The two of us – Cathy and Jerry – have four children, 18 to 44, and have been blessed with four granddaughters. Cathy is a retired physician and Jerry is "nearing the tail end” of his career as a psychologist.

Beyond family and work, our “fun” includes skiing, our friends, bicycling, and an assortment of hobbies. Our youngest child is Grace – 18 – just finished her first year of college in upstate New York. She loves to bake, plays a pretty mean ukulele, and claims “happiness” to be her main pursuit in life!

The “Birdhouse” was the third rental in our quest to find the “perfect spot” in the Frankfort area. We fell in love with the chaming, artsy décor, easy walk to the beach, and short stroll into downtown for dinner, ice cream, and shopping.

We had tired of hotels, corporate lodging, and having to use the car just to go out to eat. The Birdhouse had it all we realized, and only steps away. We could enjoy time together, or go our separate ways, meeting back for lunch or dinner. If we wanted a break from the beach, short drives would put us into the wonders of Sleeping Bear Dunes, the fun of Traverse City, or any number of area attractions and activities.

It was our second visit – late August 2015 – that we realized that the “Birdhouse” and it’s attached home, (now the “Beachcomber”), was our ideal Michigan vacation home. Three hours after this epiphany, we agreed on a price with the owners, signed an offer, and shook hands. Four weeks later the home was ours!

There are two units on this property and each have their own unique personalities! (Many large families rent both units to have everyone in one place) The Beachcomber is a spacious, modern, updated home with all of the amenities! Each bedroom has it's own bathroom and the large gourmet kitchen is perfect for hosting large family dinners. The Master Suite could rival some of the best hotels with it's walk-in 8 jet shower, whirlpool tub, private balcony, 4 poster bed (& an extra sofa bed!), sitting area and walk-in closet! The "Bunkroom" has it's own TV and game console complete with games to keep the kids busy on rainy days while the adults socialize in the living room beside the double sided fireplace. Board games and cards are provided for hours of fun & laughter.

The Multi-level Guest Suite above the garage has it's own separate entrance and is called "The Birdhouse". It is unlike any other vacation rental you will find. It is artsy, charming, fun and frivolous. Kids love it – who wouldn’t love a spiral staircase, a sleeping loft, original art pieces, a lunchbox collection, resident mermaid, and magnetic letters on a vintage refrigerator door hung on the wall?

Parents will love their private bedroom to relax in, a tidy kitchen to cook breakfast in, and the outdoor grill for dogs and burgers. Best of all, the beach is steps away, and town just a short stroll. Older kids can “run free” exploring the downtown, while young ones head to the beach with Mom and Dad. The day is complete when you’ve returned to the beach for the sunset, or possibly even later to gaze at the Milky Way or watch for shooting stars.

But the best part of all ... memories that will last a lifetime!