WATERFRONT, LAKE & CHANNEL VIEWS, BEST LOCATION ON GRAND HAVEN CHANNEL

 
 
 
Grand Haven house rental - First house built on the Grand Haven Strip. Only 85 ft. from the channel.
First house built on the Grand Haven Strip. Only 85 ft. from the channel.
 
Grand Haven house rental - First house built on the Grand Haven Strip. Only 85 ft. from the channel.

First house built on the Grand Haven Strip. Only 85 ft. from the channel.

Taken across the channel

Taken across the channel

Spacious L shaped living room with windows facing channel/boardwalk.

Spacious L shaped living room with windows facing channel/boardwalk.

LR is L shaped with 2 queen pull outs, and one single, with flat screen and DVD.

LR is L shaped with 2 queen pull outs, and one single, with flat screen and DVD.

Antique full size bed.

Antique full size bed.

Downstairs single bedroom with wardrobe.

Downstairs single bedroom with wardrobe.

Retro unattached cottage with bathroom, twin pull-out,single cot,wifi,cable,&DVD

Retro unattached cottage with bathroom, twin pull-out,single cot,wifi,cable,&DVD

The Retro

The Retro

See the U.S. Coast Guard in action daily!

See the U.S. Coast Guard in action daily!

It's always exciting when ships steam through the channel!

It's always exciting when ships steam through the channel!

Another BIG ONE in the channel

Another BIG ONE in the channel

The Channel Boardwalk is always relaxing and beautiful. House in middle of pic.

The Channel Boardwalk is always relaxing and beautiful. House in middle of pic.

Kite festivals are the best. (2012)

Kite festivals are the best. (2012)

Back yard and part of The Retro cottage.

Back yard and part of The Retro cottage.

New pergola, table, chairs, and grill.

New pergola, table, chairs, and grill.

Reading is a pleasure here.

Reading is a pleasure here.

Frequent trolley service right across the street - leave the car & cares at home

Frequent trolley service right across the street - leave the car & cares at home

Grand Haven Channel Valentine's Day 6:30pm 2013.

Grand Haven Channel Valentine's Day 6:30pm 2013.

Per night (USD) $200 - $299
Per week $1,400 - $2,800
  • Bedrooms3
  • Sleeps7
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 1 Half Bath

Photos and Description of the Grand Haven vacation house rental
3 Bedrooms, Bath and a half, Sleeps 7, plus a cottage with toilet and shower

Whalen's Channel House is placed perfectly to enjoy Grand Haven's greatest features. Just a few hundred yards to the beach and a half mile from downtown; you can take in the action right from the front deck or sun room. Sip a cool drink and look out over the channel and boardwalk just across the street! Parking is no problem. The channel house sits on a lot and a half with a 2 stall garage There are 6 paved parking spaces so your guests will have a spot to park as well. Another rarity, particularly on 'The Strip', is the large private backyard. If you desire private entertaining, or simply quiet and solitude, the back yard is a great escape. It also protects from an evening chill or winds blowing in from the beach.

The Channel House is located on what locals call, “The Strip”. It is the closest (why we have a big backyard) and, from our research, is the oldest house on the channel which is only 85 feet away. It is about midway between the Lake Michigan shore (2-3 blocks) and downtown (5 blocks) via the lighted channel boardwalk. You may never drive during your stay because so many attractions are within walking distance. If you don't want to walk or drive, the trolley stops right across the street and there are four bicycles in the garage. The home occupancy is for 7 occupants (Queen and Full upstairs and Single downstairs). It has a large L shaped living room with 2 new queen and 1 single pull outs with one new, “Air Dream Mattress” for sofa sleepers.

We also have a charming unattached cottage in the backyard that we call ''The Retro'. 'The Retro' offers a unique/private getaway for a variety of situations. This is a wonderful option for multiple family renters especially for teenagers that don't always want to be around mom and dad. The 'Retro' also comes in handy for seniors or other guests that like to get away from large groups from time to time (No stairs). It is nicely decorated and equipped with a bathroom and shower plus wifi, cable TV, DVD, a nice breeze with a channel/boardwalk view.....The retro is a retreat and an optional social space and not intended for overnighting.

