1940's Farmhouse. Saugatuck-Douglas /Fennville, Hutchins Lake, Fennville MI

Nice little house! It was less private than we expected since there are not curtains (living room is visible from the road, kitchen is visible to host) and the host, El, was also staying on the property very close by, but El was very welcoming. There is a small beach less than a 1 min walk away (Hutchins Lake). It was rather foamy while we were there, which can be totally fine, but we decided not to risk it. This place isn’t designed for folks looking to spend a lot of time at the residence (which was fine for us as we mostly visiting the surrounding towns and beaches); little loveseat, wooden chairs, etc., but the bed was comfy. WiFi worked fine. There is a small smart tv, but we always bring our own Roku so we can have access to our preferred streaming services. If you’re the same, just a heads up that we could barely fit our Roku (one of the stick-shaped ones) in the HDMI slot due to the shape of the TV. It seems like possibly the host may live here sometimes (I am saying this only based on observation of the space; I may be incorrect), so that meant the kitchen was better equipped than many rentals but that we also weren’t always sure what we shouldn’t use (we could certainly have asked and I’m sure our lovely host would have told us!). All in all, this place was cute and nice, but we were a little surprised that it wasn’t totally private and that it seemed to be lived in. (We were okay with this, but we were simply surprised, so that’s why I’m including it here.)

Perfect location and accommodations.

This is my partner and I's second summer staying at Host El's fabulous Fennville cottage. Perfect for two looking to relax and rewind, visit local farm stands (my favorite!), orchards, wineries, not to mention all the amazing restaurants and shops within a short distance from the property. This area of Michigan feels all the more charming, and like home to us with this cottage. I would recommend El's Place to anyone looking for a getaway!

The cottage is very cute and a great place for a solo vacation alongside a lake! Everything needed for cooking is available in the kitchen, and plenty of room in the fridge for groceries needed on vacation. I was able to use the kayak available, and it was on a small rolling cart so was easy for me to pull it just down the street to the public launch. A morning kayak on the lake before all the motorboats and jetskis come out was very peaceful and beautiful. I walked across the street to the park (4 benches, a picnic table, and a buoy-ed off swimming area) to sit on a bench and watch the sunset over the lake almost every evening. Gorgeous! I was a little bummed that none of the living room windows could be opened to get lake breezes, but there was an oscillating tower fan for when it got warm or stuffy inside. The kitchen windows and bedroom windows do open for breeze and fresh air. It was very nice to chat with El on some occasions when I was coming back or going out, as she was staying in an ADU at the rear of the property. I also got to meet her indoor/outdoor cat, Kitkat. He is a very handsome and friendly tabby boy. It was very nice to see him around the property occasionally and pet him, as it helped me miss my cat at home a little less. :-) I have come up to this area for several years for a weeklong vacation each summer, and rent a cottage. This was a great little cottage, and being across the street from Hutchins Lake was wonderful.

Our recent stay at Host El's cottage couldn't have been any sweeter - from our initial communication with her via email/text to getting a tour of the place upon our arrival, every corner was a sign that the property was deeply cared for; original 1940's fixtures in the home with eclectic art, plants, picturesque patio chairs facing the nearby Hutchins Lake and it's subsequent sunsets, plus personal touches all over made what otherwise was a too-fast weekend getaway feel all the more like home. With the property itself being ~10min drive from anything you could want (Crane's Orchard/Restaurant, wineries, beaches, etc.) would recommend El's place over any other for anyone looking to stay in the Holland/Saugatuk-Douglas area.

We really enjoyed our stay at this property. Perfect for a relaxing weekend and not too far from Saugatuck/Douglas. El stays on the property and is there if you need anything, she’s very responsive. Highly recommend!

Very quaint home in a peaceful setting made for an enjoyable weekend getaway. Host was friendly (and so were the neighbors that we met).

This was a beautiful place with a great host. Would highly recommend.

This is just what I ordered. Such a cute and relaxing property. The home owner was an absolute delight and was so helpful in finding points of interest. The property was clean--outside and in. Walked down to public access every morning and evening for great views of the water. Close drive to shopping, wineries, and beach. Great retreat for a relaxing getaway--you will not be disappointed.

We had a wonderful stay at this lovely cottage near the lake. Our host, El, greeted us upon arrival and answered questions we had of the area. Her home was so inviting and comfortable and had everything we needed. The lake community was very peaceful and quiet. Will book here again if ever in the area again. Thank you for a relaxing weekend.