Entire home

River View Retreat

Photo gallery for River View Retreat

Sun room with stunning year-round views
Main Floor
Great views year-round across three stories
Outdoor dining
Summer evening on the deck

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
5 bedrooms4+ bathroomsSleeps 15306.6 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Hot tub
  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Douglas, MI
  • Butler Street
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Oval Beach
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Silver Lake
    ‪14 min drive‬
  • Holland, MI (HLM-Park Township)
    ‪25 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

5 bedrooms (sleeps 15)

Common area 1

1 Single Bed

Lower Level Two Queens

2 Queen Beds

Main Floor King

1 King Bed

Upstairs King and Standing Desk

1 King Bed

Upstairs Two Twins

2 Single Beds and 1 Crib

Upstairs with en-suite

1 King Bed

4 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

En-suite bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Lower level bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Main Floor Accessible Bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Main floor powder room

Toilet

Upstairs bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Separate dining area
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

River View Retreat

Welcome! Enjoy stunning views of the Kalamazoo river from nearly every room in the house across all three floors. Just a short walk to downtown Douglas and a few minute drive to Saugatuck or Lake Michigan. This beautifully appointed home has something for everyone.

INSIDE THE HOME
Walk inside and go straight to the wall of windows where you can enjoy the view. This recently remodeled home perched high atop a bluff has plenty of room for everyone. The first floor has an open concept with a well-stocked kitchen, dining room (with room for 12 at the extendable table, and 5 at the bar), living room with gas fireplace, sunroom and half bath. Sip your coffee in the sunroom or on the deck every morning. Cozy up in the den at night to read a book or watch some TV. The first floor also includes a bedroom with a pine post king bed and an accessible bathroom with handrails.

Head downstairs to the lower-level and enjoy the summer camp vibe with board games, shuffleboard, and a 75” TV. Walk outside to enjoy the new 6-person hot tub, play some games in the yard or listen to the birds. The lower-level main room includes an XL twin bed and a separate bedroom with two queen beds as well as a full bathroom. Upstairs you will find three bedrooms and two full bathrooms (one with a shower and one with a bathtub). The front room has an two XL twin beds and a couple foldaway pack and play baby/toddler beds in the closet. The back two rooms both have king beds and beautiful views of the water.

The kitchen is well stocked with pots, pans, dishes, glasses, utensils, coffee maker, Keurig, blender, and all the basics to cook and eat in the home. If you need to check emails, the home also has three desks and high speed internet.

SLEEPING
This vacation rental sleeps 13 guests (plus two pack n play cribs).
Primary bedroom – King (upstairs)
Bedroom #2 – King (upstairs)
Bedroom #3 – Two XL Twins and two foldaway toddler beds (upstairs)
Bedroom #4 – King (main floor)
Bedroom #5 – Two Queens (lower level)
Common space – XL Twin (lower level)

OUTDOOR SPACE
There are two decks off the sunroom. Cook your meals on the new gas grill located on the smaller deck. The large deck has a sofa to curl up on as you watch the boats go up and down the Kalamazoo river. The deck has an expandable dining table so you can enjoy your meals out in the perfect Michigan summer temps. Hang out in this space throughout the evening and enjoy watching all the birds. The lower yard features a 6 person hot tub and a hammock, both with incredible river views. Backyard is fenced in with plenty of space for yard games. Front yard also has plenty of place for kids to play as you watch from the rocking chairs on the veranda.

Parking: Two garage parking spaces are available along with room to park three additional cars in the driveway.

THE LOCATION
Close enough to walk to downtown Douglas and plenty of privacy with only a few houses nearby. Just down the street you are able to rent kayaks if you want to enjoy the river. Or keep going and stroll through the galleries of quaint Douglas. You can see the main entrance to Saugatuck from your windows so it’s just a three minute drive to the shops and restaurants there. Head the other direction to the award-winning Oval Beach if you want to enjoy a day at the lake.

Property manager

Benjamin Saukas
Premier Host

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Hot tub
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 28
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Quiet hours after 10pm please. No music or loud conversations outside to avoid disturbing the neighbors at night.
Hot tub use requires a liability waiver for all guests. Once signed, keys for the hot tub cover will be provided.
Checkout requests: Wash any dishes prior to check out. Strip sheet from any beds you used and place them in a basket in the laundry room.

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
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 and a first aid kit

About the area

Douglas

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

What's nearby

  • Saugatuck-Douglas Historical Society - 13 min walk - 1.1 km
  • Saugatuck Center For the Arts - 4 min drive - 2.6 km
  • Butler Street - 5 min drive - 2.8 km
  • Oval Beach - 9 min drive - 4.6 km
  • Silver Lake - 14 min drive - 8.7 km

Getting around

  • Holland Station - 20 min drive
  • Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) - 50 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Butler - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Saugatuck Brewing Company - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Uncommon Coffee Roasters - ‬5 min drive
  • ‪Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions - ‬4 min drive
  • ‪The BARge - ‬5 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is River View Retreat pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at River View Retreat?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at River View Retreat?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is River View Retreat located?

This family-friendly Douglas holiday home is located on the waterfront, within a 10-minute walk of Kalamazoo Lake, Beery Field and Kalamazoo River. Lake Michigan is 2.7 mi (4.3 km) away.

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. 15 out of 15 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 15 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 15 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kathy K.

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

Beautiful Home

Beautiful home and view!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Steve H.

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

Family reunion

Perfect house for a couple families with kids!! They have thought of everything and it is so comfortable and relaxing. Great beds and amenities! Able to walk to town and enjoy the sights!!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2024

10/10 Excellent

Gina P.

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

Stay in Douglas

The house is lovely. Lower level was perfect for our boys with bedrooms and game area. Ben was very helpful and accommodating. Can't say enough great things about this home and owners.
Stayed 9 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Carla S.

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

CS

Wonderful
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Shelby O.

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

Family weekend

We have stayed in many rentals, and this one was probably the nicest. The owners have great taste and they thought of everything anyone would ever need. We will rent again in the future.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Grace Z., Grand Blanc, MI

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

Girls' Weekend

Everything about our stay here was perfect! The minute we walked into the home, we were thrilled with how beautiful and inviting it was to us. It was immaculately clean and very spacious. The views from the windows surrounding the back of the house were spectacular. The owners were wonderful and left us a delightful welcome basket. We definitely want to stay here again sometime in the future!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Margery K.

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

Photos don't do it justice....

We were looking for a home large enough for our entire family to be together – your home is lovely, spacious, well maintained, a fully stocked kitchen, everything you need for the beach, toys, puzzles, games for all ages and the newly added hot tub was a great addition. Most important of all, was your diligence & quick responses to all our questions. Thank you!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

10/10 Excellent

Maxwell L.

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

BEAUTIFUL House, Wonderful Hosts - Highly Recommend

Been visiting Douglas/Saugatuck for decades, but we were blown away by this house. The pictures really don't do justice to the stunning vista view, open kitchen/living areas, and large comfortable sleeping arrangements. And even more important, hosts Ben and his family went above and beyond to make us feel welcome and accommodated. They were there to answer any questions, give advice, and provide for some requests. We are so grateful to them, and would HIGHLY RECOMMEND staying with them again.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Harriet Z.

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

Perfection

This house is gorgeous, very well appointed and comfortable. It’s in a great location for walking to downtown Douglas and taking walks around the neighborhood. Very close to Saugatauck also. We’d recommend and return in a heartbeat!
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Perfect House for Multi-Generational Vacation

Three generations of our family (ages 15 - 85) spent a delightful week at this home. The house is spacious, comfortable, tastefully decorated and well-equipped. We all enjoyed the beautiful views of the Kalamazoo river from the main level and outdoor decks. There was plenty of room for all nine of us to gather together for a meal or to sit and visit. The location is great - close to downtown Douglas and Saugatuck, but not in a crowded, touristy spot. The main level en suite primary bedroom suite is perfect for anyone with mobility issues. The bathroom has a walk-in shower and is equipped with grab bars -- not always easy to find when searching VRBO. Our three teens spent most of their time at the house downstairs in the spacious basement playing shuffleboard, watching TV, laying in the hammock or soaking in the hot tub. The huge bedroom with two queen beds meant they could stay up late and not disturb any of the adults sleeping upstairs. The three upstairs bedrooms were very clean, peaceful, and comfortable. We appreciated all the owners' little touches like the welcome basket, toiletries, beach towels, umbrellas, and paper products.We would definitely stay here again!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2023

10/10 Excellent

carole h.

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

Kudos to the owner!

Only superlatives are in order for this home rental. Location, design, furnishings. Every detail considered and provided. Welcoming , clean, comfortable. Our group of 9 ladies had nothing but praise. Such a pleasant experience !
Stayed 7 nights in Oct 2022

10/10 Excellent

Triniti V.

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

LOVE this property!

The house is really well laid out and easily accommodates a group, our team of teenage boys loved having the basement as a space just for them, the home is well stocked, beautifully decorated and honestly just perfect. The location is really awesome and the views are gorgeous. We loved our stay!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ellen S., Smyrna

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

Lake Michigan Vacation

This is an outstanding property: exquisitely furnished, multiple decks with water views in a super location. We were just inland from Saugatuck, Mi. on the Kalamazoo River. Plenty of good restaurants within 10 minutes driving. A day at the beach, exploring , pick fruit, even pickleball courts just around the corner. Our 3 couples of long time friends had plenty of privacy and room to enjoy. It’s perfect for 4 couples as well. We’ll be back.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2022

10/10 Excellent

Regna M.

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

Fabulous home

Best vacation home we’ve ever experienced. Spacious, very comfortable for 4 couples (and well suited to those with young children), gorgeous view, everything one needs in a kitchen, and perfect area for bird watching, art galleries, boat trips. Could not recommend more highly. Would return in a heartbeat.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Adam K.

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

Perfect beach getaway

The house was immaculate and the owners thought of everything. Easily walkable to downtown Douglas and amazing views of the water. Stayed with the entire family including grandparents and first floor master was perfect for them including handicap accessible bathroom! Our young children took over the basement and had plenty of room to spread out with a huge bedroom and game area. The upstairs has a perfect infant room with crib and baby monitor. We truly felt like we were staying in their home and not a rental. We look forward to likely returning next summer.
Stayed 6 nights in Jun 2022

About the host

Hosted by Benjamin Saukas

Host profile image
We live in Chicago with our 3 year old daughter, and wanted a place where we could spend more time with family (my parents, brother, and his family all live nearby). This home is the perfect place for our large holiday get-togethers, and for entertaining friends as it's a relatively short drive from Chicago.

Why they chose this property

We recently decided to open up our vacation home to rentals. It's been a wonderful place for our family to visit and we hope you will enjoy it too! If you are looking for a haven to relax and enjoy nature - there is so much wildlife to watch and listen to from the patio! And if you want a family hub close to dozens of incredible restaurants and activities, this is also a perfect fit with downtown Douglas a couple blocks away and Saugatuck a 3 minute drive.

Languages:

English

Premier Host

They consistently provide great experiences for their guests