The back yard ascends on a 70 degree slope on a heavily wooded dune. You will witness the regular whitetail visitors throughout the day. The outdoor furnishings are all new including a seven piece table and chairs, pergola, grill and a dozen other yard chairs. The home has a new front loading washer and dryer. We have a large kitchen with 2 tables and 10 chairs. It comes with all the accoutrements and can seat 8-10 comfortably. We have a large sun room and attached sitting deck to watch the endless passers by and the water traffic with an occasional large ship. You’ll also witness, up close and personal, the United States Coast Guard several times a day performing their regular duties and training.

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About Mike Whalen

Mike and Judy Whalen have been married for 15 yrs. Mike retired in May of 2011 after 34yrs with the Dept. of Corrections as a Health unit Manager. He grew up in Muskegon and has lived in Spring Lake for 34yrs. We purchased the channel house in April of 2012 and we enjoy being there as much as we can. It's really got everything we could ever want. We have made every effort to provide our guests with many comforts and extra amenities to make the house and 'Retro' (cottage in back) a great place to stay.. Our goal is to develop long term relationships with our guests. We want you to feel as good being here as we do and want you to return year after year. We hope to have this one in a million channel house remain in our family forever and to continue to keep it's doors open for other families to enjoy.

Mike Whalen purchased this house in 2012
Why Mike Whalen chose Grand Haven

We feel very fortunate to live in this area and seem to gravitate to Grand Haven. We had been looking for unique rental properties for a long time and got lucky when we found both the 'Channel House in April 2012 and The Jackson Place in December 2012- ( see property number 3495870 - another unique place not on the water. We have put our hearts and souls into making the home really warm and comfortable in a very short time. We have done all the work of refurbishing this longtime single family home ourselves and in the process we have come to love it. We spend a lot of time there and look forward to being there anytime now that the hard work has been done.

What makes this house unique

We have always loved this house and were very fortunate to have purchase it in April 2012. Although lovely, the house was just 'tired looking' both inside and out. We worked feverishly hundreds of hours on every inch both inside and outside to create a very unique and cozy home for all to enjoy. The transformation of our channel house was very gratifying but the process also connected us to the house in ways we would never have imagined. It has so much history being the first house on the channel. Mike shows a picture of the house to everyone from 1900 of the long aproned lady on the porch (now sun room) overlooking the then much closer river watching a steam ship pass. There was no road or railroad between the house and the river! It will always be called the channel house now and hopefully remain in the family for generations.

Grand Haven house rental - First house built on the Grand Haven Strip. Only 85 ft. from the channel.

First house built on the Grand Haven Strip. Only 85 ft. from the channel.

Taken across the channel

Taken across the channel

Spacious L shaped living room with windows facing channel/boardwalk.

Spacious L shaped living room with windows facing channel/boardwalk.

LR is L shaped with 2 queen pull outs, and one single, with flat screen and DVD.

LR is L shaped with 2 queen pull outs, and one single, with flat screen and DVD.

Antique full size bed.

Antique full size bed.

Downstairs single bedroom with wardrobe.

Downstairs single bedroom with wardrobe.

Retro unattached cottage with bathroom, twin pull-out,single cot,wifi,cable,&DVD

Retro unattached cottage with bathroom, twin pull-out,single cot,wifi,cable,&DVD

The Retro

The Retro

See the U.S. Coast Guard in action daily!

See the U.S. Coast Guard in action daily!

It's always exciting when ships steam through the channel!

It's always exciting when ships steam through the channel!

Another BIG ONE in the channel

Another BIG ONE in the channel

The Channel Boardwalk is always relaxing and beautiful. House in middle of pic.

The Channel Boardwalk is always relaxing and beautiful. House in middle of pic.

Kite festivals are the best. (2012)

Kite festivals are the best. (2012)

Back yard and part of The Retro cottage.

Back yard and part of The Retro cottage.

New pergola, table, chairs, and grill.

New pergola, table, chairs, and grill.

Reading is a pleasure here.

Reading is a pleasure here.

Frequent trolley service right across the street - leave the car & cares at home

Frequent trolley service right across the street - leave the car & cares at home

Grand Haven Channel Valentine's Day 6:30pm 2013.

Grand Haven Channel Valentine's Day 6:30pm 2013.

