Entire home

Emma's House-Historic House 'On the Hill' in Saugatuck

Photo gallery for Emma's House-Historic House 'On the Hill' in Saugatuck

Emma's House
Exterior detail
parlour
living room with fireplace
modern kitchen

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
4 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 13

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Fireplace
  • Washer
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill

Explore the area

Map
Saugatuck, MI
  • Butler Street
    ‪2 min walk‬
  • Saugatuck Center For the Arts
    ‪7 min walk‬
  • Oval Beach
    ‪9 min drive‬
  • Holland, MI (HLM-Park Township)
    ‪21 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

4 bedrooms (sleeps 13)

Bedroom 1

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 4

1 Queen Bed

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Full 1

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Half 1

Toilet

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Outdoor play area
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Emma's House-Historic House 'On the Hill' in Saugatuck

Welcome to Miss Emma's house! This house offers a taste of history with the amenities of a modern home. Miss Emma, my great, great aunt bought the house in 1888 and the house has remained in the family since that time. Originally built in the 1860's, the house has been renovated, but retains the flavor of the original home. It is furnished throughout with many family antiques. Walk three blocks from the house and you will be in the heart of downtown Saugatuck. Restaurants, art galleries, shops and the harbor are all within walking distance. Saugatuck's Oval Beach, which has been listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the country, is a short drive from the house. Or you may also take a ride across the river on the chain ferry and walk to the beach.

Enter the front hall and step into the original front parlour. Through the pocket doors you enter the family room with a dining area that overlooks the back yard.


A wood-burning fireplace adds to the cozy atmosphere of the room which also houses the TV, DVD player and the sleeper sofa. A new kitchen adjoins the family room and is fully furnished should you want to create a gourmet meal or cook up a quick treat. A washer, dryer and 1/2 bath line the back hall. On the back porch you will find a spray hose with warm water for a quick rinse after a trip to the beach.

Three bedrooms and a full bath are on the second floor. Two bedrooms are furnished with new, Queen-size reproduction beds and family antiques. The third bedroom is furnished with a double bed and the original Art Deco furniture of the 1920's (new mattress, of course).

The attached apartment is where the last bedroom and full bath are located as well as a fold out queen sofa, living room, spacious kitchen, and its own washer and dryer.

The apartment is conveniently all on one level. It does not have a ramp, but is handicap friendly with large doorways and a step in shower with grab bars.

Frank's Apartment, though connected to Emma's House, has its own two entrances and exits, parking area, heat and air conditioning and connecting door which can be locked or unlocked on either side for privacy.

*Please note, sometimes the apartment is available and sometimes it is not. So, sometimes only the 3 bedroom & 1.5 bath side of the house is available. In these cases, you will be given a chance to withdraw your request if this isn't enough room for your group, or if you do decide to rent, the price will be adjusted to reflect the less space ($235 off season, $300 on season)

*If you are interested in just renting the main 3 bedroom side of the house, please contact me here as well. It rents for $300/night $1840/week Memorial Weekend through Labor Day Weekend & $235/night $1450/week the rest of the year. I can adjust your rental rate manually if it comes up as the full house rate of $435/night on season or $360/night off season.

*If you are interested in renting Frank's Apartment only, please see our listing for that property #4275339 and/or contact us. It rents for $195/night Memorial Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, $1210/week. $160/night, $1000/week the rest of the year.

We are following the guidelines of the CDC and WHO in our health and safety practices ...

-Contactless check in and check out. We unlock the unit for you earlier in the day and leave a key for you to use. Then you leave the key and the place unlocked, and if possible give us a call when you check out.

-If possible, we wait several hours or a day to go over and clean after a group has left to let things settle.

-Then when we come to clean, we open all the windows and turn the fans on to air out the place.

-We wash the sheets and towels with hot water.

-Then we clean everything like usual.

-At the end we go around with the WHO recommended type of disinfecting bleach (not laundry bleach) mixed with the recommenced ratio of water and disinfect: counters, faucets and taps and shower controls, handles of appliances and doors and cabinets, light switches, AC control, lamps, remotes, soap dispensers, TV and DVD player and Roku box, info book, key, and where people frequently touch the windows and blinds.

Property manager

Aron Lowe

Languages

English

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space
Parking available

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House Rules

Check in after 3:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 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

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 not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a deadlock

We should mention

A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Saugatuck

Located in Saugatuck, this holiday home is in the city centre and on a lake. The area's natural beauty can be seen at Lake Michigan and Oval Beach. Holland Community Aquatic Center and Forever Curious Children's Museum are also worth visiting. Enjoy the area's slopes with skiing, and don't miss out on the ice skating and sledging.
Map
Saugatuck, MI

What's nearby

  • Butler Street - 2 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Saugatuck Center For the Arts - 7 min walk - 0.6 km
  • Mount Baldhead Park - 16 min walk - 1.0 km
  • Silver Lake - 7 min drive - 5.1 km
  • Oval Beach - 9 min drive - 5.5 km

Getting around

  • Holland Station - 16 min drive
  • Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) - 49 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪The Butler - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪The Grill - ‬3 min drive
  • ‪Uncommon Coffee Roasters - ‬5 min walk
  • ‪The Southerner - ‬8 min walk
  • ‪Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions - ‬3 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Emma's House-Historic House 'On the Hill' in Saugatuck pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Emma's House-Historic House 'On the Hill' in Saugatuck?

Check-in begins at 3:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Emma's House-Historic House 'On the Hill' in Saugatuck?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Emma's House-Historic House 'On the Hill' in Saugatuck located?

Located in the heart of Saugatuck, this holiday home is within 1 mile (2 km) of Butler Street, Lake Michigan and Oval Beach. All Saints' Episcopal Church and Kalamazoo River are also within 5 minutes.

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. 111 out of 117 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 117 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 117 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 117 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 117 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Leasha T.

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

Close to down town.

Excellent location !
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ashley B.

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

Girls Weekend Away

This house was great for our quick weekend away to Saugatuck. It was within walking distance to every thing we wanted to do or see. We had 7 adults and so much room. All of us saved it so we can try to visit again witb our families!
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer M.

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

Girls Weekend

Great location, minutes from everywhere House was great
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lily S.

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

Great home with lots of space

We had a wonderful stay for a girls weekend. Lots of space and communal areas. Pull out couch in the living room had an additional pillow top cover and was very comfortable. Thank you for a great stay!1
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Alice P.

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

Perfect!

Excellent property! House felt like home to our family of 11. Host was wonderful to work with - definitely above & beyond. We had a pleasant, peaceful stay. Great time & place for fun & for our family to slow down & reconnect.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Robert B.

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

Great facilities

Everything was superb!!!
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jeannie R.

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

Oerfect Glolf weekend!

Perfect for a golf weekend. Clean, big, and very quiet location for being so close to the down-town. Had a great stay and will be visiting again if we are lucky enough.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Miranda H.

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

Wedding

We needed a larger place to stay for our daughter’s wedding. This place was perfect! We couldn’t have asked for a better place. I wish we had more time to explore the town more. However, the local restaurant we ate it on Friday was fantastic. We needed a large place close to Holland. Thanks for having the perfect place for our family!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Arthur S.

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

Wedding guest

Easy, comfortable and accomodating. Home away from home.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Christy M.

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

Great Location

Amazing Location! Fantastic communication. Such a fun time!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Wesley R.

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

Excellent property!

Clean and spacious. The owners put in a lot of thought with instructions around the house. There are plenty of board games, chairs, space, yard games, etc. Highly recommended!
Stayed 4 nights in Aug 2024

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth M.

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

Something for everyone!

This home was perfect. Very clean and the host provided every possible amenity. The location made it possible to explore the town without needing to drive anywhere. The beach was just a short distance away. There were hiking trails, and bike and kayak rentals. Plenty to do and if you don’t feel like cooking there’s plenty of great restaurants to choose from. Really perfect
Stayed 7 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Kimberly M.

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

Great long weekend retreat

Family and extended family stayed for a long weekend for our nephew’s wedding. The house was in walking distance to downtown about a 7 min walk. The house was beautiful and extremely clean. Sitting on the porch at night was so relaxing and peaceful. Highly recommended staying here!
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Paul W.

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

Memorable

Emma's House in Saugatuck is a terrific place to stay. We recommend it highly. It's a old home that is well-maintained and well-managed. We wish we had stayed longer and we hope to have an opportunity to go back and enjoy this small Western Michigan town.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Lori G.

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

Wonderful stay!

The house was so nice to stay in! We loved everything about it. Thank you!
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Holly M.

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

Trip with girlfriends to see tulip festival in Holland

We had a lovely two night stay in Saugatuck as a friends’ getaway and to see the tulips in Holland. The tulips were pretty much dead but the stay was still lively and fun. The house was darling and perfect for us. The location was great and within walking distance of the quaint town of Saugatuck.
Stayed 2 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Denise R.

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

Book Club Weekend

We had such a good time. The house worked out for us perfectly. We never got in the car again once we checked in. The walk to town is so convenient. The shopping, dining and whole Saugatuck experience was a lot of fun. Emma's house was pretty cool too! Would definitely recommend this place.
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2024

10/10 Excellent

Nancy S.

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

A Charming Home in the Perfect Location

Our group of friends spent a long weekend in this charming home a short walk to downtown Saugatuck. We parked when we arrived and walked everywhere we wanted to go. The only time we got back into the car was to explore Oval Beach, a short drive away. We will certainly be back to this ideal rental.
Stayed 3 nights in Nov 2023

10/10 Excellent

Alice P.

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

Wonderful property!

Perfect place for our family! We have stayed in various houses in Saugatuck for over 15 years. This is my favorite. Cute, roomy, clean, great location & the back yard was good for the kids.
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2023

10/10 Excellent

Sue P., Grand Rapids MI

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

Girls Weekend

We loved our stay at Emma’s House! Some might not enjoy the quirkiness of this house but we loved it. It is older but worked out perfectly. The beds were very comfortable. It was super easy to communicate with Aron and he is very accommodating! Walk to the main road was easy and not far. Would easily stay here again!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Weekend review

Everything was great from finding the darling house to checking in. Everything was as described and was perfect!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Chrissy F., Indianapolis, Indiana

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

Apple Picking Weekend at Emma’s House

My family and I had such a lovely time in Saugatuck at Emma’s House. The house is beautiful and located within walking distance to everything in town. Aaron was very helpful answering my questions and the check-in/out process was very easy. Looking forward to another visit!
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Al W.

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

Great Weekend

House description and pictures are accurate. Enjoyed the house and the yard on a corner lot. Very close only 2 blocks from town!! Would definitely go back!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Deb C.

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

Wonderful place

I stayed here with my girlfriends for a long weekend. The property was just as described. We loved the house and having the extra apartment was great for us to each have our space. It was in a quiet area but close enough to walk to town. All of the details were taken care; towels, hair dryer, dishes, paper goods… We would definitely stay here again. Thank you Aron!
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Peter B.

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

Delightful

The property turned out to be bigger than we were expecting, really well furnished, a short walk from every place we wanted to go, and generally...delightful! Couldn't have been happier.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2023

About the host

Hosted by Aron Lowe

Host profile image
I am an artist and mom of 1 baby and 6 fur babies, living with my husband, Jerod, in Fennville, MI. We coordinate the rentals for the owner, Nancy Burgin, a family friend for my whole life who lives in Ohio. I grew up in Saugatuck and my husband has lived in the area for 15 years, so feel free to ask us about the restaurants, activities and surrounding towns.

Why they chose this property

We pride ourselves on our cleanliness and we like to think we provide pretty much anything you could need in the kitchen. There is a nice yard with a privacy hedge for dinners outside, lawn games or just relaxing in the shade. The owner, Nancy, has taken care to restore the house as closely as she could back to how it looked a hundred years ago as a boarding house belonging to its namesake "Miss Emma".

What makes this property unique

Very close to the multitude of downtown delights, but far enough away to be a nice refuge from the noise and congestion of a crowded day or loud night downtown. If you rent the whole house, some of your group can take advantage of the mother- in- law apartment which is all on one level and can be locked off from the rest of the house if some of the group wants to go to bed earlier or put children to bed on that side.

Languages:

English