lakeshore Archives - Beacon Sotheby's International Realty

Tulip Time: Fast Facts

Local or not, the annual Tulip Time Festival here in Holland, Michigan is an event you’re not going to want to miss. This nine-day festival celebrates everything Dutch, and visitors experience vibrant parades, colorful blooming tulips, and unforgettable culinary experiences.

To add even more excitement into the mix, Tulip Time has been voted one of the Top 10 Best Small Town Festivals. Read along with some of these fun facts about our small town and it’s big party:

Did you know: Holland boasts over 5 million tulips during our festival. Tulips are located in city parks, public attractions and parks, and along our streets! This year, you can even Ask Alexa to track the tulip bloom for you, to keep up with every bulb this year.

The average time spent at Tulip Time for all visitors is 2.67 days. That time could be spent watching the parades, checking out the tulips on Windmill Island, or shopping and eating at Downtown Holland’s very best shops and restaurants.

There are 3 main parades that take place on 8th street. Volksparade comes first, otherwise known as the “People’s Parade.” Kinderparade is on May 9th, and features local school children dressed in their Dutch Best. Lastly, the Muzikparade, performed by marching bands and Holland’s best musicians (did you know: you can stream the parade from wherever you are! Click here to check out your options).

The average rating for visitors of Tulip Time is 9.10 – That means guests are very likely to recommend visiting Tulip Time to others! We are firm believers that it is impossible to have a bad time at the Festival, and this report from Hope College proves it!

At the end of it all: you can take home some bulbs for yourself! Take a piece of Dutch Heritage home with you, buy your own at Nelis’ Dutch Village, Veldheer Tulip Garden, and Windmill Island Gardens.

The Tulip Time festival is the pride and joy of our town, and we want you to experience all of it! Check out the full schedule here so you don’t miss a thing.

If Tulip Time is on your schedule this year, stop by and say hi! We’re located right downtown on 8th street, and we’d love to chat about all the things we love about Holland with you!

Featured Listing | Lake Michigan Waterfront Masterpiece

Dreaming of an entirely unique Lake Michigan beach home? Look no further than this inspired oasis, providing a private lifestyle situated near South Haven’s quaint downtown. Take a look into this contemporary beach home where luxury abounds.

Lake Michigan beach house

77280 South Beach Drive, South Haven, MI| $2,495,000

Whether you seek an inviting lakeshore home for entertaining friends and family, or a peaceful environment to soak in the summer sun, this custom-built retreat is your escape from the every day.

South Haven homes for sale

The main level makes entertaining a breeze with a state-of-the-art kitchen, dining, hearth room and living room. The covered patio is ready for an afternoon BBQ, with a sprawling lawn opening up to the beach below.

hearth room

The impressive trim details, including inlaid ceilings and classic built-ins, complement the refreshing coastal flair and underscores the meticulous construction of Mike Schaap Builders.

luxurious master suite

Reserved for rest and relaxation, the upper level provides accommodations for overnight guests, as well as a majestic master suite. Opening up to the deck, enjoy morning coffee or an evening sunset over the water.

Lake Michigan views

Awake to the calming sound of the waves. Waterfront amenities abound, including a beach bathroom and outdoor shower to keep sand at bay.

lakefront patio

Spend all your days on the shore of Lake Michigan or take a short bike ride into downtown South Haven, a hub of fine dining, shops and more. From morning until dusk, your lakefront residence will house your Lake Michigan memories for years to come.

Ready for an in-person tour? Contact Josi Van Horn today.

Featured Listing | Harmonious Lake Michigan Retreat

Enjoying your morning coffee with an exclusive view of Lake Michigan, days spent on your private beachfront, and evenings admiring a painted nighttime sky…this waterfront home was made for a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Glimpse into this remarkable lakeshore paradise.

384 N Lakeshore Drive, Holland, MI| $1,699,000

A private, wood-lined drive leads to your Lake Michigan residence that comes complete with a charming interior. Sit by the wood-burning fireplace and take in a captivating view of the water below as sunlight beams in from the large windows. Maple flooring extends from the living room to the kitchen.

Ready for your culinary creations, the kitchen is designed with large island, plenty of storage, and boasts Wolf double ovens and range. Store the makings of a delicious meal in the SubZero Pro refrigerator that compliments the Cherry cabinetry.

Invite friends and family over for game night, choose your favorite film to watch in the theater area, or grab a bottle of wine from the cellar to sip outdoors on the lakeside deck.

Incomparable Details

A drive and walk snowmelt system keeps paths clear year-round, making maintenance a breeze. Find your way to the separate carriage house that includes beach bath, ideal for water toy storage, a private office, or overflow space. The heated garage comes complete with Epoxy flooring and dog wash.

Toast to Your Lakeshore Home

Your lakeshore paradise is situated on Holland’s treasured Gold Coast. An easy, low bluff is all that separates you from your exclusive waterfront beach, ready for long days on spent on the water. Whether relaxing indoors or out, this home is certain to highlight the harmonious lifestyle Lake Michigan boasts.

Ready to make this lakeshore paradise your permanent address? Contact Josi Van Horn today!

5 Reasons to Experience Tulip Time

If you have never made your way to Holland, Michigan for their annual Tulip Time festival, this should be your year. Among the nine-day celebration of the city’s rich Dutch heritage comes blooming bulbs, eclectic parades, timeless events, and we can pretty much guarantee more klompen than you ever thought you’d see.

In case that didn’t provide you with enough hype, Tulip Time has been named one of the Best Small-Town Festivals by Reader’s Digest, and was recognized as USA Today’s 2016 Best Flower Festival.

Need more reassurance that you need to pay Tulip Time a visit this year? Here are our Top 5 reasons to experience Holland’s Tulip Time festival.

1. The Tulips

If for nothing else, at least experience the blooms! The Holland, Michigan area boasts over 5 million tulips each spring. From city parks to downtown on 8th Street, and pretty much every street corner in between, these gorgeous flowers pepper the city. Take in their beauty and the bright colors woven throughout the already stunning Holland landscape.

2. The Parades

You haven’t seen a community parade until you’ve seen a Tulip Time parade! The Volksparade is donned the “People’s Parade” with marching bands, specialty floats, and “street scrubbers”. The Kinderparade features local school children dressed in traditional Dutch costumes. Finally, the Muziekparade has over 4,000 participants with the longest festival parade route, boasting lively music and entertainment all along the route.

3. The Art

Whether attending a great concert, like The Beach Boys, or a hilarious River City Improv show, or just taking in the stunning pieces at the Art in Bloom exhibit, there is plenty of art and culture during Tulip Time. Some events may have a small fee for attending, but it’s always worth your while.

4. The Family Fun

Calling all thrill-seekers: you won’t want to miss out on the Tulip Time carnival! The ferris wheel towers over the Holland Civic Center’s North lot, while attractions aimed at younger kids are set up in the South lot. It’s guaranteed fun for even the most timid ride warrior.

5. The Food!

Our stomachs are already growling thinking about all of the food available during Tulip Time! Alongside some of Holland’s delicious year-round restaurants are vendors populating the city. From elephant ears to hot dogs to cotton candy and cinnamon rolls, this is a food-lover’s dream. Be sure to bring cash and take a bite out of some delicious Tulip TIme treats.

On your way to Tulip Time? Check out the festival’s full schedule so you don’t miss any of the fun.

In town for Tulip Time? Stop by our office, located right downtown Holland on 8th Street. We’d love to say hello while you’re here!

A New Era of Lakefront Living

Ever imagined life on the lakeshore, with the best of both Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa? Your waterfront dreams can be made a reality at Point West, an exclusive community of 24 J. Visser-designed year-round cottages providing captivating views of Lake Macatawa.

Located mere hours from Chicago, Milwaukee, and Detroit, Point West boasts a lifestyle unlike any other, with unparalleled sunsets, tranquil surroundings, and access to both lakes. Marvel at 2398 Interlake Walk, a coastal masterpiece with outdoor kitchen, screened in porch, and contemporary spaces for entertaining. Or build your own custom lakeshore paradise on any of the available properties.

No matter where you choose to reside, one thing is for sure: at Point West, you’ll discover your dream stay-cation.

Interested in life at Point West? Contact us today!

Featured Listing | Modern Sophistication on Spring Lake

Embrace this savvy Spring Lake home, a true lakeshore paradise that places unique thought behind its clever design and remarkable amenities.

17971 Fruitport Road, Spring Lake, MI | $3,995,000

Situated on 295 feet of Spring Lake frontage, embark on a trip to Lake Michigan from your deep water slip. The water enthusiast will be excited for the many nautical opportunities awaiting, including waterskiing, jet skiing, and tubing.

After a long afternoon of boating, a delicious meal is crafted at the outdoor kitchen.

Soak in a sunny summer’s day by the pool, as you land the perfect dive or entertain guests on the generously sized patio.

Included on the 8.46 acre property is a guesthouse, surrounded by nature and featuring connected greenhouse.

Indoors, the master suite is a private oasis. The sun glimmers off the crystal waters of the lake while you enjoy a dip in the private hot tub located just off the suite’s deck.

Indulge yourself in the master’s bath, a spa-like retreat with luxury details.

After a long day on the water, you can relax with a movie night in your exclusive theater room.

Store your favorite reds in the wine cellar, with ample storage space.

You will continue to marvel at your majestic home, with elegant design in every room.

The captivating views of the lakeshore will continue to inspire as you take in every timeless amenity and modern comfort this special estate offers.

Interested? Contact us to learn more!

West Michigan Highlight: Saugatuck

Welcome to the Art Coast of Michigan, where this small town resides! Saugatuck, Michigan is best known for celebrating a simpler lifestyle: one that embraces new experiences, appreciates an artistic perspective, treasures a shared meal amongst cherished friends, and ends the day with a painted sky over Lake Michigan.

Downtown Saugatuck breathes originality, boasting dockside shops and seemingly endless boardwalks, ideal for evening strolls. Ask a resident their favorite local restaurant with no two answers the same, as Saugatuck is a city full of unparalleled cuisine options. Find hidden treasures in any of the stores, perfect for unique gifts for any multitude of reasons.

Activities abound here: hit the links at the Ravines Golf Club, take a boat, kayak, or paddleboard out onto the lake, head into any of the art galleries and appreciate the local talent, or spend a sunny day on the sugar sand beach – whether you’re a local or a vacationer, there are unlimited options for fun.

The lakeshore community of Saugatuck is an inviting destination any time of the year. Whether you find yourself here for work, play, or rest, you won’t find any other city in the world quite like Saugatuck.

To get a taste for what’s in store in Saugatuck, view the short video below!

What To Do This Weekend: Holland

You say it’s only Tuesday, we say the weekend’s only three days away! That means it’s time to start making plans to soak up every last drop of sunshine the summer has to offer. Why not hang out in Holland? There’s a number of events happening from August 11-13. Have a personal favorite? Tell us which event you’ll be attending in the comments!

Downtown Holland Sidewalk Sales, at participating stores, August 11 & 12 – Bargainers delight: find items from your favorite shops and boutiques at a discounted rate.

Holland Museum’s Exhibit “For the Future Peace: WWII and Holland on the Homefront”, August 11-13 – Explore stories from Holland locals who share the impact of WWII.

Kollen Park Summer Concert presents The Ragtops, August 11 – Grab a lawn chair and head to the park from 6:30-8:30pm to hear live music.

Downtown Holland’s Farmer’s Market, August 12 – Visit the local booths for fresh local finds, beginning at 9:30am.

Meteors & S’mores, August 12 – The beach is open a little later for guests looking to view hundreds of meteors. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, but the s’mores will be provided!

Looking to visit some of Holland’s attractions? There’s always our sugar sand beaches, a trip to Dutch Village, or even a pleasant walk near Mt Pisgah. However you choose to spend your time this weekend, consider spending it in Holland!

Top 10 Reasons to Love Summer on Lake Michigan

When you live near one of the most beloved bodies of water, it isn’t hard to feel like everyday is a stay-cation. No need to hop on a plane or sit in the car for a summer getaway when you’re this close to the shoreline! The list runs long, but we simplified down our top ten reasons why spending the summer near Lake Michigan is the greatest. Have a different reason? Leave it in the comments below so we can love it too!

1. Freshwater – Picture this: diving into bright blue water that’s reflecting beaming rays of sunlight, chilled to the perfect temperate that is as refreshing as it is invigorating. With no concern for intimidating wildlife or salty ocean spray, the freshwater of Lake Michigan is ideal for a cool dip on a hot summer day.

2. Sugar sandy beach – Take your shoes off! The sand will squish between your toes while you walk along the shoreline or run to catch a football. Hear that sound? The sandy beach is nice and clean so your feet might give off a little squeak when you walk by.

3. Festivals – Life near the lakeshore means summer activities abound. Check out South Haven’s Harborfest, Grand Haven’s Coast Guard Festival, Holland’s Tulip Time Festival, or Traverse City’s National Cherry Festival. Snag details on other festival favorites here.

4. Lakeshore communities – Whether dining in Grand Haven, playing at the park in Ludington, or shopping in South Haven, the lakeside towns all provide a unique community for vacationers and residents alike. Summer is the perfect time to transport yourself into the compelling history each beach town provides while immersing yourself in the local shops, breweries, restaurants, and activities.

5. Fishing – Trout, perch, bass – they all live in the lake! The freshwater fish make for fantastic meals, whether you’ve caught it yourself or you’re tasting one at a beachside restaurant.

6. Sunsets – Ask any Lake Michigan local their favorite color and they might answer ‘sunset’. Warm orange hues, brisk blue sky, cotton candy clouds – all referring to the unbeatable sunsets that glaze over the horizon on a timeless summer night. There’s no better way to end another serene day on the lake than with a picturesque sunset.

7. Lighthouses – Full of history and wonder, lighthouses along Lake Michigan’s shoreline foster guiding light for ships, as well as proudly stand at the end of impressive piers. Admiring the structures up close or even heading in for a tour is an incomparable treat.

8. Relaxation – Unwind in the summertime! Lake Michigan is the perfect place to unplug from distractions to find necessary “me” time.

9. Boating – No matter what your style is, there’s a boating opportunity on Lake Michigan for you! If you’re a sports enthusiast, grab a speed boat for tubing or skiing. Add some luxury to your life with a yacht, cruise the open waves on a sailboat, or feel the need for speed on a jet ski. The lake is ready for whatever summer boating adventure you dream up.

10. Lifestyle – The Lake Michigan lifestyle extends throughout summer and beyond. We’re not sure if it’s the calming waters, bright sunshine, remarkable scenery, or simply the communities that form the one-of-a-kind lifestyle the lake presents. Whatever it is, we’re certainly fortunate to spend the summer here!

We’re Welcoming New Real Estate Professionals!

Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty, Lake Michigan’s premier luxury real estate brokerage, recently welcomed six new real estate professionals to their downtown Holland office. Among them include several of West Michigan’s top-producing agents and 2017 Realtor of the Year Beth Foley.

Beth Foley has worked in the industry since 1986, specializing in relocation, waterfront, and new construction properties. Among her many awards, accomplishments, and achievements in the industry, Beth has held top tier positions within the National Association of Realtors, Michigan Association of Realtors, and West Michigan Lakeshore Association of Realtors.

Wendy Ryder brings superior client servicing through representation of properties spanning the Lake Michigan shoreline. With a refined skill set, sophisticated service, and efficient work ethic, Wendy is one of the industries leading top producers.

Kersh Ruhl, Mary Zeppenfeld, and Lauri Sisson join Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty with relationship-based philosophies and a proven sales history. Representing incomparable listings as a team, Kersh, Mary, and Lauri are committed to their clientele, providing unparalleled service and routinely building trust and assurance throughout all of their transactions.

Josh Breuker has had exposure to the real estate industry all his life, having the benefit of hands on experience during familial home building. Whether in acquisition or disposition of real estate assets, Josh’s extensive knowledge of West Michigan real estate proves to be an incomparable asset.

Beacon Sotheby’s International Realty is now represented by these qualified real estate professionals. They continue to artfully market scores of extraordinary properties and assist many discerning buyers.

“We pride ourselves on nurturing our client relationships and operating with open communication, transparency, honesty and integrity,” said Chad Van Horn, brokerage owner. “The affiliation with the Sotheby’s International Realty^® brand brings an incomparable value proposition to our clients and our marketplace. The brand heritage, unique marketing approach and the people in the network drew us to the brand and we are thrilled to now offer increased global exposure, a vast referral network, and sophisticated marketing programs to our clients.”