We had a wonderful time on our family vacation staying in Kirkwood. The view is outstanding ! The host provides everything you need for the beach plus more! We take home priceless family memories đ
The cottage is directly on the beach, you can not get any closer. It is beautiful, clean and well furnished. You do not need to bring anything more than food and yourselves. Shane was quick with answers and extremely helpful. This was a family vacation that was the best weâve ever had. I look forward to returning again!
This charming property is located on a very nice beach right on Lake Michigan. The house is older but has been updated and well kept, especially the kitchen. We had a wonderful stay with our 3 children, their spouses and our grandson.
All was perfect for our 1st Family Vacation! The weather could have been better but we know itâs iffy in June in Michigan...did not stop us from handing a great time. Next time weâll look for a place in July.
We had a great time staying on Lake Michigan. Being not peak season, the beach was very relaxing and quiet. It had everything we needed to make meals and plenty of seating both inside and outside. Would definitely recommend.
Perfect Beach House, the location was amazing, sandy beach, crashing waves and an awesome view of the Red Lighthouse, it was exactly what we were looking for! Shane was an incredible host, communicated at every step and was a joy to work with. The house has everything you need, which made it perfect for a family beach getaway. The front porch was awesome to watch the sunset and to relax to take in the incredible views. We will be back to enjoy this "slice of heaven" again! Would highly recommend this beach getaway!
The views from this wonderful home are spectacular. Our Friday arrival greeted us with 4-6 foot waves crashing against the shore, but it was so breathtaking. Sat, Sun and Monday AM were perfect - bright sunny days, even if they were a bit cool - what can you expect from Lake Michigan in September. Shane was wonderful about our renting his place for the 2nd year in a row. Would love to come back again.
Our Kirkland Cottage stay was everything we hoped it would be. Our stay was for my sonâs wedding, the home is well maintained, and flows well . It provided everything we needed. The front porch truly has a great view, and it is where we all enjoyed sitting and relaxing. Shane is attentive and quickly responds if you have any questions.
I have been coming to Macatawa for much of my life. My grandparents, my parents, and now I am among the group referred to as "long-time renters." I have thus stayed in a number of cottages, new and old. I believe the Kirkwood is the best of a very good group. It is ideally situated in the Park, it has been recently upgraded, and while it is an older cottage, there are no compromises in this regard; its age only enhances one's experience. A great deal of this has to do with the Russells. Both in their accessibility to questions and concerns, and in the way they take care of the cottage, one can tell they are genuinely interested in making a relaxing and tension-free time for their renters. Moreover, and unlike some Macatawa owners, they don't act as if you're untrustworthy or about to break something! We were not overwhelmed with unnecessary rules, or admonitions about how to take care of a place. That makes a huge difference to feeling at home. I would particularly recommend the Kirkwood to those with children. Renters are encouraged to use all the toys and water equipment they find. My 16 month-old grandson was in heaven roaring around the porch in a little red car we found in the basement. I was grateful for their trust and generosity. Thank you, Shane and Amy. We'll be back!
This was our second visit to our beach retreat at The Kirkland Cottage. The property is the perfect place for our cousin reunion that we started two years ago. Shane is the perfect host and is ALWAYS available for questions and help when needed. HE IS THE PERFECT VRBO owner. I have stayed at properties all over the world and HE is one of the most responsive owners I have met in all my journeys. The property is clean and well supplied with everything you could need. The kitchen has everything that you may need to make wonderful meals and is easy to work in. The new windows this year work SO well and the new dining table seats everyone for meals (and crafts!) THE VIEWS are amazing and it is the perfect location to enjoy the beach from the sand, the front porch or even the master bedroom! We have loved our stay here each year. Stories told, laughter, and tears shared by cousins ranging in age from 53 to 75! What a special place this is! Hope to return again and again! IT has become HOME to our very souls!
Very last minute stay for my son and I. House is clean and updated, beach is GREAT and right out the front door, all neighbors are friendly, and the owner is communicative, friendly, and helpful. We will be checking the calendar for another stay as soon as possible. Thanks much!
We rented Shane's house for our wedding weekend in Macatawa and it was beautiful. The location is fabulous and the beach is right at your front door. Shane was very cool and accommodating about multiple cars shifting in and out from the makeup artist and hair stylist. We were even able to bring our dog who loved her time at the beach. I would highly recommend this house to anyone looking a wonderful weekend at the beach.
Being able to walk off the front porch and onto the beach was convenient for our family (we had an infant, toddler and dog) as well as grandparents. You can see Big Red from the front bedrooms and the living room. The house was well maintained and clean. Shane was very quick to reply to messages and was helpful with directions. Parking was a minor issue, but Shane was responsive to that as well.
