Community Highlights: Meet Peggy Van Wagoner of INISFREE ESTATE

Today we’d like to introduce you to Peggy Van Wagoner. 

Hi Peggy, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
We purchased Inisfree in September 2016, not knowing exactly what our plans were. We soon realized that we wanted to create a beautiful venue and bed and breakfast where we could share Inisfree with others. Our historic farm dates back to 1893 – and today, the Historic barn, farmhouse, hen house, and outhouse all remain. Much care has been devoted to renovate our structures for today’s lifestyle while maintaining the character and charm of a bygone era. 

We spent 2 years with the township obtaining our licensing and renovating the barn to open the venue. July 14, 2019, was our grand opening. Later that fall, we began construction on the Pond View Pavilion. Not only do we have beautiful outdoor gardens for ceremonies, but the pavilion offers a plan B for our weddings and events in case of inclement weather. 

Our next phase, which was completed this past fall 2022 – was to expand our Bed & Breakfast – now offers 10 luxury suites. Our “Select Registry ” bed & breakfast not only complements the venue but is a wonderful getaway for couples all year. Our boutique resort features a pool, pool house, bocce ball, putting green, hot tub, croquet lawn, fire pit, and much more. We also have walking trails and a vineyard for guests to enjoy. 

Situated on 30 private acres – just 4 miles from Lake Michigan, we are located between South Haven and Saugatuck/Douglas. Numerous wineries, blueberry farms, orchards, breweries, artists’ studios are our neighbors. So many things our area offers – from the picturesque coastal villages, sand dunes, Lake Michigan beaches, Blueberry Festival, and Tulip Time in Holland. The list goes on and on – we are so happy to be a part of SW Michigan. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Inisfree Farm Venue and Bed & Breakfast was a new business – not an existing business. So, we started from scratch and yes – we definitely have had our share of challenges along the way. 

Township licensing took 2 1/2 years. Casco Township Board only meets once a month, so we had to wait weeks before moving on. 

As soon as we opened the business – July 2019, COVID came full force. Fortunately, we were considered an outdoor venue so we could remain open, however, we were brand new. So had to build any business during a very difficult period. 

Construction is never super easy. But this past year – 2021/2022 – proved to be the hardest. We were in the middle of construction when the effect of COVID hit the building industry super hard. Our costs escalated exponentially, and the labor was also very challenging. 

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Inisfree Farm is a Luxury Resort Venue with Bed & Breakfast accommodations. We are located on 30 private acres – just 4 miles to Lake Michigan between Saugatuck and South Haven. Our close proximity to Chicago (2 hours), the Detroit area (3 hours), and Grand Rapids airport (1 hour), makes our location ideal for guests arriving throughout the Midwest and beyond. 

September 2016 – the year we bought Inisfree Farm – not a business at the time. Not only were we impressed by the property, but we were mesmerized by the craftsmanship of our 1893 barn. Although it was not in great condition at the time of purchase, our appreciation for the dedication and determination it must have taken to build such a magnificent structure made it apparent that we needed to preserve and share the beauty of Inisfree with others. 

After 2 1/2 years working with the township, our dream became a reality on July 14, 2019. Our grand opening of Inisfree Farm Luxury Resort Venue finally happened. South Haven Garden Club asked if we would consider being on their roster for Garden Tours, which happened to be that same weekend. With an influx of 500 guests visiting Inisfree, we were off to a running start. 

But as time would tell – COVID made its grand entrance also. Businesses were being closed due to Covid. We were considered an “outdoor” venue, so fortune was on our side. We hosted our first weddings and one 50th anniversary that summer. Since then, we have hosted over 100 weddings, fundraisers, theatrical plays, and family reunions. 

My college career was focused on marketing, advertising, and promotions. But my passion was always in hospitality and design, which I have been pursuing all along. So, when the opportunity presented itself, we knew Inisfree would be perfect as a Historical venue and a beautiful Bed & Breakfast. We have continually improved and expanded the venue and Bed & Breakfast accommodations while preserving and respecting the character and charm of a bygone era. 

