Entire home

Waterfront House in the center of the village

Photo gallery for Waterfront House in the center of the village

Exterior
Outdoor dining
5 bedrooms, iron/ironing board, travel crib, free WiFi
Property grounds
Fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Reviews

10 out of 10

Exceptional

Entire home

5 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 12325 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
    Parking available
  • Washer
    Washer
  • Pet friendly
    Pet friendly
  • Barbecue grill
    Barbecue grill
  • Kitchen
    Kitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioning

About this property

Entire place

You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.

Waterfront House in the center of the village

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

Property manager

Joyce Petter or Marta Petter

Languages

English

Property amenities

Beach

  • Beach towels
  • Beach sun loungers

Internet

  • Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • Onsite parking

Kitchen

  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Dishwasher
  • Lobster/crab pot
  • Blender
  • Toaster
  • Electric kettle

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 5 bedrooms
  • Bed sheets provided

Bathrooms

  • 5 bathrooms
  • Shower
  • Hair dryer
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Fireplace
  • Living room

Entertainment

  • Smart TV with cable/satellite service
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Table tennis
  • Games
  • Books
  • Video library

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Fenced yard
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Firepit

Laundry

  • Washing machine and dryer

Work spaces

  • Printer

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • 2 total pets
  • Welcoming dogs only

Suitability/Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Area rugs in public areas
  • Hardwood flooring in public areas
  • No elevators
  • Tile flooring in public areas
  • Smoke-free property

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone

Location highlights

  • On the lake
  • On the river
  • On the waterfront
  • In the city center
  • Near a health or beauty spa
  • In a village

Things to do

  • Golf privileges
  • Fitness facilities nearby
  • Water sports equipment
  • Kayak on site
  • Boat on site
  • Bicycle on site
  • Power boating nearby
  • Mountain biking nearby
  • Hiking/biking trails nearby
  • Swimming nearby
  • Marina nearby
  • Kayaking nearby
  • Wildlife and game walks nearby
  • Winery tours nearby
  • Sailing nearby

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
  • Fire extinguisher
  • First aid kit
  • Deadbolt lock

General

  • Unit size: 3500 sq ft (325 sq m)

Similar properties

Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 5:00 PM
Minimum check-in age: 35

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Welcoming dogs only
2 total pets
Restrictions apply; for more information contact the property at the number on the booking confirmation
Note from host: we welcome one well behaved dog, no cats

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Important information

You need to know

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
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

This property does not have elevators

Property is also known as

Waterfront House in the Center of the Village Douglas

About the neighborhood

Map
Douglas, MI

What's nearby

  • Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society - 5 min walk
  • Saugatuck Center For the Arts - 2 min drive
  • Butler Street - 3 min drive
  • Oval Beach - 8 min drive
  • Silver Lake - 12 min drive

Getting around

  • Holland Station - 18 min drive
  • Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Butler - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Saugatuck Brewing Company - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Uncommon Coffee Roasters - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Corner Bar - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Wally's - ‬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).

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?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Waterfront House in the center of the village located?

This family-friendly Douglas vacation home is located on the waterfront, steps from Kalamazoo Lake, Wade's Bayou Memorial Park, and Beery Field. Lake Michigan is 2.2 mi (3.6 km) away.

Waterfront House in the center of the village Reviews

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Rating 10 - Excellent. 77 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 78 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 78 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Jenny J.

Liked: Cleanliness
Group of 7 friends
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!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

C B.

Liked: Cleanliness
A perfect weekend retreat!
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!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Brad P., WaterColor, FL / St. Louis, MO, USA

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect house
Our adult family convened for a relaxing week at the lake. Marta and her home were perfect. Great location, easy to walk to Douglas restaurants and Saugatuk was a nice walk or very quick drive. Excellently appointed. Thank you for a great week, we will be back. PS. Be sure to stop in the Petter Gallery by the bridge.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

John T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Immaculate Home & Perfect Location
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!!
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Peter L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Beautiful House in Nice Town
The house was extremely comfortable, clean, and well-equipped. It got top reviews from the kids up to the grandmother. The kitchen(s), bathrooms, and bedrooms had everything needed. The mattresses were comfortable, which is rare in a rental. The pool and ping pong tables got plenty of usage as well as the kayaks and rowboat. It's also a very short walk to several good restaurants in Douglas. As with any property in Michigan, the mosquitoes come out at night, but there is plenty of space inside and a comfortable screened porch.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Betsy M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family vacation
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
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

diana m.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent House for a Multi Generation Family
This house is in a great location, out of the hustle and bustle of Saugatuck but close enough to walk. Douglas had a couple of shops, good restaurants and a fun bar just a block away. The multi level arrangement was perfect for babies being out of the noise. The 2 kitchens were both very well stocked and we used them both. Very clean! The only not perfect aspect oft his trip was the water. The river is not nice here so we didn't use the boats or boards much. However, there were plenty of bikes and we had fun playing pool, ping pong and corn hole! I would definitely come back.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

Liked: Cleanliness
Bayou House at Lake Michigan
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.
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Darrin B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fabulous House Fabulously Maintained
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.
Stayed 4 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Krista K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great first Vrbo Experience
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
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

maureen L.

Liked: Cleanliness
Thanksgiving gathering
Our family gathered here for Thanksgiving and it could not have been more perfect. The house is so much more than the description can cover in the VRBO listing because of the wonderful hospitality of the owner. First of all, the house is a gorgeous gem, beautifully decorated and comfortable. It is huge, as is the yard leading down to the lake. The house was stocked with anything you might need, from silverware and dishes, cooking utensils, pans, casserole dishes, paper goods, small appliances, etc. There were lovely shampoos and soaps in the bathrooms, and all kinds of entertainment options including games, a pool table, fire pit, bikes, etc. I honestly can't imagine a better place to have spent this fun time together. So happy we chose this home!
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sophia E.

