West Bay

 

Old Mission Peninsula
Distinctive bay frontage with legacy appeal


Overview

Located in Leelanau County just minutes from downtown Traverse City, Old Mission Peninsula offers some of the most prestigious and visually striking waterfront property in Northern Michigan. Unique in its geography, the peninsula provides lakefront access on both East Bay and West Bay, allowing buyers to choose between sunrise and sunset orientations.

Waterfront homes on Old Mission Peninsula range from legacy estates and architecturally significant residences to thoughtfully updated classics. Low-density development, preserved farmland, and vineyard landscapes contribute to a sense of permanence and exclusivity that continues to attract discerning buyers.


Waterfront Character & Lifestyle

Old Mission Peninsula supports a refined, residential waterfront lifestyle.

Properties along East Bay tend to offer calmer morning waters and sunrise views, while West Bay frontage provides expansive open-water vistas and dramatic evening sunsets. Activity levels vary by location, with quieter residential stretches and more active boating areas closer to Traverse City.

Old Mission Peninsula attracts buyers who value privacy, scenery, and long-term ownership, often prioritizing daily experience and setting over social activity.

 

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.


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.


Shoreline & Water Considerations

Shoreline characteristics on Old Mission Peninsula vary significantly by location and bay orientation.

Water depth, frontage width, bottom composition, and exposure differ between East Bay and West Bay properties. Buyers should consider prevailing winds, wave action, shoreline protection, and dock placement carefully, as these factors influence usability and long-term maintenance.

Local insight is particularly important when evaluating Old Mission Peninsula waterfront homes due to the variability of conditions along the peninsula.


Location & Nearby Amenities

Old Mission Peninsula offers exceptional proximity to Traverse City while maintaining a secluded, destination feel.

Residents enjoy:
• Immediate access to downtown Traverse City
• Proximity to wineries, vineyards, and preserved farmland
• Easy access to dining, shopping, and healthcare
• Convenient boating access to Grand Traverse Bay

This combination of privacy and convenience defines Old Mission Peninsula’s enduring appeal.


Zoning, Preservation & Long-Term Value

Old Mission Peninsula is subject to a combination of township, county, and environmental regulations designed to preserve shoreline integrity, agricultural land, and scenic viewsheds.

Limited waterfront availability, strong preservation standards, and sustained buyer demand contribute to long-term value and generational ownership patterns.


Is Old Mission Peninsula Waterfront Right for You?

Old Mission Peninsula waterfront is best suited for buyers who:
• Value privacy, scenery, and low-density development
• Appreciate the choice of sunrise or sunset bay frontage
• Prefer a residential, estate-oriented setting
• Seek proximity to Traverse City without village congestion

For buyers seeking premier bay frontage with enduring prestige, Old Mission Peninsula remains one of Northern Michigan’s most distinctive waterfront destinations.


Waterfront Size & Key Facts

• Waterfront type: East Bay & West Bay frontage (Grand Traverse Bay)
• Shoreline character: mixed sand, stone, and natural shoreline
• Water type: open bay, deep and clear
• Orientation options: sunrise (East Bay) or sunset (West Bay)
• Drive time to Traverse City: approximately 5–15 minutes

 

Old Mission Peninsula’s unique geography and limited waterfront supply position it among the most exclusive lakefront real estate markets in Leelanau County.

West Bay

$1,875,000
3 Beds 4 Baths 1950351 MLS Nabawnaga Shores BLDG.
Beautifully designed to capture amazing views of West Grand Traverse Bay, this custom Stony Point home offers quality craftsmanship, a thoughtful floor plan, and comfortable main-floor living in a beautifully landscaped setting. American cherry hardwood floors bring warmth to the open living spaces, complemented by a fireplace with real-cut stone surround and abundant natural light. The well-appointed kitchen features rich cherry cabinetry, a teak work island, Wolf cooking appliances, Sub-Zero refrigeration, and additional high-end amenities. Just off the living area, a charming screened porch and Trex deck create wonderful spaces for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. The main-floor primary suite includes a walk-in closet and private bath with heated floors and a tiled walk-in shower. Pocket doors connect the suite to a private study, where views of the bay provide an inspiring backdrop for working or relaxing. Upstairs, the guest suite enjoys beautiful, elevated views of West Bay, along with a private bath and flexible sitting or office space. The finished lower level adds even more versatility with a third bedroom, full bath, family room, and ample storage. Thoughtfully landscaped and irrigated gardens surround the home, while an oversized heated two-car garage, fenced backyard area, and whole-house generator add everyday convenience. Ideally located between Suttons Bay and Traverse City, this inviting property combines shared access to West Grand Traverse Bay with easy access to the villages, wineries, beaches, trails, dining, and recreation that make Leelanau County such a special place to call home.

