Entire home

Fantastic for a family/group - walking distance to the best beach in Michigan!

Photo gallery for Fantastic for a family/group - walking distance to the best beach in Michigan!

Another beautiful day in Bluffton!
Floor plan
Floor plan
Outdoor dining
Outdoor dining

Reviews

9.8 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 12278.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Kitchen
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Muskegon, MI
  • Pere Marquette Park Beach
    ‪8 min walk‬
  • Muskegon Beach
    ‪15 min walk‬
  • Lake Express Ferry Terminal
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Muskegon, MI (MKG-Muskegon County)
    ‪18 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Single Bunk Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Kitchenette
Balcony
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Fantastic for a family/group - walking distance to the best beach in Michigan!

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE MAKING A BOOKING REQUEST.

***NOTE: For prime Summer dates we are seeking a minimum 5 -6 night booking, unless we have a shorter gaps between bookings. For off season rentals please check with us and try to book at least 14 days in advance so that we can make sure the property available and is fully prepped for you***

Summer 2024 base rates range from $395-$495 per night for up to 6 guests, additional guests are $45/ea/night, which are automatically calculated when you send an inquiry or reservation request. FOR OFF-SEASON RATES PLEASE SEE CALANDER AND READ BELOW - as VRBO cannot automatically calculate additional guests for off-season rates and therefore guest fees depend on the size of your party and number of bedrooms desired. .

COVID-19 note: We recognize this has been a difficult time for many, including ourselves, who may be hesitant to travel. Our property is ALWAYS very clean and is as safe a place as you could ever want to be and we encourage people to plan trips and/or continue with their plans to get away, especially if you are travelling by private car or plane. We have a strict cancellation policy which we are willing to adjust by offering rescheduling or the possibility of a refund if the property can be rebooked less a 20% service fee. Thank you for your understanding during these unprecedented times. Together we will get thru it. Wishing everyone safe travels and good health.

We can comfortably accommodate 10 adults + 2 children in beds. In some cases we can squeeze a few more in on rollaway beds or cots, but we feel that 10-12 is the realistic and comfortable capacity . During summer additional guests are $45/night for the duration of the rental. Please read details about rates as they are different during summer and off season, and differ depending on the size of your group. Do not hesitate to ask questions if you need clarification. I usually respond within 12 hours.

2024-25 OFF SEASON RATES vary according to dates: $195-$245/night base rates for 2 guests in one bedroom. The off-season base rates apply from approx mid September 6 thru June 1. You are welcome to contact me if you want to discuss a special offer. Each additional bedroom (for up to 2 guests per bedroom) are $60/night for the duration of the rental in the Off Season. The Owner reserves the right to require a 7 day rental during peak demand dates although we do consider shorter stays, so please feel free to ask if we can be flexible. Longer term off season rental rates negotiable on an individual basis based on the applicant. Please contact the Owner to discuss details.

This property was new to the market for summer 2018 after a complete remodel and repurposing of this 100+ year old church!! Come and enjoy our peaceful and safe neighborhood just steps away from fabulous fresh water Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake. No jellyfish, no sharks, no stingrays, no sand fleas, no urchins...nothing to bite or sting you here! World class sunrises and sunsets over 2 lakes, and an incredible clean sand beach recently voted Best Beach in Michigan...and that's saying a lot.

It is actually beautiful here year round, great for fall, winter, and spring holidays or vacations. Here is another video that shows the areas right around the property. https://youtu.be/3eMnRV_4QPE

Here are a few handwritten reviews from some our first renters (non VRBO):
"We made some wonderful family memories at the Bluffton Church. We were privileged to be one of the first to rent. Inge and Roberto were most hospitable and kind. We appreciated all the details and fine touches of the renovation. This place embodies tradition and has been brought back to life. Thank you!"
Jeff, Marilyn, Audrey< David, Jeremy, Nick - July 2018

"Thank you for this wonderful space! Your careful, loving touches grace every corner. The children had space to play together, which is so important for cousins who live in different and distant parts of the country. We appreciate all you have done to make for us this happy time"
Tom, Mary Grace, Anne, Jacob, Andrew, Neal, Megan, Emilie and Mallory - August 2018

"Roberto,
We cant express how much we enjoyed staying at the "Little Bluffton Church". Our kids loved the loft and the bunk beds. We especially enjoyed the surround sound, nice beds and pillows, and the great location. We made some lasting memories and will spread the word about this place.
We look forward to booking again next summer with a larger group. Thanks for making our first VRBO experience wonderful.
Many Blessings, Jose, Dustee, Caydence, and Greg"

A 150 year old church in the heart of the Bluffton historic neighborhood completely transformed, remodeled and updated in every aspect into a wonderful seasonal rental property close to beach and boating. ( All new work performed between February 2017 and March 2018). An architect designed interior and landscape with spacious accommodation for 12 guests is breathing a new life and chapter in history for this former neighborhood church.

