The wet nest! Private lakefront retreat Wet Nest! Private Lakefront, Intermediate Lake Retreat

  • Lakeside includes  sandy beach, kayaks, fire pit, lots of seating, 80 ft of dock and a propane bbq grill for your enjoyment.
    Lakeside includes sandy beach, kayaks, fire pit, lots of seating, 80 ft of dock and a propane bbq grill for your enjoyment.
  • Private, large secluded  yard with your own beach. All Sports Intermediate Lake.
    Private, large secluded yard with your own beach. All Sports Intermediate Lake.
  • The view from the dock! Don't forget a boat and fishing poles!
    The view from the dock! Don't forget a boat and fishing poles!
  • Lakeside sandy beach!
    Lakeside sandy beach!
  • The Wet Nest Retreat
    The Wet Nest Retreat
  • Lakeside View
    Lakeside View
  • Relax on the large deck overlooking Intermediate Lake
    Relax on the large deck overlooking Intermediate Lake
  • Choose a seat for the sunsets!
    Choose a seat for the sunsets!
  • Hard sandy bottom lake.
    Hard sandy bottom lake.
  • Oh....that view while the kiddos play on the beach or swim in the shallow lake area.
    Oh....that view while the kiddos play on the beach or swim in the shallow lake area.
  • The blue waters of Intermediate Lake
    The blue waters of Intermediate Lake
  • Spring at The Wet Nest
    Spring at The Wet Nest
  • The large deck w/propane grill
    The large deck w/propane grill
  • Imagine sitting hear in the mornings with your coffee and listening to the loons!
    Imagine sitting hear in the mornings with your coffee and listening to the loons!
  • THAT View!
    THAT View!
  • Your view off the dock of 1500 acre Intermediate Lake
    Your view off the dock of 1500 acre Intermediate Lake
  • Comfy living area with lake views
    Comfy living area with lake views
  • Pretty Nostalgic!
    Pretty Nostalgic!
  • Kitchen/Dining area
    Kitchen/Dining area
  • Fully equipped kitchen
    Fully equipped kitchen
  • View from upper loft
    View from upper loft
  • The views are endless!
    The views are endless!
  • Dining table, dinner with a lake view!
    Dining table, dinner with a lake view!
  • Welcome to the cozy Wet Nest
    Welcome to the cozy Wet Nest
  • My favorite spot
    My favorite spot
  • Queen size main floor bedroom.
    Queen size main floor bedroom.
  • Queen size main floor bedroom.
    Queen size main floor bedroom.
  • Queen main level bedroom
    Queen main level bedroom
  • Upstairs loft bedroom.3- Queen Beds1- Full1-Twin
    Upstairs loft bedroom.3- Queen Beds1- Full1-Twin
  • Upstairs loft bedroom.3- Queen Beds1- Full1-Twin
    Upstairs loft bedroom.3- Queen Beds1- Full1-Twin
  • Stairs leading to upstairs loft area
    Stairs leading to upstairs loft area
  • Remodeled bath
    Remodeled bath
  • Newly remodeled bath
    Newly remodeled bath
  • Walk-in tiled shower
    Walk-in tiled shower
  • Laundry on-site
    Laundry on-site
  • Relaxation at it's finest!
    Relaxation at it's finest!
  • Winter on Intermediate Lake
    Winter on Intermediate Lake
  • Six miles to Shanty/Schuss Mountain
    Six miles to Shanty/Schuss Mountain
  • The pink skies over Intermediate Lake
    The pink skies over Intermediate Lake
  • Beautiful Intermediate Lake!
    Beautiful Intermediate Lake!
  • Hard Sandy bottom on Intermediate Lake!
    Hard Sandy bottom on Intermediate Lake!
  • Intermediate Lake
    Intermediate Lake
  • Very large private lot!
    Very large private lot!
  • Purple lift at Schuss, night skiing
    Purple lift at Schuss, night skiing
  • Downtown Bellaire, home of the infamous Shorts Brewery! Downtown also offers a variety of restaurants, boutiques, wine, vodka and mead bar, yoga studio, movie theater, kayak and boat rental and a park!
    Downtown Bellaire, home of the infamous Shorts Brewery! Downtown also offers a variety of restaurants, boutiques, wine, vodka and mead bar, yoga studio, movie theater, kayak and boat rental and a park!
  • Thurston Park is located five minutes from the Wet Nest. Its a great spot to take the kids to enjoy some playtime, fishing off the docks and swimming in their shallow beach area. Afterwards walk to Fudgies and enjoy a Moomers ice cream.
    Thurston Park is located five minutes from the Wet Nest. Its a great spot to take the kids to enjoy some playtime, fishing off the docks and swimming in their shallow beach area. Afterwards walk to Fudgies and enjoy a Moomers ice cream.
  • Thurston Park Boat Launch
    Thurston Park Boat Launch
  • Enjoy the day in downtown Traverse City, one of the best foodie towns in MI. Located about 45 minutes from the Wet Nest.
    Enjoy the day in downtown Traverse City, one of the best foodie towns in MI. Located about 45 minutes from the Wet Nest.
  • Downtown Bellaire is about a five minute drive from the Wet Nest.
    Downtown Bellaire is about a five minute drive from the Wet Nest.
