My husband I have just decided if we are going to buy our final home, that we will live in through our retirement this is the time to go for it.  We have come to conclusion that the money saved on a home is worth the some what of a loss on our own home. 

So we have been driving around and looking at different area's and trying to decide, where do we want to live.  Hoping one day we will have Grand children we want to have a "destination home"!  A place the grand kids will want to come to and visit, hoping that will bring them more often.  Plus we would like our home to be some place we can relax and enjoy our selves, as we both work very hard and many times long hours.  So we do not want a 2nd home to take care of (no time for this) just want to come home and say ahhhhhhhhh. 

We started in the Kent county Grand Rapids area................we really liked the Thornapple river. Driving a pontoon boat on a Sunday afternoon, for a slow cruse, seemed like the way to go.  Part of the river has an area that is considered the "lake" and has a very wide opening and is all sports.  Many homes can be bought with a large lot or acreage.  So very private - retreat like area's.  For a while we thought this is the place!  However after much discussion, we realized we really are city people and not sure we want to take care of all that "yard".  However I have many clients who do find yard maintenance relaxing and somewhat therapeutic.  I am finding that it feels like work. 

So we have broaden our horizons - search area, and have reached out to the Holland/Saugatuck area.  We are now in love.  For us Holland is the ideal location.  As it sits in the middle of Saugatuck and Grand Rapids, close to highways, not a far drive to Chicago.

Lake Macatawa on S Shore drive seems like the place to be for us.  The lake runs into Lake Michigan, so you have the option of staying near the home and playing with your toys (all sports lake) or go for an afternoon drive up/down the coast. Great shopping and places to eat in Holland..............but again not too far to go if you want to change it up a bit and visit Grand Rapids or Saugatuck.

However what started me on this blog, was this amazing home I toured last Saturday in Saugatuck.   This home has given me faith again in builders and the people who have a home built.  I have to believe you can not build this home for what it is selling for.  The attention to detail is outstanding,  The landscaping alone is worth a million bucks.................(not really) but there is not a corner left undone, and done sooooooooo right you would not want to change a thing.  The pictures on line do not do this home justice, although nice pics, but you just got to go see this home.  From the gold leaf barrel entry way to the coffee station in the very large master suite, they have thought of everything.  I have no vested interest in this home, but can not get it out of my head.  However my desire to be right on the lake is greater then the desire to purchase this home.  This home does have river access, that is a 20 minute drive on the Kalamazoo river that will take you to Lake Michigan.  The home does sit up on a hill like property so the views of the river from the home are there.......... but really want to be able to park a boat in my back yard.  There is a path down at the end of the street that takes you to your boat dock, so not far away at all....

This wonderful home is located on 6570 Heron Ridge RD............if Saugatuck is your location, and this home is in your price range, it is a must see for sure.  Pics and listing