Nearest Airport : Muskegon at 12 Miles
Nearest Ferry : Muskegon at 20 Miles
Nearest Train : Holland, MI at 20 Miles
Nearest Motorway : US 31 at 2 Miles
Nearest Beach : Grand Haven State Park at 100 Metres
Nearest Barpub : 22 Below at 0.5 Miles
Nearest Ski : Mulligan's Hollow- literally our back yard! at 0.2 Miles
Nearest Golf : Grand Haven Golf Course at 3 Miles
Nearest Restaurant : Kirby House at 0.6 Miles
Car: not necessary

The annual Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival is Grand Haven's biggest event of the year. Enjoy a week of fantastic festival fun, celebration, and tradition as we honor the men and women of the United States Coast Guard! For a complete list of events, schedule, and more visit the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival's website www.coastguardfest.org You will never forget the fireworks as they are second to none.

The trolleys run all day and through late evening and the pick up stop is just across the street from the channel house. You will enjoy inexpensive transportation along with delightful historical narratives along the way. Tour the historic downtown shopping district, art galleries, charter fishing, or sailing excursions on Lake Michigan. The river front in downtown Grand Haven is renowned for the world's largest musical fountain and a 2.5 mile boardwalk that takes you from downtown to Lake Michigan and the sandy beach. Another huge local attraction is the Michigan's Adventure (Cedar Point owned) amusement park and only 18.5 miles away via hwy.

Michigan's Adventure is a 250 acre amusement park in Muskegon County, Michigan, about halfway between Muskegon, It is the largest amusement park in the state and has been owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company since 2001. As of 2012, Michigan's Adventure has 53 rides, more than any other park in the state. The park also includes an outdoor water park ...

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Updated:
Jun 12, 2013
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Changeover Day: saturday

Rental Rates for this vacation house rental in Grand Haven, Michigan

Rental Basis:
Per property
Rental rates quoted in:
US Dollar
Convert Currency
Rate Period Nightly Weekend Night Weekend Weekly Monthly Event Minimum Stay
 
Summer
Jun 1 2013 - Sep 1 2013
$2,800
1 Week
 
 
Fall Season
Sep 2 2013 - Sep 28 2013
$285
$299
$2,000
2 Nights
 
 
Late Fall
Sep 29 2013 - Nov 2 2013
$228
$239
$1,600
2 Nights
 
 
Winter
Nov 3 2013 - May 3 2014
$200
$225
$1,400
2 Nights
 

Notes

  • Per Week 1200
  • Contact owner for Off Peak and Nightly rates.

Accommodation and Amenities for this vacation house rental in Grand Haven, Michigan

