Stunning views- Perfect for large family-

Guest: MJ (Kalamazoo)
Date of Stay: 12/30/11 Review Submitted: 01/07/12

We arrived to find the property exactly as described- Everything was clean and in good working condition. Abundant, good quality linens in every room. Comfortable pillows. We enjoyed a long family walk down the beach on and out the pier. With the exception of the rooms over the garage the house stayed warm and cozy. New shower heads would be a nice addition- The "water conservation" style heads took some getting used to. A beautiful property, easy to access.

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, sightseeing, girls getaway, romantic getaway.

A piece of Paradise

Guest: Pipes (Ontario, Canada)
Date of Stay: 10/28/11 Review Submitted: 12/08/11

Our Friends and us stayed for a weekend at the end of October this year. We were in awe the moment we placed our eyes on the house and the beautiful scenery around it. The Hosts Jeff and Mary were very informatonal and accomodating. We will definitely return. Unfortunately the house was sold, since we reserved, the new owners honoured our contract from the previous owner. I just hope the new owners will be negotiable on the price like we had in the past. We would love to return as long as the price is not outragous! We wish the New owners all the best and looking forward to renting with them in the New Year!

Recommended for:Age 55+, girls getaway, families with young children.

"The Best" family vacation home!

Guest: Michelle (Lake Orion)
Date of Stay: 05/28/10 Review Submitted: 06/18/10

Our family vacationed in this beautiful home for a long weekend recently and were so impressed with every detail of the home! We had a very large group (10 adults and 17 children) and we had PLENTY of space. It is "perfect" for our family and very comfortable! The girls loved their space in the "apartment" and the little boys loved the lookout room. ALL of the beds were so comfortable and the kitchen is stocked with everything we needed! There were lots of towels for everyone and even beach towels! The double ovens were so useful and we utilized the great grill on the deck! We loved the multiple decks and cooking smore's on the fire pit. The kids played on the sand dune right next to the house and loved playing in White Lake and the fact that they were able to walk out so far and still touch! The pier to Lake Michigan is steps away and it is beautiful! We had fun fishing off the pier (one of the favorite things to do over the weekend!) and the kids absolutely loved jumping into the water off the pier into Lake Michigan. Each day we watched the boats sail through the channel from White Lake to the waters of Lake Michigan...fun, fun, fun! We had the best of both worlds enjoying the sunrise over White Lake and then the sunset over Lake Michigan. Lastly, but surely not least...the owner and her rental caretakers were a joy to rent from! Both were so sweet and took care of our every need. We walked into a very clean; well-kept house and felt "at home" right away...Truly, it was a treat! Thank you, thank you! We will be back (maybe even more than once a year!)

Recommended for:Families with teenagers, age 55+, girls getaway, families with young children.

Guest: Karen Keyworth (East Lansing, MI)
Date of Stay: 03/16/10 Review Submitted: 03/16/10

Our stay in your lovely home was – in a word – FANTASTIC! We were deeply impressed with the size of your home. All the rooms were so very spacious, but the great room and the master bedroom (and bath) were especially so. The steamroom/shower combo and the extra large tub made us feel spoiled. We’re a large, noisy family, but each person had plenty of space to relax, and the game room was a big hit. It really doesn't do it justice to call it a game room, though, as it is as large as a living room. The beds were very comfortable and the linen was clean and soft. The walk-in closet in the master bedroom was a bonus. The house was clean and supplies easy to locate. The stairway to the upper floors is unusually wide, and that added to the feel of luxury. The lookout was claimed by our younger daughter, but everyone spent time enjoying it. We loved the badminton net – the ground was sandy and comfy for bare feet. The overhead fans added to our comfort, and the washer/dryer /mud room helped keep everyone clean. The kids walked to Lake Michigan every day and dove off the pier. We had a bonfire and enjoyed the lights on the lake at night. In addition, your property manager was delightful and friendly; she made us feel welcome. Thank you for a wonderful time at your cottage.

