Turning Dreams into Destinations: The Linda Lamb Story with Anchor Point

Linda and Family with Former Secretary of State Ezra Taft Benson, circa 1957

If you drive along South Haven's North Shore Drive in the summertime, chances are you'll see Linda Lamb in a front yard, pulling weeds or tending to blooming flowers. Most real estate investors contract this type of work out and stay far away during turnover time, but then, Linda Lamb is not like most real estate investors. Hailing from a family of Ohio dairy farmers, Linda is no stranger to hard work, and she is known to roll up her sleeves and personally ensure that every detail of her property is perfect.

Although not a designer by trade, Linda has curated her homes with a professional decorator's eye, creating four masterpiece vacation rental properties along the shores of Lake Michigan. Reflecting on their stay at Linda's "Lamb Guest," property, a guest once described their experience like staying with an indulgent aunt. This dedication to her properties stems from Linda's own upbringing and desire to provide memorable vacations for others.

"Growing up on a dairy farm, I remember our one family vacation to Washington D.C. in a Woody Station Wagon with my two older brothers and parents." During her college years at The Ohio State University, Linda was surprised to learn that many people took regular vacations—skiing in Boulder every winter, escaping Ohio's brutal winters in Florida, or spending summers by the lake. "Living in a sorority and seeing my sisters frequently leave with their families was eye-opening," Linda said, admitting, "I was envious, having never experienced those kinds of vacations or childhood memories.

"When I later moved to Kalamazoo for work, I knew it wouldn't be my long-term home. I recall visiting South Haven while living in Chicago and feeling overwhelmed with emotion, as if I'd found heaven. After moving to Kalamazoo, I continued to search for a home in South Haven, but the 2008 crash complicated things. My realtor, Jackson Matson, and I searched for years without success."

In 2010, while considering a different house on the north side that just didn't feel right, Linda noticed a beautiful two-story Charleston across the street with a "For Sale" sign. Her realtor had opted not to show it to her due to the price, but Linda says she just had to see it. "It was perfect but beyond my budget," Linda reflects—but Jackson had another idea, suggesting Linda offset expenses by offering it to travelers as a vacation rental home. "After discussing it with my older brother, who was open to the idea," Linda recalls, "things started aligning."

"As my father's 90th birthday approached, we celebrated early at the Henckel cottage on Washington, which increased my excitement about purchasing the dream home. My entire family walked through it, and it was perfect. My brother and I continued to explore properties in Saugatuck and Douglas," the final decision emerging from a pros and cons list they drafted at the Saugatuck Brewery. They closed on Inn Like a Lamb in August of 2010. "We refinished the floors, installed appliances, and added furniture." 

Although not a decorator, Linda quickly adapted. Using pieces from her old home and her daughter's decorating expertise, they laid the foundation for the house. They added a garage, a pool, and finished the basement for their first rental. "It was amazing how many people wanted to stay there, and I cherished reading the guest book, reliving the vacations I missed growing up. I love spoiling my guests!"

In 2015, Linda purchased her second property and has since expanded to own four beautifully curated homes in South Haven, all available for rent and professionally managed by Anchor Point Premier Vacations. Linda's journey from a dairy and cattle farm to managing a portfolio of vacation rentals exemplifies her dedication, hard work, and passion for creating unforgettable experiences for her beloved guests.

Contact Anchor Point Premier Vacations for more information or to receive a quote to stay at one of Linda Lamb's charming Lake Michigan homes.

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