Location: Muskegon, West Central, Michigan, USA (Twenty minutes to Michigan Adventure Amusement Park)
Accommodations: House, 3 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 7)
Keywords: Cottage, Home, Lodging, Cabin, Summer Home, Shelter, Domicile, Residence, Habitation, Quarters, Dwelling, House
This tastefully decorated and extremely clean cottage has access to the nicest beach area on Lake Michigan. You simply walk out the door and try to decide which way you want to get on the beach in a couple minutes. The usual choice is across the street along the Bluffton Beachwalk through the school yard playground.
A more rustic route is an unpaved nature trail with benches along the way or at the end where you can see a beautiful, secluded sunset. The laziest way to hit the beach is by throwing a bunch of beach chairs & toys in the car. Your 15-45 second drive puts you anywhere you want to be on an expansive, sparsely used sugar sand Lake Michigan Beach.
There is no charge for parking next to your own spot for the day. The area is cleaned daily, so please help keep it that way. Public restrooms and outdoor showers are nearby. It's easier to walk back to the cottage to use your own facilities or have lunch.
A nearby restaurant with a view of Lake Michigan, the Muskegon Channel, & beach volleyball courts is available within walking distance. There's a playground next to the snack shop as well another next to the channel.
A walk out the 1/2 mile long breakwall in to Lake Michigan is very close. The view back to shore and in to the channel is nice if taking a picture with this perfect background. The whole day can be spent walking along the water or taking the more easily traversed sidewalk route. Either way makes you feel like life is truly good.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : There is a window AC in the living room. There is also a window AC in the kitchen. With the house so well shaded, it stays cool with the lake breezes.
- Linens Provided : We provide all these items with an extra set. Lots of clean, extra blankets.
- Washer : Downstairs
- Dryer : Downstairs
- Covered Parking : It almost seems like it with the thick canopy of trees covering the walkway from the curb to the front door. The side parking area is just a couple steps away from the doors also.
- Off Street Parking : A nice, wide area off the street for 3 cars. A driveway to the unavailable garage in back could be used for longer vehicles with trailers or boats as private, off-street. Parking can also be used in the direct front and there is a school parking lot across the street for any activities involving numerous guests.
- Parking for RV/Boat/Trailer : Lots of room on site and more nearby if needed.
- Wood Stove : The Wood Stove is outside with an ample supply of wood. Plenty of seating around & next to the grill.
- Beds
- King Bed : In Master Bedroom
- Double Bed : In 2nd largest Guest Bedroom
- Bunk Bed : This is actually a trundle bed which becomes a single twin when not using the underneath, rollout twin.
- Convertible Bed : Rollaway
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : New 42" LED HDTV in Living Room. Wall Mount TV in Master Bedroom. Will probably add TV to other large bedroom
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library : Several VHS Limited DVD
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library : A few cassettes & CD's
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Sink is a double. Sorry, no dishwasher.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : There shouldn't be most any item needed.
- Refrigerator : Side-by-side with filtered water & ice in the door.
- Microwave : In kitchen
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : Your choice of gas or charcoal.
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio : Partially paved & ground cover deck/patio, but paved walkway that is sufficient for grilling & access.
- Communications
- Telephone : Telephones are available for free calls to anywhere in the USA.
- Free Long Distance : Calls can be made to anywhere in the USA free of charge.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Good, strong signal for high-speed wireless can be used inside & out around the house.
- Other Amenities
- The yard has a very private feel since the neighbor's cottages are not "right on top of you" as with most cottages near Lake Michigan. Of course, our 2nd 3 bedroom rental cottage is very close & next door, but it is on the side that is hardly used. There are 4 very large/old Beech Trees providing plenty of shade, along with a large Pine Tree behind the house. Between two of the large Beech Trees is a nice, hanging lawn swing. There is a cozy, private feel sitting around the wood stove outdoors with all the natural plant life. The bird feeders are a constant busy attraction by a wide variety of wrens, finches, sparrows, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, blue indigo, robins, cardinals, orioles, & an occasional hawk or eagle on the way to the beach. Early in the morning is the best time to watch the birds from the Malt Shop while having a cup of coffee & reading a good book. Annie has a variety of fresh herbs & spices growing just outside the door.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed : ABSOLUTELY NO PETS
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations) : Only 3 steps to enter or exit. Everything, but washer & dryer on one level.
