Suttons Bay Lake Front

Suttons Bay
Village-centered bay frontage with refined Northern Michigan charm

Overview

Located in Leelanau County within a short drive of Traverse City, Suttons Bay offers a distinctive waterfront experience anchored by a walkable village and direct frontage on West Bay.

Suttons Bay waterfront properties range from classic cottages and harbor-adjacent homes to newer luxury residences. The setting combines open-water views with village convenience, appealing to buyers who value accessibility, social connection, and an active yet refined lakefront environment.

Waterfront Character & Lifestyle

Suttons Bay supports a vibrant, village-oriented waterfront lifestyle.

Because Suttons Bay sits exclusively on West Bay, waterfront homes typically enjoy sunrise views across the water and softer evening light. Activity levels vary by proximity to the marina and village center, with more energetic boating and social interaction near town and quieter residential stretches farther north and south.

Suttons Bay attracts buyers who enjoy a balance of lakefront living and walkable amenities, often prioritizing convenience, dining, and marina access alongside water views.

Shoreline & Water Considerations

Shoreline characteristics in Suttons Bay vary by location.

Water depth, bottom composition, wave exposure, and dock configurations differ depending on proximity to the village and marina. Buyers should consider boat traffic patterns, seasonal activity, and shoreline protection when evaluating waterfront homes.

Understanding these micro-locations is essential to finding the right fit within Suttons Bay.

Location & Nearby Amenities

Suttons Bay’s waterfront location is closely tied to village life.

Residents enjoy:
• Walkable access to dining, shopping, and local events
• Marina access and boating amenities
• Proximity to wineries, beaches, and recreation
• Convenient access to Traverse City for expanded services

This blend of lakefront living and village connection defines Suttons Bay’s appeal.

Zoning, Preservation & Long-Term Value

Suttons Bay waterfront is governed by village, township, and county zoning regulations that guide shoreline development and density.

Limited inventory, strong demand, and the enduring appeal of village-centered waterfront living support long-term value.

Is Suttons Bay Waterfront Right for You?

Suttons Bay waterfront is best suited for buyers who:
• Value walkable village access and social convenience
• Enjoy marina proximity and an active waterfront atmosphere
• Prefer open bay views on West Bay
• Seek a refined yet lively lakefront setting

For buyers looking for a dynamic waterfront lifestyle with small-town charm, Suttons Bay remains one of Leelanau County’s most desirable destinations.

Waterfront Size & Key Facts

• Waterfront type: West Bay frontage (Grand Traverse Bay)
• Shoreline character: mixed sand, stone, and developed waterfront
• Water type: open bay, deep and clear
• Orientation: primarily sunrise views
• Drive time to Traverse City: approximately 15–25 minutes

Suttons Bay’s combination of village access and bay frontage places it among Northern Michigan’s most sought-after waterfront markets.

Old Mission Peninsula: East Bay vs West Bay Waterfront Comparison

One of the most important — and often overlooked — decisions when buying waterfront property on Old Mission Peninsula is which side of the peninsula best fits your lifestyle. While both offer exceptional scenery and proximity to Traverse City, the daily experience can feel very different.

East Bay Waterfront

East Bay properties are known for sunrise views, calmer morning conditions, and a more protected feel.

East Bay is often favored by buyers who:

  • Enjoy peaceful mornings and early light

  • Prefer calmer waters and reduced wave action

  • Value privacy and a quieter residential environment

  • Appreciate a more understated, contemplative setting

Many East Bay properties feel sheltered and serene, making them especially appealing for swimming, paddling, and relaxed daily use.

West Bay Waterfront

West Bay properties on Old Mission Peninsula offer sunset views, expansive open-water vistas, and a stronger connection to Traverse City.

West Bay is often favored by buyers who:

  • Enjoy dramatic evening skies and sunsets

  • Appreciate open-water boating and cruising

  • Value proximity to Traverse City amenities

  • Don’t mind moderate boat activity depending on location

West Bay frontage can feel more energetic, particularly closer to town, while still offering quieter stretches farther north along the peninsula.

Choosing the Right Side

Neither East Bay nor West Bay is “better” — they simply offer different daily rhythms.

The right choice depends on:

  • Preferred sun orientation

  • Desired activity level

  • Sensitivity to wind and wave exposure

  • How you plan to use the water day to day

In a market with limited inventory, understanding these differences early helps buyers act confidently when the right property becomes available.

