Eighteen years ago I came to Beaver Island to visit a friend and instantly fell in love with the place. Two weeks later I found and purchased the land. After two years of camping on the property I designed and built the cottage and most of the furniture.

For twelve years I have rented to friends and family but the kids are all grown and have families of their own. So now it’s just me and my dogs, Brogan and Emmie, and friends and family who come to the island to stay with me, not to rent from me.

I just figured it might be time to bring in some new renters with the hope they will return year after year

Kent Dickinson purchased this cottage in 1996

The best way to describe Inish Pines is in the words of those who have been there.

Reprinted from my guest book

6/27/1997

At the close of each splendidly full day here on Beaver Island I realize that our family has just experienced a day that, in the many years to come, we shall look back on with great longing and melancholy.

Your generous sharing of Inish Pines will be forever a joyous and tender reflection of time enjoyed as a family.

Inish Pines has been seeded in the souls and hearts of our family.

Libby, Kevin and the kids

7/19/1997

Inish Pines seems to rise out of the forest and become a part of it. We loved the birch trees growing out of the deck and the great grill – fire pit. I love the wood and every piece of furniture, it’s beautiful and stark.

Lying in bed it feels as if you are on a raft in the water – the gentle lap of the waves are so close and so wonderful in your dreams, and then there is the sound of birds waking at dawn. Thank you for sharing your dream house, what a gift you have given us.

The Fox family

10/14/1997

I’d have to say I think we had the advantage of enjoying Inish Pines during its most incredible week of the year. The Island was very quiet and the leaves were most definitely peaked out.

We spent our week again and again simply responding “Wow”. From the time we were awakened to the sound of waves and sunlight on the lake viewed from our bedroom windows. On our early morning biking – where deer were every where. We enjoyed the old movies and hours of reading by the bay window by the fireplace. Our evenings were spent grilling and walking. Breathtaking sunsets – all to ourselves!

How wonderful to have disappeared into your piece of paradise. You have hand-crafted, with such obvious care, one of the most refreshing places on earth. Thanks for sharing it with us!

The Coffield family

9/07/2002

This is Hanna. This vacation was fun. I liked the beach and the deck. We could see the sunset. We saw the bald eagle that was cool. Thank you for letting us come.

Kent, this is Hanna’s mom (Wendy). We had an awesome week here! This is a great place! We had so much fun exploring and learning about Beaver Island. We totally enjoyed the house and deck, with sunsets and sun soaking during the day. We have a one year old, Levi, a 14 year old daughter, Lauren, and a 9 year old, Hanna. We all thank you for letting us stay here; we’ve had so much fun.

Owners note: In case you’re wondering, Inish is Irish for island.

These comments are reprinted from my guest book 1997 to the present.