Thank you for a Wonderful Stay, Reviews of Lakeside vacation cottage 974616 on HomeAway

Welcome to this charming and spacious renovated classic 1930's Lakeside cottage. Sunny Blue Skies and Summer Blue Cottage Great room has 47 inch HD with Internet Access. Wide open space with French Door Have your morning cup of coffee listening to the birds chirping Enter the parlor through a French door from the Great Room for more living area Another view of Great Room which is central to front porch, parlor, kitchen Fully Equipped Kitchen Daybed in summer porch is a perfect place for an extra guest or just a snooze. Everything that you need for a day at the beach and for outdoor dining. Main Floor Bedroom with Queen bed and walk in closet is ideal for Grandparents First Floor Bedroom with Full Size Bed French Doors lead into this second floor bedroom which overlooks the backyard. Queen Size Bed in spacious Master Bedroom on 2nd floor Upstairs Bedroom with Twin Bedroom and Walk in Closet 2nd floor full size bathroom with enclosed tub, tile floor and makeup area. Al Fresco dining Entrance to backyard fun and games Pier Street Lake Access with a peak of Lake Michigan in the background. Stairway to Pier Street Beach which is deep and wide for sunning and swimming. Beached Just watching and listening to the waves lapping the shore Indian Summer Sunsets take your breath away.

Welcome to this charming and spacious renovated classic 1930's Lakeside cottage.

Sunny Blue Skies and Summer Blue Cottage

Great room has 47 inch HD with Internet Access. Wide open space with French Door

Have your morning cup of coffee listening to the birds chirping

Enter the parlor through a French door from the Great Room for more living area

Another view of Great Room which is central to front porch, parlor, kitchen

Fully Equipped Kitchen

Daybed in summer porch is a perfect place for an extra guest or just a snooze.

Everything that you need for a day at the beach and for outdoor dining.

Main Floor Bedroom with Queen bed and walk in closet is ideal for Grandparents

First Floor Bedroom with Full Size Bed

French Doors lead into this second floor bedroom which overlooks the backyard.

Queen Size Bed in spacious Master Bedroom on 2nd floor

Upstairs Bedroom with Twin Bedroom and Walk in Closet

2nd floor full size bathroom with enclosed tub, tile floor and makeup area.

Al Fresco dining

Entrance to backyard fun and games

Pier Street Lake Access with a peak of Lake Michigan in the background.

Stairway to Pier Street Beach which is deep and wide for sunning and swimming.

Beached

Just watching and listening to the waves lapping the shore

Indian Summer Sunsets take your breath away.

Bedrooms5
Sleeps11
2 Bathrooms

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Photos and Description of the Lakeside vacation cottage rental
5 bedrooms, 2 full bathroom, sleeps 11

Located in historic Lakeside and just steps from Pier Street beach, the original details of this newly renovated 1930s' cottage retains the charm of original beaded board ceilings, Douglas Fir wood floors, french doors and screened porch . New and vintage furniture mingle with cheerful accents to create an eclectic and casual ambiance. The cottage is spacious with a screened porch, front parlor, large living/dining room, 5 bedrooms and 2 full baths and back porch. The beautifully landscaped yard, complete with a brick patio, BBQ station, fire pit and picnic table provides a charming and peaceful outdoor recreation area. Stored in the boat house are toys, lawn games and bikes for the whole family to enjoy.

Situated in Harbor Country, there is no shortage of leisure activities to be enjoyed. Antique buffs can hunt for treasures, cyclists can hop on backroad trails and hikers can explore nature. Visit the Farmers' Market, Vineyards, art galleries and casino too.

A stay at the cottage is about family and traditions and shared experiences; Fourth of July celebrations with fireworks and sparklers, sand castles and sun burn, lightning bugs and hide and go seek. It is my intent that the guests who stay at the cottage will create their own special memories and family tradition and look fondly back or look forward to their vacation at 'True Blue'.

Great care and attention to detail was paid to assure that our guests would walk into the cottage and feel that they made the right decision in choosing this one over others. The cottage is decorated in an eclectic style that mixes vintage pieces with new furniture creating a warm and comfortable style in a pleasing pallette of colors. As part of the renovation, new windows with full screens, two separate HVAC systems, one for each floor,along with a 50 gallon hot water heater were installed. Bathrooms and kitchen have tile floors and new fixtures. Ceiling fans create cool breezes on the main floor rooms. The Great Room has a 47 inch HD flat screen TV with cable and internet access. The Front Parlor has a 36 inch flat screen TV with DVD. Games, books, toys for young and old are on hand for family night gatherings.

A Beach umbrella, adult and child size beach chairs, beach towels and a red wagon to cart them make it easy to have everything you need for your day at the lake. An outdoor shower makes clean up convenient after swimming and sunning at the beach Bocce ball, horseshoes, frisbee, and other outdoor games are provided as well as sand pails and shovels.

A 5 burner natural gas self cleaning Charbroil Grill is provided for cookouts. Meals can be served at the picnic bench on easy care tableware and accessories. Think Pottery Barn style and Target practicality. Lounge around the fire pit and toast marshmallows or head over to Oinks for homemade ice cream.

With children in mind, a small step stool is provided in the bathroom so that 'little ones' can reach to wash their hands. A Pack and Play, High Chair,safety gate and plastic tableware make it easier for parents to relax.

Historic Lakeside is one of the beach communities that make up 'Harbor Country'. It is a quaint village dating from the late 1800's and has been a summer resort for decades for people who yearned to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. If you are looking for a 'get away from it all ' and for peace and tranquility, Lakeside is perfect. Perfect for hearing the birds chirping and the waves lapping the shore. Perfect for seeing glorious sunsets and starry nights. Perfect for long walks and short naps. All this is just a short drive of @ an hour from Chicago and its suburbs. Amtrak Train service is available from Chicago to New Buffalo which is @ 4 miles away.

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About Rickie Hawkinson

I grew up on the East coast and summered at the shore in New Jersey. It was a pleasure that was taken for granted. When I relocated to the Midwest, Lake Michigan became a worthy counterpart. The waves aren't as dramatic and the water isn't salty however I no longer have to worry about those jellyfish!

Rickie Hawkinson purchased this cottage in 2011

Why Rickie Hawkinson chose Lakeside

When we found the cottage, it was in a state of neglect after being left vacant for a few years. I like to say that she had good bones. I am a sucker for bead board ceilings and wide baseboards and trim. Throw in six paneled wood doors French Doors and hardwood floors and I am in heaven . The cottage has all this plus rooms that have angled ceilings and exposed rafters. This is authentic, not new to mimic old. We could imagine what she could look like with some hard work and determination. We had a vision of a cheerful, cozy cottage coming to life and being a wonderful place for friends and family to gather and to make memories like the cherished ones that I have of my childhood spent at the Jersey shore.

What makes this cottage unique

The cottage has history with its platted deed dated from the late 1880s and sits in the center of historic Lakeside, a beach community that dates back over one hundred years as a summer destination along Lake Michigan. There is a sense of being in touch with nature as you meander down paths lined by decades old pine trees with the roar of the lake on a blustery day in your ears. It is not uncommon to sight deer in the ravines and bluejays and cardinals perched in the trees. A highlight of the day is watching the breathtaking sunset over the lake with the orangery afterglow lighting up the sky. The cottage offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and allows one to take a deep breath and step back if only for a short respite.

Classic 1930's Lake Michigan Cottage Steps to the Beach

average rating of 5.0 based on 16 reviews

business

Classic 1930's Lake Michigan Cottage Steps to the Beach

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p974616

+1 708 9329162

Lakeside Southwest Michigan

Guest Comment Entered by Owner

Thank you for a Wonderful Stay

Submitted: April 26, 2013 Stayed: July 2012

Thank you for a wonderful at the Blue Cottage! We enjoyed staying in a smaller town...walks to the beach, smores, delicious meals from the Treager grill, trips to St. Joe & New Buffalo. Your home is beautiful and we enjoyed tha many places to hang out. Cousins enjoyed each other.

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Classic 1930's Lake Michigan Cottage Steps to the Beach

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p974616

+1 708 9329162

Lakeside Southwest Michigan

Guest Comment Entered by Owner

Wonderful Stay

Submitted: April 26, 2013 Stayed: July 2012

What a wonderful stay we had at the Blue Cottage- Thank You. Plenty of fun and space for us and our family and visits by friends. You have put so much effort and love into this place and it allowed us to make beautiful memories!

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business

Classic 1930's Lake Michigan Cottage Steps to the Beach

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p974616

+1 708 9329162

Lakeside Southwest Michigan

Guest Comment Entered by Owner

In One Word-"Ecstatic"!

Submitted: April 9, 2013 Stayed: March 2013

In one word - 'Ecstatic'! Three families, 10 guests and needed some quality time .. and what more could we have asked for. This house got everything that a family needs to spend some incredible time by the lake in a early spring/late winter weekend. When we walked into the house on Sunday, everything was well organized, the kitchen was impeccable, the bedrooms had sheets and linens all in place, the bathrooms were cleaner than ones you find in tier 1 hotels. There was no dearth of supplies. We have kids and often need some special items and were elated to find them in the basement - very well thought out arrangement inside the house. Rickie is a an absolutely 5 star host! She communicated from day one and suggested different options to make our stay memorable both inside and outside the house. This was our first time to a AirBnB spot and was wondering if we might need to call her for stuff when we are in the cottage. But that never occurred! Everything happened to be in place whenever we looked around. The property itself is a nice one. The kids got excited with the swing in the back. The house has enough space for four 5 year olds to run around and find things to play with and stay engaged. The 2nd TV helped us to keep them busy with their Disney movies :) I am always skeptical about heating in rental properties due to lack of insulation. But this one was an exception. Perfect insulation and temperature sustained all through out the night and day. The bathrooms worked like a charm. Rickie, once again, great job maintaining this place. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and highly recommend others as well. Thanks!

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Classic 1930's Lake Michigan Cottage Steps to the Beach

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p974616

+1 708 9329162

Lakeside Southwest Michigan

Barbara P.

Delightful Setting for Family Holiday

5 of 5

Submitted: December 8, 2012 Stayed: November 2012

This home was the perfect setting for a family Thanksgiving with folks coming from nearby and across the country. The home is delightfully furnished and well equipped for preparing a meal together, craft projects with children, and just hanging out.

My family was very pleased with the number of bedrooms and their locations so the littlest people could be undisturbed for naps. My son and son-in-law enjoyed the large flat-screen television in the main living area and the older children watched video on the smaller tv in the sunroom while playing cards and games.

Those are the basics. It's hard to convey just how well decorated and well appointed the house it. It's like Martha Stewart came by and put designer touches on it -- but in a very comfortable way. My children all commented on the plush towels., noting they felt like they were in a luxury hotel and not a vacation rental. This house actually looks even better in person than it does in the photos.

We had a lot of time inside as the weather turned cold and we all felt like we had enough space.

When we were leaving my daughter-in-law asked if we could come again. We will be back, This house is just too wonderful for only one visit.

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business

Classic 1930's Lake Michigan Cottage Steps to the Beach

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p974616

+1 708 9329162

Lakeside Southwest Michigan

Guest Comment Entered by Owner

We had a blast!!

Submitted: November 10, 2012 Stayed: October 2012

Rickie,

Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed staying at your rental cottage. It is so charming! We had a super time.

Overall, it was a very positive experience. We appreciated that there were plenty of extra blankets because it was a cold weekend. We also liked the fact that the heat for the upstairs was on a separate control. The cottage is decorated in such a homey way and we loved the fact that there were two bathrooms and plenty of bedrooms with closets. We would definitely recommend this place to friends and stay here, again, if we ever come back to the area. All the restaurants we visited were very good. We found Nani's Cafe on our own and think you should add info on her muffins to your binder!

Thanks so much for making our stay enjoyable. We had a blast!!

Helpful votes: 1/1

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business

Classic 1930's Lake Michigan Cottage Steps to the Beach

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p974616

+1 708 9329162

Lakeside Southwest Michigan

jane p.

Blue House Fun

5 of 5

Submitted: October 9, 2012 Stayed: September 2012

For two weeks we stayed at the Blue House and we felt as thought we could have moved in with just our clothes and stayed forever. It is beautifully appointed, true to the era in which it was built and quite charming. We had a total of 14 people visiting over the two weeks, eight being the most at one time, and all were comfortable with plenty of sleeping rooms, space to be together or separate and much to do in the area. The beach is absolutely beautiful and we walked long distances in both directions. We enjoyed the shop next door, New Buffalo, Sawyer for wonderful food at Fitzgerald's, and of course several excursions to St. Joe's for shopping. Many little shopping and eating places in between. Everyone left with at least one purchase under their arm. This is a gem of a vacation spot, everything is provided, the owner responded quickly to any questions and we hope to return next year. Some of us want to just move there and stay but I suspect the owner would not be open to that idea!!

Helpful votes: 2/2

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business

Classic 1930's Lake Michigan Cottage Steps to the Beach

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p974616

+1 708 9329162

Lakeside Southwest Michigan

Lynn E.

Labor Day Get-a-Way

5 of 5

Submitted: September 12, 2012 Stayed: August 2012

Our family found this lovely blue cottage charming in every way! From the moment you walk in, you know you will be pleased with your choice. The cottage decor is perfect and you will find all the comforts of home both in and outside the home. There was ample space with four rooms downstairs: front porch, front room, and main living and dining areas. We were able to spread out and have quiet places for conversations among the 8 adults and one baby. There is a bath both up and down, which was quite helpful.
Rickie has thought of everything a renter might need and has made it readily available use. With proximity to the beach and bike riding, we found it the perfect get-a-way!

Helpful votes: 1/1

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business

Classic 1930's Lake Michigan Cottage Steps to the Beach

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p974616

+1 708 9329162

Lakeside Southwest Michigan

Theresa Shafer

Palos Park, IL

Perfect get-away spot

5 of 5

Submitted: August 14, 2012 Stayed: August 2012

This cottage looks cozy and charming from the outside, and it certainly is. However, it is also very spacious and has been lovingly decorated with such great attention to detail. It is like staying at the home of a friend with great taste! I was constantly amazed to find everything I needed to cook meals for a crew of 8-9. My only extremely small complaint is that the can opener didn't work very well, that's it!
The beach is one long block down Pier street, an easy walk. Lakeside is nice are relaxed and quiet. The cruiser bikes are very fun to ride as well. I would not think of staying anywhere else in the area.

Helpful votes: 1/1

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business

Classic 1930's Lake Michigan Cottage Steps to the Beach

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p974616

+1 708 9329162

Lakeside Southwest Michigan

Gerald B.

The Blue Cottage - #974616 - 5 Stars

5 of 5

Submitted: August 7, 2012 Stayed: July 2012

Another boring Five Star Review. For those not interested in long winded, amateurish travel writing, suffice to say the place was terrific and I hope we go back for next year's family reunion. Recommended without reservation.

Our extended family held a reunion at the Blue Cottage during the week of 7/28/12 - 8/4/12. Everything was exactly as advertised. No surprises; no disappointments.

The cottage had been newly remodeled and showed it. The five Bedrooms / two Bathrooms easily accommodated 10 people. The kitchen was fully equipped. The Game Room and Living Room were both equipped with cable tv and flat screen televisions. Separate whole house air conditioners served the first and second floors. Two screened porches for electronics-free relaxation. Bikes, beach toys and games were supplied along with a backyard fire pit and grill.

Lake Michigan beach was about a two block walk and was wide and nearly empty. Parking at the beach access was minimal, but, due to the lack of crowding, more than adequate.

The owner was a pleasure to deal with; the rental fee very reasonable in light of the amenities and location.

I would recommend this rental without reservation. It's the sort of place where it's hard to find anything to grouse about.

For fine dining, try Tosi's in Stevensville; for a family pig-out, try the Big Boy breakfast buffet, also in Stevensville; for standing around in a parking lot for an hour or two, try Redamaks in New Buffalo.

For actual interesting resort towns, St. Joe, South Haven and Saugatuck are within easy driving distance. To its credit, New Buffalo is not nearly as large and depressing as its namesake.

To experience the hardships and deprivations of our pioneer forefathers, institute a 24 hour cell phone moratorium, as did my sister-in-law. Warning: Do not try this without first laying in an adequate supply of Margaritas. Whatever you deem adequate, double it!

It did rain one night, but I have graciously decided not to blame the owner or Home Away.

Helpful votes: 1/1

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business

Classic 1930's Lake Michigan Cottage Steps to the Beach

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p974616

+1 708 9329162

Lakeside Southwest Michigan

Guest Comment Entered by Owner

Everything was perfect!

Submitted: July 22, 2012 Stayed: July 2012

I just wanted to sedn you a quick note to let you know that our families had a fabulous time at the house last week. Everything was perfect ! We spent the days at the beach and the evenings by the fire pit. The kids had a blast and the adults managed to get some rest time in too.
I just wanted to let you know that the house was so comfortable and so nicely appointed. You guys did an impressive job rehabbing the property! We too own an old home and know about the pit falls of trying to keep it updated. Congrats!

Helpful votes: 1/1

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Photos and Description of the Lakeside vacation cottage rental 5 bedrooms, 2 full bathroom, sleeps 11

16 Reviews of Property 974616 in Lakeside, Michigan

Thank you for a Wonderful Stay

Wonderful Stay

In One Word-"Ecstatic"!

Delightful Setting for Family Holiday

We had a blast!!

Blue House Fun

Labor Day Get-a-Way

Perfect get-away spot

The Blue Cottage - #974616 - 5 Stars

Everything was perfect!

Photos and Description of the Lakeside vacation cottage rental
5 bedrooms, 2 full bathroom, sleeps 11