Lakefront living: Cottage Works expands into retail location.

Julie VanDyke.

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By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief.

AMBER TWP. — Dann and Julie VanDyke fell in love with Mason County and its many inland lakes. In 2003, Dann and Julie bought a cottage on Lost Lake in Eden Township. They were living in Allendale at the time and came up to their cottage, south of Scottville, on weekends. Finally, they realized that they would rather live here, then there. They packed up their two children and found new jobs in Mason County.

The entrepreneurial spirit, and the recession, prompted Dann to start a business, Cottage Works LLC, providing service to cottage owners. The services included dock installation, boat tending or other work that needed to be down around cottages.  Cottage Works services hundreds of area cottages and cottage owners.

The business has now expanded to a retail location, at 1795 W. U.S. 10-31, between Amber and Quarterline roads, which features decor for interiors and exteriors of lakefront homes.

The store features unique products that range from lounge chairs, wall decorations, beach towels, docks and rafts.

The purpose behind the service end of the business, Julie said, is to provide a business that allows the homeowner to relax when they are at their lakefront cottage, rather than worrying about maintenance. The retail location provides one stop shopping, helping that lakefront owner to have a little retail therapy as well as relaxation.

On Thursday, April 16, Cottage Works will hold an open house from 2 to 4 p.m., with a ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. The store will be open Thursday – Saturday. For more information, visit www.yourCottageWorks.com.