Arrive with a suitcase. Step into summer. The Issaqueen is a warm, beautifully appointed historic cottage at Columbus Beach Club -- built in the late 1800s and kept by just seven families across 140 years. CBC is a private community of approximately 45 cottages founded in 1886 at the junction of the Indian River and Burt Lake, where cottages rarely come to market. All the lake, none of the shoreline upkeep: steps to a private sandy beach and direct access to the 38-mile Inland Waterway -- all the rewards of waterfront living without the taxes or maintenance of direct ownership. Six bedrooms, 2.5 baths, ~3,551 sq ft, sleeping fifteen, screened wraparound porch seating twenty. A turnkey four-season home, ready for the season ahead. The eighth chapter is yours to write. THE GATHERING ROOM. Upstairs, one expansive bedroom offers three queen beds and two generous closets -- a welcoming retreat where guests gather for the weekend, friends linger over late-night conversation, and everyone settles in with ease. The Issaqueen sleeps fifteen in dedicated beds across six bedrooms, with comfortable overflow space throughout the cottage for additional guests -- a true gathering home built for full-house weekends.
UPSTAIRS. In addition to the three-queen room, the second floor includes a king bedroom and a bedroom with a double bed, a full bath, a generous walk-in closet, and ample attic storage.
MAIN FLOOR. Three bedrooms on the first floor include the primary king and two additional queens, along with one full and one half bath. A welcoming mudroom (perfect for coming in from the lake) leads to a dedicated laundry room with a newer extra-large-capacity washer and dryer. The updated kitchen offers abundant cabinetry and storage, with a table seating six and an island seating four -- gathering ten comfortably for breakfast and morning coffee. A spacious family room and a formal living room with gas fireplace anchor the main living areas, and a separate formal dining room seats six to eight.
THE PORCH. Expansive, screened, and wrapping around the cottage with roll-down vinyl enclosures, the porch comfortably seats twenty and extends the season from early spring through late fall. Morning coffee with the lake still as glass. Long afternoons with cards on the table.
THE PATIO. Out back, six Adirondack chairs ring a gas firepit with lake views -- where evenings gather, stories are told, and the sky turns deep blue.
THE GROUNDS. The Issaqueen sits on a large corner lot with mature trees, established perennials, and plenty of room for cornhole, lawn games, and casual outdoor gathering. Professionally landscaped and supported by lawn and flower box irrigation -- easy to maintain, easy to enjoy.
SYSTEMS & FEATURES. Four-season home with a metal roof (2019), newly connected municipal sewer (October 2025), private well, boiler heat, whole-house Generac standby generator, whole-house attic fan, window and portable A/C in like-new condition, ceiling fans in every bedroom, and a large one-car garage.
CLUB AMENITIES (subject to CBC membership). Walking access to the private sandy beach, the historic Dining Hall (the heart of the community since 1886), the Beach House, and the boathouse and slips on the Indian River -- with direct access from CBC's docks to Michigan's full 38-mile Inland Waterway. A full summer on the water -- boating, sailing, water skiing, tubing -- and friendly Club regattas. Beloved Club traditions including the Fourth of July bicycle and golf cart parade and the Annual Meeting week.
THE INLAND WATERWAY. The Issaqueen sits at the strategic heart of Michigan's Inland Waterway -- 38 miles of connected boating from Crooked Lake to Lake Huron, linking Crooked Lake, the Crooked River, Burt Lake, the Indian River, Mullett Lake, and the Cheboygan River. Day trips by boat to waterfront dining, marinas, and small lake towns. From the north end of the waterway, just 15 miles from Mackinac Island and 18 miles from the Mackinac Bridge. A historic boating corridor active since the 1800s -- and one of the finest cruising routes in freshwater.
A PROTECTED SETTING. Direct walking access to the Seven Springs Nature Preserve -- permanently protected by the Little Traverse Conservancy -- means the wooded buffer, the privacy, and the quiet here will never change.
YOUR SUMMER, READY TO BEGIN. The Issaqueen has been beautifully kept and lovingly appointed throughout -- a warm, charming, lived-in cottage that welcomes you the moment you walk through the door. The kitchen is fully stocked with cookware, dinnerware, glassware, and small appliances. Beds are made, with a full additional set of sheets for every bed. Towels, linens, and household essentials are in place. Two kayaks and two paddleboards wait at the ready. A 2024 Bennington pontoon is available to purchase separately for the buyer who wants to be out on the water on day one. Open the door, set down your suitcase, and step into summer.
A FOUR-SEASON HOME. Built and maintained for year-round comfort. Summer on the water and the porch gives way to fall walks through the changing color, winter days at The Highlands at Harbor Springs, Nub's Nob, and Boyne Mountain -- among the finest ski resorts in the Midwest, all within easy reach -- and spring fly fishing on the Sturgeon River. A gas fireplace, a porch enclosed by roll-down vinyl, boiler heat, and a whole-house Generac generator keep the cottage warm and reliable through every Michigan season.
WHAT'S INCLUDED. Most furnishings, decor, kitchenware, and outdoor pieces convey, along with all bedding (and a full additional set of sheets for every bed), two kayaks, and two paddleboards. A short list of personal items and select artwork will be retained -- full exclusion list available to serious buyers. A 2024 Bennington 22 SSR pontoon with Mercury 200XL is available to purchase separately.
MEMBERSHIP. Columbus Beach Club is a private cottage community, and joining is the natural next step for a new owner. Details are warmly shared with interested buyers.
This is not a home you buy. It is a community you are welcomed into. A century of summers, already in motion. A porch already warmed by 140 years of evenings, waiting for yours. Those who find it understand.
