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Historic Riverfront Cottage, Amazing Views, Intown, Free Dock, Pet Friendly

Lakefront cottage with kitchen and balcony

Photo gallery for Historic Riverfront Cottage, Amazing Views, Intown, Free Dock, Pet Friendly

Kitchen and greatroom
View of downtown Saugatuck, MI and the harbor from the Treehouse Cottage
The double-decker patios of Treehouse Cottage await!
Treehouse Cottage rental on Saugatuck harbor in Saugatuck, MI
Kitchen and greatroom

Reviews

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 61500 sq ft

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Pet-friendly
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

View in a map
  • Place, Butler Street
  • Place, Saugatuck Center For the Arts
  • Place, Oval Beach

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms

Lower Level Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Main Level Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Historic Riverfront Cottage, Amazing Views, Intown, Free Dock, Pet Friendly

Special Spring and Fall Rates: Save almost $500 Off the Summer Season Weekly Rate during May and October

Weekly Rentals Only during Summer Season i.e. Mid-June, through Labor Day Week.
Saturday to Saturday Weekly Rental Cycle during Summer Season

Short Term/Nightly Rentals during the Spring & Fall Seasons. Rates vary depending upon the Season, Length of stay and Day of the Week. .

Treehouse Cottage is a historic, Riverfront Cottage that sits 30 - 40 ft above the Kalamazoo River, connecting Saugatuck to Lake Michigan. The cottage is a short walk (10 - 12 min) or bike ride to Saugatuck's downtown attractions, shops and restaurants. A large screened porch overlooks the river and opens into the living room allowing for true indoor/outdoor living - without the bugs. The view of the river boating traffic and wildlife from the screened porch is incredible and a major attraction of the cottage.

The original cottage was built in the 1850's but has been kept current by ongoing remodeling updates, e.g. a cathedral ceiling in the living/dining room, new carpeting throughout, a covered deck running the full length of the lower level, over-looking the yard and River. A major remodeling of the Master bedroom/bath, kitchen and dining/living great room was completed in 2022. All new kitchen cabinets and appliances were added and the furnishing and furniture was upgraded throughout the main level. Updating of a lower level bedroom, bath and laundry room (new washer/dryer, cabinets, etc) was finished for the 2023 season.There is also Highspeed Broadband WiFi throughout the Cottage and a large flat screen SMART TV entertainment area in the living room. Every bedroom also has aTV with premium cable.

There is a large lawn on the lower river level. It is ideal for sunbathing, fishing, family gatherings, lawn games or enjoying the boat traffic. Fishing from this level is usually good and a new 40' dock enables the renter to dock their own or a rented sport, pontoon, or fishing boat. Canoes, kayaks or paddle boards can be launched from the dock or sea wall and can be rented locally. Please contact the property owner in advance to arrange for FREE dockage, boat trailer storage, etc.

Because the Lake levels can vary from season to season we recommend that you talk directly to us about any concerns you may have with the size or draft of your boat.

Weekly rentals have priority. However, shorter, nightly rentals are common in the Spring & Fall Seasons and on short notice. It is also possible to RENT JUST THE MAIN LEVEL of the cottage for a romantic couples' get-a-way. The main level includes the Master bedroom w/king bed, bathroom, kitchen, dining/living great room and the screened porch. Inquire directly with the owner about this as it isn't possible to receive an accurate quotation using VRBO's pricing software.

Two small dogs (20 lbs each or less) are allowed with the owner's approval and payment of a Pet Fee. Please read the included Pet Policy requirements; especially the need to kennel/crate your pet(s) whenever it's left alone in the cottage.

Our linen package includes bed pads, pillows, pillow cases, sheets and blankets. Bath mats & dish towels are also provided. However, It is necessary for you to bring your own bath and beach towels as they are not provided. If you are traveling by air or over very long distances let us know so we can discuss other possible arrangements.

Keywords: Saugatuck Cottages, Waterfront, Riverfront, Cottages, Intown, Downtown, Boat dockage, River Views, Vacation Rentals, Nightly, Weekly and Monthly Rental, pet friendly, pets allowed, free dock use, children welcome, children encouraged
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

Pets allowed: dogs less than 9 kg per pet (limit 2 pets total)
Small/Med Dogs allowed but Cats are Not accepted
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Smoking not allowed in the cottage.