- Kid Friendly : Inside has everything centrally located to keep a good eye on small infants. The booth in the Malt Shop is a great place to have young kids play board games, snack or eat, or take a time out and easily watched from the kitchen.
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters : Must be 25 years of age to do any of the business arrangements.
- Smoking Not Allowed : Outside Only.
- Activities
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Surfing
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Racquetball
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Miniature golf
- Shuffleboard
- Horseback Riding
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Other Activities
- There aren't any other cottages around with so much room inside & out. Besides those advantages, it has the closest access to Lake Michigan in the Bluffton Neighborhood. It's like your own, private walk just outside your door. The playgrounds just outside your door at the Elementary are also like having your own, private play area, since the students are all gone on Summer Vacation. If there are more than 7 guests, then rent the 3 bedroom cottage next door, if available. We also have plenty of extra lawn furniture & tables to use if needed. Location, location, location are the top three reasons to stay here along with all the other amenties this cottage provides.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
WINTER-Jan.1 to April 30,2012 Weekly/$850 Weekend/$295 2 Night Minimum
SPRING-May 1 to May 23,2012 Weekly/$950 3 Night Minimum
MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND-May 24 to May 28,2012 Four Nights/$750 3 Night Minimum
EARLY SUMMER-May 29 to June 15,2012 Weekly/$1,175 Sat-Tu or Tu-Sat/$650
SUMMER-June 16 to Aug. 29,2012 SATURDAY TO SATURDAY ONLY
LABOR DAY WEEKEND-Aug. 30 to Sept. 3,2012 Four Nights/$750 3 Night Minimum
LATE SUMMER-Sept. 4 to Sept 30,2012 Weekly/$1,175 Sat-Tu or Tu-Sat/$650
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
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Credit Cards Accepted:
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Owner's Profile
Owner Description
Year Purchased: 1982
Retired Teacher & Medical Assistant. Annie & I moved from living in this home to another we built 1/2 mile away. We did so 9 years ago to take care of Annie's Mom full time. She passed away in 2009 and we remained in the home we built for her last days. We love the Bluffton Neighborhood and Plum Hollow's location. The neighbors are friendly and always willing to lend a hand. They also respect one another's privacy and try not to intrude. We are happy living nearby in the Beachwood Neighborhood and watching others enjoy the ambiance we did for so many years in Bluffton.
Why the Owner Chose Muskegon
I had lived around the Muskegon Area in several different communties till 1982. I stayed with friends who lived in the Bluffton Area and immediately felt at home. In the early 80's I could not afford a place right on the lake, but found this more reasonable home that's just as close. The area felt like more of a resort location, but had all the amenities of a city very close. The close-knit and very safe neighborhood for kids was also a major consideration.
The Unique Benefits of this House
It's really nice to have a relaxing home & yard that is off the "beaten path". The only traffic driving by are mostly neighbors or someone visiting them. If there's a desire for more action or to get close to the water and watch another great sunset, it's only a couple minutes walk. Only having to walk out the door, across a hardly travelled street, to an extremely well equipped playground and another minute to the beach on Lake Michigan is like staying in Utopia.
Property Photos
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- Parking for 3 cars off-street - Muskegon Lake View Vacation Home
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- BBQ on the grill & relax by the woodstove - Muskegon Lake View Vacation Home
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- TV in bed or wherever else you are in the Master Bedroom - Muskegon Lake View Vacation Home
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- Plenty of room in the 2nd Bedroom to watch TV or relax to music on the stereo
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- Morning news or afternoon naps happens here everyday
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- Sit & Talk to Chef Table
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- A day trip to Michigan Adventure is always big, wet fun
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- Even Winter can be adventuresome on Muskegon Lake in an Iceboat
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- Hard to decide which chair to relax in after a day at the beach
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- A ceiling fan hanging from above in the 2nd bedroom with tv & stereo
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- Choose from 8 different fresh spices/herbs just outside your door
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- A 50's style Malt Shop is always a nice place to hang out & watch birds, etc.
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- The dining room table has plenty of room to sit around
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- The 3rd bedroom has a trundle bed
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- Always a clean shower/bath is ready to use when arriving
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- The 1/2 bath is available in the Master Bedroom
Traveler Reviews (24)
Great property, Great owners - Thanks!
