You enter the 1830's door at 11 Water Street in Douglas you will be on the front porch. From the porch and can rock on one of the rocking chairs and watch the neighborhood. Once you enter the historic 1890 custom fit door you will be welcomed with light and cheery house. When you do enter you will be in the high ceilinged dining room of this new, luxurious 3500 square foot home with an antique dining room table with seating for 8. Bayou House won a Heritage Preservation Award in 2006.
The three Baker davenports in the adjoining living room face the water and a large gas burning fireplace; they open through French doors to a screened porch overlooking the water and the park next door. This leads to the large deck off the kitchen, also overlooking the water. The kitchen, upstairs, is pictured with its charming all glass eating area, granite counters, Fisher Paykel Induction range, Bosch Dishwasher and other stainless appliances and bar.
There are three bedrooms and three bathroom on this level, two with king sized beds and one with two queens. Only the bedroom with the queen size beds does not face the water. All other bedrooms and rooms have the wonderful view.
Downstairs you will find 10 foot ceilings and all but one bedroom overlooking the waterfront. You will enter the second kitchen in the large glass room with a pool table. Adjoining this room is a large downstairs living room with the second TV area, a large leather sofa seating area and the second gas burning fireplace. This house is designed with the idea of a large family get-together, a large family, two families, or for corporate groups. On this level you will find the computer with hi-speed internet.
The downstairs kitchen also has a double door refrigerator, Bosch dishwasher, gas stove, compactor, and stools at the granite counter. There is a pool table in this area overlooking the patio and an outdoor ping pong table under the coverage of the upstairs porch. There is a gas and a wood burning fire pit and an intimate covered lounge area under the upper screened porch.
There is a large deck, screened porch and downstairs has patios, comfy, furniture and a Propane grill and charcoal grill.
Bayou House is ideal for families, business groups, and reunions but is NOT available for weddings or events as we are located in a downtown area.
There is tie up space on the boardwalk for several shallow draft boats and there are kayaks, a row boat, and stand up paddle boards to use during your stay. There is a firepit and seating near the waterfront and a gas fire pit on the patio. It is one short block to two major restaurants, galleries, and downtown Douglas. The well-known Lake Michigan Oval beach and Douglas Beach are a short-beautiful drive. For additional or alternative rental see: vrbo #444711 or vrbo#410920 The City of Douglas does not permit weddings at this location. There are 3 other popular wedding venues in the area, Felt Mansion, The Ivy or Saugatuck Center for the Arts. Keywords: Waterfront House
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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Wedding and similar type events are forbidden by the city of Douglas
If dog permitted, must have crate or dog bed. No dogs on beds nor furniture.
Contract must be received within 5 days of rental
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, a first aid kit and a deadlock
About the area
Douglas
Located in Douglas, this holiday home is in the city centre and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Oval Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Saugatuck Center For the Arts and Express Yourself Art Barn. Kayaking and waterskiing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails and horse riding nearby.
Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society - 5 min walk - 0.5 km
Kalamazoo River - 6 min walk - 0.6 km
Butler Street - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
Saugatuck Center For the Arts - 3 min drive - 2.2 km
Getting around
Holland Station - 18 min drive
Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) - 49 min drive
Restaurants
Saugatuck Brewing Company - 3 min drive
The Mitten Brewing Company - 3 min drive
Uncommon Coffee Roasters - 3 min drive
Uncommon Grounds Warehousr - 3 min drive
Sand Bar Saloon - 3 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Waterfront House in the center of the village pet-friendly?
Yes, this property allows dogs (limit 2 total). Some restrictions may apply, so please contact the property for more details.
How much does it cost to stay at Waterfront House in the center of the village?
As of 8 May 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Waterfront House in the center of the village on 20 May 2026 start from £1,596, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Waterfront House in the center of the village?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Waterfront House in the center of the village?
Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Waterfront House in the center of the village?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is Waterfront House in the center of the village located?
This family-friendly Douglas holiday home is located on the waterfront, steps away from Kalamazoo Lake, Wade's Bayou Memorial Park and Beery Field. Lake Michigan is 2.2 mi (3.6 km) away.
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
One of the nicest VRBO's we have ever stayed in. So well stocked in every way. Beautifully decoratored and amazing gathering spots. Close to town and shopping. Would highly recommend this house
Everything at this property in Douglas was perfect! Clear and accurate description, many amenities, and great communication! We did not want for anything. Would 100% stay here again and would recommend!
The house was AMAZING with plenty of room for our whole family! It was clean, well stocked with eveything we needed, from beach chairs and towels to grills and kitchen supplies to cook! The kyacks were a hit as well as the fire pit for smores! Douglas is such a charming town. We thoroughly enjoyed our family vacation in Michigan.
Amazing property! Our family had an excellent time. The access to the lake with paddle boats and kayaks was so appreciated. The house was well appointed with amenities. Located in downtown Douglas, with easy access to a park for the kids and coffee for the adults! We will be back for sure.
Bayou House is a beautifully appointed home in the heart of Douglas. Every detail is top notch from the beautiful towels and bed linens to bikes for any size. The owners made us feel super welcome and were very easy going. Highly recommended.
From our very warm welcome (with local delicacies, wine and even flowers) to a beautifully furnished home and spectacular water view - this was a wonderful 3 generations vacation. The town of Douglas is charming and we all enjoyed the many activities in the area, along with the paddle boarding and kayaking. We biked all over - so great! I totally recommend this beautiful house.
