The relaxing getaway we were looking for

Guest: Luli (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 06/01/06 Review Submitted: 03/03/07

We found this vecation spot more than 3 years ago and have been back for fall colors, summer greenery, and a cozy winter getaway. A short path through a lovely wooded area leads to the uncrowded beauty of Lake Allegan. I like to take a book or headphones to the comfy private lakeview deck, while other members of my family spend hours at a time in the water. As well as the swimming and boating, we like to fix picnics in the cottage kitchen and take them to the dock or deck.

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Perfect Getaway

Guest: Pat (Thorntown, IN)
Date of Stay: 10/08/11 Review Submitted: 11/03/11

Our two chubby dogs took their "mom" and "dad" on vacation this year to this charming cottage near Allegan. We knew nothing of the area except some information obtained online. Although we packed jackets, the second week of October brought daytime highs of 70 and clear, sunny skies. While compact, the cottage was clean, comfortable, easy to maintain and offered a huge deck, grill and fire pit, as well as the clean, secure and wooded dog yard that allowed the dogs plenty of room. Everything we needed was there, including clean-up products and equipment. This is a perfect location for kicking back. We explored Allegan and found a lovely deli, expansive grocery store and wonderful farmers' market. Orchards, blueberry farms, wineries and a state forest offer tons of "winding down" activities. Our hosts Chris & Nancy were most welcoming and attentive to our needs. The cottage is located on a busy highway, and while we noticed the traffic, it did not interrupt our enjoyment. We will return. Thanks for the perfect week.

Recommended for:Sightseeing, pet owners, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Great Property - Had A Wonderful Time!

Guest: LLA (Chicago, IL)
Date of Stay: 10/15/11 Review Submitted: 10/19/11

This is the type of cottage I wish I owned and could visit on weekends. It's not pretentious or large like some of the others on the same road. It's cozy, rustic and feels perfectly secluded. It's even a certified wildlife habitat! We chose the property specifically for the pet amenities and its proximity to Holland, where we had events to attend. It was truly perfect for pets and the owners have thought of many great details to make your stay comfortable. We especially loved the lofted upstairs room with skylights, nightlights with removable flashlights in each room, the large firepit, the hammock, and the deluxe gas grill. I can't comment on the lake/kayaks since it was too cold and windy for us to get out on the lake this late in the fall season, but it looked lovely. Everything about the cottage was warm and inviting and the owners were a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend Pine Cone Cottage to anybody! My only advice for city dwellers is to be prepared for darkness as you have never known it before! By the second night I was used to it, but I was a little terrified on that first night. You should definitely not watch episodes of Criminal Minds or CSI before your stay if you have an active imagination like me. Ha ha. = )

Owner response:The great thing about the dark nights in the country is that you can see the stars more brightly and you pay more attention to the many pleasant night sounds. Soon you want less light pollution and appreciate the shadows cast by the full moon. We're happy you enjoyed your stay! -Chris

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, adventure seekers, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Dog Heaven!

Guest: Reese (Libertyville, IL)
Date of Stay: 05/27/11 Review Submitted: 06/07/11

Our stay over Memorial Day weekend was great. Although the cottage is somewhat close to the road, the fenced-in yard and beautiful wooded path to the lake were perfect for them. We had the best time kayaking on Lake Allegan, and enjoyed that we could go into Allegan or Douglas for shopping, eating, etc. Chris, the owner, was very welcoming and helpful, and her cottage does have what one would expect and MORE for a comfortable stay. I would definitely recommend Pine Cone Cottage.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, age 55+.

Great Escape

Guest: Butch (Marion Oh)
Date of Stay: 05/30/11 Review Submitted: 06/06/11

Best of both worlds, quiet get away in a beautiful wooded setting, acess to the lake even though our visit was in early summer and it was a little to cool to swim yet. The cabin was very clean and our wonderful hosts thought of everything we might need in the way of paper products, spices and cookware as well as a laundry. Close to major tourists areas, near shopping and groceries, the dogs loved the freedom of the fenced in yard. We look forward to our next visit.

Owner response:Dogs get to run on the waterfront and jump off the dock. They love the large fenced yard too. Pinecone Cottage was made for traveling pets and their owners.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Fabulous Vacation with Dogs!

Guest: Kriss (Whitestown, IN)
Date of Stay: 06/12/10 Review Submitted: 06/21/10

We really wanted to go on vacation with our dogs and were delighted with the Pine Cone Cottage. There was plenty of room for them to play and a large fenced in yard kept them safe. The cottage was very clean and had everything that we could want to make our week without having to pack a truck load. The area is very peaceful and close to great towns. Lot's to do or do nothing. What a great week! Take a kayak out first thing in the morning for a fantastic veiw and a wonderful way to start the day.

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers.

Central location away from the hustle

Guest: justinsmom (Rockford, IL, USA)
Date of Stay: 09/25/09 Review Submitted: 10/06/09

Our family just returned from a week long stay at the Pine Cone Cottage. The location of the cottage to major SW Michigan cities and Lake Michigan is wonderful. Close enough, but not too close... The location of the cottage is beautiful with woods and lake. Our son enjoyed the loft bedroom which he claimed immediately and our golden retriever enjoyed the back deck where he stood on squirrel alert! Although we were only able to use the kayaks and fire pit once due to rainy weather we appreciated that they were there. The owners were very nice and the cabin included just about everything you could need.. was nice not to have to bring my own paper products and having a laundry facility proved very helpful after all the time playing in the sand and water. Thanks for letting us use your cottage!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Wonderful Experience

Guest: Caroline M. (Aurora, Il)
Date of Stay: 09/30/07 Review Submitted: 08/24/08

We stayed last year for two weeks. It was a wonderful cottage with everything you could possibly need. The yard is perfect for our dogs. I would not go on vacation without my dogs. I am so happy to find such a clean place that meets all our needs. We are returning for another two weeks in October. The owners of the cottage are two very wonderful ladies. Caroline

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, pet owners, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers.

Honeymoon!

Guest: dinerkatie (Warren, MI)
Date of Stay: 08/03/08 Review Submitted: 08/14/08

Pinecone Cottage was an awesome retreat for me and my new husband and our dogs! The cottage was well furnished and very clean! Plenty of local attractions kept us busy, but we found lots of quiet time to just sit back and relas at the cottage. It was truly the perfect honeymoon! I would highly recommend this rental!!!

Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, pet owners, girls getaway, families with young children, families with teenagers.

Great Time

Guest: Kayaknanna (michigan)
Date of Stay: 01/01/07 Review Submitted: 02/24/07

We just want to thank you for a wonderful time. The cottage is cozy and comfortable. Cross Country skiing was excellent. We cannot wait to return in the summer to get out on that lake with the kayaks and swimming. I will so recommend this little piece of heaven to all our friends and hope they don't reserve it before we do. I want to thank Nancy and Chris for such a wonderful experience. You make staying at a hotel a thing of our past. This is the way to relax!

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