The Best Bed and Breakfast in South Haven- The Vintage Inn
There are many bed and breakfasts for travelers to choose from. At the Michigan Bed and Breakfast Association, each of our member inns has something special to offer guests visiting Pure Michigan. The MBBA website gives you all the tools to find that perfect bed and breakfast, from location to amenities, to experiences, to booking your stay; you will find our website user-friendly and full of links and information to plan your getaway. If you are looking for a beach getaway to Southwest Michigan, there is a new kid on the block in South Haven that we would love to recommend- The Vintage Inn at Veritas Estate. This blog will explain why Vintage Inn at the Veritas Estate is the best place to stay in South Haven, Michigan, and Why Bed and Breakfasts are the Best Way to Stay.
What makes the Vintage Inn at Veritas Estate Special
Every once in a while, the stars align to match talented people to a special property, which is exactly what happened at the newest bed and breakfast in South Haven- The Vintage Inn at Veritas Estate.
Meet Sherry and Tim, who recently moved from Wisconsin to start a new chapter in their lives. And you might ask- what happens when a talented chef and a sommelier decide to purchase a South Haven estate surrounded by blueberry fields that include fertile grounds and a charming 1904 farmhouse? – Pure Magic!
The couple purchased the property in March of 2023 and have been busy creating gardens, planting grape vines, and furnishing the farmhouse. When asked why they chose Michigan and South Haven-
The peaceful property has many outdoor spaces for guests to relax and convene with nature. Inside, you’ll find plenty of light with a bright open floor plan that includes two comfortable enclosed porches- one used for breakfast.
When furnishing the inn, the couple put great thought into finding eclectic pieces from local vintage and antique shops and selecting new ones where appropriate. For example, you’ll find many vintage headboards, a steamer trunk with an endearing story, and interesting case pieces throughout the inn. The guest rooms feature some antique pieces and new where it matters, including en-suite modern bathrooms, new luxury linens, plush tea-infused deluxe mattresses, luxurious robes, and free Wi-Fi. In addition, each room is uniquely decorated with maps, art, and information about famous wine-producing regions similar to southwest Michigan.
It’s always fun to ask innkeepers what their latest funny story is. When I asked Sherry if they had any to share, she just laughed and said ohhh yes. The couple decided to splurge on a very special 36″ round gathering table that would be a centerpiece in the common area for future wine tasting and gatherings. They had both measured and found the entryway to be 36″. The table arrived, and they were pleased with the quality of the one-piece construction. Much to their dismay, they quickly realized molding would not allow the table to pass through. Hours later, with the doors removed, the table found its home- never to be moved again:)
Their niche will be farm-fresh homegrown foods. The couple has already added a large garden and hen house, and Tim can often be found forging the wooded part of the property for mushrooms and edible plants. A recent breakfast included the option for guests to choose the ingredients for their omelet, all forged from the property, including wild leeks, asparagus, mushrooms, and ramps. Interesting to learn-ramps is a cousin of onions–which grow in low mountain altitudes. They’re considered a spring delicacy and a reason for celebration.
Sherry chose five breeds of chickens to include in their flock, which she nurtured from eggs earlier in the spring in her chick brooder. Check out the inn’s Facebook Posts to see that these two innkeepers truly love what they do.
These family chickens love meal worms; guests can visit and feed them as they free-range on the property. As you can imagine, these farm-fresh eggs are utilized daily in the breakfast menu.
Since Sherry is a sommelier, a second niche of the property will be sharing great wines with their guests. The couple recently planted grape starts, including one hundred Cabernet Franc and one hundred Pinot Gris on American rootstocks 101-14 and 309c. They planted them only 4.5 feet apart and will train relatively low to the ground with only one cordon – a style more similar to many European vineyards than American ones.
More information to come on future wine-tasting events at the inn. Fall 2023 will be their first harvest at the Estate, and Wine Club memberships will be available in the future.
Living Like a Local at the Vintage Inn at Veritas Estate
One of the benefits of staying at a bed and breakfast is that your hosts live in the area and know exactly where to go for dining and the best places to visit. When these innkeepers dine out, their favorite eatery is “Salt of the Earth” in Fennville. You’ll also enjoy the drive to this laid-back farm-to-table restaurant located amongst apple orchards and farm stands.
If guests would like an intimate meal at the inn, inquire ahead of time, and Tim will prepare you a meal that will be a lifetime memory. For example, a recent guest experienced a six-course feast with a cooking demo.
The above photo showcases some of Tim’s creations, including a Power Bowl with poached eggs and avocado crema for breakfast and a preplanned evening meal that included Salmon with wild mushroom risotto, asparagus, ramp oil, and buerre rouge” (Advanced notice needed)
Twelve reasons why Staying at a Bed and Breakfast Is the Best Way to Stay
For those new to a bed and breakfast experience, read along as we highlight our top twelve reasons to stay at a Michigan Bed and Breakfast. Note that some of our members include “Inns” or “Small Boutique Hotels” in their names. What separates all of our members is that you will enjoy a complimentary breakfast each day and that all of our members are quality assured and inspected for you to have a wonderful stay in Pure Michigan.
Today’s travelers have many choices of where to stay for their holiday, including big chain hotels, boutique inns, bed and breakfasts, and home rentals like Airbnb. At MBBA, we love to spread the word that staying at a bed and breakfast is the absolute “Best way to Stay” Learn about all the reasons and then browse our Michigan Bed and Breakfast website to select the perfect one for you.
- Each bed and breakfast has its unique vibe. Visitors get to decide what ambiance they would like, from staying at a vineyard to a quiet country inn or an exciting, event-filled urban bed and breakfast.
- Many bed and breakfasts are found in interesting historical properties or renovated buildings.
- As the name implies, your stay includes a delicious homemade breakfast.
- There are no two rooms alike- each bed and breakfast decorates and furnishes its rooms to create the vibe and brand the inn represents.
- Your stay includes having caring innkeepers to ensure your getaway is precisely as you intended.
- Innkeepers always know how to “Live like a Local” and recommend the best places to visit and dine- some that are not highlighted on travel sites.
- Because of the more intimate environment, you’ll meet exciting guests during your stay.
- You can decide if you want to interact with the innkeeper or other guests or have a non-interaction getaway. Many of the inns have keyless entry and communicate with you by text.
- Homemade is best, and many bed and breakfasts go to extreme lengths to have farm-to-table and homemade breakfasts for their guests.
- Innkeepers pay special attention to the quality of their bedding, from comfortable mattresses to the quality of their linens and towels.
- Each bed and breakfast offers unique experiences, some having kayaks for you to use or located on farms or interesting estates.
- Last but not least, bed and breakfasts are owned by small businesses that genuinely care about you and your experience with them. And when owners love what they do, your experience will be unique and special!
If you would like to share a Michigan Bed and Breakfast Experience with a friend, family member, or colleague, consider giving them an MBBA Gift Certificate
Purchase your MBBA Gift Certificate Today
The process is so simple. Check out this link to purchase your gift certificate, and we will send a copy for you to print and the original embossed version in the mail the next day.
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