By Petula Brown
The vibrant red and warm golden foliage of autumn heading west on I-96 was a calming backdrop for a three-hour drive to Holland. Known for its annual tulip festival, the city provides visitors a chance to experience a slower pace year-round. While the greater Holland area offers a variety of activities, central Holland has its share of historical, recreational, and cosmopolitan offerings. Within walking distance of these experiences is Bonnie’s Parsonage 1908 Bed and Breakfast, an accommodation alternative with ties to the area’s Dutch heritage.
Nestled in a residential neighborhood, the Parsonage is immediately recognizable by its white arch in the courtyard entrance and lush gardens. Both are an early indication of the attention to detail that exemplifies the property. Interior features such as dark oak woodwork and leaded glass windows are credited to the Prospect Park Christian Reform Church. With roots in the Dutch Reformed Church of the Netherlands, the Prospect Park Church built the home in 1908 to provide a residence for its minister and the site served in that capacity for several decades.
Purchased by Bonnie Verwiys in 1974, she spent ten years preparing the property for its opening as a bed and breakfast. Given its history, the Parsonage’s early 20th century tone has a sophisticated flair. Verwiys’ fondness for antiques (many acquired from Western Michigan shops) evident throughout the home. Guests can expect every room to have distinctive touches. In a sitting room adjacent to the formal dining room (where guests are welcomed to enjoy Verwiys’ signature-baked pancakes for breakfast), prominently displayed photos and artwork serve as a homage to Verwiys’ family . A crafty storyteller, Verwiys’ willingness to share her experiences and family history is a key element that distinguishes the Parsonage from more standard accommodations. The B&B’s stylistic yet homey vibe has been recognized nationally by Fodor’s and Midwest Living, while its gardens have received awards from local organizations.
The Parsonage’s tranquil garden nicely compliments the historical settings of the accommodations, transporting guests to a different era. During warmer seasons, guests can relax in an outdoor garden patio. A large foyer provides covered seating and a distinctive conversation piece—a dollhouse-sized version of the B&B. Two indoor sitting rooms provide a cozy space to watch television, enjoy music, or have quiet time before retiring to upstairs bedrooms. The elegant character of the Parson’s Room is defined by a dark walnut bed frame with a textured headboard that nearly touches the ceiling. Kimberly’s Room has floral accents and patterned wallpaper that radiates a whimsical spirit. Brian’s Room, formerly a study that shares a bath with Kimberly’s Room, has been dubbed the “Patriotic Room” with Americana-themed decor. Every room has unique and delicate features that would appeal to guests with an interest in history as a backdrop to their visit.
While the Holland area boasts several nature trails and beach areas, nearby green spaces provide walkable outdoor excursions from the Parsonage. Two blocks east of the B&B is Prospect Park. The nearly eight-acre plot was purchased by Holland citizens in 1901 to save native forest and sold to the City of Holland in 1907 for $1. Now mature trees dot a landscape that includes walking paths and picnic tables. A five-block walk northeast of the B&B leads to Rosa Parks Green. Home to a baseball field in the 1940s, the ADA accessible park now provides basketball courts, soccer fields, walking spaces, as well as picnic amenities. Walking through residential neighborhoods, visitors can feel a sense of connection with present-day Holland that contrasts with the historical focus of the B&B.
For guests interested in more cosmopolitan settings, a casual 30-minute walk north of the property ends in the heart of downtown Holland. Downtown Holland is ground zero for the annual tulip festival, but a range of dining and retail selections on 8th Street are available throughout the year . Can’t decide where to eat? Food lovers can sample a variety of culinary choices during walking excursions hosted by Holland Tasting Tours (hollandtastingtours.com). 8th Street is also home to the farmers market (check out their winter hours at hollandfarmersmarket.com), a favorite place to discover local vendors and performers while supporting local businesses.
Visitors to Holland may see shades of Ann Arbor. Both communities are home to academic institutions, have vibrant downtowns, host well known annual events, and offer green spaces for recreational activities. But Holland’s Dutch heritage provides a distinctive cultural experience unique to Western Michigan that’s close enough to Ann Arbor to provide an accessible weekend escape.
Bonnie's Parsonage 1908 Bed & Breakfast is located at 6 East 24th Street, Holland, Michigan 49423. The Innkeeper can be contacted at (616) 396-1316 or learn more about the Parsonage Bed and Breakfast at bbonline.com/united-states/michigan/holland/parsonage.html.
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