Guest: David
(Chicago suburbs)
Date of Stay: 07/02/10
Review Submitted: 07/08/10
Stan and Annie were greats hosts, their property was in great shape, very clean, and just like being at home (stocked kitchen with all utensils, fully operational). We had two families, both with young children, and this was a great location for us. A quick 1-2 block walk to the beach, quiet area for relaxing outside around the fire at night - it couldn't have been better. There are a lot of nice touches in the house, like their book collection and bits of local history and information scattered about. We would definitely come back and also recommend the property to others. A concern we initially had when booking the property was going over the middle of the summer with an infant since the cabin has 2 window Air Conditioners in the kitchen and living room, but not in the rooms. This was not an issue at all. The place stayed cool, there was plenty of shade from the large trees around the house, and the ACs filled the house well. A great time had by all! Highly recommended.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
July 2010 Lake Michigan
Guest: Hans
(Maarssen, The Netherlands)
Date of Stay: 07/17/10
Review Submitted: 02/22/11
We stayed at “Plum Hollow” July 2010 for about 2 weeks. From “Plum Hollow” we made sightseeing tours throughout the Muskegon surrounding places of interest. The house is situated very quietly at walking distance from Lake Michigan beach. Being in the house we expected any moment Fonzie (happy days) to stay in the door opening. Even though the house was a little bit older, everything was working fine and we felt at home immediately. Stan and Annie were very friendly and made us feel special guests, but I’m sure everybody is treated the same friendly way. I made a bicycle tour with Stan around Muskegon Lake – kind of a private tour – and Stan explained me some of Muskegon “City”. As I am from the Netherlands the chance of being there for a second time is very small, but if I am, I certainly will try to visit Stan and Annie. We were overwhelmed with loads of information about Muskegon, Michigan and places we planned to visit during our “Great Lakes tour” all sent by Stan. (Even for the part of our tour in Canada!) If I ever was in Muskegon for business and had to choose between the Local “Holiday inn” and “Plum Hollow” I would choose for the last one. Stan and Annie thank you very much for everything! (Apologize for the late review). Hans, Michaela, Uschi, Ernst and Michael.
Recommended for:Sightseeing.
Like Staying with Family
Guest: korie
(winner,sd)
Date of Stay: 10/07/10
Review Submitted: 10/09/10
Staying at this house was like staying with family. When we arrived, there was a basket of muffins and a bowl of fresh peaches waiting for us, each with a note welcoming us. There were also fresh flowers in every room. The property is very very clean and neat. The location is great, less than a five minute walk from the beach. Stan and Annie were wonderful, they even called to make sure that we arrived safely (we arrived very late in the evening) and that we didn't need anything. This is the place to stay if you are looking for a very clean house where you will feel right at home!!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
A Great British Getaway
Guest: The Applebys from England
(Southampton, UK)
Date of Stay: 08/27/10
Review Submitted: 09/16/10
We took a bit of a risk booking a summer vacation on the edge of Lake Michigan, not knowing anything about the area beforehand - and not being somewhere that most British people would even think about. We did a week in Chicago and a week at Plum Hollow, and were lucky to have sunshine pretty much the whole time. Plum Hollow made the perfect contrast to our Chicago hotels. We booked it partly because of the excellent reviews on this site, and they are all true. We were greeted with a basket of fresh muffins and a bowl of locally grown peaches, and were delighted by how clean and spacious the house was. It was much better equipped than most UK self catering properties, and regular visits from Stan meant we had all the maps, tips and help we could possibly need. Stan and Annie are the kind of hosts who 'go the extra mile', posting a whole box of tourist information to us in the UK when we first booked at their own expense. The lovely little garden with - for us - an exotic range of birds and black squirrels was a bonus. We would happily book again, if there wasn't so much more of the USA still to explore...
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children.
Great Place, Great Beach, Great Owners!
Guest: tulita
(Torrance, CA)
Date of Stay: 08/14/10
Review Submitted: 08/24/10
We had a short, but wonderful stay at Plum Hollow. The place was VERY clean and had everything you could possibly need. The location is also great - very quiet, but only a five minute walk to the gorgeous Lake Michigan beach. The hospitality that we received from Stan & Annie was exceptional - by far the best experience we have had through the years in renting a home from owners. We look forward to coming back and spending more time at Plum Hollow.