Check-out instructions

The host requires you to complete the following before checking out:
Load and start the dishwasher
Remove personal items, remove leftover food and drinks and take out the rubbish
Please do not strip the beds. Just leave them so we can tell which were used. Please call us at 616-886-6829 before leaving to give us feedback on your stay and let us know you're checking out,
Failure to complete these may result in a negative review from the host.
Pets must be kept in a kennel/crate when left alone in the cottage. A walk through inspection will be done at check-out to determine deposit returned.
Noisy parties/events are not allowed. Smoking is only allowed outside. Failure to obey either of these rules can result in eviction & loss of payments
There is only parking for 3 cars. RVs, motor homes and tents are not allowed on property. Additional parking is available on public streets

Important information

You need to know

This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock
Property Registration Number CSTR-220105

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Saugatuck

Located in Saugatuck, this cottage is on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Oval Beach. Holland Community Aquatic Center and Forever Curious Children's Museum are also worth visiting. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Saugatuck, MI

What's nearby

  • Butler Street - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Saugatuck Center For the Arts - 14 min walk - 1.2 km
  • Oval Beach - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
  • Silver Lake - 6 min drive - 5.0 km
  • Saugatuck Dunes State Park - 7 min drive - 2.5 km

Getting around

  • Holland Station - 15 min drive
  • Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) - 46 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Butler - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪The Grill @ Clearbrook - ‬18 min walk
  • ‪The Southerner - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Wicks Park Bar & Grille - ‬12 min walk
  • ‪The BARge - ‬11 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Historic Riverfront Cottage, Amazing Views, Intown, Free Dock, Pet Friendly pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 9 kg per pet.

What time is check-in at Historic Riverfront Cottage, Amazing Views, Intown, Free Dock, Pet Friendly?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Historic Riverfront Cottage, Amazing Views, Intown, Free Dock, Pet Friendly?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Historic Riverfront Cottage, Amazing Views, Intown, Free Dock, Pet Friendly located?

Situated on the waterfront, this cottage is 0.1 mi (0.2 km) from Kalamazoo Lake and 1.4 mi (2.3 km) from Lake Michigan. Kalamazoo River and Butler Street are also within 10 minutes.

Reviews

9.4

Exceptional

9.6/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy
Rating 10 - Excellent. 78 out of 99 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 13 out of 99 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 2 out of 99 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 99 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 99 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Karen R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Treehouse Cottage. The cottage was cozy and had all the right amenities for our stay. We especially loved the balconies that overlooked the Kalamazoo River and the cottage's proximity to local attractions. It's just a short walk to Water and Butler streets. We also enjoyed the challenge of the 303 step Mt. Baldhead climb and dune walk that took us to Oval Beach. Gary was very friendly and helpful. Highly recommend this property.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Donald O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Our whole family had a great time and loved the cottage. Gary was very helpful and a pleasure to deal with.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2025

10/10 Excellent

Ian J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Summer Vacation

The tree house was as advertised. Very peaceful spot overlooking the Kalamzoo River. Perfect get away.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Sue G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
The Treehouse was absolutely petfect for us! We love to walk, hike, shop, dine, relax and enjoy beautiful views in a serene setting, and this place had it all! As a bonus, the hosts, Gary and Jan, were a pleasure to meet. We are hoping to be back again soon!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2025

10/10 Excellent

Haley R.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

The best!

Literally a perfect location and place to stay!
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Cindy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Fabulous view and location!

A beautiful location on the river walking distance from town. Charming cottage with large screened in porch. Perfect for morning coffee or dinner with friends! Saugatuck and Douglas are always a treat. Great shopping and dining options. A short drive to the state park. Nothing better than Lake Michigan’s freshwater beaches!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful location and cozy little cottage

We really enjoyed our stay. Accommodations were very comfortable and fantastic views. Very short walk in to town. We loved just sitting out in the yard enjoying the beautiful view and parade of boats.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Maureen B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Midwestern Hospitality

Excellent location and beautiful spot to relax. Close enough to shops and restaurants, but enough off the beaten path to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Amy S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A Slice of Saugatuck Paradise

Gary and Jan are the perfect hosts! As previous innkeepers they know how to provide top notch hospitality. We loved the location and the accommodations were wonderful. We are very much looking forward to a return visit!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Jill N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Treehouse Cottage

This lovely riverside stay was cozy and relaxing with wonderful views of the boats heading to and from the lake.! The cottages few quirks are part of its charm and six adults stayed very comfortably. The hot tub was an added bonus.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Shawn W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing vacation spot on the water!