Property Type:
  • house
Forms of Payment:
  • accept credit card
Meals:
  • Guests provide their own meals
Floor Area:
  • 1800 sq. ft.
  • 2 stories
Location Type:
  • Beach ...
    Good Morning America named Grand Haven one of the Top Five Family Beaches in United States. The other four beaches included; Hilton Head in South Carolina, Turtle Bay in Oahu Hawaii, Carlsbad Calf.
  • Downtown ...
    The trolley stops across the street shopping district, art galleries, charter fishing, world's largest musical fountain and a 2.5 mile boardwalk that takes you from downtown to Lake
  • Mountain ...
    Michigan's #1 State Park, AAA's preferred beach in the state, with beachside camping. Located on Lake Michigan on Harbor Drive in Grand Haven.
  • Resort ...
    Dr. Beach gave Grand Haven State Park an Honorable Mention in his Great Great Lakes Beaches list!
  • Village ...
    In March of 2012, Grand Haven was named as one of Travel + Leisure Magazine's Best Secret Beaches on Earth along side exotic destinations like Turkey, Australia, France, and Thailand.
  • Waterfront ...
    Living right on the channel with lighthouses and Lake Michigan in view very unique. You get to to see everything; the breathtaking sunsets, the passers by, and menagerie of boats and occasional ship!
  • Lake ...
    Miles of soft golden sand, rolling dunes, and towering trees make the Grand Haven area one of the most prestigious waterfront communities located on Lake Michigan.
  • River ...
    The home is located across the street from the Grand River only 85 feet away.
  • Ski in/Ski out ...
    Mulligan's Hollow is literally our back yard! The dune in the back yard is heavily forested and ascends at a 70 degree slope and quite beautiful. The other side of it is the ski area. Call or Google
  • Waterfront ...
    Right on the Channel only 85 feet away from the Boardwalk!
  • Water View ...
    Spectacular 180 degree waterfont view . To the Left is Lk. Mich and lighthouse., in front of you is the channel. and harbor to the right!
Theme:
  • Sports & Activities
  • Adventure
General:
  • Wireless Internet
  • Basic Soaps
  • Parking Off Street
  • Ceiling Fans
  • Toilet Paper
  • Activities Guide
  • Safe
  • Hair Dryer
  • Iron & Board
  • Washing Machine ...
    New washer and dryer on site and supplied with detergent.
  • Clothes Dryer ...
    New dryer on site.
  • Parking ...
    Parking in and around the Grand Haven beach and channel is a scarce commodity that few can boast about. Off street parking space at the channel house is equal to none. 6 paved spaces + 2 stall garage.
  • Towels Provided ...
    We provide bath, kitchen, and beach towels.
  • Air Conditioning ...
    not central -- 2 window units that are rarely needed as there is always a breeze coming down the channel.
  • Linens Provided ...
    There is no need to bring your own they are provided.
  • Sofa Bed
  • Broadband Access
  • Local Restaurant Guide
  • Local Activities Guide
  • Laundry Soap
  • Paper Towels
  • Alarm Clock
  • Garage
  • Internet
  • Heating
  • Local Maps
  • Shampoo
Kitchen:
  • Dishwasher
  • Microwave
  • Coffee Maker ...
    Cusineart Coffee Maker and spare with filters. Coffee, tea, and cocoa provided with an assortment of mugs.
  • Stove ...
    GE-Profile -ceramic surface Complete set of baking pans
  • Pantry Items ...
    All paper goods, spices, and condiments are provided.
  • Dishes & Utensils ...
    3 sets of dishes and utensils for three meals for 8-10. Misc glassware.
  • Kitchen ...
    Large kitchen- accommodate 8-10. newer appliances-large refrigerator/freezer- no ice-machine), microwave, crock pot (triple), bagel accommodating toaster, electric griddle, blender, roaster.
  • Freezer
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stove
  • Cooking Utensils
  • Garbage Disposal
  • Blender
  • Toaster
Dining:
  • Dining
  • Dining Room
  • Child's Highchair
  • seating for 10 people
Bathrooms:
  • 2 Bathrooms
  • 1 Half Bath
  • Bathroom 1 - toilet , combination tub/shower , Downstairs
    Bathroom 2 - toilet , Upstairs
    Bathroom 3 - toilet , shower , Cottage
Bedrooms:
  • 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7
  • Bedroom 1 - 1 queen , New Furnishings (2012)
    Bedroom 2 - 1 double , Antique Furnishings New Matress (2012)
    Bedroom 3 - 1 twin/ single
  • ATTENTION It is a very comfortable home for a maximum of 7 over night guests - certainly invite family and friends to visit as we have lots of parking and cottage with bathroom and shower in the back yard to accommodate others, but more than seven (7) for overnighting is not allowed. (Per owner's permit and Grand Haven Ordinance for this home)
Entertainment:
  • Satellite / Cable
  • Games
  • Video Library
  • CD Player
  • Games for Kids
  • VCR
  • DVD Player
  • Stereo
  • Music Library
  • Books
  • Television
Outside:
  • Unscreened Porch / Veranda
  • Deck Furniture
  • Outdoor Grill
  • Beach Towels
  • Walkway to Water
  • Porch / Veranda
  • Wood Deck
  • Porch Furniture
  • Yard
  • Outdoor Furniture
  • Screen Porch / Veranda
  • Bicycles
  • Outdoor Grill Gas
  • 12 garden chairs
Suitability:
  • Singles
  • wheelchair inaccessible
  • suitable for elderly or infirm
  • Minimum Age Limit for Renters ...
    25 years old
  • children welcome ...
    Children definitely welcome. It is such a great place for all ages. An advantage for toddlers-- there is a considerable amount of traffic and we have a rare back yard here on the 'Strip' and cottage in the back that provides added safety for wanderers or accidents. We also have a Jenny Lind highchair and portable crib available. We also have some corner protectors on some furnishings as well as electrical outlet inserts.
  • non smoking only
Attractions:
  • cinemas
  • water parks
  • playground
  • library
  • festivals
  • autumn foliage
  • botanical garden
  • museums
  • live theater
  • marina
  • recreation center
  • synagogues
  • theme parks
  • zoo
  • restaurants
  • churches
Leisure Activities:
  • sight seeing
  • scenic drives
  • beachcombing
  • photography
  • antiquing
  • bird watching
  • walking
  • sledding
Local Services & Businesses:
  • groceries
  • ATM/bank
  • laundromat
  • medical services
  • fitness center
  • massage therapist
  • Babysitter
  • hospital
Sports & Adventure Activities:
  • hunting big game
  • scuba diving or snorkeling
  • fly fishing
  • water skiing
  • skiing
  • sailing
  • snorkeling
  • cycling
  • swimming
  • jet skiing
  • ice skating
  • hiking
  • pier fishing
  • wind-surfing
  • fishing
  • roller blading
  • freshwater fishing
  • hunting
  • hunting small game
  • water tubing
  • golf
  • mountain biking
Notes:
See www.whalenschannelhouse.com for more information.

Learn more about this vacation rental at the owner's website:

Reviews for this vacation house rental in Grand Haven, Michigan

Waterfront, Lake & Channel Views, Best Location on Grand Haven Channel
average rating of 5.0 based on 3 reviews
business
Waterfront, Lake & Channel Views, Best Location on Grand Haven Channel
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3006306
+1 616 4022578
Grand Haven Western Michigan
Denver, CO
5

clean and tastefully decorated; AWESOME location!

  • 5 of 5
  • Submitted: Mar 27, 2013
  • Stayed: Mar 2013
I stayed here for a weekend in March, and my friends and I had a great time. The house was clean, fully stocked with linens and towels, and very nicely decorated. The house has a nice west-Michigan feel, and the view of the pier is AWESOME! You simply cannot beat the location of this house for accessing the waterfront or downtown.

The mattresses were nice (not the squishy type of most rentals), and the house has the perfect layout for gathering friends and family (large eat-in kitchen, large porch, HUGE family/living room). We especially loved how the bedrooms were isolated from the kitchen area and living area, so the kids could sleep in peace while the adults stayed up and played cards.

Overall, the best place I've rented in Grand Haven (I've rented 4 different places). We're already making plans to stay here again this summer.
Recommended for:  Age 55+, Girls Getaway, Tourists without a Car, Sightseeing, Families with Teenagers, Families with Young Children
business
Waterfront, Lake & Channel Views, Best Location on Grand Haven Channel
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3006306
+1 616 4022578
Grand Haven Western Michigan
5

Labor Day Weekend

  • 5 of 5
  • Submitted: Sep 8, 2012
  • Stayed: Aug 2012
Our stay in Grand Haven was fabulous. The cottage was very clean and had plenty of room for our family. We went to the beach every day and it was only about a 5 minute walk. The amentities were plenty and we loved having a washer and dryer, dishwasher and grill. We brought a couple bikes of our own and combined them with the bikes in the garage and took a couple great bike rides around town. Friday night we ended up at Tip A Few to watch the Tigers game and the Michigan State game. We had a blast. The guys all went charter fishing on Monday and had some great success, while us girls got on the bikes and went downtown for some shopping. There are plenty of ice cream shops to pay a little visit to at anytime and plenty of restaurants to choose from also. A couple nights after the sun went down, we took a walk out to the end of the pier...very romantic!
We would highly recommend this property in Grand Haven, MI to all of our family and friends because we are planning on renting the cottage again next year. The owners also left us a welcome basket of a bottle of wine, box of crackers, cheese and a container of cookies. Thank you Mike and Judy!
Owner's Response: The B.family were the poster children for best guests! We are delighted they are planing to return again next year.
Helpful votes: 2/2
business
Waterfront, Lake & Channel Views, Best Location on Grand Haven Channel
http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p3006306
+1 616 4022578
Grand Haven Western Michigan
5

Great Place Great Location Great Owner's

Great Place Great Location Great Owner's
  • 5 of 5
  • Submitted: Aug 21, 2012
  • Stayed: Aug 2012
Pride of ownership!

Beautiful views of the sunset and the boardwalk, easy walk accross the street to the beach. Lots of parking for guests and a large amount of amentities for your dollars worth.

Recommend this to anyone.
Owner's Response: Thanks Sarah for our very first and great review! We've put our hearts into making the channel house a comfortable and cozy place that everyone can will enjoy and want to come back year after year.....See you next year. Mike and Judy.
Helpful votes: 2/2
Payment Methods
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