Owner response:Thank you for making me smile with your very kind words. The house was built just to be lived in & enjoyed in this way. With large, noisy families making memories & having a place to enjoy one another. Mixed ages coming together to laugh & just hang out. Please come back & again thank you, Colleen

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 02/03/10 Review Submitted: 02/03/10

We had a great experience staying at the house over the New Year Weekend. The house was all that is was advertised to be and more. The owner is exceptionally nice and the property manager went out of way to make us feel welcome. We were there with our whole family ( 19 people )consisting of 4 generations and had a marvelous family time. The facilities were very adequate for that many people. We will be back again next year!!

Owner response:Thank you so much for the kind words, it makes me very happy when families are gathering & making memories. Look forward to your return !

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Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 07/15/09 Review Submitted: 07/15/09

10! No 20 reasons we will return! 1. Incredible water views from all 3 decks. Main deck runs full back of house. There are also a second floor main deck and side (sunset deck). 2. Right on the gentle waters of White Lake. Viewed quiet boat traffic all day and evening. 3. Wonderful amenities; large white fluffy towels, large bathrooms, especially liked the master bath walk shower (totally glass enclosed large enough to fit a family), great outdoor shower for rinsing off sandy children. Well equiped kitchen (dishware, pots and pans, blender, coffee brewer) everything like home but better. Plenty of pillows and blankets and we had 20 people. Large fireplace that we used twice! 4. Shopping, restaurant and tourist attractions nearby. 5. Good fishing lake and nearby dock rental. 6. Children safe from traffic. House gently tucked in a little nook. Watch out for deer! 7. Non-stop birdwatching. So much fun! 8. Sandy dunes right next door that fed down into a gently sloping cove. 9. Little beach right next door and big beach (Lake Michigan about 5 minute walk away) 10. 46" plasma tv in game room with plenty of leather lounging furniture to rest on. Lots of games available. 11. Great laundy room with washer, dryer, sink (we gave it a workout) 12. Beautiful home furnishings. A mix of nautical, antique and shabby chic look. Well done. 13. Updated kitchen and baths. 14. Ceiling fans in every room. Never once needed air conditioning (not available/not needed. The house stayed cooler than outdoors. 15. Very nice neighbor (Dwight). 16. Extra large bedrooms, especially liked third floor lookout bedroom and mother-in-law apartment. 17. Plenty of parking (at times we had 9 cars and room for more) 18. Loved, loved the tables and umbrellas on the main deck. Many hours, games, conversations and laughter prevailed. 19. Colleen (owner) and Mary (Rental manager) very accomodating and helpful. 20. My personal favorites, the full moon that rose every night right in front of us, those personal 4th of July fireworks all around us and absolutley perfect weather! All 20 agreed, we'll be back next year. We're booked!

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Guest: Betty Ames (-)
Date of Stay: 05/06/09 Review Submitted: 05/06/09

We had a gathering of the Ames Women in April 2009 at this property. The gathering was to celebrate the 80th birthday of our matriarch, and we had 19 people attend. The property was great for us! Privacy for when the little ones needed to nap; plenty of spaces to relax and visit, and beautiful scenery for picture-taking. Many areas for walking too! The kitchen accommodated our needs and we were able to prepare all kinds of food at anytime we wanted it. Nice gathering area and plenty of space. We couldn't have been happier.

Owner response:Betty, thank you for the nice comment & for sending my the photo of all the beautiful Ames Women in your family.You are truly blessed . Happy Mother's Day, Colleen Brand

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Guest: Laurie43 (Pewamo, MI)
Date of Stay: 02/05/09 Review Submitted: 02/05/09

Our family enjoyed a winter weekend getaway in this beautiful, spacious home. We had 18 people, including 2 toddlers and 2 babies. There was more than enough room for all of us. The kitchen is phenomenal with two ovens, and the two family rooms each had their own appeal. We used one as a game room and the other was a great place to sit in front of the fire and enjoy fun conversations. The owner is warm, making us feel very much at home. The property manager surprised us with fresh muffins upon check in, and was readily available if we had any questions or concerns. This home is a virtual paradise for any size family to enjoy a spectacular vacation.

Owner response:Thank you for the very nice comments and I am very happy that your family had such a nice weekend ..sounded like a fun memory was made.I always say that house is happy when she's full of life.Take care , Colleen

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