  • Downtown Central Lake is about a 5 minute drive from the Wet Nest. Central Lake offers a great pizza place, tavern, distillery, ice cream and fudge shop, boutique, grocery store, and the famous Bachmann's Store all on Intermediate Lake!
    Downtown Central Lake is about a 5 minute drive from the Wet Nest. Central Lake offers a great pizza place, tavern, distillery, ice cream and fudge shop, boutique, grocery store, and the famous Bachmann's Store all on Intermediate Lake!
  • Cellars 1914 is a newer winery that opened in Central Lake. It provides a great ambiance and beautiful scenery while wine tasting!
    Cellars 1914 is a newer winery that opened in Central Lake. It provides a great ambiance and beautiful scenery while wine tasting!
  • The Dockside Bar and Restaurant is located about 20 minutes from the Wet Nest. It offers outside dining on Clam River leading into Torch Lake. Enjoy lunch or dinner while watching all the beautiful boats on Torch's turquoise waters.
    The Dockside Bar and Restaurant is located about 20 minutes from the Wet Nest. It offers outside dining on Clam River leading into Torch Lake. Enjoy lunch or dinner while watching all the beautiful boats on Torch's turquoise waters.
  • Glacial Hills is for the outdoor enthusiast. Located in Bellaire, offering an abundance of hiking/biking trails.
    Glacial Hills is for the outdoor enthusiast. Located in Bellaire, offering an abundance of hiking/biking trails.
  • Mammoth Distillery has a location in both downtown Bellaire and Central Lake. Best craft cocktails around!
    Mammoth Distillery has a location in both downtown Bellaire and Central Lake. Best craft cocktails around!
  • The world famous Torch Lake Sandbar. The boat ramp closest to enter the sandbar is about 20 minutes from the Wet Nest. Boat Rentals are available. Spend a day on what National Geographic rated one of the most beautiful lakes in the WORLD!!
    The world famous Torch Lake Sandbar. The boat ramp closest to enter the sandbar is about 20 minutes from the Wet Nest. Boat Rentals are available. Spend a day on what National Geographic rated one of the most beautiful lakes in the WORLD!!
  • Charlevoix is about a 30 minute drive from the Wet Nest. While there visit Fisherman's Island State Park, South Pier Lighthouse, tour the Mushroom House and enjoy a meal in their beautiful downtown.
    Charlevoix is about a 30 minute drive from the Wet Nest. While there visit Fisherman's Island State Park, South Pier Lighthouse, tour the Mushroom House and enjoy a meal in their beautiful downtown.
  • Downtown Leland's, Fishtown is a must visit! It's about 1.5 hour drive from the Wet Nest but worth the drive! On the way up visit all the wineries on Leelanau Peninsula.
    Downtown Leland's, Fishtown is a must visit! It's about 1.5 hour drive from the Wet Nest but worth the drive! On the way up visit all the wineries on Leelanau Peninsula.
  • Take a 1.5 hour drive and cross over the Mackinac Bridge! Spend the day enjoying the festivities of Macinaw City or take the ferry over to Mackinac Island. This is a bucket list must have!
    Take a 1.5 hour drive and cross over the Mackinac Bridge! Spend the day enjoying the festivities of Macinaw City or take the ferry over to Mackinac Island. This is a bucket list must have!
  • The Pelican Inn is located in Central Lake. It offers a fine dining restaurant, Tiki Bar on the Patio and a downstairs Saloon offering bar style food. Ask the waiters to tell you some "ghost stories". It's suppose to be haunted!
    The Pelican Inn is located in Central Lake. It offers a fine dining restaurant, Tiki Bar on the Patio and a downstairs Saloon offering bar style food. Ask the waiters to tell you some "ghost stories". It's suppose to be haunted!
  • Downtown Petoskey. ia about a 45 minute drive from the Wet Nest. Hunt for the Famous Petoskey Stone, window shop in the Historic Gaslight District, walk in a lilac field, take a tour of Castle Farms, and catch a million dollar sunset!
    Downtown Petoskey. ia about a 45 minute drive from the Wet Nest. Hunt for the Famous Petoskey Stone, window shop in the Historic Gaslight District, walk in a lilac field, take a tour of Castle Farms, and catch a million dollar sunset!
  • The famous Sleeping Bear Dunes is a beautiful 1.5 hour drive along Lake Michigan from the Wet Nest. This is one of my favorite spots in Northern Michigan, breathtaking views galore!
    The famous Sleeping Bear Dunes is a beautiful 1.5 hour drive along Lake Michigan from the Wet Nest. This is one of my favorite spots in Northern Michigan, breathtaking views galore!
  • Intermediate Lake informational map. You will enjoy seeing and hearing the Loons daily on the lake.
    Intermediate Lake informational map. You will enjoy seeing and hearing the Loons daily on the lake.
  • Intermediate Lake water depth chart
    Intermediate Lake water depth chart
  • Shanty Creek 13 minutes away!
    Shanty Creek 13 minutes away!
  • The Legend
    The Legend
$259-499/night
2 Bedrooms • 1 Bath • Sleeps 6-10
Allows pets Internet Fireplace Beach (more...)

