Relax and "unplug" in our cottage nestled on a wooded hill overlooking our access to a 187 acre rural lake; a great "home base" while exploring SW Michigan (Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan). Numerous golf courses, wineries, breweries nearby, featuring plenty of seasonal family activities. Two ski resorts within 15 min--Timber Ridge (with tubing runs) and Bittersweet.
Newly added automatic generator in the case the power goes out!
The cottage is in a rural setting with little light pollution; the stars, the lake, the woods are beautiful and serene. Closest town is five miles away with grocery, gas, entertainment, hiking/biking and dining options; and a rural convenience store is 1 - 1/2 miles away. Guests should expect to drive 20+ min to a major grocery chain and/or urban attractions or events.
Cottage is very nearly center of Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids, Holland, St. Joseph and lake shore, so it offers a great "home base" for exploring Southwest Michigan.
If you are visiting in summer please know that even though we spray for bugs and clean corners, etc. on a regular basis, the house is on a lake and in the woods, so it is very likely you will encounter bugs. Among those you will encounter are Mayflies. They do not bite or sting (have no mouth), are very abundant for short durations, and they are attracted to light. If a random bug inside bothers you, perhaps ours is not the cottage for you.
Summer events in the area:
South Haven Harborfest - June 14-15 (antique boat show June 15)
South Haven Art fair - July 6-7
Van Buren County Youth Fair - July 15-21
South Haven Blueberry Festival/Craft Fair - Aug 8-11
All Crafts Show - Aug 31 - Sept 1 Labor Day
Paw Paw Wine Festival - Sept 6-8
South Haven Jazz Festival - Sept 13-14
Understand that "unplugged" in the description means there is no internet in the cottage.
Access to the lake across single lane private dirt road, and over small lake front lot.
NOTE: If you seek a sandy beach area right out the back door of the cottage, we cannot offer that.
Property Info / Must Climb Stairs: 20 exterior steps as house is on a hill, as well as one interior staircase. Small deck off back door has one steep step down to the patio.
Property Info / Amenity Limitations: Lake access is adjacent to other private properties; use only designated access, do not trespass on adjacent properties.
Pets / Smoking / Candles: No Pets, No Smoking, No Candles! No exceptions. If you or any guest is caught smoking in the house, with an animal or burning any candles (other than birthday cake style), you will be required to leave without compensation for nights lost.
- Neighbors / Access: Please respect all neighbors. The water frontage is access only. Please enjoy your stay, but refrain from all vulgarity, from trespassing on adjacent property, and from being loud after 10pm.
- Number of People ; There are no parties/social gatherings allowed or no more than six people allowed at the cottage due to its size, number of beds, and parking.