. The location is an easy drive to Charlevoix or Traverse City, and Bellaire itself has many cool spots to check out. The host takes great pride in the cleanliness of the home and it is well stocked with kitchen items for preparing your own meals.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Sandra T.

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

Another Great Stay

This was our second stay at AhWaGa. Beautiful. This time we rented a pontoon boat from a local place and kept it overnight. Perfect since there is a wonderful dock at the cabin.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2024

8/10 Good

Cynthia B.

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

Vacation

Extremely quiet and great location
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

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

Wonderful experience!

This was our second stay at The Ah-Wa-Ga. We love it there! Jen is a fantastic host and the home is always clean and inviting upon arrival.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Donald D.

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

Awesome location

Everything we expected! Very close to the water and with a boat ramp. Best sunsets ever. So private and good area to walk. Everything was there that we needed and more. The owners took very good care during our long stay.
Stayed 21 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nicole P.

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

Great cottage

Great location! Relaxing stay on Bellaire Lake. Cottage had everything we needed. I would definitely stay here again. Good communication with our host, Jen.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Reid J.

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

Wonderful cottage and location

Everything as described. Clean and comfortable. Nice quiet spot on the lake.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

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

This place is special!

The Ah Wa Ga is amazing! My wife and I enjoyed our stay and the stress-free booking process orchestrated by Jen made all the difference. The home was clean, the lake was beautiful, and we will plan on returning one day.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Lucinda H.

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

Perfect Honeymoon

The lake was beautiful and the cottage was lovely in every way. We had everything we needed to enjoy our honeymoon up north—gorgeous sunsets, cozy fireplace and a well appointed kitchen for cooking. The cottage is lovingly restored with every detail carefully thought out.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kim S.

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

Belair

Great place right on water! Clean
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Rachel H.

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

Great cottage stay to celebrate the last bit of Summer

We really enjoyed our stay at AhWaGa. The cottage was private, tastefully decorated, historic, charming, updated and ticked every box on our list. The porch was our favorite place to hang out and watch amazing sunsets, feel lake breezes and listen to loons calling. Jen was a great host—we wanted for nothing. We hope to return soon!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shawn C.

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

Anniversary vacation

We honeymooned here two years ago and wanted to revisit again this year. What an amazing place! It was like our honeymoon all over again and we didn’t want to leave. This place is simply amazing. Thanks so much for sharing this with others. So beautiful!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Mark H.

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

AH-GA-WA Cottage

The cottage was perfect. It was a quiet beutiful weekend. It was clean and upon arrival the host left the Christmas Tree on which gave the cottage and extra zing. Morning coffee on the back porch just feet from the water. We watched the fishermen fishing.
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2023

10/10 Excellent

Linda D.

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

The Essence of “Up North” Michigan

The property manager has done a brilliant job of updating a historical property with all the modern conveniences. Many people fantasize about experiencing northern Michigan the way it used to be. This cottage is as close as could be. This was our third visit, so I have seen the care the property manager gives this cottage and its guests. She is highly attuned to its maintenance and to making sure guests have what they need.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Linda, Ann Arbor

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

Our True North

This was our second stay at the AhWaGa, and we hope there will be many more. The cottage and property are very well maintained and outfitted. The host is an excellent communicator who is dedicated to providing a first rate experience. Lake Bellaire is a haven for fishing and wildlife. Staying at the AhWaGa feels like stepping back in time, to what used to constitute the Michigan “up north” vacation but with all of today’s conveniences. I can’t wait to go back!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Madison M.

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

Summer Vaca

Had the best week at this lovely cottage for a week with our 1 and 3 year olds. The lake front is perfect for all ages as it’s shallow for quite some time. The cottage is small but has everything you need. The host thinks of everything- even a one time burner bag for the grill to avoid needing to buy charcoal. She even shipped us a watch that we forgot free of charge!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jen W.

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

Aw-Wa-Ga

What a magical little piece of Northern Michigan Heaven!! Jen was an Amazing host, communication was superb and so friendly. Once we pulled in we already knew we were gonna fall in love with Ah-Wa-Ga and that is what we did!! The Fall leaves dancing to the ground, the water was like glass for two days and the little black squirrels running around and the lovely woodpeckers was magical!! The cottage is the first and oldest on the lake! The cottage was breathtaking and such a nostalgic feeling was everywhere!! Everything was perfect and so clean and beautiful!! We will be back again for another Fall getaway!! Thank you Jen!!! getaway!Just
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jen B.

Fabulous Family Vacation at the AhWaGa

My family of four stayed at the AhWaGa last week. So much to do and we had a great time. Jen and Tim were very accommodating and made it very easy. The cottage is small, but the porch gives so much additional living space. It was also fun to be in close quarters for a week. Between the paddle boat, the paddle boards and the kayaks, my kids didn't know what to do first in the morning. We would definitely recommend this to other small families as a place to spend their holiday.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2017

10/10 Excellent

Stew S., Where do you live?

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

Beautiful property and great location

This is as good or better than the description. The restoration is so well done. Can’t beat the views from inside or out. Had every thing we needed. I think we bought laundry detergent and charcoal, all else was there! It’s small so would recommend for a couple. There is a sleeper sofa and a small 2nd bdrm for more than that. We don’t have enough good things to say about AwWaGa. We didn’t need anything but Jen gave us her contact info and reached out to make sure all was good.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chad B.

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

Anniversary Trip

Great location on Lake Bellaire, easy drive into town. Great for a weekend getaway.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Carey F.

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

Wonderful cottage

This cottage was lovely - beautifully renovated on the inside with a gorgeous lake view. Kitchen was well stocked for cooking meals. Jen, the owner, was very responsive! We would definitely stay at this property again and highly recommend it.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michelle F.

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

Perfect Getaway

We had a lovely stay at The AhWaGa. The cottage is very cute and clean with many amenities. The lake is very clear with a nice sandy bottom. We used the kayaks and I even attempted to paddle board. It is much harder than it looks! The lake and neighborhood are very quiet and peaceful. We also enjoyed watching the beautiful sunsets. It was a wonderful stay. Thanks, Jen.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Chloe B.

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

Wonderful and Cozy

We had an absolute blast staying here. The cottage is so cozy and perfect. Jen and company were wonderful to us. We are worried about leaving too good of a review because we want to come back and hate to brag about this place too much but wow it is a gem. ❤️
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Lynn and Bill R.

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

A true gem

A perfect paradise. There are so many wonderful amenities to enjoy at the house- top notch. If you enjoy sunsets, this is your happy place. We enjoyed the cottage so much that we kept changing our plans and extending out stay. The renovations to this place are spot on. We will be back.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2022

About the host

Hosted by Jen

Host profile image
Bellaire native, historian by trade, fan of Northern Michigan.

Why they chose this property

I saw The AhWaGa for the first time while boating on Lake Bellaire. The historic cottage, the first built on Lake Bellaire, called to me. It was in desperate need of renovation, and begged for revitalization. We are only the second owners of The AhWaGa - purchasing the cottage from the original family who built the cottage in the 1890's. The restoration of the cottage has been an incredible experience.

What makes this property unique

We fell in love with the quaintness of the cottage, from the wrap around porch, to being so close to the shoreline. The sunsets are stunning, and second to none. The AhWaGa is an authentic experience of an old Northern Michigan cottage, loved by families and friends for generations. To the north, views of unspoiled shoreline. We share the cottage with the Eagle who flies overhead from the nest at the river's mouth, and the loons who swim our shoreline.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests
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