Family Elegant Home sur le lac Michigan

Every year or two we have a family reunion of sorts that includes my family of 6 (4 kids ages 8, 6, 4, 2), my parents and my sister's family of 4 (2 kids ages 6 and 2). This house was perfect for this group! 3 master suites so each couple could have their own. There were three rooms for cousins to bunk and have sleepovers, including a crib for the littlest. Each room was well appointed and there was plenty for the kids to do. The ravine was initially a concern as another reviewer mentioned, but the kids never went near it. The landscaping makes it hard to get to the edge, and there are great pathways with railings and the stars to the beach are well built and easy to navigate. The water was very high this year so the beach space was tiny, but it was enough for our crew and we found more open beach by walking down a bit. We did the beach every day and the kids enjoyed the swing set and playhouse. This was an expensive rental, but you get what you pay for. We will definitely rent this house again for our next Michigan reunion!

Big Blu

We rented Big Blu for a three-generation, family vacation. We had 6 adults, and two kids, ages 1 - 64. There were more beds than we needed, but each child had their own room and each family had a private bath. We wanted to be close enough to extended family in the area so they could come visit us. Big Blu is well cared for and in excellent condition. This isn’t your standard cottage, it’s a lovely home. As such, there are some strict rules, but nothing we couldn’t live with. One must treat a rental as if it were your own.

Big Blu was clean and shiny upon check in with all beds made and a welcome bottle of wine! The amenities are above and beyond including some you would not expect to be provided for the whole week: toilet paper, paper towels, foil, plastic bags, trash bags, basic spices. There was nothing that we needed that wasn’t there. They even provide beach towels. The swing set and play house were fun for the kids. The basement game room was great for the adult kids. It was nice not having to bring beach chairs with us. They are provided as well.

The 75 stair walk down to the beach was good exercise. There is a landing half way for a rest stop. There are several locations to view sunset which was always different. The covered wrap around porch was the best “room” in the house - for coffee, cocktails, dinner, or watching the one storm roll in. The beach on this part of Lake Michigan varies depending on water levels. We lucked out with a nice roomy shore.

This is not a critique of the house, just helpful info to pass on. Cell service near the lake is spotty, but the house wifi worked great and there is a house phone with free long distance. Hint: beware picking up Wisconsin satellite and your phone adjusts to Central Time Zone.

Many thanks to Rhonda (property manager), who always responded to my questions promptly. In addition she provided lots of extra information - things to do, local calendar and activities, restaurants, grocery stores and fun places to visit nearby. We know the area well, but it is great to have all the information in one place.

We do not come to Lake Michigan every year, but we all agreed, we would rent Big Blu again.

The house was perfect for the three families that were spending the week together. Each couple had their own room and bathroom, the male children had a room, and the female children had a room, and there was still an extra room for their "kids club." The house was beautifully appointed and had everything we needed. It was very clean and well taken care of. We only left the property once. There was plenty to do on site with the game room, play house, swingset, beach, and of course the porch where we could sit and drink our coffee while listening to the birds or watching the sunset. The only think that was disappointing was that the beach was almost nonexistant. Due to high water levels the wide beach shown in the pictures of the property was all underwater. If we had known the beach would be so small we might have chosen a different property for our gathering. If the beach returns, however, we would definately go back another year.The kids want to make it an annual tradition!

We traveled from California to meet my family who still lives in Detroit for a week at Big Blu. The house is immaculate, and very well done. It has everything you could ever want or ask for. The kids (we had 5 in total) made a non-stop loop from the back porch to the awesome beach below.

House - Perfect. Out of a magazine.

Beach - Excellent. Nice and sandy (no rocks)!

View - Tremendous. Different amazing sunset each night.

You have to be prepared to make a trek into town if you want to go to dinner or the store. You are out a ways, but that really only makes the setting all the better. So beautiful. Make me proud to be from Michigan.

Lastly, I must mention the house manager, Rhonda. She is the sweetest and most professional person I have ever met in this business. She was ready and willing to help with any questions or smallest of problems. She and her daughter actually drove me back to the Muskegon airport on Saturday morning. That is service!

Thanks Rhonda!

We actually stayed here in 2012 prior to the new owner taking possession. We had a great experience and can see that the house has been upgraded since we were there. The house and location is excellent. My sons golfed every day of the week at close by affordable great courses. We jogged, biked, and beached all week. We had two families with 11 of us and were extremely comfortable. Beach is beautiful and private. The steps to the beach were a bit of exercise but actually fun. The vista from the porch and deck was wonderful. Enjoy.