Three generations
A Cottage Built on Family, Laughter & Lake Air
The Irwin Family Cottage has stood on the shores of Little Traverse Lake in Cedar, MI since 1958, when William and Louise Irwin first broke ground on what they called their "little piece of heaven." Built with Cedar and Pine from the surrounding forest, the original structure was a family retreat — a place to escape the noise of the city and reconnect with nature.
Through the decades, the cottage grew alongside the family. A back den & lakeside porch were added in the 1980s, an additional bathroom in the 90s, and a fully renovated kitchen in the 2000s. Each addition carries the mark of a different generation, yet the spirit of the place has never changed: gather, rest, and make memories.
Today the cottage is lovingly maintained by the third generation of Irwins, who open its doors to guests who appreciate a place with real character — creaky floorboards, a stone fireplace, and a dock that catches the best sunsets on the lake.