Inisfree Farm is both a Luxury Event Venue and a Select Registry Bed & Breakfast. Our Bed & Breakfast is open year-round for private stays or as part of an event. As proud members of Select Registry, Distinguished Inns of North America, we are part of a diverse collection of boutique inns who meet stringent rules and regulations to deliver a level of personalized service, quality, and one-of-a-kind experiences to our guests. 

With the recent addition to our Bed & Breakfast, we now offer ten luxury suites to enhance the experience of your time at Inisfree. Each morning guests enjoy a gourmet breakfast in the Garden Gate Café. Just recently, we expanded our food and beverage services throughout the day -for lunch, tea, and reservation only dinners. 

Our luxury venue proudly features the Historic 1893 Barn, the new Pond View pavilion (2021), and the outdoor gardens and grounds. Couples are free to choose their preferred setting for ceremony, dinner, and cocktail hour – (Inisfree Barn, pavilion, Butterfly Garden, Peace Garden, vineyard, or elsewhere on the property). 

From black tie to a more casual affair, from large to small weddings, or a weekend Destination Wedding – Inisfree is the ideal blend of rustic elegance! In addition to the more traditional weddings, we also offer elopement celebrations from 4 to 25 guests. Our “Simply Elegant” celebrations are specifically designed for 50 guests in a 5- or 7-hour time frame. Whatever your desire, Inisfree Resort Venue is a blank canvas waiting for you to make it uniquely yours. 

Our full-service venue is conducive for business retreats, meetings, and gatherings. With a designated fiberoptic Wi-Fi internet, our clients can livestream sessions as they happen. There are several main areas for larger groups and plenty of smaller rooms for breakout sessions. The grounds are immaculate and ideal for special luncheons, cocktail hour, or group sessions. The fire pit is always available. 

With the fully equipped kitchen and a full-service bar, our exclusive catering service provided by Gilmore Catering in Grand Rapids will take your event to the next level. They are known for their professionalism in both service and food preparation and quality. 

Inisfree is a destination venue – the perfect source to refresh, rejuvenate and restore. It is the place for business teams to gather, stay over, create and formulate new thoughts and ideas for future business and/or personal growth. There is no traffic noises or busyness of city life to distract you. 

Our resort-size pool, hot tub, bocce ball, putting green, fire pit, walking trails, croquet lawn, and gardens will offer you many hours of outdoor pleasure. Perfect gardens for yoga or you may simply enjoy a quiet spot on one of two of our inviting Southern verandahs. Whatever you want your time to be at Inisfree, it can be! Let Your Spirit Soar at Inisfree! 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
We love our location. Only 4 miles to Lake Michigan – so we typically get the gentle breezes from the lake without being blown away! Our strategic location makes our setting unique and perfect. It is quiet yet in the middle of SW Michigan wine country and only minutes from our coastal villages. South Haven is to the south – 1o minutes and Saugatuck/Douglas – only 15 minutes to the North. Holland is an easy 30-minute drive, and Grand Rapids – just 1 hour. Kalamazoo is only 45 minutes away. Chicago – 2 hours and Detroit – 3 hours. 

So many things to do and see in our area – any season – there are numerous activities to offer – sand dunes, wineries, sleigh rides, horseback riding, carriage rides, boating, swimming, beach days, picnics, etc. 

The thing I like least – is that many restaurants close for the winter. 

Pricing:

• Venue – Varies depends on day
• B & B – online booking $315 – 395 nightly

Contact Info:

• Website: inisfreeestate.com
• Instagram: @inisfreeestate
• Facebook: @inisfreeestate
• Linkedin: linktr.ee/inisfree
• Twitter: @inisfree1893

Image Credits
thewildphern.com
monikaandersonphotography.com
zahnowphotography.com
neriphoto.com
leathemphotography.com
Dana Walsh photography