Lived up to the name "Best Front Porch in Macatawa"
I rented this house with a group of friends (8 adults) for a long weekend in mid-September. The view is absolutely fantastic, the front porch is wonderful (shaded by the tree's, so it doesn't get too hot in the afternoon), the walk to the big Red Lighthouse is easy and short, the rooms were nice sized. We were a bit concerned with 8 adults and only 1 shower, but it all worked out perfectly. The available beach items (chairs, boards, umbrella, toys) were a great touch. The 8-person dining table was fantastic for all of us to eat together. Would love to come back again.
This is the classic Lake Michigan cottage. It has all the expected charm and old finishings consistent with what I remember from my childhood stays in Holland along with nice clean updates in the kitchen and family room to make it feel like home. There probably is not a better location. It sits directly on the beach nestled into the front of several rows of cottages. The owners are very conscientious and are committed to being sure you enjoy your stay and your needs are met. We will likely stay at Kirkwood cottage again in a few years.
Really nice location on the Beach. Nice front porch for morning coffee and cocktails at Sunset đ . Newly remodeled kitchen. The owner Shane was always responsive and available to help if you needed anything.
Very nice place to vacation! We will return next year!
Shane does a great job of making you feel welcome in his home. You will not find a better location for a beach vacation with your family. House is updated while keeping some of its historical charm.
Cousins of every age LOVED this property at the beach!!!
We loved staying at this property for our cousin reunion. The beach property is a classic home that welcomes its guests from the moment you walk up the front steps and walk onto the porch! The beach is steps from your front door! Each bedroom offers great private space to get away. Main level and porch great for visiting. Kitchen is well supplied and so fun for all of us to cook in! Waking up in bedroom number one with the views of Big Red! Amazing! But the best part of staying at this location is working with the owner. I have stayed at VRBO locations around the world. Shane ranks at the top of the list! Always available for questions-even sending us a blender on the spot! Absolutely LOVED this property. We felt at home in this place. It offered us a great place to laugh, cry and tell stories and renew family relations and all the while enjoy the beach and everything this place had to offer. Come and enjoy-you will not regret renting this property!!!
I rented the "Best Front Porch" cottage on the walk and thought the entire cottage, not just the porch, was the best in Macatawa. The rooms are lovely and light, lots of windows and very comfortable furnishings. The kitchen is the best! And we had all the amenities of home, with the addition of lake front views and "Big Red" Lighthouse.
Shane was very helpful and accommodating, promptly responding whenever we had a question.
My cousins joined me for the annual Holland Tulip Festival and we were fortunate to have good weather. We had all spent summers at Macatawa growing up, and the return visit was a wonderful walk down memory lane.
The peninsula is a very special place, and the cottage is a special home away from home.
The home, "Chicago" is located on a beautiful beach, and nestled in a picturesque community of cottages, and enjoys awesome views of the lake and the famous "big red" lighthouse. Unfortunately, the home is not furnished comfortably. One lakefront bedroom, with the twin beds, had spring coils under the mattress that was very uncomfortable to sleep on. (I ended up placing the mattress on the floor...). The fireplace did not work (despite the fact that the evenings were quite cool and would have been used. A mouse ran across the kitchen floor in the afternoon, suggesting that the house is not necessarily cleaned as well or frequently as optimal. I would not rent this house again.
We had a wonderful weekend at a wonderful cottage. We are now spoiled because this was the best place we had ever stayed!
Perfect for 6 adults and 3 young children. We used the beach daily. We used the barbecue nightly. We read books and played games and worked puzzles. (I need to find the "Big Red" to give as Christmas presents!) We will be back!
Ann (Chicago)
We had a delightful time in the special Macatawa community where your beach home is located. The last three days of August Lake Michigan was inland lake warm and just a delight for the kids to swim and play in. The expansive beach right outside the door, the wonderful sunsets, and one day the rolling waves coming in making for Michigan surfing on the paddle boards. The kayak was very stable and fast in the water too. All five family's that came and went during our week had a great time. The living room/dinette was great family space and the bedrooms were big enough for all. And there is a special charm to the community and "the Chicago" house. Thanx for the delightful stay, and arranging the extra parking space.
Absolutely beautiful! This is our 2nd year renting and we absolutely love this home and location! The area is so unique, and has such a warm feel. If you understand the beauty of West Michigan beaches, you will Feel as if you are in Heaven. Most homes on Lake Michigan require you to walk down a large bluff, this is not the case. This home offers what is a rare feature on Lake Michigan; walk right from your door onto the beach. The beach is absolutely beautiful and offers the opportunity to take long walks, play in the clean/shallow water or just sit and take it all in. The home has a charming feel, while being updated and extremely clean. The home was equipped with all the necessities and basics (towels, beach chairs, beach toys, paper products, etcâŠ). With a quick drive to Holland, you can shop and eat at some great places. Shane has been extremely easy to communicate with and was there to address any possible question. We are very experienced and picky renters â we highly recommend this property.