Waterfront House in the center of the village
5.0
Outstanding(76 Reviews)House in Douglas, MI
12 guests · 5 bedrooms · 5 baths
Reasons to book
Guests love it hereGuests give this property a top rating
Great for petsBring all your friends and family, even the furry ones
Includes essentialsGarden, Pets allowed, Kitchen or Kitchenette and more
About this house rental
You enter the 1830's door at 11 Water Street in Douglas you will be on the front porch. From the porch and can rock on one of the rocking chairs and watch the neighborhood.
Once you enter the historic 1890 custom fit door you will be welcomed with light and cheery house.
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 gas burning fireplace; they open through French doors to a screened porch overlooking the water and the park next door. This leads to the large deck off the kitchen, also overlooking the water. The kitchen, upstairs, is pictured with its charming all glass eating area, granite counters, Fisher Paykel Induction range, Bosch Dishwasher and other 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 leather sofa seating area 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 gas and a wood burning fire pit and an intimate covered lounge area under the upper screened porch.
There is a large deck, screened porch and downstairs has patios, comfy, furniture and a Propane grill and 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.
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. There are 3 other popular wedding venues in the area, Felt Mansion, The Ivy or Saugatuck Center for the Arts.
Keywords: Waterfront House
Once you enter the historic 1890 custom fit door you will be welcomed with light and cheery house.
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 gas burning fireplace; they open through French doors to a screened porch overlooking the water and the park next door. This leads to the large deck off the kitchen, also overlooking the water. The kitchen, upstairs, is pictured with its charming all glass eating area, granite counters, Fisher Paykel Induction range, Bosch Dishwasher and other 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 leather sofa seating area 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 gas and a wood burning fire pit and an intimate covered lounge area under the upper screened porch.
There is a large deck, screened porch and downstairs has patios, comfy, furniture and a Propane grill and 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.
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. There are 3 other popular wedding venues in the area, Felt Mansion, The Ivy or Saugatuck Center for the Arts.
Keywords: Waterfront House
Amenities
Air conditioner
Pets allowed
Kitchen or Kitchenette
Internet / Wifi
Fireplace
Parking
Laundry
Balcony or Patio
Dishwasher
TV
Garden
Family friendly
Map of Douglas, MI
Reviews
5.0
Outstanding(76 Reviews)5.0
The house was extremely comfortable, clean, and well-equipped. It got top reviews from the kids up to the grandmother. The kitchen(s), bathrooms, and bedrooms had everything needed. The mattresses were comfortable, which is rare in a rental. The pool and ping pong tables got plenty of usage as well as the kayaks and rowboat. It's also a very short walk to several good restaurants in Douglas. As with any property in Michigan, the mosquitoes come out at night, but there is plenty of space inside and a comfortable screened porch.
5.0
This home was better than the best. We were in awe the moment we walked in the front door. The host has everything you will need for a wonderful stay. From the kayaks to the numerous beach chairs and all the little things that made it spectacular. I would recommend this property to all
5.0
This house is in a great location, out of the hustle and bustle of Saugatuck but close enough to walk. Douglas had a couple of shops, good restaurants and a fun bar just a block away. The multi level arrangement was perfect for babies being out of the noise. The 2 kitchens were both very well stocked and we used them both. Very clean! The only not perfect aspect oft his trip was the water. The river is not nice here so we didn't use the boats or boards much. However, there were plenty of bikes and we had fun playing pool, ping pong and corn hole! I would definitely come back.
5.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
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
5.0
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!
5.0
Beautiful home. Fit our group of 7 perfectly. Walk right into downtown Douglas. Can’t wait to go back.
5.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
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.
5.0
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!!
5.0
Great stay, responsive host and lovely spot!
5.0
Place was perfect for an extended family gathering. Lots of space/activities for all along with great location. Highly recommend!
5.0
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!
5.0
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!
5.0
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.
5.0
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 !
5.0
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!
5.0
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!
5.0
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!
5.0
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!
5.0
Excellent property, clean, perfect location, great communication, fun for the whole family!! 5 stars! We will be back!!
5.0
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.
5.0
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!
5.0
Great location-river vistas, on the main drag, close to everything.
5.0
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.
5.0
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!
5.0
Had a great time with our family! Property was spacious and clean. Cannot beat the location. Owner has great communication and really went the extra mile to make our stay enjoyable!
5.0
From biking to fishing, kayaking to paddle boards. Then ping pong, billiards, and up to the playground for basketball, swings, and a game of kickball. Cocktails or coffee and the local shops in between... some lovely shopping and beach stuff galore!
Sprinkle in some live music!!
We had the BEST time in Douglas!
5.0
Third time renting
Great house, plenty of room, great location
Kayaks, Paddle boards, bikes!!!
5 minutes to Oval beach, walk to everything in Douglas
Every one had fantastic time!!!
5.0
Our group had an incredible time at this property. It is clean, large, perfectly located right in downtown Douglas and on the Kalamazoo river, and it was very easy to work with Joyce and her team. The house had everything you could possibly need and the two living spaces made the space very usable even for our group of 10. Everyone in the group had such a good time and I would absolutely stay here again!
5.0
Super property and super host Joyce! Very spacious, ton of activities inside the house and outside the house. Gorgeous view from upstairs porch to Kalamazoo river, huge back yard and walking distance to downtown. It’s very peaceful there.
5.0
Spacious with tons of natural light. Comfortable and very well equipped. Great hospitality and communication.
5.0
This is a spectacular property- very clean, comfortable and spacious. The host was amazing. We will stay there again.
5.0
We wanted a safe place to go during these challenging times just to get away from our home for the holidays and this house was perfect! The house was decorated for the holidays which added to the charm and we loved being able to watch the snowfall on the water with the fireplace going. Joyce is a great host, very welcoming and gave recommendations for dining options and Marta was quick to respond if we had any question. Overall we had a terrific stay!
5.0
We had a fantastic stay! The house is lovely, clean, and had plenty of space. The house has a great view of the water and the dogs loved running around the fenced-in backyard. It’s in a great location, just a few minutes walk to downtown. Highly recommend!
5.0
My spouse and I rented Bayou House for a week as a getaway. Our daughter, son-in-law and his parents joined us for 4 nights. We could not have selected a better place. Joyce and Marta were great communicators throughout and went out of their way to welcome us and make sure we had whatever we might need. The house is spacious and comfortably furnished. We cooked a number of meals, easy in the well-stocked kitchen. We spent a lot of time on the screened-in porch which looks out onto the river. We didn’t take advantage of the kayaks, fire pit or s’mores kit. Darn! Douglas is just a short walk away, and the shops, pubs and restaurants are worth exploring. A 5-minute drive takes you to Saugatuck which we also enjoyed visiting. We would not hesitate to recommend Bayou House.
5.0
We had a great time at the house. Nice fire pit and as advertised. It is very close to town. Highly recommended.
5.0
Same as above... Terrific house. Terrific location. Lots to do and see. Very grateful for the communication and accessibility of the owners.
FAQs
How much does this house cost compared to others in Douglas?
The average price for a rental in Douglas is $337 per night. This rental is $806 above the average.
Is parking included with this house?
Yes, parking is listed as an amenity at Waterfront House in the center of the village. For more information, we encourage you to contact the property about where to park.
Is there a pool at this house?
We didn’t find pool listed as an amenity for this house. It may be worth double checking if a pool is important for your stay.
Is Waterfront House in the center of the village pet friendly?
Yes! This house is pet-friendly. For more information, we recommend contacting the booking provider about animal policies.
What amenities are available at Waterfront House in the center of the village?
We found 12 amenities for this rental. This includes air conditioner, pets allowed, kitchen or kitchenette, internet / wifi, and fireplace.