This home was the perfect vacation spot for our family. The house is open and has beautiful decks right on the water. The house had everything that we needed and more! It is in the perfect spot and we walked into Saugatuck for shopping and dinning each day. This home could not be more perfect.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Karen M., Gobles, Michigan

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Beautiful Views

The cottage has the most beautiful views of the boats going by on the Kalamazoo River. It was also very clean and comfortable. It was adequately supplied with everything we needed. We had a lovely time and would definitely return.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Phil K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

River House

Great facility. Easy access to the river for use of our kayak and paddle board. Very short bike or car ride into town for restaurants and breweries. We will be back
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

Rita W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect spot for our family

This charming historic Treehouse Cottage was just right for our family who wanted access to fishing in a quiet spot. The clean, tastefully decorated house had a well-organized kitchen with everything needed for basic meal preparation. We loved watching the boat activity on the water while enjoying meals on the screened in porch.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great location and a great time!

The location along the river was perfect for easy walking access to town while still being able to enjoy the quiet of the river. We spent every evening on the screened-in porch. The bedding and pillows were comfortable. There was ample space for myself and spouse, my parents, and a toddler.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jay H., Oak Park, Illinois, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Great views, 10 minute walk to downtown

A great place to bring the dogs and enjoy the breeze. The two decks had views of the river that would be hard to beat. The kitchen and main living area was freshly remodeled. Near everything, but with plenty of privacy.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Queen D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Weekend with Friends

The cottage was cozy and allowed space for old friends to have a place to revisit old times and create new memories while staying in Saugatuck. Thank you
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2022

8/10 Good

Charlene W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

GREAT GETAWAY SPOT

Super cute with great views of the river. Spotless-clean and neat. Instructions and labels on everything made it easy to navigate. Lots of local brochures of things to do. The kitchen is well equipped. The little slant of the property took a bit of getting used to but good enough for morning yoga on the beautiful screened in porch.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Gary T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

River house

Cute cottage, very clean and nice views of river. The cottage floors/structure lean noticeably toward river, which is weird for old people like us to balance and the steps down to the river don’t feel stable. It was also strange that towels are not provided.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Shane D.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect weekend getaway with beautiful views

This cozy little cottage was perfect for our weekend getaway. My son and I decided to take a last minute adventure to Saugatuck and I'm so glad that we did. Check in was easy, the beds were comfy, the porch was cozy in the mornings with coffee, and the fireplace was nice too. The yard is spacious- if you we had more time, I'm sure we would've spent more time out back watching the boats go up and down the river. The yard was meticulously manicured. There were plenty of blankets and games...although we didn't even get a chance to play games because we were so busy adventuring. The cottage is a 5 -7 min walk to the main strip in Saugatuck. We were going to take the chain ferry across the river, but it's only in operation from Memorial Day to Labor Day. That was ok though, its a short little 15 min drive to Mt. Baldhead. We drove over and walked up the stairs to the beautiful overlook of the Saugatuck harbor village. We then walked down the other side all the way to Lake Michigan. We also did the Saugatuck Dune Rides, which was a blast. The next day we drove to Holland with the suggestion of the owners, Gary and Janet and had breakfast over there, along with a visit to the windmill and lighthouse. We will definitely come back and stay in the Treehouse Cottage....hopefully this fall when the leaves are changing colors.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

4/10 Poor

susan r.

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in

Too Bad

We rented an 80 year old summer cottage in an outstanding location which is what we got. What we didn't bargain for is the cottage is next to the Owner's home and he watches everything you do. The first day 4 kids were in the hot tub when he came over and asked (none too nicely) if I had read the hot tub rules. I said no and he said apparently I didn't because he only allowed 4 people in the hot tub at a time. I was sitting on the side with my legs dangling in which apparently counts for a person in his book. I removed my legs and he continued that he didn't like the way we removed the hot tub covering. He instructed me to come and get him t put it back on and have one of the men in our party to assist him in doing so. He also stated that if he found any sand in the hot tub he would close it down and none of us could use it. That was our welcome. Now we could list items that were wrong in the cottage such as hot water comes out of the water dispenser on the refrigerator; or not being able to use a toaster and the microwave at the same time; or that glass is embedded in the sand around the dock area, etc. But let's face it, we were renting an old cottage and didn't expect the Ritz. What we didn't expect was to be insulted and spied upon. We have rented homes in Saugatuck every year since 2006 and this is the first and only negative review we have ever given. We love the town and will be back again just not here.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

6/10 Okay

Jamie O.

Liked: Cleanliness, location
Disliked: Check-in, communication

If you like privacy and being treated like an adult, this place is not for you.

Outdated & over the top. Janet preferred a phone conversation b4 finalizing the rental request. We had pets coming, it didnt bother me much to go over details. Was helpful for her to give a heads up on the condition of the water front grounds due to high water and flooding. It was a swamp and unusable. The property is in need of all types. The slant & lean of property is surprising its still rentable. If I had to guess, a few more years of high water & this place will give and end up in the water. After leaving home with a 3pm check in time we recieved a text at noon, stating cleaning crew had car troubles and 4pm would be the earliest. Normally we could stop & eat or do something in town but were traveling w 2 dogs & set to arrive just after 3pm. We took our time & ended up getting to the home at 330. By this time Janet sent a text stating the house was ready for check in at 3:03 & open. Good news! but we had already slowed our arrival time and was a slight annoyance as we had made reservations for dinner& now running behind. On top, Janet wanted us to text her when we arrive so she may come to explain even more then our previous 30 minute phone conversation. I replied for her to call or send info in the app as we were already in a hurry to unpack and get ready for our dinner plans with my parents & 2 kids. I also asked if there was a code or key since nothing was mentioned yet. These texts went unanswered until Janet showed up at the door. This is where it gets nutty. No where does it state Janet and Gary live next door. Not once did she mention in our several communication exchanges she lived next door. The picture of the hot tub IS NOT on the property you are renting but you legit must walk through a trail which is the property line and use Janet and Garys hot tub in their backyard. its just awkward.10pm is the latest u can stay in the hot tub but makes sense SINCE ITS IN THEIR YARD! When meeting Janet, we had to have Gary come show us how to use a hot tub w 4 buttons lol & for some reason when we were asked if anything was needed while first meeting her, & we said a wine opener & were making sure we checked both kitchens, she became angry & stormed away. Personally renting 23 bnbs & vrbos w exceptional reviews and this was a 1st. I own rentals and this is a severly outdated process w even a walk through at checkout. Location was great, wish I could write more but reviews limited. I would not stay at this home again. Gary was cool though.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2020

10/10 Excellent

Ann M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Property was very nice, location was great and enough space for two couples.Gary was a great host, very accommodating.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Deb G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful weekend. Great location.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2025

10/10 Excellent

Christina J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Loved the location! Would stay again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2025

About the host

Hosted by Janet and Gary Kemp

Host profile image
Our names are Jan & Gary and we have been married for 60 years - a rare feat today it seems. We have lived in the Saugatuck/Douglas/Holland area most of those years and know a lot about what there is to do and see in the area. Gary's a former sales/marketing executive with a Fortune 500 office furniture manufacturer. Jan worked in sales for Xerox and the Avon Company and retired with many years of local real estate brokerage experience. We also owned and operated Marywood Manor B & B in downtown Saugatuck for over 25 years. While it was closed during the winter months we spent our time living on our 44 ft catamaran and sailing in South Florida, the Bahamas and Florida Keys. Since selling the boat we now spend as much of winter as possible in Florida or Hawaii. We promise to help you have an enjoyable stay in the Treehouse Cottage and will do everything we can to make it memorial. Please call us if you have any questions about Treehouse, the Saugatuck/Douglas area or sailing. We'd love to talk with you.

Why they chose this property

Since moving to West Michigan in 1970 we always enjoyed Saugatuck. It has always been a small tourist community which had a great deal of summer music and art entertainment and boating life style. While winters were always snow covered and quiet there was always something fun going on and many good restaurants. We brought the 'Tree House Cottage in 1991. It is on the Kalamazoo River connecting Saugatuck and Lake Michigan. It is ideally located just a short walk or bike ride from downtown Saugatuck and its many great shops and restaurants. If you enjoy boats you will love sitting in the yard or on the screened porch and watching the many different types and sizes of boats going up and down the river through out the day. If you have a boat of your own you can keep it at the cottages' private dock and use it whenever desire. If you are into canoeing, kayaking or paddle boarding you can do it right off the dock and property. You can even rent a boat downtown and keep it at the dock when you are renting it. After a day of boating or going to the beach you can relax at the house and cook dinner on the gas grill or take a short walk downtown and enjoy a pleasant dinner and fun night life without having to drive your car anywhere. After the walk back, in a safe pleasant residential neighborhood, you can get a good nights sleep and take a nice morning walk or jog with your friends or dog if you desire or have a nice cup of coffee watching the fishing boats going out to Lake Michigan. What a great life.

What makes this property unique

The view from the screened porch is spectacular. You can sit and watch boats come and go all day. It's just a nice walk to downtown for dinner or a specialty coffee at the local coffee house. The heavily forested properties across the river gives you the feeling of real privacy as you watch deer drinking at the river in the early morning and evening. Throughout Fall the colors of the trees change and provide many beautiful scenes and reflections in the water. Early in the morning haze, while you sip your coffee, the charter fishing boats go out the river for a day of salmon and trout fishing. Sitting on the porch or in the yard is truly a peaceful experience as the boats return to their docks.

Languages:

English

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