We keep out property in pristine clean condition booth inside and outside.

Please note that many properties advertising numerous sleeping accommodation are stuffing multiple beds in small rooms. Some people may like that sort of overcrowded arrangement. If you prefer proper sleeping quarters with privacy and some space please look at our floor plan. Also please compare square footage/guest capacity of other properties. Our property is very roomy and perfect for big groups. We have 3000+ square feet of interior space with nice outside seating as well. You will not feel cramped and crowded in our property.

This historic church is nestled on a quiet street behind the dune system along the beach, located steps away from Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan where you can enjoy one of the best beaches in the world or boating from several local marinas and a yacht club. Zoom in on the satellite image to get a better idea of property location and proximity to lake, beach, and other local features.

A spacious yard, deck, and patio expands the comfort of the contemporary interior which is complete with 2 fully equipped kitchens, 2 washers/dryers; 2-1/2 baths...and we even have an old fashioned drinking fountain! Everything has been updated and upgraded during the extensive remodel completed in 2018 - all new beds, paint, appliances, plumbing, electric, air conditioning, landscaping, etc. - and you can still ring the original church bell which was forged in 1869!.

Arrival / departure dates have some flexibility. A late check in/check out fee ($50) may apply. Rental rates are negotiable depending on length of stay and availability. Please contact us to discuss your needs and general policies and conditions of rental. Messages and emails will be returned within 24 hours. (Unfortunately VRBO will not share contact info unless you make a deposit/reservation. We also book independently or through other resources. So please feel free to ask questions if you want more information.

Come visit and see for yourselves why they say "Pure Michigan"!

The floor plan drawings shown in the photo album are very accurate in terms of furnishings and amenities. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Linens and towels are provided for in house use only. Guests shall provide their own beach towels, and mattress protection if necessary. A starter supply of toilet paper, paper towels, laundry and dishwasher detergent is supplied.

For summer and high season rentals - Please note that the base rate ($395-$495) applies for up to 6 guests. Each additional guests allowed for $315/week up to 10 guests, additional guests above 10 at $175/week. A written guest list is requested at the time of rental. Under special agreement more than 12 may be allowed with prior owner approval only.

Taxes are included in the published rates.

10% discount on stays over 14 days. 20% discount on stays over 28 days. Subject to availability and approval of owner.

It is required that the renter purchase the $89.00 damage protection ($3000 coverage) thru VRBO, as well as a $1000.00 security deposit which will be collected thru VRBO within 10-14 days before arrival dates. The VRBO property protection plan is easy and simple for everyone. If there is any accidental damage covered by the policy you just check out and we deal with the insurance company. Security deposits will be returned to the renter within 7 business days after checkout and inspection. A signed rental agreement and guest list with contact info is required for all guests in accordance with the City of Muskegon regulations. We will meet you at the time of arrival to provide keys, answer questions, and sign the rental agreement . Cancellation policy may vary depending on dates/circumstances. In the event of cancellation we will try to relist the dates and provide a refund if re-rented, less a 20% management fee. We also recommend travel insurance in the event of unforeseen changes in your plans. We require that all prospective guests (primary renter) have a current profile photograph uploaded to VRBO for the security of our staff before we book.

You can visit https://visitmuskegon.org/ for visitor information about the area. Other Local Attractions Include:

Property manager

Robert
Premier Host

Languages

English, German

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 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

Events allowed: family gatherings and birthday parties
Upon review and approval by owner/city
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Absolutely no smoking inside or within 20 feet of
Contact owner for questions about policies. $1000 security deposit due 10 days before arrival.
Motorcycle groups ok on condition that each mc, owned by renter/guests has muffled exhaust. Most loud Harleys not allowed. Please respect neighbors
Fireworks and firearms not allowed on property.

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
Parties and events (including family gatherings and birthday parties) are allowed on site. Maximum attendees: 15
Note from host: Upon review and approval by owner/city
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

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Muskegon

Located on the waterfront, this holiday home is in Beachwood-Bluffton, a neighbourhood in Muskegon. Michigan's Adventure is a popular attraction and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Grand Haven Beach. Beachwood Park and USS Silversides are also worth visiting. Take in the nearby slopes with cross-country skiing, or try out other outdoor activities such as ice skating and sledging.
Map
Muskegon, MI

What's nearby

  • Pere Marquette Park Beach - 8 min walk - 0.7 km
  • Muskegon Beach - 15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • USS Silversides - 4 min drive - 2.0 km
  • Lake Express Ferry Terminal - 6 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Muskegon State Park - 12 min drive - 8.1 km

Getting around

  • Muskegon, MI (MKG-Muskegon County) - 18 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Deck BBQ & Beer - ‬16 min walk
  • ‪McDonald's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Thrasher's Bear Lake Tavern - ‬20 min drive
  • ‪Fricano's Muskegon Lake - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Lakeside Cafe - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Fantastic for a family/group - walking distance to the best beach in Michigan! pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Fantastic for a family/group - walking distance to the best beach in Michigan!?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Fantastic for a family/group - walking distance to the best beach in Michigan!?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Fantastic for a family/group - walking distance to the best beach in Michigan! located?