Explore similar vacation rentals in Douglas
Explore all rentals in DouglasDouglas travel inspiration
Read our blogGuides
Top Things to Do in Oahu and Honolulu
Guides
Top Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Guides
Top Things to Do in Miami: From Beaches to Culture
Guides
The Best Things to Do in Orlando: Attractions, Food, and Family Fun
Guides
Things to Do in Galveston, Texas
Guides
Top Things to Do in Myrtle Beach
Guides
Ski Trip Packing List: What to Bring Skiing or Snowboarding
Trends
VacationRenter Holiday Travel Trends 2023
Keep exploring
- Lake Tahoe Cabins
- Ruidoso Cabins
- Blue Ridge Cabins
- Estes Park Cabins
- Lake George Cabins
- Eureka Springs Cabins
- Branson Cabins
- Lake of the Ozarks Cabins
- Lake Arrowhead Cabins
- Lake Texoma Cabins
- Canyon Lake Cabins
- Sevierville Cabins
- Flagstaff Cabins
- Colorado Springs Cabins
- Hot Springs Cabins
- Bass Lake Cabins
- Buffalo River Cabins
- Possum Kingdom Lake Cabins
- Chattanooga Cabins
- Nashville Cabins
- Wears Valley Cabins
- Cloudcroft Cabins
- Deep Creek Lake Cabins
- Mammoth Lakes Cabins
- Anna Maria Islands Rentals
- Outer Banks Vacation Rentals
- Rosemary Beach Rentals
- Holden Beach Rentals
- Hilton Head Vacation Rentals
- Topsail Beach Rentals
- Kiawah Island Rentals
- Panama City Beach Rentals
- Ocean Isle Beach Rentals
- Folly Beach Rentals
- Dauphin Island Rentals
- Rehoboth Beach Rentals
- Bethany Beach Rentals
- Cape Cod Rentals
- 30A Rentals
- Seaside Florida Rentals
- Edisto Beach Rentals
- Fort Myers Beach Rentals
- Miramar Beach Rentals
- Port Aransas Rentals
- Emerald Isle Rentals
- Orange Beach Rentals
- Surfside Beach Rentals
- Hampton Beach Rentals
- Assateague Island Rentals
- Jacksonville Beach Vacation Rentals
- North Shore Vacation Rentals
- Ogunquit Vacation Rentals
- North Redington Beach Rentals
- Lido Key Vacation Rentals
- Sea Colony Rentals
- Pass A Grille Vacation Rentals
- Blue Ridge Mountain Rentals
- Vail Lodging
- Jackson Hole Lodging
- Winter Park Lodging
- Telluride Lodging
- Big Sky Rentals
- Aspen Lodging
- Park City Rentals
- Steamboat Springs Lodging
- Breckenridge Rentals
- Lake Tahoe Rentals
- Copper Mountain Lodging
- Mammoth Mountain Lodging
- Beech Mountain Rentals
- Crested Butte Rentals
- Sun Valley Lodging
- Keystone Lodging
- Taos Lodging
- Sugar Mountain Cabins
- Beaver Creek Lodging
- Deep Creek Lake Rentals
- Smith Mountain Lake Rentals
- Ocean Lakes Rentals
- Lake Anna Rentals
- Torch Lake Rentals
- Lake Winnipesaukee Rentals
- Norris Lake Rentals
- Lake Gaston Rentals
- Canyon Lake Rentals
- Lake Oconee Rentals
- Lake Wallenpaupack Rentals
- Lake Martin Rentals
- Lake Havasu Rentals
- Lake of the Ozarks Rentals
- Lake Michigan Vacation Rentals
- Lake Chelan Rentals
- Finger Lakes Rentals
- Lake Keowee Vacation Rentals
- Lake Conroe Rentals
- Lake Erie Vacation Rentals
- Lake Austin Vacation Rentals
- Sebago Lake Rentals
- Lake Tillery Rentals
- Keuka Lake Rentals