12960 N Forest Beach

Step inside this Northport, Leelanau County cottage and the sparkling blue bay is impossible to ignore. Brick detail, exposed beams, and warm wood ceilings carry through the interior, and a sunken living room sets the main level apart from the typical lakefront layout, adding depth to the sight lines that stretch toward the water. Water stays central to the design throughout. The kitchen, dining area, great room, and sunken living room are all oriented toward the bay, and a gas see-through fireplace ties two of the main rooms together, echoing the home's layered, intentional feel. With all 4 bedrooms on the main level, the roughly 2,400 finished square feet live open and easy, the floor plan working with the water views rather than around them. Outside, multi-level decking stretches the living space toward 120 feet of sandy Grand Traverse Bay frontage, while a boat house (a rare feature) keeps kayaks, paddle boards & small watercraft covered and within reach of the beach. An outdoor shower makes rinsing off simple, and the walkout lower level, with its own bath and storage, keeps sand from making its way into the main living areas. The double lot, totaling half and acre, provides room to breath. Year-round comfort comes by way of boiler heat, private well & septic, and a detached 2+ car garage, with the flexibility to use the home seasonally or full-time. Membership in Cherry Home Shores brings shared beaches, pickleball courts, parks, trails & a clubhouse for $150 a year, and a restriction on short-term rentals keeps the community quiet and residential. Downtown Northport, the marina, area wineries, golf, dining, Leelanau State Park & the Grand Traverse Lighthouse are all a short drive away. This is a home with real character, one you won't come across twice. Brick, wood & water come together here in a way that feels harmonious and grounding from the moment you walk in.