1221 S Bay View Trail, Suttons Bay

$3,475,000
3 Beds 4 Baths 1949722 MLS M&B BLDG.
Exceptional Leelanau County West Grand Traverse Bay waterfront home with 282' of private direct frontage offering dramatic south-facing views, a large sandy beach area, mature trees, beautifully landscaped grounds, just 15 minutes from Traverse City! This incredible home has been extensively remodeled inside & out with a substantial east-side addition completed in 2024. The light-filled interior features cathedral ceilings, skylights, expansive Andersen windows and sliding doors, oak flooring, nickel-gap accents, and panoramic Bay views throughout. The thoughtfully designed floor plan features two main-level primary suites each with a private bath and spacious walk-in closet with custom built-ins. A 3rd generously sized bedroom with large windows, office/den, family room, and oversized mudroom offer exceptional flexibility for guests, work, and everyday living. The open-concept kitchen is appointed with quartz countertops, quality cabinetry, and premium appliances. The attached finished garage is complimented with custom cabinetry and a deep utility sink, and both gas/electric heat. The picturesque landscaped grounds are designed for effortless enjoyment, featuring composite front and rear decking, stone patios, raised garden beds, irrigation, an outdoor shower with hot/cold water, RV and hot tub hookups. Striking Onyx granite walls add beauty and permanence to the landscape. Additional highlights include two high-efficiency HVAC systems, a metal roof, low maintenance horizontal cement siding, and extensive recent updates throughout! A truly” one-of-a-kind” setting, this elevated property captures remarkable sweeping West Bay views and creates the rare feeling of being right on top of the water with the endless open horizon, the beautiful sandy shoreline and inviting waters of West GT Bay against the backdrop of Power Island and Old Mission peninsula!

3729 S Lee Point Road, Suttons Bay

$2,420,000
2 Beds 3 Baths 1949714 MLS N/A BLDG.
Rarely does a property on Old Mission Peninsula offer this exceptional combination of privacy, elevated views, thoughtful design, and private West Bay frontage. Set on 1.6 secluded acres surrounded by mature hardwoods, this beautifully reimagined home captures sweeping western views of West Bay and Power Island, unforgettable sunsets, and a peaceful setting just minutes from downtown Traverse City. Renovated with careful attention to its natural surroundings, the home features Sierra Pacific windows and doors that frame the water views, wide plank white oak flooring, and refined finishes throughout. The living room offers a gas fireplace and stunning bay vistas, while the kitchen is anchored by a large island with a waterfall quartzite countertop and is equipped with a double convection oven, induction cooktop, and hood vent. The main-level primary suite overlooks both woods and water and opens directly to the cedar deck, creating a private retreat for morning coffee and quiet evenings. Its spa-inspired bath includes radiant in-floor heat, a soaking tub, and a spacious walk-in shower. Upstairs, a second bedroom with en suite bath provides comfortable accommodations for guests. A generous cedar deck extends the living space outdoors and makes the most of the home’s western exposure, ideal for entertaining, dining, and taking in dramatic sunsets over West Bay. The walkout lower level is anchored by a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and remains partially unfinished, offering endless potential for additional living space, guest quarters, a wellness studio, wine cellar, or media room. At the water’s edge, a new composite deck and stairs lead to private sandy shoreline, perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, and boating. With its rare setting, quality materials, extensive updates, and ideal location, this is an opportunity to move in and immediately enjoy the best of Old Mission Peninsula.

875 Lost Nations Trail, Traverse City

$625,000
1949644 MLS N.A. BLDG.
A rare opportunity to create a legacy waterfront estate on iconic M-22 in the heart of Leelanau County. This exceptional one-acre parcel offers 105 feet of private frontage on West Grand Traverse Bay, with an elevated wooded homesite capturing breathtaking panoramic views across the bay to Old Mission Peninsula and beyond. Approximately 25% of the property is forested with mature hardwoods, adding beauty, privacy, and quintessential northern Michigan character. The approved building site is perfectly positioned on a scenic wooded hill, offering privacy, a commanding vantage point, and unobstructed water views. Current septic approval allows buyers to move directly into planning and construction. The property includes two complete sets of custom building plans, featuring two different designs, each created by a separate architectural firm specifically for this property—providing a valuable head start and flexibility. Directly across M-22, just eight steps descend to your private beach, ideal for swimming, boating, kayaking, and enjoying the crystal-clear waters of West Grand Traverse Bay. The frontage is suitable for a private dock, for an exceptional northern Michigan waterfront lifestyle. Located just minutes south of Suttons Bay Village and only ten minutes from downtown Traverse City, this property combines tranquility with easy access to wineries, dining, championship golf, marinas, and year-round recreation. Cherry Capital Airport offers convenient nonstop service to major destinations. Whether envisioned as a luxurious year-round residence or extraordinary seasonal retreat, this is one of the area's most compelling vacant waterfront offerings—a truly build-ready parcel with private frontage, protected views, mature hardwoods, approved septic and building envelopes, and two architect-designed home plans. An unmatched opportunity to create a distinctive legacy property along one of Michigan's most iconic drives.