A fantastic experience beginning to end. The house is very clean, well stocked, and very comfortable. Everyone slept well in comfortable beds, and the kids enjoyed the stuffed bears that came in their twin beds! Truly a perfect location just a block from the business district and with a pier/dock for friends to boat over. Tons of room with two complete living areas and great outdoor space. The owners were very helpful and got a settled in nicely. I would highly recommend this home!!
This house was the best vacation home! It is the most well appointed and well stocked home that we’ve ever rented. The location on the waterfront is perfect! It’s also located so close to downtown Douglas that we could walk to any shop or restaurant. We also walked and biked to Saugatuck. We loved our stay and hope to return next year!
Overall everything was great. Not setup for guests with limited mobility as more stairs then we realized and bathrooms difficult as tight quarters.Kitchen setup, utensils dinnerware/pans very good. Loved the screened in outdoor patio.
June W.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Sept 2025
I'm sorry you didn't like my small bathrooms and stairs necessary to have normal ceiling height downstairs. In my 10 years of renting you are the first who has not given me 5 stars. Most people have appreciated what I have done. Large bathrooms within my house would have made very small bedrooms, and thus almost impossible to use.
Absolutely loved staying here. House was gorgeous, we wanted to come and stay longer just to enjoy the property!! Highly recommend this property! Fantastic communication with Joyce and Martha too
I don't generally submit reviews about the properties that I rent, but this rental was exceptional! Everyone in our group marveled at the space and ambience of this house. We especially appreciated all the small touches that made us more comfortable during our stay: food and wine for us to enjoy, extra toilet paper and kleenex so we wouldn't run out, the variety of gathering places in the house suitable for a large group. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay in Bayou House and heartily recommend it to others!
Very nice home with a lot of character. Lower level was perfect for my son and his family, while the upper level was enjoyed by the rest of the family.
This home was better than the best. We were in awe the moment we walked in the front door. The host has everything you will need for a wonderful stay. From the kayaks to the numerous beach chairs and all the little things that made it spectacular. I would recommend this property to all
Beautiful home. Fit our group of 7 perfectly. Walk right into downtown Douglas. Can’t wait to go back.
Sophia E.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023
Verified
4/10 Poor
sunil a.
28 Sept 2025
Disliked: Cleanliness, listing accuracy
Place is very old and and full of fruit flies and cobwebs.. Not compliant with ADA. Not suitable for older people. We feel we overpaid for this place.
sunil a.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2025
Response from VrboOwner on 29 Sept 2025
Wow! House is 10 years old Fruit flies come with food brought in. Spiders - Where? Outside on porch by light? Our cleaning service usually has rave reviews as to how clean the house is. Sorry you had a bad experience but for 10 years we have had repeat customers raving about Bayou House and its cleanliness. We are not compliant with ADA.
This was the perfect house for our trip. Plenty of space for relaxing by the water, walkable to everything in town, and well-stocked. The hosts were great, too: helpful and informative without being intrusive. And they obviously take great care of the house: all of the details were exquisite. We hope to come back.
We were looking for a place to have a low key get together over the new year holiday. Will highly recommend this property. Was exactly as described, and very clean. Plus Marta and Joyce are fabulous hosts - very prompt in their response. Cannot recommend this enough!
Our weekend stay was absolutely wonderful. The property was represented perfectly in the listing. The house was very well equipped, and every detail was fabulous. We arrived to fresh flowers and welcome treats. We appreciated that each bedroom and bath were complete for our guests (grown children). Well done!
This property was perfect for our Labor Day weekend with friends. Plenty of restaurants within walking distance and a short bike ride (supplied) to the party town of Sagatuck. The owners thought of everything a group would need as the home was fully stocked! Between the kayaks, for outs, ping pong and pool tables, and bikes we were never at a loss for entertainment.
A must stay if looking to stay in this area!!
Great house; plenty of space; very well equipped; loved having all the bikes, fire pits, pool table and recreation equipment supplied with the house. Host was great --- hospitality, thoughtfulness and easy communications. Right by Saugatuck and easy access to Holland.
This property was perfect in every way for our group of friends! Very clean and well cared for, plenty of space, lots to do without even leaving the house..but plenty of fun close by also. The hosts are THE BEST..they left us special culinary treats and were very timely in all communications. We are already talking about coming back next autumn!
Jenny J.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024
About the host
Hosted by Joyce Petter or Marta Petter
I have been in business in Saugatuck/Douglas since 1973 when I first opened my art gallery - it is still just up the street. It now includes a wine tasting and is operated by my daughter-in-law. I grew up in Chicago, lived in Michigan cities, moved to Cincinnati, and finally moved back to the big Lake. We have had property on the lake since the 60's and were pleased to add Bayou House to our business. All the art in the house is from my gallery. And, it was a necessity that Bayou House had to be on water!
What makes this property unique
April 28, 2017 - Just added - 3 more kayaks and 2 more paddle boards. The benefit of this house is that you can use boats on the lake, 5 kayaks, row boat and 2 paddle boards, and still have the advantage of the beach at the Oval. There are no places to stay at the Oval so everyone comes from some part of the community. There are well over 200 acres of dunes to explore as well as the wonderful beach. And you can return to watch the birds, the boats, and have a fire in the fire pit.
Languages:
English
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests