Entire home

Ethel's House--Your Home Away from Home--Downtown Saugatuck

Photo gallery for Ethel's House--Your Home Away from Home--Downtown Saugatuck

One block from downtown Saugatuck
Firewood supplied
Back entrance from driveway
Everything you need to cook and dine
Coffeemaker and pour-over. Filters supplied. Electric kettle. Bring coffee & tea

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 8176.5 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Air conditioning

Explore the area

Map
Saugatuck, MI
  • Butler Street
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Saugatuck Center For the Arts
    ‪4 min walk‬
  • Oval Beach
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Holland, MI (HLM-Park Township)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 8)

Bedroom 1

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Double Futon

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Bathroom 2

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet · Shampoo · Hair dryer

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden

About this property

Ethel's House--Your Home Away from Home--Downtown Saugatuck

Summer 2025 dates are open!

"Beautiful," "close to everything," "comfortable," and "super clean"--in the words of some of our many repeat guests. One of the original Vrbo Saugatuck listings--we hosted our first guests in 2004--this popular home is made available each summer and fall. Perfect for 2 to 8 friends, 1 to 4 couples, and small family groups that include grandparents.

***COVID-19 Info: We have always taken cleaning and disinfecting very seriously. If you have concerns, please ask.***

Walk to everything, even the beach if you're up for an adventure that includes a pedestrian ferry! You will feel like a local when you vacation in this lovingly restored home located just one short block from charming downtown Saugatuck, on The Hill, a leafy residential neighborhood. Walk to shops, galleries, cafes, pubs, a day spa, a yoga studio, an amazing playground, and the beautiful harbor boardwalks. Rent a bike and explore picturesque neighborhoods, country roads, and our world famous coastline. If you've never seen a Great Lake, you'll swear you've stumbled upon the sea, but--no salt, no sharks, no worries. Relax on the most beautiful beaches anywhere.

Perfect for eco-conscious travelers. Stunningly beautiful natural areas and one of Michigan's wildest state parks are right nearby. We make it easy to recycle and compost, if you'd like to. The gardens and lawn have been maintained without the use of toxic chemicals for nearly three decades.

Inside, relax in the living room, dining room, den/bedroom (with French doors), and eat-in kitchen, which all flow together, plus three bedrooms and two full baths. We collect art and books and have filled the rooms with both. We want you to be comfortable and have fun while traveling light. You'll arrive to find everything clean and made up for you, so all you have to do is unpack. Kick off your shoes and settle in!

Outside, lounge in the shade or sun of the large lush fenced yard while the kids climb around in the treehouse with slide. Fire up the charcoal grill or the fire pit on the lawn.

You'll find a basement laundry and detached garage (for storage, not parking). The yard is entirely enclosed--by a 3- to 4-foot picket fence on three sides and a six-foot privacy fence on the fourth.

Bike rentals are available nearby and the Interurban (a shuttle bus service) is on-call for short trips around town and to the beach. You'll want a car for family trips to the beach with gear, but note that it's just a three-mile bike ride, and it's also walkable if you're up for an adventure that includes crossing the river on the chain ferry.

We supply bed, bath, and kitchen linens, basic soaps (hand, dish, and shampoo), and enough paper products to get you started. Don't forget your beach towels and sunscreen!

We're available by phone when you need us, and often in person on checkin and checkout days. ***Covid-19 update: Contact-free check in***

Property manager

Alison
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

Have a question?

AI iconBeta

Get instant answers with AI powered search of property information and reviews.

Similar properties

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 11:00 AM
default

Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
Fenced yard. Room to play. Please supervise.
default

Events

No events allowed
Limited to registered guests
default

Pets

No pets allowed
default

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

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
Note from host: Limited to registered guests
This property uses eco-friendly cleaning products
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
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Saugatuck

Located in Saugatuck, this holiday home is on a river. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Oval Beach. Travelling with kids? Consider Holland Community Aquatic Center and Forever Curious Children's Museum. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Saugatuck, MI

What's nearby

  • Butler Street - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Saugatuck Center For the Arts - 4 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Mount Baldhead Park - 14 min walk - 0.9 km
  • Silver Lake - 7 min drive - 4.9 km
  • Oval Beach - 9 min drive - 5.3 km

Getting around

  • Holland Station - 17 min drive
  • Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Butler - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪Uncommon Coffee Roasters - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪The Southerner - ‬9 min walk
  • ‪Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪The BARge - ‬5 min walk

Frequently asked questions

Is Ethel's House--Your Home Away from Home--Downtown Saugatuck pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Ethel's House--Your Home Away from Home--Downtown Saugatuck?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Ethel's House--Your Home Away from Home--Downtown Saugatuck?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Ethel's House--Your Home Away from Home--Downtown Saugatuck located?

This family-friendly Saugatuck holiday home is located on a river, within 1 mi (2 km) of Butler Street, Lake Michigan and Oval Beach. Wicks Park and Amazwi Contemporary Art are also within 5 minutes.

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. 61 out of 61 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 61 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 61 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 61 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 61 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth S.

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

Weekend away from home

Great Location,very clean house with lots of charm
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Eric M.

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

Close to everything

Great location in a charming 1951 home. Well maintained with all the modern amenities.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer B.

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

Great location!

We loved our stay at the house! Short walk to a wonderful playground and lots of shops/restaurants. Great yard for the kids to play in too. Plenty of space for us.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robin K.

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

Best of Saugatuck!

This large home was in the best possible location. Quiet residential street. Quick walk to shopping, dining, Kalamazoo River. Oh and it is gorgeous!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Tana G.

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

Best of both worlds!

Ethel’s house is just as pictured! It’s located in a perfect location. You’re close enough to walk to restaurants and shops, yet off the beaten path in a quiet neighborhood. It was very well equipped and the owner has thought of every amenity you may need. We were so pleased with the cleanliness of the home, the attention to detail and the comfortable beds. Thank you for a wonderful stay and great communication. We look forward to coming back!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Anselm L.

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

Comfy home for Saugatuck visit

The home was really spacious and well maintained. My family stayed there comfortably and enjoyed the games and books (lots and lots of them!) that were available. Best of all, it was a block away from downtown, which made it a lot easier for the elderly people in our group. No need to drive in. Alison was accommodating for our late checkin and maintained great communication throughout our stay. Highly recommend this home and host!
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Dave S.

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

Great location to town

We had a great stay. House is spacious and has everything you need. It’s a great location to everything in town. Would recommend staying here for sure!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Seth S.

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

Wonderful home, perfect location

Delightful house that's a short (2 minute) walk from Saugatuck's shops / restaurants; we brought our 13 month old and found the location to be easy to navigate with a stroller. House was very comfortable, clean, and homey (and with no shortage of reading material) - was just three of us but could have easily accommodated another family. My daughter apparently loved it as well as she slept through the night both nights we stayed (a rare occurrence!) - Alison (who oversees the property) was very responsive and helpful with any questions we had. Was our first time in Saugatuck and adored the town and this property; we will definitely visit again, and hopefully Ethel's House will be available!
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Timothy C.

Perfect location

The home was beautiful! The location was close to everything! Highly recommend this place if you are considering a stay in beautiful Saugatuck.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Diana R., Chicago

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

Great vacation house!

Great house. Great location. Great garden. Great host.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Anne H.

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

Just returned from a wonderful family vacation!

This place was perfect! So close to downtown yet tucked in a quiet neighborhood. The house is wonderful. Very charming, so comfortable and exceptionally clean. It was everything we needed.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2019

10/10 Excellent

Denise S.

Cozy, comfortable, charming!

Great place for a “Girls Weekend”. Close to shopping and dining. Very quiet neighborhood. House has everything you need including many, many books and games. Very much enjoyed our third stay here at Ethel’s House!
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

rebecca b.

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

Summer stay in downtown Saugatuck

This a lovely house perfectly located near shops, river walk, restaurants, and basketball and pucklball courts. The hosts thought of everything to make our stay here perfect. We enjoyed eating in the garden, pingpong in the garage, and hanging out in the comfortable and spacious living room. We appreciated the owners' efforts to maintain the original character if the house. We would definitely consider stayed here again.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Natalie L.

Overall absolutely lovely!

This charming home is ideally located, just a block from the main street. The hostess, Alison, was extremely responsive and so very welcoming. It's a quiet neighborhood with more than enough space for our party of 5. Such a delightful experience that we are sure to repeat again and again.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2018

10/10 Excellent

bob k., Oak Park,Il

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

Holiday in Saugatuck

We had a lovely time despite the weather. Loved the house and location. Soap (besides hand soap) and usable first floor shower would have made it perfect. Would definitely rebook tho.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Sean M., Canton

Walk to Everything, Very Comfy Home

We had a fantastic trip thanks to this home. The first thing we noticed was how clean the home was! The owners and housekeeping definitely keep on top of everything. The kitchen and first floor bathroom appear to be original to the home (the kitchen appliances and bathroom fixtures were quite new though), but they were very clean and absolutely fine for us! The kitchen was well stocked with cups, bowls, flatware, and cookware. The dining room has a nice large table with seating for 6, but it's large enough to squeeze in a couple more folks too if needed! The three bedrooms are pretty spacious, and the extra den with the futon provided an extra sleeping space for us (this futon is quite comfy, I might add). The two bathrooms were super clean and worked well for our group. The air conditioning was nice and cold for those hot summer days we had. There's a TV and a Wii with a couple of games, and there was no shortage of books here either, so come ready to enjoy an evening read! There is a hammock outside for those days you just want to sprawl and relax. We didn't use the pingpong table in the garage, the grill, nor the fire bowl, but was nice knowing they were there if we wanted to use them! The home is a very short distance to town and made getting around very easy. We could literally walk to almost everything in Saugatuck! The driveway is a single lane that seemed to fit our two cars lengthwise just fine. The street parking can get a little busy around peak hours (on weekends from about 10am - 7pm there were cars parked along the street), but the home is very quiet and we hardly noticed anyone driving or walking by. Alison, the owner, responds very quickly to questions and concerns. It was a pleasure working with her, and I would absolutely consider this place at the top of my list anytime I want to come to Saugatuck again. Thank you for letting us use your beautiful home, Alison!
Stayed 10 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jenna M.

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

Another perfect stay!

This was our second stay at this property and once again everything was perfect. The house was extremely clean when we arrived and everything was just as it was pictured. We used the futon in the upstairs bedroom and had no trouble finding extra sheets and blankets to use. This house really is in the best location and we loved eating dinner in the yard and hanging out on the hammock watching birds and people. Already looking forward to our next stay.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Diana R., Chicago

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

Fantastic House. Great Location.

This is the second year in a row we rented from Alison and we are going back next year. Great house, perfect location, excellent hosts!
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Mirthala G.

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

Wonderful

Perfect location! Charming house.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2021

10/10 Excellent

Monica F.

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

Poetry and ping pong

Thank you for nice house and all of the books - there must be over 800! I especially liked the poetry books. And we all loved sitting around the campfire each evening. That was a huge bonus. A surprise treat was the ping pong table - I forgot how much I liked playing! We all had a great time.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Hannah G.

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

Perfect for anyone!

We were so happy with our stay at Ethels house. It has everything you could ever need or want in a house. The fenced in yard, playground and sandbox was perfect for our kids. The house has hundreds of books, so you find a new one every time you look! It was a short walk to town even though we would have been happy spending most of our time in the backyard! You will not be disappointed if you stay here!

10/10 Excellent

Mary Kay K.

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

Another amazing trip!

This was our 5th time staying at this property and it was amazing as usual! The owners are so kind and have done a wonderful job making their home feel inviting to visitors. It has always been very clean and we particularly appreciated that this year in the midst of the pandemic. The house comfortably sleeps 8 and has a nice kitchen for preparing meals. It's located on a quiet street but is an easy walk down the hill to great shops, restaurants and playground. Our family loves Ethel's House and our young daughters consider it their "Michigan home"! Thanks for a great stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Garth D.

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

PFV - Perfect Family Vacation

Location Location Location. Beautiful neighborhood setting with a short walk to everything. Alison has a beautiful home with a welcoming cottage feel and "Neat as a pin"! It could not have worked out more comfortably for the 7 of us.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2020

10/10 Excellent

Rob P.

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

Great time in Saugatuck!

We had a great time in Saugatuck. The house was in a great location, and the owner's communication was very helpful. We definitely recommend this property!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2019

10/10 Excellent

Karan P.

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

Wonderful Getaway!

Beautiful home! Perfect location!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2019

About the host

Hosted by Alison

Host profile image
I've managed this home as a Vrbo vacation rental, on and off, since 2004, with many return renters. Rest assured, our team will take good care of you. I'm a long-time local who visited Saugatuck as a child and fell in love with the town and the lakeshore. It's easy and fun to play the role of host and travel guide in such a fabulous place. Come visit!

Why they chose this property

I love Lake Michigan and its magical shoreline. Saugatuck is home to some of the most beautiful sand dunes in the world: forested, grassy, and, of course, sandy! The beaches have been voted the most beautiful in the world: no salt, sharks, no worries. Our town is friendly, fun, and loaded with charm and unique places to shop, dine, relax, and explore. If you like to hike, there is no better vacation destination this close to Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Chicago. You can be as relaxed or as energetic as you like.

What makes this property unique

From the refurbished 1950s kitchen to the bedroom built-ins to the vintage bathroom tile to the glossy pine and oak floors to the profusion of large windows, there is nothing cookie-cutter about this house, and you can watch the world go by from the lush fenced yard. Lake Michigan is just a 10-minute drive away and downtown is so close by even toddlers can walk there. In fact, the playground is a block away, and the beloved Saugatuck Drugstore with an old-fashioned soda fountain is just a block farther.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests