The Roosevelt Cottage is just as pictured in the photos: very clean, stylishly decorated, and furnished with new everything. The cooks in the family especially appreciated the just-like-home kitchen, which is very nicely outfitted with almost all the pots, pans, small appliances, and utensils one would need. This was not the typical grab-bag of stuff from Grandma’s attic that is often the case in rental cottages! And, there were labels inside all the kitchen cabinet drawers and doors to tell what items go where—really helpful!
In a year where it is hard to find a Michigan rental cottage with a beach, the beach there is expansive enough for most activities. And, for those with bad knees who didn’t want to brave the 80 steps down (and up again), the beach and lake view from the large deck at the house was a real bonus.
Lisa, the owner, left gift bags, which we found on arrival. They were filled with flags, sparklers, glow sticks, etc., which really excited the children in the family. This thoughtful gesture made our celebration of the 4th of July, the next day, much more memorable. Thanks, Lisa!
The weather didn’t cooperate for a beach day every day. We did enjoy some activities away from the cottage. Lunch in the large, lovely garden behind Pekadill’s in Whitehall (sandwiches, salads) was special. So was the afternoon at the amazing Lewis Adventure Farm and Zoo (in New Era) which has everything from camels, goats, slides, a train, to a carousel. Our children loved it!
The only things I would wish for on another stay would be a salad spinner (we ate lots of salads), a door stopper on the front door (so the door handle doesn’t bang into the nearby mirror), and a window covering for the door in the Master Bedroom (hard to change clothes when there was a clear view for people on the deck!) Do bring something to darken windows if you have small ones who are going to bed before it gets dark outside.
All in all, we (5 adults and 2 children 3+ and 5+) had a memorable time at the Roosevelt Cottage, with some family members we hadn’t seen in eighteen months because of Covid restrictions. Lisa and Joel are great hosts and have created a special place for visitors lucky enough to spend time at their beach house.
