Meet the Relax Rentals Dream Team!
We love our team - We think you will too!
Birdie
Birdie didn’t just stumble into hospitality, this has been her dream all along, even if she originally pictured it somewhere a little further south (she’s still not claiming winter as her favorite… but Saugatuck has definitely softened her stance).
Growing up in the Chicagoland area, some of her best memories came from family vacations; the kind that stay with you long after you’re home. That love of travel eventually led her into the lodging world, with a vision of one day helping create spaces near the water where people could truly relax, reconnect, and make memories of their own.
Life took her through Illinois State, then on to Florida and Indiana, and eventually into a 15-year career in radio before hospitality called her back in a bigger way.
Today, Birdie helps lead Relax Rentals, managing a collection of unique homes and spaces throughout Saugatuck & Douglas. One of the things she loves most is the opportunity to care for properties on behalf of owners who trust Relax Rentals with their homes, while also helping showcase some of the most beautiful, welcoming places along the lakeshore.
And the best part? Every property has its own personality.
Relax Rentals is all about high-end spaces without the pretense, thoughtful touches, beautiful design, and memorable experiences, while still making people feel completely comfortable just being themselves.
Ask Birdie about the homes and you’ll quickly realize she loves every single one for different reasons:
• Paddlewheel Properties and their fun riverside character, downtown energy, and “right in the middle of it all” vibe
• Haven Suites, with their modern style, elegant design, and easy access to everything Saugatuck has to offer
• Lizzy’s Place, a home she jokes she’d happily move into herself, tucked into a quiet neighborhood just outside downtown, with the kind of small-town charm that makes you slow down a little
• Big Blue, one of the very first homes she managed, complete with a backyard that somehow feels both magical and made for memory-making
• Bayou Bend, Relax Rentals’ first downtown Douglas property, with stunning water views and a whole new type of hospitality challenge she’s loved taking on
• And The Belvedere, the newest addition, a property unlike anything they’ve ever done before, filled with history, beauty, and the kind of atmosphere you feel the second you walk through the doors
What she loves most about all of it is helping create, manage, and maintain spaces where people can gather, celebrate, unwind, and hopefully leave with memories they carry long after vacation ends.
She’s also fully embraced the Saugatuck/Douglas life; the restaurants, shops, parks, waterfront sunsets, and especially the people. It’s a community that feels genuine, welcoming, and just a little bit special. She serves on the local visitors bureau board, spends time helping out at the schools, and even has her own “buddy bench” at Schultz Park in Douglas, something that reflects just how much she believes everyone deserves to feel included and welcomed.
At home, she’s a mom of three and married to her husband, who you’ll probably spot around town either playing music at Wally's Bar & Grill or driving the buggies at Saugatuck Dune Rides. Their boys work over at Happystance in Douglas, and their daughter often pops into the day-to-day rhythm of Relax Rentals too.
If you see Birdie during your stay, say hi. She’s usually in the middle of making something happen and making sure guests feel right at home while they’re here.
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“There’s something truly special about Old Pike Cottages in Saugatuck—a place where history, hospitality, and heartfelt moments come together. Nestled on a storied piece of land just steps from downtown, these lovingly restored cottages have been transformed into a cozy retreat where families return year after year. Watching smiles unfold here—on porches with lake breezes, in the sunshine by the pool, or during laughter-filled walks to town—is a reminder that some memories really do last a lifetime.” -Birdie
Jenni
“I love doing whatever I can to make their stay as magical as Saugatuck!”
Jenni has been with Relax Rentals since June of 2020. She is the biggest sweetheart and will go out of her way to make sure your vacation is as spectacular as possible. Jenni, like Birdie, is a super-mom with two kids and a lot on her plate. That being said, you would never know it. This girl is cool as a cucumber! Some of her favorite things about Relax Rentals are the atmosphere, the staff, and meeting all the new guests! When she is not at the cottages, you can find her working out at Encompass Wellness (getting absolutely shredded), hiking the state park, fishing, collecting rocks/shells at the beach, and honestly just doing good deeds for people.
Her favorite restaurants include Wicks Park, Borrowed Time, The Grill Room at Clearbrook, Coast 236, and Bowdie’s Chophouse.
Rainy days don’t stop this girl as she can still be found out hiking, fishing, and as she puts it - “puddle jumping.”
Chances are, when you run into Jenni on your vacation, even just a short conversation with this gem will melt away any stress. We highly recommend you get your daily dose of Jenni on your stay!