The "Wet Nest" is sure to bring you the BEST Northern Michigan vacation. Enjoy your own private beach AND dock located on Intermediate Lake, part of the upper chain of lakes. The Wet Nest is located 10 minutes to a Torch Lake boat launch and 20 min to THE Torch Lake Sandbar! Moor or tie up your boat to the private dock on Intermediate Lake or trailer your boat minutes to Torch Lake.
The "Wet Nest" is located 45 minutes from Traverse City, Gaylord, and Petoskey. Shorts Brewery, five minutes!

The Wet Nest is located in between Bellaire and Central Lake, right in between the Lower Chain Of Lakes (Torch Lake) and the Upper Chain Of Lake (Intermediate Lake); there is no better location in Northern Michigan!

Bellaire was named The Best Lakeside Town by Country Magazine. The Wet Nest is a five minute drive to downtown Bellaire where all can enjoy numerous dining and spirits establishments, a movie theatre, or kayak/paddle along the 9 miles of shoreline of the Chain of Lakes Water Trail exploring some of the most beautiful lakes and rivers in MI. Nearby, guests can ride/or hike 30 miles of trails at the Glacial Hills Pathway & Natural Area.

The Wet Nest is now available to rent year-round! Enjoy nearby ski resorts and prosperous ice fishing on Intermediate Lake! 

Shanty Creek Golf and Ski Resort- 6.7 miles

Boyne Mountain Resort-25.6 miles

Nub Nob Ski Resort- 49.6 miles

The Highlands at Harbor Springs- 49.5 miles

Outside property
The cottage is directly on the water, providing 80 ft of a private sandy beach leading out to a hard sandy bottom lake. The water is great for kids and swimming with its gradually depth. At about 100ft out, it is still only four feet deep, then there is a drop off. The private dock extends out enough to be able to fish off the drop off. There are kayaks on the property for you to enjoy along with a kids paddle board. There is a outside picnic table, propane bbq grill and bonfire pit. There is also a large deck overlooking the lake. The property's natural fencing provides privacy to guests and allows them to enjoy a great vacation without the feeling of being right on top of a neighbor.

Intermediate Lake is all-sports and is very active with skiers, tubers, jet skiers and fishermen and snowmobilers. There is a sandbar on the lake where boaters hang out and enjoy swimming, beverages and mingling!
You won’t be disappointed!

**Note the dock is provided Memorial Day- Mid October

Inside the property
The cottage is a 2 bedroom knotty pine loft that provides the ambiance of a true Up-North Getaway. The cottage is kept sparkling clean. The one bathroom has a walk-in shower. There is a apartment size washer and dryer on-site. The upstairs loft is very large, sleeps 8 and is equipped with Cable TV and WiFi.

The location is prime, allowing guests to make a day trip to so many Northern Michigan Hotspots. Traverse City, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Sleeping Bear Dunes and Mackinac Island!

Drive 10 minutes to Barnes Park to visit the beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline or a picnic on Torch at Torch Day Park.

Bellaire is home of Shorts Brewery and Shanty Creek Golf and Ski Resort. Both are within minutes of the cottage. Enjoy a great golf course and a variety of dinner and entertainment venues.

Guests will enter the cottage with a key code. There is ample parking for 4-5 vehicles. Spend the day on your 80ft private sandy beach that is equipped with chairs and water toys.

I am available by phone or text 24/7 during your stay. You can call me anytime with any question or concerns you my have.

