Summary:
Historic Farmhouse Off the Shores of Lake Michigan
Brand New for 2025!
Featured Amenities:
Steps from the Shores of Lake Michigan
Historical Charm with Modern Comforts
Scenic, Private Ravine Trails dedicated to Ossian Cole Simonds
Moments from Downtown Saugatuck and Douglas' Shops and Local Eateries
Large Family Friendly Layout
Cozy Gathering Spaces Indoor and Out
The Space:
Welcome to The Curtis Farmhouse, a jewel of the Pier Cove Community, is steeped in rich history and sits nearby the shores of Lake Michigan. This cherished home has been in the Curtis family since 1904 and is one of the few remaining remnants from Pier Cove’s bustling 19th-century shipping port era. The Farmhouse offers a rare glimpse into the past while providing all the comforts of a relaxing retreat.
The original cabin, now serving as the kitchen, was built by the Adams family in the mid-1840s, with the rest of the house built around the cabin in the 1860s, which was inspired by the Lincoln-Todd estate in Springfield, IL. Today, this historic home welcomes guests seeking a peaceful getaway filled with warmth, charm, and natural beauty.
With five well-appointed bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, The Curtis Farmhouse has long been a gathering place, offering ample space for up to 14 guests. Large families, multi-generational visitors, and longtime friends will find comfort within its storied walls, where laughter echoes through the halls and new memories are made against a backdrop of history.
One of the most distinctive features of this home is the expansive dorm-style Family Bedroom, a space designed for time well-spent together. Outfitted with four inviting beds, it’s the perfect retreat for siblings and cousins to exchange whispered stories by lamplight, drift into slumber with the sounds of the lake in the distance, and wake to soft morning light filtering through the windows.
At the heart of the home, the kitchen remains a place of warmth and gathering, where the rhythm of daily life unfolds much as it always has. Though thoughtfully updated for modern use, it still carries the spirit of those who once prepared meals by lamplight and gathered to share the "bounty of the land." Spacious countertops and well-stocked cupboards invite leisurely breakfasts and hearty suppers, while the dining table stands ready for lingering conversations and time-honored family recipes. Just outside, the furnished deck offers a place to dine beneath the open sky, where the evening air hums with the sounds of the surrounding woods. Whether preparing a simple meal, savoring the slow quiet of a morning cup of coffee, or raising a glass as the sun slips below the trees, this space continues its long tradition of bringing people together.
Beyond the home’s threshold, nature extends an open invitation. The Curtis Farmhouse rests beside 70 acres of pristine ravine land, a landscape that has remained untouched for centuries. Journey past the Red Barn, and you'll be met with a well-worn path leading into the woodlands of Michigan where towering trees stretch toward the sky, golden sunlight filters through the branches, and the scent of earth and pine lingers in the air. Whether exploring by foot, listening to the rustle of leaves in the wind, or simply resting in the stillness of nature, The Curtis Farmhouse offers a connection to both the past and the present - A place where history, home, and the great outdoors coexist.
(For guests visiting in early spring and summer, we recommend wearing protective clothing and checking for ticks after your adventure.)
Beach access is just moments away at Pier Cove Park, where the waves invite you to wade in, search for beach glass, or simply soak up the lakeshore breeze. After a day by the water, return to the farmhouse for a peaceful evening - Gather on the porch one last time as the lake murmurs in the distance and unwind beneath a sky full of stars, letting the quiet charm of Pier Cove settle in.
The Curtis Farmhouse has been lovingly passed down through generations, filled with laughter, lasting memories, and meaningful traditions. Whether you're sharing a meal, exploring nearby scenic trails, or enjoying the nearby lake access, we invite you to create your own special moments here.
The Neighborhood:
The Pier Cove neighborhood is very close to Saugatuck, Douglas, and Fennville as well as all of the area attractions, restaurants and galleries. Nearby you'll find local wine, beer and cider at Modales Wines, Fenn Valley Vineyards, Saugatuck Brewery, and Virtue Cider. There are local fruit farms that are great to visit in season. At Crane’s Orchards, you can pick your own fruit summer and fall; Crane’s Pie Pantry offers dining, and a place to buy delicious pies and apple cider donuts. At Blue Star Farms, you can pick your own blueberries, find specialty blueberry products, or buy blueberries in bulk. You'll be literally surrounded by the beauty and bounty of Southwest Michigan! Situated just south of the Saugatuck-Douglas area, west of Fennville and north of South Haven, you will find that there are many things to do within a short drive – antique shops, farm markets, and places to eat.
Other Things to Note:
Parking: Driveway parking space available for up to four vehicles
*Street parking is never permitted in the Pier Cove Community
Pets: Dogs are not allowed at this property
Beach Access: Pier Cove Park Beach Access is only a 4-minute walk away
Interaction with Guests:
Your Shores Vacation Rentals team are local area experts who know all of the ins and outs of our beautiful homes in South Haven.
We're available Monday - Friday (9a - 4p), dedicated to helping guests with any questions they may have while they're planning their summer excursion to our area, and helping current guests get the most out of their experience with tips and tricks to help them live like locals while they're staying with us.
For our incoming guests:
Prior to your arrival you will receive all pertinent check-in information communicated via email and mobile SMS messaging. This will include all necessary information to access this luxurious home and make it your own, as well as a local destination guide with our personal recommendations on local eats and activities in the area.
We also provide an after hours emergency phone number to call in case an issue arises outside of our standard business hours. Additionally, we provide you with a mobile SMS number that you can text message to get a hold of one of our local area experts.
We look forward to having you stay with us at Shores Vacation Rentals!