The story of Yiayia’s Cottage began in the early 1960s when Gust J. Afendoulis — a WWII Navy veteran — and his wife Magdalene purchased the home on South Harbor Drive in Grand Haven, MI. Gust and his brother Nick had been lifeguards here in the 1940s and spent summers on these shores before leaving to serve in the war. After returning, they built a life in Grand Rapids, running a restaurant and later managing the Elks Club in Grand Haven.
When the property came up for sale, Gust and Magdalene knew it was meant to be theirs. Over time, Gust — an avid carpenter — made changes that gave the house its warm, inviting character. In 1984, Magdalene moved in full-time, filling the home with love and family gatherings.
After Magdalene moved to assisted living in 2007, the home transitioned from a private residence into a vacation rental, allowing others to enjoy the same sunsets, beach walks, and small-town charm the Afendoulis family has cherished for decades.
In Greek, Yiayia means “grandmother.” The cottage was named in honor of Magdalene, the family matriarch, to reflect the love, care, and warmth she poured into her home.
Earlier generations referred to it as “YiaYia’s,” but that spelling is actually a casual Greek word for “health.” We’ve since restored the proper spelling — Yiayia — to honor our heritage and the true meaning behind the name.
Our family roots trace back to Greek Christians from Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Traditions of hospitality, known as philoxenia — “friend to the stranger” — shape how we welcome our guests. Every stay at Yiayia’s is guided by this spirit of generosity and care.
We believe a great vacation is about more than where you stay — it’s about how you’re welcomed. At Yiayia’s Cottage, we strive to make every guest feel like part of our extended family.
We’re committed to providing a clean, comfortable, and fully stocked home, while also being available if you need anything during your stay. Whether it’s your first time in Grand Haven or your tenth, we want your experience to be easy, memorable, and full of joy.