·      Suttons Bay vs Old Mission Peninsula Comparison

 

·       Feature

·       Old Mission Peninsula

·       Suttons Bay

·       Bay Orientation

·       Offers both East Bay and West Bay frontage

·       Located exclusively on West Bay

·       Sun Exposure

·       Choice of sunrise (East Bay) or sunset (West Bay)

·       Primarily sunrise views across West Bay

·       Water Experience

·       East Bay: calmer, protected feel
West Bay: more open water

·       Open bay views with varying activity near village

·       Lifestyle Feel

·       Quiet, residential, estate-oriented

·       Village-centered with social energy

·       Privacy & Space

·       Larger parcels, more separation between homes

·       Homes generally closer together

·       Village Access

·       Limited; more destination-oriented

·       Walkable village, marina, dining

·       Boat Traffic

·       Varies by bay and location; generally lower density

·       More activity near marina and village areas

·       Architecture

·       Legacy estates, custom homes, refined modern builds

·       Mix of cottages, updated classics, and newer luxury homes

·       Scenic Character

·       Vineyards, farmland, preserved landscapes

·       Harbor views, village charm, active waterfront

·       Drive to Traverse City

·       Approx. 10–20 minutes depending on location

·       Approx. 15–25 minutes

·       Market Availability

·       Extremely limited; many legacy properties

·       Very limited; high competition near village

·       Buyer Profile

·       Privacy-focused, legacy-minded, scenery-driven

·       Social, convenience-oriented, village-focus

Final Perspective

Old Mission Peninsula and Suttons Bay both represent the highest tier of waterfront living near Traverse City. Within Old Mission Peninsula itself, the distinction between East Bay and West Bay further refines the experience.

Buyers who take the time to understand these nuances are better positioned to find not just a beautiful home — but the right waterfront lifestyle.

Suttons Bay Lake Front

$785,000
3 Beds ⋅ 4 Baths ⋅ 1950105 MLS ⋅ Bay Cliff Estates Condominiums BLDG.
Enjoy effortless, turn-key, low-maintenance living in this spacious 3-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom Bay Cliff Estates condo offering over 2,000 finished square feet, seasonal water views, and the convenience of main-floor living. Beautifully maintained and ready to enjoy, the open floor plan features soaring cathedral ceilings, a main-floor primary suite, main-floor laundry, and an updated kitchen with sleek granite countertops that flows seamlessly to a private deck. Tucked within a quiet Suttons Bay community, the monthly HOA covers lawn care, snow removal, exterior insurance and exterior maintenance, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the exceptional amenities, including 1,200 feet of shared beachfront, a community dock with private marina, slips available to rent on an annual basis, tennis courts, and a recently updated outdoor pool community center overlooking the Bay. Ideally located for a walkable lifestyle, you can stroll to downtown Suttons Bay for dinner, shopping, and local events, or connect directly to the TART Trail for an easy bike ride along the scenic Leelanau Trail all the way to Traverse City. Whether you're looking for a full-time residence, a low-maintenance second home, or a Northern Michigan getaway, this turn-key Bay Cliff Estates condo offers an ideal combination of comfort, amenities, and location.

818 N Bay Cliff Drive Unit #4, Suttons Bay
$3,595,000
1949083 MLS ⋅ N/A BLDG.
Reaching out into Lake Michigan, there's a peninsula of land, in between Suttons Bay, a safe harbor, & the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay, known as Stony Point. Long revered for it's prime agricultural lands, where the fruit that's grown here, can "look at the water", a term used for decades referring to the tempering effect the nearby lake water has to protect orchards from early frosts, & helps during the cold winter months to allow the trees to maintain a state of dormancy. This incredibly special, nearly 45 acre offering is situated near the tip of said Stony Point, & has been a part of the agricultural landscape for generations. It's ready to be passed down to those who are looking for any number of future uses. With almost 300' of private frontage on Suttons Bay, 283' per a recent survey, & with both gently rolling topography & level areas, some with water views, this property could be a spectacular estate parcel! The underlying agricultural zoning allows a multitude of uses by right, conditions, or special use, including continued farming, single family dwellings, B&B's, agricultural support industries, equestrian uses, & more. Continue to benefit from the 15 acre cherry orchard from an income/property tax standpoint while contemplating future uses. Orchard was planted around 2015, is well maintained, with it's production just beginning to reach full potential. Wineries, Cideries are also allowed, & with frontage on 3 county roads there is certainly development potential here. Discussing options with the zoning administrator is encouraged to determine potential uses. 2 parcels of record, so many options. Nearby Steimel Park, @ the east end of the north boundary, Lover's Lane, provides a point of public access should the northerly portion, or all of this property be developed into home sites. Seller would like to sell both parcels at the same time, each is listed separately too, N parcel/14.98 ac $650K, S parcel/29.88 ac $2.995M Possible owner financing.