The city of Bellaire and Central Lake provide a variety of great restaurants, breweries, distilleries, wineries, and boutiques! Make sure to visit Bachmann's in Downtown Central Lake for their "penny" candy then walk across the street for fudge and Moomers Ice Cream at Fudgee's!

Enjoy a great beer and meal at Short's Brewery, or a glass of wine or signature cocktail at Fireside Lounge in downtown Bellaire .

You can never run out of things to do in this part of Northern MI!

The Wet Nest offers complimentary kayaks, 2 adult and one child for you to enjoy along with a kids paddle board! There is also outdoor games (cornhole, lawn darts,) and inside board games.

The cottage is nestled on a half acre partially wooded lot. We do our best to keep insects, mice and other small pesky critters out of the cottage, but some may sneak in now and then. Guests accept that this is part of nature in Northern Michigan and will let me know immediately if they encounter problems that need attention so that I can quickly resolve them.

Cancellation Policy: One hundred percent (100.00%) of the total booking charges (less $150.00 taxable cancellation fee) will be refunded if the cancellation is made more than 60 days prior to the arrival date of the reservation. Fifty percent (50.00%) of the total booking charges (less $150.00 taxable cancellation fee) will be refunded if the cancellation is made more than 30 days prior to the arrival date of the reservation. For cancellations made within 30 days prior to the arrival date, no refund will be issued.

My family and I reside in Traverse City. We moved up here in 2003 from a Detroit suburb. We love Traverse City but decided in 2014 that we would perhaps enjoy letting the summer tourist enjoy our town and find a place a little less congested to spend our summers. We found a perfect quaint cabin about an hour north on beautiful Intermediate Lake, which is now The Wet Nest. We fell in love with the towns of Bellaire and Central Lake and of course the water of Intermediate Lake. Over the years we have purchased a couple more properties on the lake as well as long term rentals in the area. We have enjoyed years of spending our summers on the lake and one day hope to retire there.

Bellaire, Michigan

Property Type Cottage
Accommodation Entire Home
Check-In A keypad is available 24 hours a day to provide entry for guests
House Rules
  • Maximum occupancy: 10
  • Children welcome
  • Infants welcome
  • Smoking not allowed
  • Wheelchair inaccessible
  • Minimum age of primary renter: 25
  • Pets welcome
Setting & View
  • Beach
  • Lake
  • Lakefront
  • Waterfront
General
  • Internet
  • Fireplace
  • Air Conditioning
  • Central Heating
  • Linens Provided
  • Towels Provided
  • Washing Machine
  • Clothes Dryer
  • Hot Water
  • Hair Dryer
  • Firewood Provided
  • Wifi
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Laptop Friendly Workspace
  • Basic Soaps
  • Paper Towels
  • Shampoo
  • Toilet Paper
  • Hangers
  • Private Entrance
  • Extra Pillows & Blankets
  • Free Internet
  • Body Soap
  • Hair Conditioner
  • Clothing Storage (closet or wardrobe)
  • Portable Fans
Kitchen
  • Kitchen
  • Refrigerator
  • Stove
  • Oven
  • Microwave
  • Dishes & Utensils
  • Spices/Pantry Items
  • Coffee Maker
  • Toaster
  • Freezer
  • Pots & Pans
  • Dining Table
  • Baking Sheet
  • Barbeque/Grill Utensils
  • Wine Glasses
Bathrooms 1 Bath
  • – Shower, Toilet
Sleeping Arrangements 2 Bedrooms, sleeps 6-10
  • – 3 Queen beds, 2 Double beds
  • – 1 Queen bed
Entertainment
  • Television
  • Games/Board Games
  • Smart TV
Outdoor
  • Outdoor Grill
  • Deck/Patio (uncovered)
  • Balcony/Terrace
  • Lawn/Garden
  • Boat Available
  • Kayak/Canoe
  • Private Yard
  • Fire Pit
  • Outdoor Seating
  • Sun Loungers
Vehicles
  • Parking
  • Free Parking
  • Free Parking On Premises
Attractions
  • Winery Tours
Leisure
  • Bird Watching
  • Gambling/Casinos
  • Paddle Boating
  • Boating
  • Shopping
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Water Sports
Sports & Adventure
  • Cycling
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Golf
  • Hiking
  • Ice Skating
  • Jet Skiing
  • Kayaking
  • Skiing
  • Water Skiing
  • Snowboarding
  • Swimming
  • Water Tubing
Safety
  • Carbon Monoxide Detector
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • First Aid Kit
  • Smoke Detector
  • Enhanced Cleaning Practices
  • Cleaning Products
Expectations
  • Requires Stairs
  • Near Lake, River, or Water Body