4800 S West Bay Shore Drive, Suttons Bay

$1,100,000
3 Beds 4 Baths 1949548 MLS La Riviera West No 2 BLDG.
Set on a quiet, estate-sized corner lot, this 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home offers 550 feet of shared West Grand Traverse Bay frontage, complete with a dock and the ability to add a boat hoist (based on availability). The well-maintained neighborhood offers privacy and community both, with tennis and basketball courts just up the street — and downtown Traverse City and Cherry Capital Airport are only minutes away, with all of Leelanau County a short drive beyond. An adjacent lot with its own tax ID rounds out the offering, giving you room to expand, build, or simply enjoy extra yard space. Step inside and you'll find a home that's been recently remodeled from top to bottom: a new kitchen with Alder cabinets, Quartz counters, and high-end stainless appliances; remodeled baths; new light fixtures and hardware; and a sunroom/den now finished for year-round enjoyment. Main-floor living is both comfortable and functional, with a home office, a spacious primary suite, a second bedroom with its own ensuite bath, a convenient powder room, and a dedicated laundry room with loads of storage. Solid maple flooring and tall ceilings in the great room add to the home's polished, welcoming feel, while three gas fireplaces keep the living areas warm across both levels. Downstairs, the finished lower level offers even more flexibility, with egress windows and a spacious recreation room with built-ins, perfect as a media room, craft room, workshop, or home gym. The third bedroom, also on this level, is a guest suite in its own right, featuring a walk-in closet and a well-appointed bathroom with radiant floor heat, a large tile shower, and double sinks — guests won't want to leave! Rounding out the home are a heated attached two-car garage with an extra garage refrigerator, new HVAC for the lower level, a Generac generator, humidifier, and an irrigation system that keeps the grounds lush all summer long. There is so much to love here!

10500 S Monaco Way, Traverse City

$2,199,000
4 Beds 3 Baths 1949486 MLS N/A BLDG.
Experience elevated Peninsula living in this beautiful custom built home on Old Mission Peninsula, offering private frontage and sweeping "Big" West Bay views from nearly every room. Finding a home on the Peninsula that's newer, generously sized, built to this standard, and only five minutes from town is rare. This home was designed for exactly the life most people picture when they think of the Peninsula. Designed for main floor living, the home features a warm and inviting great room with a natural fireplace (gas insert available), a dedicated wine room lined with custom redwood wine racks, and a luxurious private primary suite with a tiled walk-in shower, soaking tub, and a closet that finally has enough space. The chef's kitchen is both elegant and functional, showcasing rich cherry cabinetry, a large granite island, and a new stainless gas range and dishwasher. Asian walnut hardwood flooring runs throughout the main level, complemented by tile in the mudroom and laundry areas. Nothing feels like an afterthought. Major updates provide peace of mind, including a 2024 furnace with a 10-year warranty, a 2023 tankless water heater, and new central air installed in 2025. As an added plus, there's a full-house generator, and the home is connected to municipal water and sewer to ensure comfort and convenience year-round. Step outside and enjoy multiple outdoor living spaces designed to capture the breathtaking bay setting, from the pergola-covered patio overlooking the water to the backyard composite deck. There's a rock seawall, and don't forget about those unforgettable nightly sunsets over West Bay, where every evening the sun drops behind the hills on the other side of the water in a way that makes you cancel whatever you had planned. This is that house.

6860 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City

$2,590,000
4 Beds 3 Baths 1948771 MLS Peninsula Township BLDG.
A once-in-a-generation opportunity on the coveted Old Mission Peninsula! Nestled on 7 private acres with 150 feet of pristine West Bay frontage, this remarkable waterfront estate captures the very best of Northern Michigan living. The expansive hard-packed sandy beach, private dock, and generous shoreline offer endless opportunities for swimming, boating, and making memories on the water. Beyond the shoreline, the 7 acres offer a rare playground for nature enthusiasts, with room to wander, explore, watch wildlife, and enjoy the changing seasons in your own private setting. Designed for effortless main-floor living, the home showcases breathtaking views of West Bay. The light-filled living room features oversized windows & a cozy two sided gas fireplace open to the dining area. The kitchen offers warm maple cabinetry, abundant storage, and generous workspace. The inviting three-season room piques the senses with the soothing sounds of the nearby waterfall and views of the sparkling Bay. Step outside to the waterside deck, perfect for entertaining, and relaxing while taking in unforgettable Northern Michigan sunsets. The main-floor primary suite offers a walk-in closet and ensuite bath with a fully tiled walk-in shower. A second bedroom, full bath, and den provide flexible space for family, guests, or a home office. An attached two-car garage leads to a convenient mudroom and laundry room. The walkout lower level expands the living space with two additional waterfront bedrooms, a full bath, spacious family room, abundant storage, and potential for a lakeview patio. Surrounded by mature trees on over 7 private acres, this peaceful retreat offers unmatched privacy while remaining minutes from downtown Traverse City, wineries, and all the beauty of the Old Mission Peninsula. Waterfront estates with sunsets and sandy beaches are among the Peninsula's rarest offerings—an extraordinary opportunity to create a legacy for generations.

10101 Peninsula Drive, Traverse City

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