Get a Glimpse of This Dreamy Cottage by the Bay

nautical and floral decor in cottage by the bay

Written by Kelly McMaster

Photography by Mark Lohman

Styled by Sunday Hendrickson

A woman’s longtime dream-home destination finally comes true.

Falling asleep to the sound of waves lapping on the shore and waking to the sunrise streaming through large picture windows are just two simples pleasure this charming cottage offers its owner. Built in 1942, this dreamy cottage by the bay, a three-bedroom, one-bath home, beckons with cozy comfort from every inch of its 1,152 square feet.

dock of dreamy cottage by the bay — Island Views. Man-made Gull Island can be seen from Beth’s dock. “My kids and grandkids have tried to paddle boat to it, but it’s a bit too far,” Beth says.

Located at the end of a quiet street just north of Bay City, Michigan, it sits beautifully on Saginaw Bay. Known for its abundance of walleye, yellow perch and whitefish, the Bay attracts fishermen and women along with beachgoers who enjoy the sandy shores.

white and blue table with green accents in cottage by the bay

nautical painting and light blue plant pott on vintage furniture in cottage by the bay

For Beth Jeske, it was a dream come true to find the property. “I had always dreamed of living on the water one day. For years, I’d collected items at antiques stores and flea markets to save for my future cottage. On Sundays, I would take long drives looking for properties that might be for sale. On one lucky Sunday drive, I saw the ‘for sale’ sign and jumped at the opportunity,” Beth recalls.

bayside cottage with seahorse table base

Making Memories at the Dreamy Cottage by the Bay

“There are many aspects of this house that I love, but most dear to me are the memories I created with my family,” she says. From the chalkboard wall with all our names signed on it to the seashells collected by my grandchildren and the family gatherings we had out on the beach. Together, we’ve collected memories, just like I collected all those items for my future cottage over the years.”

view to the bay from interior of cottage by the bay

All of Beth’s treasures combine to make a very eclectic and individualized aesthetic. “I love unique pieces that were made with love. Handmade quilts, floral oil paintings, tramp art with hearts, primitive pieces, Italian tole and Florentine-style art works are among my favorites,” she says. “I try to decorate with things that are tied to memories or make me smile.”

A Festive, Modern Collected Farmhouse

bowl of peaches in cottage by the bay — Peachy Pretty. Beth makes a practice of using her green vintage bowls and a beloved blue-and-white spongeware pitcher often, instead of leaving them on the shelf.

Beth’s journey of turning her dream into her reality is an inspiring testament to the power of determination and visualization. Envisioning herself there, collecting treasures with the mindset that she will someday live in her cottage by the bay and taking her Sunday drives to make sure she wouldn’t miss an opportunity to make it happen all combined to bring it to pass. Her story is a real-life example of the philosophy that “If you can dream it, you can achieve it.”

display cabinet with serveware and thread in cottage — Knot Really. It’s hard to believe the entire
cottage was once knotty pine. Beth hired a friend
to paint all of it in a creamy butter white, except
the kitchen, which is cozy as is.

cabinets of dishware and collectibles in cottage by the bay

turquoise and teal flea market decor finds in cottage by the bay — Green Goodness. Shades of green provide ease for the eyes around Beth’s fireplace. A favorite tole tray, a family initial and a stately green vase all provide interest and fun.

flea market collectibles on shelf in cottage by the bay — Blooming Keepsakes. Beth is drawn to florals in all things— clocks, china, trays, quilts, vessels and ceramics—and they make for a gorgeous and cheery aesthetic.

bedroom with white and blue bedspread and white cream beadboard walls in cottage by the bay

cabinet of quilts in cottage by the bay — Cozy Quilts. Beth’s love for quilts started many years ago, when her great-aunt made her an appliqué baby quilt. “There were always vintage quilts on the beds in my grandma‘s farmhouse and also several in the home where I grew up,” she says. “I love the feel of cotton and my sister and I would use them as beach blankets as teens. They are always one of the first things I look for when I go antiquing. Most of mine are appliqué, made around the 1930s to 1940s.”

floral bedspread and potted flowers in cottage — In the Pink. Beth uses a pink bench at the foot of the bed that makes a perfect spot for a potted plant and a cool drink. Her favorite Ralph Lauren bedspread coordinates beautifully.

white and blue decor in cottage by the bay — Cute Corners. Beth adorns every corner of her cottage, like this one, with a sign from a dear friend, a piece of tramp artwork, a chippy corner cabinet, vintage canisters in robin’s-egg blue and a chubby chalkware bird.

Did You Know?

Saginaw Bay, Michigan, is rich with history.

Saginaw Bay is located within Lake Huron and spans 1,070 square miles.
The Ojibwe people settled the land originally and ultimately it became part of the Michigan Territory in 1805.
Charity Island and Little Charity Island are both in the middle of the bay and provide excellent fishing.
Bay City State Park offers more than 1,000 feet of sandy beach and a spray park.

If you loved this dreamy cottage by the bay, don’t miss This Colorful Cottage Will Put a Smile on Your Face. Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest for more updates and flea market inspiration.