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Great Place, Awesome Beach, Unmatched Hospitality
Guest: A Relaxed and Happy Family
(Illinois)
Date of Stay: 08/09/10
Review Submitted: 08/14/10
The hottest week of the summer and we still had a great time! The place was so welcoming and the owners couldn't have done more to make it feel like home. We had 4 teenagers aged 13 to 15 and 2 adults, and we were all really comfortable and enjoyed the amazing beach nearby. How many places can you stay where the hosts place fresh cherries in the refrigerator, muffins on the dining room table, and a beautiful yellow rose or two in each room as a welcome? They even made sure that there were things to for the teenagers to do (bats and balls and volleyballs etc.) and stopped by with maps and information on things in the area we might be interested in. There is a fresh herb garden and tomato plants for the guests to use along with plenty of towels and all of the amenities needed for a week's stay from paper towels to cooking utensils. Very lovely and relaxing place to be and hopefully we will get to visit again someday. It felt like a home away from home and best of all, it had a great beach that was perfect for swimming and staying cool!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, families with young children, families with teenagers.
We give it TWO thumbs up
Guest: Shelli
(Southwest Missouri)
Date of Stay: 07/05/10
Review Submitted: 07/12/10
Our family of six stayed in this well equipped cottage for a week and couldnt have felt more at home. We have three teenagers and one almost teenager and they all loved how close this house was to the beach and we felt safe in letting them go to the beach without having to worry about traffic issues. The house had everything you needed and even some stuff you didnt think you would need like books and information about Michigan and movies. The muffins and cherries were gone and so appreciated. Spices, utensils, pans, plenty of space! The bedrooms were all comfortable and well furnished. They even provided fans! I would recommend this place and Stan and Annie to anyone that asked about a nice vacation spot. Thank you again Stan and Annie for a wonderful time for my family. We look forward to coming back.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, tourists without a car, people with disabilities, sightseeing, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Would stay here again in a heartbeat!
Guest: Jo-Elle
(Quantico, Virginia)
Date of Stay: 06/27/09
Review Submitted: 10/08/09
Plum Hollow was the perfect rental for my family while we were in Muskegon visiting family and friends. We had 3 adults and 2 toddlers who all felt completely comfortable and at home during our entire stay. Stan and Annie were excellent hosts. The house was immaculate. Everything you could have needed (and then some) was provided, and Stan and Annie were extremely helpful with any questions we had. Not only do we hope to have the pleasure of staying here again in the future but we would, without reservation, recommend this rental to anyone looking for a clean, comfortable place to stay while in this beautiful part of Michigan. It was just like home! Thanks, Stan and Annie!!!
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, people with disabilities, sightseeing, pet owners, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
Home Away from Home
Guest: Jim & Shar
(Elkhart IN)
Date of Stay: 08/22/09
Review Submitted: 08/31/09
We had a great time at Plum Hollow. Stan & Annie went far beyond our expectations in providing all our needs. Essentially everything we needed was already in place upon our arrival. The cottage was "very clean" & comfortable. Stan provided so much information in advance, it made planning our activities so easy. The personal touches were evident in the fresh muffins on the dining room table & sweet cherries in the frig. Every need was met in the cottage & outside(lawn furniture, firewood, beech chairs, etc). The beach really is only a 5 minute walk & is very clean & not crowded. The cottage was such a great location for all our side trips. Our grandkids enjoyed riding bikes & playing on the playground at the school across the street. Stan & Annie have really gone the extra mile to make Plum Hollow a home away from home. We definitely plan to visit the cottage again. We just needed more time to enjoy all that the area has to offer. We will definitely recommend the cottage to friends & family. Thanks, Stan & Annie, for sharing your "home away from home".
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, age 55+, families with young children.
Great location!
Guest: Val and Kim
(Quincy, Illinois)
Date of Stay: 08/16/09
Review Submitted: 08/24/09
Plum Hollow was everything Stan and Annie advertised it to be and more. The property was exceptionally clean and stocked with everything we needed for our stay. The location was great with the beach a short walk away. We were delighted with all the personal touches Stan and Annie put into getting the house ready for our visit (we especially enjoyed the fresh cherries in the frig!!). I highly recommend this property.
Recommended for:Romantic getaway, sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with young children, families with teenagers.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #238865
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