Historical Stay @TorchLakeSchoolhouse | Est. 1880

Entire cottage in Kewadin, Michigan

  1. 11 guests
  2. 3 bedrooms
  3. 2 baths
Rated 4.91 out of 5 stars.11 reviews
Hosted by Andrew
  1. 6 years hosting

Listing highlights

Between two lakes

About a 5-min walk to Torch Lake and a 10-min walk to Lake Michigan's shoreline

A one-of-a-kind historic stay

A converted 1880s schoolhouse with two separate living quarters, a full kitchen, and a fire pit

Walkable beaches, easy parking

Guests highlight the walkable beaches, ample parking, and a responsive host named Andrew
Experience a piece of Northern Michigan history on your next vacation!
Established in 1880 with an enrollment of 37 students, the Torch Lake Schoolhouse was the central hub of the community as pioneers chased a stake in Michigan's lumber era from 1880-1899. Hundreds of students learned here throughout the years with 110 students at its peak in 1887.
Step back into the past where time isn't measured in minutes, but in moments. Create a memory during your next stay at the Torch Lake Schoolhouse.

The space
Welcome to the Torch Lake Schoolhouse—Where History Meets Northern Michigan Adventure!
Pets welcome!

Lovingly *remastered* in October 2021, this one-of-a-kind stay combines the charm of an 1880s schoolhouse with modern comfort and space for up to 11 guests. Whether you're planning a family getaway, friends' retreat, or multigenerational vacation, the Torch Lake Schoolhouse is your perfect home base.

Located just 1/4 mile from Torch Lake and 1/2 mile from Lake Michigan, you’re surrounded by natural beauty and endless outdoor fun. Fish, kayak, hike, bike, boat—or simply explore! You’re less than 20 minutes from Elk Rapids, Bellaire, Charlevoix, and Boyne City, known for their breweries, wineries, restaurants, and shopping. Looking for a day trip? Traverse City is just 40 minutes away, and Petoskey is 45 minutes north.

**The Schoolhouse is divided into two thoughtfully designed living quarters:**

**Original Classroom Space:**
- Spacious living room with sectional seating and a queen memory-foam sleeper sofa
- 65" 4K Smart TV with streaming services
- Full kitchen with cookware, utensils, gas stove, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, and a coffee bar
- Large dining table, great for shared meals or remote work
- Two cozy bedrooms: one with a queen bed, one with a twin-over-full bunk
- Full bathroom with a deep soaker tub (perfect for winding down or bathing little ones)
- In-unit washer & dryer for your convenience

**Former Teacher’s Lounge:**
- Cozy sitting area with a full-size sleeper sofa and another 65" 4K Smart TV
- Wet bar with wine fridge, dishwasher, and coffee bar
- Private master suite with a queen bed and attached full bath
- In-unit washer & dryer
- Outdoor fire pit with chairs—ideal for late-night chats under the stars

**Extras You’ll Love:**
- High-speed WiFi for streaming or remote work
- Ample parking, including space for boats and trailers
- Nearby park (1/4 mile) with a boat launch, beach, grills, playground, and picnic areas
- 3 bedrooms + 2 sleeper sofas = space to sleep up to 11 comfortably

**Please Note:**
We’re right on US-31, the scenic route between Traverse City and Charlevoix. Summer brings more road activity, but we’ve taken care to insulate the space with spray foam, Amish shiplap walls, and padded waterproof LVP flooring. Floor fans are also available for white noise to ensure restful sleep.

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Ready to experience Northern Michigan in a truly unique space? The Torch Lake Schoolhouse is ready to welcome you!

Guest access
Your adventure begins at the main entrance, located by the parking lot under the “US 31 NORTH” sign. You'll enter the home using a convenient smart lock—no need to worry about keys!

Guests have full access to the entire property, just as shown in the photos. Whether you need help planning your stay or have a question during your trip, we’re always just a message away and happy to assist.

Standard check-in time is 4:00 PM and check-out is at 11:00 AM. If you have a special request, feel free to reach out—we’re happy to accommodate when availability allows!

Other things to note
A few friendly reminders to help everyone enjoy their stay:

We kindly ask that no smoking or vaping take place anywhere on the property—indoors or out. To keep the space fresh and welcoming for all guests, a $500 cleaning fee will apply if smoking is detected.

The Schoolhouse comfortably hosts up to 11 guests, but if you're planning for a few more, just reach out! We're happy to chat about special requests and do our best to accommodate.

Because of our wooded surroundings and nearby neighbors along the lakefront just east of the property, fireworks are not permitted at any time.

Please help us be good neighbors by respecting the privacy of those around us and observing quiet hours after 9:00 PM.

While you're welcome to enjoy the fire pit, please keep flames low and manageable, and always make sure fires are fully out before heading in for the night.

To maintain the beauty and safety of our outdoor space, tents and outdoor structures are not allowed in the yard.

Thanks so much for taking the time to review these details. We’re truly excited to host you and help make your Northern Michigan adventure memorable!

What this place offers

Kitchen
Wifi
Dedicated workspace
Free parking on premises
Pets allowed

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4.91 out of 5 stars from 11 reviews

Overall rating

  1. 5 stars, 91% of reviews
  2. 4 stars, 9% of reviews
  3. 3 stars, 0% of reviews
  4. 2 stars, 0% of reviews
  5. 1 stars, 0% of reviews

Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars for cleanliness

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for accuracy

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for check-in

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars for communication

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for location

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars for value

Guest reviews mention

Where you’ll be

Kewadin, Michigan, United States

Meet your host

Host
110 reviews
4.75 out of 5 average rating
6 years of hosting
My work: financial consulting
I spend too much time: love skiing & golf, activities with kids
Hello! Thank you for considering staying with us during your stay in Northern Michigan. Whether you’re coming for work, pleasure, or to visit family, we think you’ll love staying at our Schoolhouse. We're here to go above and beyond to ensure all our guests enjoy their stay and to provide the best quality customer service possible. We're blessed to call Northern Michigan home. We love to spend our free time with our two awesome toddlers and enjoying what our beautiful area has to offer. We look forward to hosting you and providing you the best Northern Michigan experience!

Co-hosts

  • Brittney
  • Francisco

Host details

Response rate: 100%
Responds within an hour
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.

Things to know