Owner:	Dale Ignash
Accommodations:	Seven homes/cottages, 2-4 Bedrooms (sleeps 5-10)
Extras:	Most have fully equipped kitchen, microwave, and cable TV. Other amenities vary with the unit including: VCR, fireplace, washer/dryer, ceiling fans, private porches, gas/charcoal grills, furnished decks and 100 ft. sandy, swimming beach.
Rates/Payment:	Weekly $575-$ 2400, off season rates available, checks
Miscellaneous:	Owns and operates over 20 homes/chalets/cottages/condos in the Caseville area. No Smoking/No Pets (allowed in special cases with pet deposit). Some handicapped friendly. Linens, towels, toiletries not included.
Open:	Year Around

 

                                              

Traveling to Michigan’s Thumb is one of our favorite adventures because we always seem to discover something new. Just a couple of hours from Detroit, we almost never get lost and that’s another reason to like the region. Two roads get you to the Thumb from the Greater Detroit area, M-53 (Van Dyke) and M-25 (Lakeshore Drive). If you’re coming anywhere else in the state, or Midwest, I-75 drops you off on Lakeshore. What’s nice is that many of our favorite lodgings are right on M-25, between Bay City and Lexington, or not far from the beaten path. Several new discoveries near Caseville were resorts resting along beautiful Saginaw Bay, which brings us to Dale’s Lakefront Cottages.

 

The exuberant Dale Ignash is a well-known property manager in the region and has acquired a diverse selection of homes, cottages, condo’s and chalets. With over 20 to choose from, there is a wide range of prices, features and locations to meet the many interests of Michigan vacationers. One thing they all have in common, Dale’s keen interest in cleanliness. In fact, don’t be surprised if you are asked to remove your shoes when entering your vacation getaway.

 

We were pleased to visit his cottage resort (seven two-story cottages) located on a long 600x100 foot lot that runs perpendicular to Saginaw Bay. Units 1, 2 and 3 are closer to the water and have the best view of the Bay, with 4, 5, 6 and 7 closer to the road. It’s not really a cottage resort as much as seven cottages located on the same grounds. It’s great for single families or large family reunions.

 

Fresh wood and paint emphasize the new or renovated row of cottages that actually reminded us more of homes, on a quiet residential street. Each has a furnished porch or deck to enjoy the cool summer evenings, while watching the boats in the bay. As we discuss the characteristics of these cottages, it should be noted that three of them are less than 10 years old. The remaining four are older and interior design, furnishings and kitchens reflect that difference.

 

Inside, the homes tend to have spacious living rooms with a contemporary mix of furniture styles. Walls are light or paneled. Carpeting covers the floors…remember your shoes. Oak trim accents stairs and windows in some of the new cottages providing a nice touch. The smaller cottages can comfortably accommodate four adults, with a deck directly overlooking the bay. Large windows and doorwalls make it easy to enjoy the scenery or lake. Some living rooms and bedrooms include ceiling fans for those occasional warm evenings.

 

Kitchens are up to date with new Formica counters and light wood cupboards accenting the new homes. Each has all your essentials including microwaves, plenty of dinnerware and storage space. Eating areas can be cozy and casual or large and formal depending on the size of the cottage, which is also true for the bedrooms. Most cottages had at least one bedroom on the first floor. In the new units that we visited, they were usually bright and airy, but in the older cottages they were paneled with smaller windows. Of particular interest were the cheerful second floor bedrooms with vaulted ceilings, large windows and light walls. The 2500 square foot home had a second floor room set up to handle a large family scrapbooking session or checkers tournament. With lighted worktables in the center of the room, 10-15 people could be easily accommodated.

 

Outside we could really enjoy the Bay from the comfort of two large wooden decks facing the water. These tree covered community decks are perfect for a little gathering and some chitchat. Strolling down to the sandy beach, we would have loved to stretch out in the sand and chat with Dale, but it was a bit too chilly for that on this cool spring morning. On warmer days, the beautiful Bay is great for swimming and recreational sports, including boating and fishing. The most popular fish include Salmon, Trout, and Perch to name a few. For those of you interested in regional facts, here’s one. Saginaw Bay is an outlet for America’s largest contiguous freshwater wetland system. The water shed, nearly 9,000 square miles, supports the many rich agricultural, wildlife and tourist resources the region offers.

 

If you live in the Greater Detroit area why not rediscover our Thumb, just a few miles away. For everyone else, the drive may be a little longer, but it will be well worth it. In Caseville and Port Austin you’ll find many ways to relax, have fun and maybe just the right place to stay at Dales diverse lodgings.