Entire home

Waterfront House in the center of the village

Photo gallery for Waterfront House in the center of the village

Bayou House at Night
Bayou House from the street
Exterior
Property grounds
Room
Reviews
10

Exceptional

5 bedrooms5 bathroomsSleeps 12325 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Washer
    WasherWasher
  • Kitchen
    KitchenKitchen
  • Air conditioning
    Air conditioningAir conditioning
  • Fireplace
    FireplaceFireplace
  • Dryer
    DryerDryer
  • Pet-friendly
    Pet-friendlyPet-friendly

Check-in time

5:00 PM

Check-out time

10:00 AM

Explore the area

Map
Douglas, MI
  • Popular LocationSaugatuck-Douglas Historical Society5 min walk
  • Popular LocationButler Street3 min drive
  • Popular LocationOval Beach8 min drive
  • AirportGrand Rapids, MI (GRR-Gerald R. Ford Intl.)48 min drive

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 12)

Bedroom 1 king

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2 king

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3 queens 2

2 Queen Beds

Bedroom 4 king

1 King Bed

Bedroom 5 single 2

2 Single Beds

5 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 4

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 5

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

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

About this property

Waterfront House in the center of the village

Before you enter the 1830's door at 11 Water Street in Douglas you will be on the front porch and can rock on one of the rocking chairs and watch the neighborhood. 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 gasburning fireplace; they open through French doors to a screened porch overlooking the water and the park next door. This leads to the large deck with a gas grill off the kitchen, also overlooking the water. The kitchen, upstairs, is pictured with its charming all glass eating area, granite counters, 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 sectional 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 large deck with gas grill, downstairs has patios, swings, furniture and a 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.

On the lower level there are two bedrooms and two bathrooms, one with a king size bed and one with two twin beds.

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. You may check out the J Petter Gallery, wine Bar and Gallery Barn for wedding venue.
Keywords: Waterfront House

Property manager

Joyce Petter or Marta Petter
Premier Host
Premier Host

Languages

English

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 35
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17

Events

No events allowed

Pets

Pets allowed: dogs (limit 2 total)
We welcome one well behaved dog, no cats

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Wedding and similar type events are forbidden by the city of Douglas
If dog permitted, must have crate or dog bed. No dogs on beds nor furniture.

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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock

We should mention

This property does not have any lifts

About the area

Douglas

Located in Douglas, this holiday home is in the city centre and on the waterfront. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Oval Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Forever Curious Children's Museum and Holland Community Aquatic Center. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
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
  • ‪The BARge - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Wicks Park Bar And GRI - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪Uncommon Coffee Roasters - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Saugatuck Brewing Company - ‬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?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

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

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

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 69 out of 70 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 70 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 70 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 70 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 70 reviews" "

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great!
Great stay, responsive host and lovely spot!
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2023

10/10 Excellent

John P., Gaithersburg MD

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
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

10/10 Excellent

Tim P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
A Perfect Vacation Home
Everything about the Bayou House was perfect! Prior to our arrival, communication was very quick and easy with the property owner. Up on arrival, the house was very clean and ready for our group! The house is in a perfect location - right at the end of downtown Douglas and also on the lake. It's a 5 minute drive to the beach or to downtown Saugatuck. The house is stocked with so many amenities. There are paddleboards and kayaks for use on the lake, bicycles for riding around town, snacks for the guests, a terrific pool table, beach towels, and the list goes on and on. We would highly recommend the Bayou House!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Sue F.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Highly recommend!!
Excellent property, clean, perfect location, great communication, fun for the whole family!! 5 stars! We will be back!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Laura C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great family getaway
This house was perfect for our group of 8 adults--my spouse and I, our adult children and their spouses. It would also be great for families with younger children, as there are two separate living areas and two kitchen areas, upstairs and down, along with lots of entertainment choices--a pool table indoors, a ping-pong table outside, bikes, kayaks, etc. The decor was also terrific, with a mixture of eras and styles that were beautifully married. With a riverside dock and within walking distance to downtown Douglas (and only a couple of miles to Saugatuck and the public beach for Lake Michigan, and maybe 10 miles to Holland), this is a marvelous vacation house.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

hope h.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Fantastic!
Everything was terrific with this rental - the house, the amenities, the neighborhood and proximity to everything we needed. The hosts were lovely and very responsive. We couldn’t have asked for more!
Stayed 14 nights in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Mark P., Holland, MI

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Thanksgiving in Douglas
Great location-river vistas, on the main drag, close to everything.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2021

10/10 Excellent

Dave P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Perfect location and beautiful house
Communication with the owner of this property could not have been better. From questions before booking, to allowing an early check-in, to a super detailed & informative email about the house and surrounding area, this was my best experience with any VRBO owner. The house is huge and all beds and bathrooms were comfortable and clean. The kitchen was well stocked and the few upgrades we would recommend were done right after our stay (we will enjoy them the next time we stay there). The immediate walking area around this house is incredible. We went to the small coffee shop up the street every morning and enjoyed dinners both within a 3 minute walk to the house as well as in downtown Saugatuck that’s only a 5 minute drive away. The newly-finished playground two blocks from the house was a great surprise and our little one had a blast playing there. Highly recommend this house. We will be back for another vacation soon.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Kim K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Mom's birthday trip
It was a great house. Loved the backyard and outdoor entertaining areas and the screened in porch. The owner and her daughter were very easy to communicate with and very accommodating. It was wonderful to find a chilled bottle of wine in the fridge upon arrival. We also enjoyed the other goodies in the basket provided by the owner. Made good use of the pool table too. We had a great stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

About the host

Hosted by Joyce Petter or Marta Petter

Host profile image
I have been in business in Saugatuck/Douglas since 1973 when I first opened my art gallery - it is still just up the street. It now includes a wine tasting and is operated by my daughter-in-law. I grew up in Chicago, lived in Michigan cities, moved to Cincinnati, and finally moved back to the big Lake. We have had property on the lake since the 60's and were pleased to add Bayou House to our business. All the art in the house is from my gallery. And, it was a necessity that Bayou House had to be on water!

What makes this property unique

April 28, 2017 - Just added - 3 more kayaks and 2 more paddle boards. The benefit of this house is that you can use boats on the lake, 5 kayaks, row boat and 2 paddle boards, and still have the advantage of the beach at the Oval. There are no places to stay at the Oval so everyone comes from some part of the community. There are well over 200 acres of dunes to explore as well as the wonderful beach. And you can return to watch the birds, the boats, and have a fire in the fire pit.

Languages:

English

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