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Historic Cottage Over Looking the Kalamazoo River

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Tonawanda has a distinct appearance with its towering individual paned windows.

Tonawanda has a distinct appearance with its towering individual paned windows. The beautiful ceramic tiles are visible throughout. The wide-open deck shows off the fantastic tile-work and architectural details. It's perched on the bluff with two large decks for incredible views. What a morning view of the Kalamazoo River! Saugatuck and Douglas are just up-river. There's no overstating the beauty of the windows. Stunning and bright. Captivating views inside and out. Relax, you're on vacation. Four simple bedrooms provide quiet escapes from the rest of the cottage. Our favorite bedroom has its own private deck and a shared bath. One of three bathrooms, two with clawfoot tubs and one with a step-in shower. Even a simple window is truly a piece of art at Tonawanda. A private dock is at your disposal. Be at Lake Michigan in minutes. Enjoy the view from the deck. The lower screened-in porch provides a quiet repose from the sun. The large family dining table seats up to eight people. A balcony looks down over the living area. The galley kitchen is fully furnished and has a view of the living area. Old world elegance. Even more bedroom space in the lower level. Steps wind around and down to the river. Classic and functional.

Calendar

Last updated: 05/13/2013
Check availability
23 Available
21 Unavailable
22 Today
23 Selected dates
24 Special offer
  • Minimum stay:1-3 nights
  • Internet:Yes
  • Pets allowed:No
  • Wheel chair accessible:No

This historic 3-level home is nestled on the Kalamazoo River between Lake Michigan and downtown Saugatuck. Tonawanda, an Indian word meaning “bend in the river,” has large 2-story windows with magnificent views of the Kalamazoo River and Saugatuck’s Lake Michigan harbor entrance to the west and a wooded lot to the east.

Bask in the afternoon sun watching the sailboats and yachts slowly entering and leaving Saugatuck’s harbor. Wind down at the end of the day gazing at beautiful sunsets over the river and Lake Michigan on the open deck perched out over the bluff, or in the cooler screened porch.

Relax by the river’s sea wall. Fish, canoe, or kayak the river. You may dock for touring the harbor and channel or riding out to Lake Michigan.

At night, the fire pit by the river’s edge is the perfect place to roast a marshmallow and enjoy the night skies.

See our website for even more information and views: (http://www.tonawandacottage.com)

Property Type

  • 3 story
  • Cottage

Accommodation Type

      • Vacation Rental

      Meals

          • Guests Provide Their Own Meals

          Suitability

          • Children Welcome:

            Due to the open seawall and dock, we strongly recommend that parents bring life jackets for children, especially those under the age of 5 or unaccustomed to being by the water....morecollapse

          • Long-Term Renters Welcome
          • Events Allowed
          • Non Smoking Only

          Bedrooms

          • 4 Bedrooms, Sleeps 9, Beds for 7-9
          • Upstairs Bedroom 1
          • 1 double
          • Shared bathroom
          • Master Bedroom
          • 1 king
          • Master Bedroom with private bathroom, screened in porch.
          • Downstair Bedroom
          • 1 queen
          • Private bath with walk-in shower, screened in porch.
          • Upstairs Bedroom 2
          • 1 twin/ single
          • Shared bathroom, tiny deck
          • Details:

            King size bed (1), Queen size Beds (1), Double Beds (1), Twin or Single Beds (1)...morecollapse

          Bathrooms

          • 3.0 Bathrooms
          • Bathroom
          • toilet, combination tub/shower
          • Clawfoot tub
          • Bathroom
          • combination tub/shower, toilet
          • Clawfoot tub
          • Bathroom
          • toilet, shower
          • Outdoor Changing Room
          • outdoor shower
          • Three bathrooms with claw-foot tubs or walk-in showers.

          Kitchen & Dining

          • Refrigerator
          • Stove
          • Microwave
          • Dishwasher
          • Dishes & Utensils
          • Coffee Maker

          Amenities

          • Iron & Board
          • Heating
          • Washing Machine
          • Clothes Dryer
          • Parking
          • Living Room seats 10
          • Air Conditioning
          • Towels Provided
          • Linens Provided

          Other Amenities

              • Details:

                Decks, large hammock for relaxing or sleeping under the stars, screened porch, dock, canoe (for adults only), fire pit by channel, gas grill, washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave, TV. No internet, but many cafes and coffee shops in Saugatuck and Douglas have free internet....morecollapse

              Entertainment

              • DVD Player
              • Television
              • Games
              • Books
              • Satellite / Cable

              Communications

                  • Internet

                  Outdoor Features

                  • Outdoor Grill
                  • Deck / Patio
                  • Balcony

                  Theme

                  • Family
                  • Historic
                  • Romantic
                  • Tourist Attractions
                  • Away From It All

                  Location & View

                  • Waterfront:

                    The cottage is located on the Kalamazoo River between Saugatuck and Lake Michigan. It is accessible by boat and includes a dock....morecollapse

                  • Water View:

                    Watch the sailboats along the Kalamazoo River as they enter and return from Lake Michigan....morecollapse

                  Activities

                  • Churches
                  • Hospital
                  • Laundromat
                  • Massage Therapist
                  • Medical Services
                  • Roller Blading
                  • Tennis
                  • Wind-Surfing
                  • Freshwater Fishing
                  • Cycling
                  • Fishing
                  • Fly Fishing
                  • Golf
                  • Hiking
                  • Jet Skiing
                  • Pier Fishing
                  • Sailing
                  • Swimming
                  • Water Skiing
                  • Cross Country Skiing
                  • Groceries
                  • Fitness Center
                  • ATM/Bank
                  • Sight Seeing
                  • Cinemas
                  • Library
                  • Live Theater
                  • Marina
                  • Museums
                  • Playground
                  • Restaurants
                  • Winery Tours
                  • Health/Beauty Spa
                  • Kayaking
                  • Scenic Drives
                  • Antiquing
                  • Horseback Riding
                  • Miniature Golf
                  • Shopping
                  • Wildlife Viewing
                  • Boating
                  • Beachcombing
                  • Bird Watching
                  • Paddle Boating
                  • Walking
                  • Basketball Court

                  Other Activities

                      • Details:

                        Nestled on the precipice of a tall sand dune near the mouth of the Kalamazoo River is an historic cottage called Tonawanda. Tonawanda is an Indian word meaning “bend in the river”. From this unique perch high above where the river turns, you can relax on the open deck, bask in the afternoon sun, and enjoy watching boat traffic up and down the channel from what locals call “The Big Lake” (Lake Michigan) to the quaint little towns of Saugatuck and Douglas. A long flight of stairs takes you down to the river’s edge. The drive to downtown Saugatuck is about 5 minutes. Oval beach is about 12 minutes away. Chicago is 2 ½ hours to the loop. Detroit is a little over 3 hours. Saugatuck is titled by leading travel magazines the 'Art Coast of Southwest Michigan', the 'Cape Cod of the Midwest,' and is home to 'One of the Top 10 Beaches in the Country'. The Lake Michigan waters at Oval Beach are surrounded by sand, rolling dunes, and miles of stunning lakeshore. ...morecollapse

                       

                      Reviews

                      Write a review
                      • Tonawanda on the River

                        Guest comment entered by owner

                        Tonawanda on the River

                        • Guest Martin
                        • Date of stay 08/03/12
                        • Review Submitted 01/09/13
                        My family and I spent a week at Tonawanda Cottage this past summer and it was perfection. Warm, inviting, and views that took our breath away. Staying in a historic site was a dream come true and my family and I plan on making this a yearly ritual. Thanks for making us feel at home and always being around when needed. We look forward to seeing you again soon

                        Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                        During this stay the property was under previous ownership or management.

                      • A Dream Come True

                        A Dream Come True

                        • Guest Richard D.
                        • Date of stay 07/06/12
                        • Review Submitted 01/07/13
                        My family and I spent a week at Tonawanda Cottage this past summer and it was perfection. Warm, inviting, and views that took our breath away. Staying in a historic site was a dream come true and my family and I plan on making this a yearly ritual. Thanks for making us feel at home and always being around when needed. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Marcos Sarris

                        Recommended for: Families with teenagers, age 55+, sightseeing, romantic getaway, pet owners, tourists without a car, families with young children, adventure seekers, girls getaway.

                        Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                        During this stay the property was under previous ownership or management.

                       
                      Rental basis: Per property
                      Rental rates quoted in: US Dollars
                      Dates Nightly Wknd Night Weekend Weekly Monthly * Event
                      Base Rate
                      3 night min stay
                      $450
                      Low Season - Spring
                      May 1 - Jun 13
                      1 night min stay
                      $375
                      $2250
                      High Season
                      Jun 14 - Sep 13
                      3 night min stay
                      $450
                      $2700
                      Low Season - Fall
                      Sep 14 - Nov 4
                      1 night min stay
                      $375
                      $2250

                      Additional information about rental rates

                      $450 security deposit


                      Additional Fees and Taxes:

                      6% sales tax


                      Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
                      Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.

                       

                      Calendar

                      Last updated: 05/13/2013
                      Check availability
                      23 Available
                      21 Unavailable
                      22 Today
                      23 Selected dates
                      24 Special offer
                       

                      Location

                      • Nearest Airport: Tulip City Airport at 9 Miles
                      • Nearest Ferry: Saugatuck chain ferry at 0.8 Miles
                      • Nearest Train: Holland Amtrack Station at 9 Miles
                      • Nearest Motorway: I-96 at 2 Miles
                      • Nearest Beach: Oval Beach (by road) at 5 Miles
                      • Nearest Barpub: Phil's Bar and Grille at 0.9 Miles
                      • Nearest Golf: Clearbrook Golf Club at 1.3 Miles
                      • Nearest Restaurant: Many Restaurants at 1 Miles
                       

                      Owner info

                      Year Purchased: 1996

                      About the owner: My husband fell in love with Tonawanda at first sight and we bought it in 1996. We loved its cozy, comfortable, spacious feel with its warm overtones and were intrigued by its history. Through the years we have tried to respect the original design, intent, and integrity of the structure. We hope you will enjoy staying in this architectural gem as much as we have.

                      Why the Owner Chose Saugatuck:
                      Tonawanda was designed and built by Florence Ely Hunn. Known locally as Dannie Hunn, she was born in 1887 and died at 98 in 1984. Following is a brief excerpt about her and this house from “A Pier Cove Designer and Architect Re-discovered” by Dr. James Schmeichen, 2010. 'In many of her works, interior and exterior, she made extensive use of various kinds of tiles... ...her genius with tiles is best seen in her most accomplished design, the Jordan-Porter “Tonawanda” cottage in Saugatuck, in 1927. This is probably the most radically designed cottage of the age in this area. Using dark brown glazed brick as structural blocks, this unusually tall cottage with gigantic windows, is perched high on a bluff overlooking the Kalamazoo River and Saugatuck’s Lake Michigan harbor entrance. 'The structure is interesting because it merges a rather traditional Arts and Crafts cottage with a historic English Tudor style, but with a modernist use of glazed bricks, oversized divided-light iron casement windows, and an open plan interior.It has been described by its present owner as having a rather monastic feel. Today it remains a seasonal structure because the owner does not want to disturb the original scheme. '...We may say that Florence Dannie Hunn was truly an extraordinary woman. There is no doubt that she was a remarkable interior designer as well as a very interesting architect in an age when men controlled both professions...she managed to fashion an interesting and productive non-conformist private life for herself...Pier Cove (located a few miles south of Saugatuck) was her sanctuary.'

                      The Unique Benefits at this Cottage:
                      It's an incredible place to relax and enjoy the views, and it's just minutes to downtown Saugatuck shops, art galleries, restaurants, etc. Every day tension just melts away when you are staying at 'Tonawanda.'


                      Contact us

                      • Primary: +1 (312) 560-3377
                      • Secondary: +1 616-610-0053

                       

                      Photos

                      • Tonawanda has a distinct appearance with its towering individual paned windows.

                        Tonawanda has a distinct appearance with its towering individual paned windows.

                      • The wide-open deck shows off the fantastic tile-work and architectural details.

                        The wide-open deck shows off the fantastic tile-work and architectural details.

                      • What a morning view of the Kalamazoo River!

                        What a morning view of the Kalamazoo River!

                      • There's no overstating the beauty of the windows.

                        There's no overstating the beauty of the windows.

                      • Captivating views inside and out.

                        Captivating views inside and out.

                      • Four simple bedrooms provide quiet escapes from the rest of the cottage.

                        Four simple bedrooms provide quiet escapes from the rest of the cottage.

                      • One of three bathrooms, two with clawfoot tubs and one with a step-in shower.

                        One of three bathrooms, two with clawfoot tubs and one with a step-in shower.

                      • A private dock is at your disposal. Be at Lake Michigan in minutes.

                        A private dock is at your disposal. Be at Lake Michigan in minutes.

                      • The lower screened-in porch provides a quiet repose from the sun.

                        The lower screened-in porch provides a quiet repose from the sun.

                      • A balcony looks down over the living area.

                        A balcony looks down over the living area.

                      • Old world elegance.

                        Old world elegance.

                      • Steps wind around and down to the river.

                        Steps wind around and down to the river.

                      • The beautiful ceramic tiles are visible throughout.

                        The beautiful ceramic tiles are visible throughout.

                      • It's perched on the bluff with two large decks for incredible views.

                        It's perched on the bluff with two large decks for incredible views.

                      • Saugatuck and Douglas are just up-river.

                        Saugatuck and Douglas are just up-river.

                      • Stunning and bright.

                        Stunning and bright.

                      • Relax, you're on vacation.

                        Relax, you're on vacation.

                      • Our favorite bedroom has its own private deck and a shared bath.

                        Our favorite bedroom has its own private deck and a shared bath.

                      • Even a simple window is truly a piece of art at Tonawanda.

                        Even a simple window is truly a piece of art at Tonawanda.

                      • Enjoy the view from the deck.

                        Enjoy the view from the deck.

                      • The large family dining table seats up to eight people.

                        The large family dining table seats up to eight people.

                      • The galley kitchen is fully furnished and has a view of the living area.

                        The galley kitchen is fully furnished and has a view of the living area.

                      • Even more bedroom space in the lower level.

                        Even more bedroom space in the lower level.

                      • Classic and functional.

                        Classic and functional.

                      Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #419445

                      There have been  visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in .
                      This listing was first published here in 2012.
                      Date last modified - Friday, March 08, 2013

                      $375 - $450 per night (USD)
                      2

                      4 Bedroom / 3 Bathroom
                      Sleeps 9


                      Dates are unavailable
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                      Manager

                      +1 (312) 560-3377

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                      Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
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