Located in Beachwood-Bluffton, this holiday home is within a 15-minute walk of Pere Marquette Park Beach and Lake Michigan. Lake Express Ferry Terminal is 2.5 mi (4 km) away.

Reviews

9.8

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 56 out of 61 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 61 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 61 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 61 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 61 reviews

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.6/10

Check-in

9.8/10

Communication

9.6/10

Location

9.8/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Eric V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Location, location, location
This is a great place to stay! We walked to the beach every day, the neighborhood was quiet and peaceful, and the place was a fantastic size! The loft would be perfect for grade school aged kids but even though we didn't use it there was still tons of space for our small group.
Stayed 6 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Diane G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Bluffton Church
We loved the beautiful Bluffton Church with its rich history, its quiet neighborhood, and idyllic location. Because we had some extra needs for my wheelchair-bound husband, I communicated with the host, Roberto, many times prior to our stay. He did whatever he could to meet our needs. The church didn’t work perfectly for a wheelchair, but with Roberto’s kind assistance, we made it work. My family loved the beauty, the spaciousness, and all the amenities the Bluffton Church had to offer.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

James G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location in Muskegon
If you are looking for an affordable place within a 5 minute walk to the beach this is the place. A harbor is also a 5 minute walk the opposite direction. There is a family of deer that hang out in the neighborhood at dusk and dawn every day. Take a bike! The host also set us up for a sailboat ride which was great!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Keith B.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Golf trip
8 guys stayed comfortably in the housing. Plenty of space. Super clean and Roberto was an awesome host
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer Y.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place to stay
My family of seven had a very nice time here. We were close to the beach and the neighborhood was nice.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

sondra p.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful vacation home
The home was perfect for our 10 member family, ranging in age from 10 to 70. It was spacious and met our needs perfectly. The home was beautifully designed for a larger group. The location was perfect, offering a variety of activities within a short distance including a wonderful beach and a great bike path. The host, Roberto was wonderful. I highly recommend it.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Mark N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great time
8 of us stayed and the place was great. Plenty of room for all of us. Never felt we were on top of each other. Great location to good food and beach. Fun time was had by all!
Stayed 5 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Don J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Another great experience
Second year here. The first year was great, and so was the second.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Lauren J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect for multi generational vacation
We were here for a family wedding in Muskegon, and the large gathering spaces were wonderful for reconnecting with our Michigan family as well as having a spot for the teens to watch movies while the adults played board games. We walked to Pere Marquette beach multiple times each day and also enjoyed walking down to the Muskegon Yacht Club and then along the lake road to the natural area. What a special neighborhood. Great kitchen and having the bathrooms detached from the bedrooms made them easier to share. Our teens also played frisbee and spike ball in the great side yard. We felt like we were living in a little piece of history.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Wesley O.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Diamond in the Bluff(ton)
Sorry/Not Sorry for the Dad Joke. This was our second stay at this property. We really enjoyed it both times. We have had a large multigenerational group staying there and it worked really well for us. Both times over the December Holidays. Quiet neighborhood with lots of room inside, clean, and plenty of amenities plus the uniqueness of the property.
Stayed 13 nights in Dec 2022

10/10 Excellent

Don and Cheryl W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice family vacation spot
This was a unique renovated church with lots of room for sleeping and also common areas for gathering. Beautiful beach a short walk away and many other activities available in the area.
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Tammy L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Excellent place to stay!
We really enjoyed our stay in this property. The location is very good and the property is well cared for. The stay was very enjoyable! We will recommend this property to friends and family.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Klinton S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great location
Great location, close to the beach. Plenty of space for everyone.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Marian V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lovely Accommodation and Close to the Beach!
Roberto's converted church is spotless and comfortable with high-quality furnishings. My family met in Muskegon for a reunion and were delighted with this huge space. It was really great to just hang-out as a family, both at the church cottage and at the beach. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The church's former sanctuary is a now a spacious living room with super comfy couches, a huge puzzle/coffee table, a dining area and an extra kitchen. The nice sound system was a bonus. The lower level has another big dining table and a larger, main kitchen, and a sleeper sofa. We loved the shady outdoor areas (a patio, an upper deck and a huge lawn). Parking is always available in front of the church. This peaceful neighborhood is just a 10-minute walk or a 2-minute drive to the beach. Roberto's conversion of this church into a cottage is truly lovely. With an architect's eye, he maintained several of the original features and created very nice living spaces. He lives nearby the church cottage, so the check-in process was super convenient. It's a great place with a great host. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Don J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great Summer Retreat
Fantastic location. Huge space with several common areas. Very well appointed and stocked. 3 blocks from the beach and the bike trail. 1/4 mile to boat ramp. Quiet neighborhood. Nice patios and yards. Kids will love the interior. Owner lives nearby in case you need anything.
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sonja M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spacious Home
This house was wonderful for a large group, with multiple areas to hang out in - both indoors and outdoors. Spacious bedrooms, well equipped kitchen, clean bathrooms. Very close to multiple beaches!
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Arne W.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Spacious Accommodations
Well-maintained, nice features, close to walk or ride
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Kirsten M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Lots of space
We enjoyed our stay, there was enough space for all of us and room to relax. It was really close to the beach and walking paths.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

David L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique Place Great for Family Vacation
Not only is the Bluffton Chapel a unique place, it also is located a short walk from a great beach. Everything about our stay was great including the owner who went out of his way to keep in contact with us. Quite street, lots of space and an amazing job of preserving and updating this historic building.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Denise J.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Wonderful host, beautiful accommodations
Property manager/owner was kind, helpful, and attentive. The church/house was expansive yet cozy. It was a wonderful retreat for our family.
Stayed 4 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Megan G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Nice place away for the hustle and bustle
The place is nice for a large group and as advertised. The owner appears to be nice and well meaning but definitely very involved in the vetting of every guest in the renting party. He expressed frustration when we had to leave early due to a family emergency because when we couldn’t meet him on day 2 within a 2 hour window (we were out sightseeing over an hour away) to sign paperwork that we already signed electronically. He shared: “I’m very disappointed in the communication”. Overall a nice place and other than the owners comment, we had no issues.
Stayed 4 nights in Sep 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jeanette G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Unique stay
The church is very unique place to stay. The kids loved finding all the “secret passageways “. Side yard was a great place for the kids to play. Close to many attractions, beach, two state parks, submarine museum, etc.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Eric V.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Beautiful Church Cottage, Walking distance to Fantastic Beach
This church cottage has the coolest historical feel, with the perfect renovations, and awesome outdoor area. Our group walked to the beach everyday; and enjoyed ourselves in the yard and patio area in the evenings. Kids loved it too! Highly recommend staying here. Owner takes great pride in the property and it shows.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Timothy M., Ann Arbor, USA

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Summer in Bluffton
The Bluffton Church Cottage was a great place for us to spend a July week w/five adults and two children. The building is spacious and well appointed and close to the marvelous Pere Marquette Park beach. We also enjoyed the nearby wooded parks along the shore. We ate all of our meals on the outdoor patio, and the kids especially enjoyed the spacious side yard.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2021

8/10 Good

Jeffrey T.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, listing accuracy
Had a great time!
Very roomy and comfortable place!
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2021

About the host

Hosted by Robert

Host profile image
We have been landlords on long term and vacation properties for over 40 years. We take very good care of our properties and make every reasonable effort to make sure our tenants and guests are comfortable. We value our tenants and always work hard to encourage long term relationships.

Why they chose this property

We purchased this charming property in this quaint and safe neighborhood after the last minister decided to retire. Because of its historic importance to the neighborhood (Buster Keaton Actors Colony) we felt that converting the church into a residential rental property would save it from being run down or demolished by developers. It seemed like the right thing to do and we hope that people will enjoy all the effort that has gone into it, and the beauty of surrounding area for many years to come.

What makes this property unique

Unique in its larger size (3000+ sf) among many smaller cottage properties nearby with spacious open common areas for groups and families to enjoy a relaxing holiday year round, 3 blocks from the best beach on Lake Michigan and a premier yachting/boating lake 2 blocks away. If you are arriving with air travel there is a regional airport in Grand Rapids 40 miles away and a county airport only 5 miles away with convenient connections thru Chicago, Detroit, and several other Midwest hubs. Rental cars are available locally. A cross lake passenger/car ferry to & from Milwaukee is 2 miles from the property.

We cannot claim to be ADA compliant however there is a ramp into upper level of the the house and safety features in all bathrooms. The lower level requires walking up/down 3 steps to enter or exit .

Languages:

English, German

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests