HOA Fee: $250 monthly
The cottage includes a reserved dock space provided through the Pinecrest Resort association, allowing you to keep your boat on the water throughout the summer season.
Yes, this cottage is located in a community with a history of successful seasonal and off-season rentals, making it a viable option for those seeking investment property near Traverse City.
The property is located just a few miles southeast of the city, typically a 10 to 15-minute drive to the downtown shopping and dining district.
Arbutus Lake is ideal for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Additionally, the property is minutes from the VASA Trails for hiking and biking, and the Traverse City Equestrian Festival.
Yes, residents and guests have access to a sandy beach area on the shores of Arbutus Lake, perfect for sunbathing and water access.
Shared waterfront properties like this one offer the benefits of lake living and boat access at a more affordable price point with shared maintenance responsibilities through an association.
The cottage is situated on a 6.00-acre shared parcel within the association, providing a spacious and wooded setting for the community.
Arbutus Lake is a beautiful inland lake suitable for motorized boating, fishing, and non-motorized water sports like paddleboarding.
Yes, the property is very close to the VASA Trail system, which offers miles of trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking in the state forest.
Finding waterfront access with a dedicated boat slip for under $400,000 is increasingly rare in Traverse City, making this an excellent entry-point or investment opportunity.
Experience the ultimate Northern Michigan lifestyle at 2268 Pinehurst Trail, a charming cottage nestled within the Pinecrest Resort on the crystal-clear shores of Arbutus Lake. This property represents a unique chance to own a piece of the Traverse City region's waterfront culture at an accessible price point. The cottage is strategically positioned to capture terrific lake views, allowing you to enjoy the sunrise over the water from the comfort of your expansive covered porch.
As part of a well-maintained association, owners benefit from incredible amenities including a sandy beach and, most importantly, a reserved dock space each summer. This eliminates the common hurdle of boat storage and lake access, making it effortless to spend your days exploring the Arbutus Lake chain of lakes, renowned for excellent fishing, kayaking, and peaceful boating conditions.
Inside, the 625-square-foot layout is designed for efficiency and comfort, serving as a functional base for your outdoor adventures. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a seasonal residence, the simplicity of this cottage allows you to focus on the natural beauty of the 6-acre shared grounds and the surrounding Northern Michigan landscape.
The investment outlook for this property is particularly compelling. The Traverse City market continues to see high demand for short-term and seasonal stays. Because the Pinecrest Resort community has a proven track record of rental success, this cottage offers strong income potential for owners looking to offset costs through vacation rentals while still enjoying personal use during the peak Michigan seasons.
Location is everything, and this cottage delivers on all fronts. You are situated just a short drive from Downtown Traverse City, putting the region’s best breweries, shopping, and the National Cherry Festival within easy reach. Furthermore, proximity to the VASA Trail system provides world-class mountain biking, hiking, and cross-country skiing, ensuring this is a true four-season destination.
The Arbutus Lake area on the east side of Traverse City has quietly become one of the most desirable locations for buyers looking for the perfect balance of waterfront living, outdoor recreation, privacy, and easy access to downtown Traverse City. For many Northern Michigan buyers, this area offers something increasingly hard to find — an authentic Up North lake lifestyle with boating, nature, and space, all within minutes of city conveniences.
Located just east of downtown Traverse City in East Bay Township, the Arbutus Lake neighborhood is part of what many locals consider one of the most desirable recreational areas in the region. Buyers are drawn to the area for its beautiful lakes, mature woods, rolling terrain, relaxed atmosphere, and strong long-term real estate appeal.
One of the biggest attractions is the Arbutus Lake chain, a connected system of lakes that creates a unique waterfront experience near Traverse City. Residents and visitors enjoy boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing, pontoon cruising, and exploring the connected waterways throughout the summer season.
Unlike many busier waterfront areas, the Arbutus area still maintains a more relaxed, community-oriented feel. It offers the classic Northern Michigan lake experience buyers dream about — morning coffee by the water, afternoons on the boat, evenings around a bonfire, and peaceful nights under the stars.
For buyers seeking a cottage, second home, vacation property, or full-time residence, the Arbutus Lake area offers tremendous lifestyle value.
One of the reasons buyers love the east side of Traverse City is the convenience. The Arbutus Lake neighborhood offers a peaceful, resort-like setting while still being just a short drive from downtown Traverse City.
This means owners can enjoy:
Many buyers say this location gives them the best of both worlds — lake life and city access.
The east side of Traverse City is also one of the best areas in Northern Michigan for outdoor enthusiasts.
Nearby attractions include:
This makes the area attractive not only in summer but throughout all four seasons.
The Arbutus Lake area has also become increasingly popular with buyers looking for vacation homes and seasonal rental opportunities. Its combination of waterfront recreation, Traverse City proximity, and year-round tourism creates strong appeal for seasonal visitors and second-home buyers.
Properties with lake access, shared frontage, boating opportunities, or dock privileges often see significant interest because they offer a more affordable entry point compared to traditional private waterfront homes.
This has helped support demand from buyers looking for:
Locals know that the east side of Traverse City offers a unique personality. It tends to feel more laid back, recreational, and nature-focused while still being connected to everything that makes Traverse City one of Michigan’s most popular destinations.
The area is known for:
For many buyers, the Arbutus Lake area captures the essence of Northern Michigan living — beautiful water, outdoor fun, peaceful surroundings, and close access to one of Michigan’s best small cities.
Inventory in the Arbutus Lake and east side Traverse City market remains highly sought after because buyers understand the long-term appeal of this location. Whether searching for a lake cottage, vacation getaway, investment property, or full-time residence, buyers continue to be drawn to the combination of recreation, convenience, affordability, and lifestyle.
If you have been searching for Arbutus Lake homes for sale, Traverse City cottages, shared waterfront properties, or Northern Michigan vacation homes, the east side Traverse City neighborhood remains one of the best lifestyle and value opportunities in the region.
This property is located at 2268 Pinehurst Trail, Traverse City, MI 49696
Traverse North Realty www.TraverseNorth.com Old Mission Real Estate www.LiveOMP.com 231.668.6303 Ken Weaver is the broker/owner of Traverse North Realty and our branch office, Old Mission Real Estate. With over $100 Million in closed transactions, we have the experience and expertise needed to provide you with exceptional service and results.