We call it the Blue Moo Cottage. If you've been to Torch Lake, you'll understand the Blue. The Moo might not be so obvious. But before I explain that part of the story, let me first tell you a bit about the property and how it came to be.
We are based in Grand Rapids. For ten years we have owned (and restored) a very special home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his associate Marion Mahony. Since 2020 we have offered a suite in our home for short term rental. It's fair to say that this has changed our lives. After more than 200 guest reviews we have maintained a perfect rating. More importantly, we have met countless interesting people - FLW fans, beer tourists, wedding//birthday/anniversary celebrants. You name it. We like sharing our unique space.
In 2021 as our kids were having kids of their own we started thinking about finding a family cottage. Close enough that we could go away for the weekend, but far enough that it would feel like we were truly getting away. We focused our search in the area east of Traverse City about two hours north of GR.
With three married children and an ever-growing number of grandchildren we set our sights on a home that had enough space for six bedrooms and four bathrooms - admittedly a rather ridiculous wishlist considering that most weekends it would be just the two of us at the house. Our realtor rolled her eyes when we told her what we were looking for and the budget that we had set. We looked at properties at Clam Lake and Intermediate Lake. Central Lake and Loon Lake. And then we went to Torch.
I recall the laughter as we walked into the house. Shag carpet everywhere. The heart-shaped Jacuzzi tub in the master bedroom with the mirrored walls. The stone-patterned linoleum floors and backsplashes. We expected Austin Powers to spring out shouting "Groovy Baby!"
And yet for all of its cosmetic challenges, the house had some wonderful attributes. It was directly across the road from Torch Lake just a half mile north of Torch River Marina where we could keep our boat, walking distance to Johnny's Torch Riviera restaurant, with a large yard for activities. The house had three bedrooms and two baths on the upper level and a one bedroom apartment with a separate entrance on the lower level. More importantly, half of the basement level was unfinished. As we pondered whether to make an offer, we started sketching some design concepts to rework the lower level. Rather than just adding bedrooms and baths to satisfy our 6 bed/4 bath objective, we decided to build out the space as a stand-alone three bedroom/two bath cottage optimized for short-term family stays. On those occasions when our kids and their kids are vacationing with us, we'll block the calendar. When we're alone we're welcoming guests. The entire lower level is yours.
If you've visited the Chain of Lakes region, you know how special it is. Torch Lake is the largest of the interconnected lakes - Bellaire, Clam, Torch, Skegemog, Elk being the others. The crystal clear blue water of Torch is nationally acclaimed. National Geographic proclaimed Torch the third most beautiful lake in the US. But the area offers so many attractions beyond the lake. Hiking. Biking. Skiing. Golf. Pickleball. Shops. Wine. Cherries. Stars. Camp fires. Memories that last a lifetime.
We hope that one of those memories for you will be the Blue Moo. Above the dining table in the cottage you will see a rather large framed watercolor of a welcoming cow bearing witness to your family gathering. The cow, of course, is blue.
We look forward to hosting you,
Scott & Deb