000 N Stony Point Road, Suttons Bay
$2,995,000
1949082 MLS ⋅ N/A BLDG.
Reaching out into Lake Michigan, there's a peninsula of land, in between Suttons Bay, a safe harbor, & the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay, known as Stony Point. Long revered for it's prime agricultural lands, where the fruit that's grown here can "look at the water", a term used for decades referring to the tempering effect the nearby lake water has to protect orchards from early frosts & helps during the cold winter months to allow the trees to maintain a state of dormancy. This incredibly special, nearly 30 acre offering is situated near the tip of said Stony Point & has been part of the agricultural landscape for generations. It's ready to be passed down to new owners who are looking for any number of future uses. With almost 300' of private frontage on Suttons Bay, 283' per a recent survey & with gently rolling topography & level areas, some with water views, this property could be a spectacular estate parcel! The underlying agricultural zoning allows a multitude of uses by right, conditions, or special use including continued farming, single family dwellings, B&B's, agricultural support industries, equestrian uses & more. Continue to benefit from the 15 acre cherry orchard from an income/property tax standpoint while contemplating future uses. Orchard was planted around 2015, is well maintained, with it production beginning to reach full potential. Wineries & cideries are also allowed & with frontage on 2 county roads (Stony Point and Norris Road) there's certainly development potential here. Discussing options with the zoning administrator is encouraged to determine potential uses. The adjoining 14.98 acres is for sale too, listed for 650K should you want almost 45 acres. The seller would like to sell both together, listed at $3,595M, or would require simultaneous closing if this, and the northern parcel are sold to separate buyers. Possible owner financing.

00 N Stony Point Road, Suttons Bay
$2,620,000
5 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 1948905 MLS ⋅ Metes & Bounds BLDG.
Set on an oversized parcel with an extraordinary 460 feet of private sandy shoreline, this exceptional waterfront property offers a rare opportunity along the coveted shores of Suttons Bay. Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the water while surrounded by privacy, natural beauty, mature trees, and endless possibilities. Whether you choose to enhance and enjoy the charming cottage-style home or create a legacy estate, the expansive setting provides ample space to bring your vision to life. Potential land division opportunities may exist; buyers should conduct their own due diligence and verification. Conveniently located just 2 miles from the vibrant village of Suttons Bay, the property offers easy access to boutique shopping, dining, and everyday conveniences. Traverse City is only 15 miles away, Cherry Capital Airport is within 20 miles, and historic Fishtown in Leland is just 12 miles from your doorstep. Surrounded by the acclaimed wineries, beaches, trails, and year-round outdoor recreation of Leelanau County, this is a truly rare offering in one of Northern Michigan's most sought-after destinations.

737 S Stony Point Road, Suttons Bay
$599,000
2 Beds ⋅ 3 Baths ⋅ 1947202 MLS ⋅ Suttons Bay Yacht Club BLDG.
Access to sandy Beach, pool, hot tub, tennis, clubhouse and covered picnic area with this quietly located end unit with main floor living and bedroom. Guest room, loft and extra storage on second level. Private patio for grilling, single garage plus dedicated second parking spot. All of the Leelanau County summer amenities plus walk or bike to the Village of Suttons Bay for shopping, dining and groceries. Lock it and leave it for winter travels or stay year-round for the charming local life in Suttons Bay. Option for boat slip in the neighborhood or at Suttons Bay Municipal Marina. Hard to imagine a better set up for the Leelanau County lifestyle! This unit comes partially furnished for one of the bedrooms, living room and dining. Full beach access is not deeded; it is an HOA member amenity.

723 N Apple Tree Drive Unit 18, Suttons Bay
$1,350,000
3 Beds ⋅ 2 Baths ⋅ 1945513 MLS ⋅ N/A BLDG.
Enjoy breathtaking sunset views over beautiful Suttons Bay from this charming waterfront home offering 153 feet of private frontage. This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath residence features comfortable main-level living with kitchen, dining and living room overlooking the water, along with a separate family room for added gathering space. The partially finished walkout lower level includes an additional family room, providing plenty of room for entertaining guests or relaxing after a day on the bay. Step outside to the expansive waterfront deck and take in the peaceful setting and spectacular sunsets. Enjoy the convenience of boating directly to the shops, restaurants, and waterfront amenities of Suttons Bay from your private waterfront retreat. This home is being offered turnkey, includes all furniture, beds, kitchenware, and linens, making it ready to enjoy from the moment you take possession. Dock is negotiable. 3rd bedroom is currently being used as family room on main level.

488 S Stony Point Road, Suttons Bay
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