Liked: Cleanliness
Bayou home
Beautiful home. Fit our group of 7 perfectly. Walk right into downtown Douglas. Can’t wait to go back.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Bill P.

Liked: Cleanliness
Easy to Relax
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.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

John B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Family birthday weekend
Both house and the property are as described…lovely condition, great location for Douglas, we’ll-appointed. We used the rowboat, kayaks, and life vests. Perfectly easy to use. Communication with the owner was effortless. Would recommend.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Kristine M., Lake Saint Louis, Mo

Liked: Cleanliness
Perfect Place to Stay
My husband and I along with our 3 kids, two spouses and 3 grandkids spent the week in luxury at the Bayou house celebrating my husbands retirement. The house was perfect with 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms. My daughter-in-law is in a wheelchair and had easy access to the house on the lower level. This house allows you to be together as much as you want but also allows you to have your own space as well. There is ample seating everywhere, indoors, screened porch, deck, patio, front porch and yard. The house comes with plenty of fun toys like a pool table, a ping pong table, a row boat, multiple kayaks and paddle boards plus bikes of all sizes. I couldn’t think of anything it didn’t have. Douglas is a beautiful little town and this house sits right on the river and is 1 block from downtown shops and restaurants. Saugatuck is 5 minutes away and Holland maybe 20 minutes further. The owner was wonderful to communicate with. I would highly recommend this property to anyone.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deborah N.

Liked: Cleanliness
Outstanding accommodations!
We had a family reunion of 9 people from around the world who have had a lot of experience with accommodations and this house got rave reviews from all! It was clean and well stocked with entertaining provisions like the pool and ping pong tables, boats and bicycles. We had a lovely fire in the pit near the shore. Our two dogs thoroughly enjoyed the huge all fenced in yard! And the location was excellent! It’s quiet yet walking distance to a number of restaurants and shops. We particularly like Borrowed Time for its crab cakes, trout and pulled pork butt. Our host Marta was so kind with all of her suggestions as well as amazing when it came to getting a repair done in the bathroom…it was completed within a couple hours. We highly recommend this property!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

William B.

Liked: Cleanliness
Great!
Great stay, responsive host and lovely spot!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

John P., Gaithersburg MD

Liked: Cleanliness
Family gathering
Place was perfect for an extended family gathering. Lots of space/activities for all along with great location. Highly recommend!
Stayed 4 nights in May 2023

10/10 Excellent

Piyush M.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent property with fabulous hosts
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!
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

michelle t.

Liked: Cleanliness
Fun weekend away! Great location! Clean home!
Stayed at the Bayou House for a girl's trip and it was great. Easy and quick communication with the host. Little touches and welcome gifts from the host made the stay even more enjoyable. Location is steps away from shops in Douglas and very short ride to Saugatuck. Everything you could ask for is already in the house. Fully stocked with everything you forgot! Would stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Cindy r.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing house!
We loved our stay! There was plenty of room for everyone to sleep. The house has enough room for the kids to have their own room for TV, games. We enjoyed playing pool and ping pong and hanging out on the enclosed porch. We were walking distance to some great bars and coffee shop and a short drive to downtown Saugatuck.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

nicola h.

Liked: Cleanliness
Excellent stay
What a wonderful property and host! The house is in great shape, was well stocked , great layout and wonderful host Joyce ! We would highly recommend !
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jamie R., Portland

Liked: Cleanliness
Reunion Retreat
We came from Oregon, Colorado, Ohio, and Illinois and fell in love with Michigan, thanks to this lovely house and these two charming towns. Saugatuck and Douglas seem to welcome all which makes them very comfortable places to visit and explore. Both are quaint, but not over-the-top like many towns that attract tourists. They seem to have settled upon a happy combination of offering plenty to do and maintaining a small livable feel to the place. And speaking of comfortable and welcoming, the Bayou House checks all the boxes of what a group our size of 12 were hoping to find. Everything was there and made of high quality, unique, and tasteful materials (from the front door inward!). Great kitchen appliances and supplies, including a brand new stove/oven. And what you couldn’t find in the upstairs kitchen was available in the downstairs kitchen. Yes, there are two! Bedrooms are big and beds are very comfortable with nice cotton sheets and bedding. (One thing to be aware of is that the two twin beds are a bit short for tall adults) but perfect for kids or teens. I think what we liked most about the place (in addition to the incredible river views) were the number of places where large groups could gather…decks, porches, living rooms, dining spaces (and the use of the plural is intentional here)! All are well appointed and cozy in spite of their ample size. Nice TVs we’re a welcome surprise for the football fans among us. We also enjoyed all the recreational equipment available to us… so much we couldn’t even use it all, since we spent a lot of time on the nearby Pickleball courts at Shultz Park! The players there are welcoming and friendly as well. We liked it so much, we have already made plans to return next year to a different property offered by the same owner to accommodate our growing family! We have already viewed the new place and note that it is of similar quality and comfort, so we are already looking forward to next summer!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer K.

Liked: Cleanliness
Amazing!!
I’ve rented a lot of vacation properties and this was by far the best communication I’ve ever had with a renter! House was stunning, so spacious, lots to do, and a fabulous location!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Dan T.

Liked: Cleanliness
Summer family trip
This property is beautiful, well kept and advertised accurately. It is in a secluded part of Douglas, within walking distance to restaurants and a <5min drive to Saugatuck. Our family loved the week we spent here and the owners are very kind and responsive. We are hoping to return in the future!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022