Josie
“Not a day goes by where we are not passing laughs and smiles along to our guests and coworkers”
Since joining Relax Rentals in June 2020, Josie has loved being part of the special memories created here on the lakeshore. One of her favorite things about working onsite at Old Pike Cottages is seeing families and friends gather, relax, and truly enjoy quality time together. She says the team takes a lot of pride in creating a welcoming experience for guests, and there’s nothing more rewarding than hearing visitors say, “We love it here!” — because the staff genuinely loves it too.
When it comes to local favorites around Saugatuck, Josie highly recommends:
-Phil’s Bar & Grille for the fish tacos
-SaugaTaco
-Duck Alley for their burgers
-The Farmhouse Deli & Pantry for a quick salad and sweet treat.
For outdoor adventures, her favorite spots include Saugatuck Dunes State Park, and the iconic Mount Baldhead Park stairs overlooking town. She also says the Saugatuck Dune Rides are an absolute must-do for visitors.
While she loves all of the properties, her favorite of the cottages at Old Pike is the Durant, thanks to its cozy corner location and beautiful views. She also loves Big Blue, one of Relax Rentals’ neighboring homes, for its spacious waterfront setting, pet-friendly atmosphere, and gorgeous fenced backyard.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible — especially hiking, hunting, fishing, and soaking up the sunshine. She also loves spending time with family, especially her nieces and nephews. If you see Josie out and about during your stay, make sure to say hi!
Nicole
"I love that every day at Old Pike Cottages feels a little different — new guests, new stories, and new memories being made along the lakeshore."
Since joining Relax Rentals and Old Pike Cottages in March 2024, Nicole has loved the unique atmosphere and natural beauty that make OPC so special. One of her favorite parts of the job is meeting interesting guests visiting from all over the world, all while spending time outdoors enjoying the lakeshore views and beautiful summer weather. She also credits her fun and close-knit group of coworkers for making every day at Old Pike memorable and entertaining.
Some of her favorite local spots include Phil’s Bar & Grille and SaugaTaco for great food — especially Phil’s fish tacos and seasonal pasta dishes. For a unique atmosphere and cocktails, she recommends Singapore Room, while The Corner Bar and The Sand Bar Saloon are her favorite late-night spots in town. When it comes to relaxing outdoors, nothing beats spending the day at Oval Beach.
Her favorite places at Old Pike are the Durant Cottage and the Bugatti House. She loves the Durant for its peaceful corner location and beautiful water views, while the Bugatti stands out for its modern style and wide range of amenities.
Outside of work, she enjoys crafts, cooking and baking, listening and dancing to music, watching true crime documentaries, and spending as much time outdoors as possible during the warm Michigan summers.
Brooke
“There’s something really special about helping create the kind of getaway people will remember for years to come.”
Since joining Old Pike Cottages in October 2024, Brooke has loved getting to work outdoors surrounded by the beautiful lakeshore scenery that makes Saugatuck so special. One of her favorite parts about working at OPC is meeting guests from all over and helping them enjoy everything the area has to offer. Brooke believes Old Pike’s location is the perfect balance for both relaxing vacations and memorable guest experiences.
Some of her favorite local restaurants include:
- Phil’s Bar & Grille
-Bowdie’s Chophouse
-The Southerner
-SaugaTaco
— all places Brooke says never disappoint!
For nightlife and live music, The Sand Bar Saloon is a favorite local spot. Brooke also recommends stopping by Kilwins for a late-night ice cream run during the summer months. When it comes to outdoor adventures, she enjoys hiking at Saugatuck Dunes State Park and Felt Mansion, while West Side County Park remains her favorite nearby beach along the lakeshore.
Brooke’s favorite property is the Grand at Haven Properties/Relax Rentals, thanks to its spacious layout and unbeatable location just steps from downtown Saugatuck’s shopping and restaurants. She also loves its close proximity to Coughlin Park, especially during the summer when guests can enjoy beautiful lake views and outdoor movie nights.
Outside of work, Brooke enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, gardening, cooking, and exploring local farmers markets throughout West Michigan.
Gundy
Since joining the team in its early years back in 2019, Gundy has become an essential part of the family at Old Pike Cottages. While many guests know him as one of the friendly faces helping maintain the properties, his impact goes far beyond day-to-day maintenance.
