Welcome to The Shop
The Blacksmith Shop (herein further referred to as The Shop) has a rich history in the quaint town of Douglas, MI. In the early 1920s, Herman Bekken opened the H.M. Bekken Horseshoeing & General Repairing. As one of three blacksmiths in the region, Herman's skills were used to repair all types of plows, wagons, mowing machines, and sleighs. Folks would bring in their tools to get sharpened and the local farmers would come in to have their horses shoed. With the forge's raging hot fire and anvil, Herman was also able to make his own tools such as hammers, tongs, and vices.
Herman and his wife, Jennie, lived above The Shop where they raised their four children: Everett, Howard, Mildred, and Gerald. Herman retired from blacksmithing in 1960 and passed away in 1963. Jennie lived upstairs until her passing in 1985. That's when The Shop building was handed down to their youngest son Gerald. The blacksmith business was no longer in operation, but the upstairs was used as a rental property. A garage was later added on to the building for the tenant's use and the downstairs was used for storage.
When the youngest of Herman and Jennie's children passed away in 2021, the building was entrusted to the next generation of Bekkens. With fond memories of visiting their grandfather, it was their dream to bring The Shop back to life. During the renovation process, they uncovered several of Herman's tools and artifacts that you'll find hanging in The Shop today, along with the original forge and harness rings where Herman would tie the horses while working on them. The Shop has recently been built out into a one-bedroom fully furnished spacious vacation rental property.
Inside the Home
The home has a bright open floor plan with a fully stocked kitchen and spacious living quarters. The main bedroom has a king bed with a walk-in closet with plenty of storage. The living room has a queen sofa sleeper. The kitchen is fully equipped with all pots and pans, dishes, and utensils. All new appliances including side by side refrigerator with an icemaker, dishwasher, gas range and oven, and microwave. Stackable washer and dryer located just off the kitchen. Eat-in kitchen as well as a table that seats four.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS
This home sleeps up to 4 guests.
Main Bedroom- King
Living Room - Queen Sofa Sleeper
Outdoor Space
Walk out your French doors onto a patio that offers a patio table with chairs and umbrella. Enjoy your meals on the patio using the gas grill.
The Location
Steps to downtown Douglas's classic beach town community with quaint shops, restaurants, and parks. A few minutes drive to Douglas's beach and to downtown Saugatuck and Saugatuck's Oval Beach. Stroll through the charming community or spend your day soaking in the sun. Either way, you will keep coming for more.
Thank you for booking The Shop and we hope you enjoy your stay.
*There is a long term renter in the upper unit. The floors have been lined to minimalize noise.