Gundy is incredibly talented with woodworking and has helped bring so much character to the cottages through custom projects — including many of the beautiful wooden headboards featured throughout the property. He also built the giant red beach chair at Paddlewheel Properties, which has become a fun and iconic downtown photo stop for both visitors and locals alike!
When asked what his favorite part about working at Old Pike Cottages is, Gundy says it’s the great coworkers that make the job so enjoyable. Outside of work, he enjoys woodworking and gardening, two hobbies that perfectly reflect his creative and hands-on personality. If you ask him for local recommendations, he suggests checking out the dune rides or grabbing a meal at The Red Dock to soak in the great views of Lake Kalamazoo. And when it comes to favorite units on property, The Bugatti house at OPC takes the top spot.
If you’re looking to squeeze in a good workout in while on vacation, be sure to check-out his wife April’s gym at Encompass Wellness!
Barb has been part of the team at Old Pike Cottages since the summer of 2020, and this year marks her sixth summer helping make the property feel welcoming, fun, and full of personality! She describes Old Pike Cottages as “a special place and team,” and says her favorite part about working here is that all of her coworkers are great and that everyone genuinely has fun while they work together.
Outside of work, Barb stays busy with a long list of hobbies and creative passions. She loves camping, riding E-bikes, gardening, reading books, and even singing in her friend’s band. If you’re looking for her favorite local spots, she recommends:
-Wicks
-The Corner Bar
-Any local beaches, and really anywhere with live music or karaoke.
Her favorite property is the Paddlewheel Penthouse, located on the river in the heart of downtown Saugatuck!
Barb
Since joining Old Pike Cottages in April 2022, Gabby has loved the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by both the staff and the guests who visit the lakeshore each season. What she enjoys most about OPC is its connection to nature — the peaceful lake views, fresh air, and stunning sunsets that reflect across the water each evening. To her, Old Pike Cottages is a place where the noise of everyday life fades away and guests can truly relax and reconnect with the beauty of the outdoors.
When recommending local favorites around town, Gabby suggests dining at:
-Wally’s Bar & Grill
-Wicks Park Bar & Grille
-The Mitten Brewing Company.
For outdoor adventures, Oval Beach remains her favorite destination, thanks to its beautiful shoreline and scenic dune backdrop perfect for hiking and exploring.
Gabby’s favorite cottage at Old Pike is the Durant, which she describes as feeling peaceful and tucked away in nature while still being just steps from the fun and social atmosphere around the property.
Outside of work — and balancing the demands of nursing school — Gabby enjoys boating out on the lake and taking long walks with the people they love most!
Gabby
Tessa joined Old Pike Cottages in September 2023 and quickly fell in love with the welcoming atmosphere that makes OPC feel more like a family than a workplace. One of her favorite things about working here is how involved and caring the staff are when it comes to making sure every guest has an amazing stay. She also loves the beautiful views and unbeatable location along the lakeshore.
Some of Tessa’s favorite local spots include:
-Oval Beach
-The Butler
-Tower Marine
-The Red Dock Cafe
-The Cove
Whether it’s spending time on the water, enjoying lakeside dining, or relaxing at the beach, she loves everything that makes summers in Saugatuck special.
Her favorite properties are the Paddlewheel Penthouse of Relax Rentals, overlooking the river, and the Winton cottage - especially for its large picture window with peaceful waterfront views.
Outside of work, Tessa enjoys spending time with friends and family, boating, roller skating, going to the beach, and watching sunsets along the lakeshore.
Tessa
Caralyn
Since joining Old Pike Cottages in April 2024, Caralyn has loved being part of such a welcoming and positive team environment. She describes OPC as one of the friendliest places she’s ever worked — a clean, relaxing atmosphere with a staff that genuinely enjoys working together and helping guests have the best stay possible.
Some of her favorite local spots around Saugatuck include:
-Oval Beach
-Mount Baldhead Park
-and the many unique shops and boutiques throughout downtown Saugatuck. (Catch her mom working hard at the lovely Polkadot Mitten!!)
Whether spending the day outdoors or exploring town, she loves the laid-back charm of the lakeshore community.
Her favorite properties at Old Pike are the Durant Cottage and the Bugatti House, both for their cozy atmosphere, beautiful views, and relaxing lakeside feel.
Outside of work, she enjoys going to the gym, cleaning and organizing, and most of all, helping others and bringing a little extra joy to people’s day whenever she can.