About Us

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OUR TRUSTED PARTNERS

Our Story

Meet Phil & Casey

From a single Galena retreat to a multi-state collection

What began in late 2017 as Boutique Homes of Galena; a small collection of character-filled retreats has grown into The Boutique Home Group, spanning Illinois, Southwest Michigan, Chicago, and Arizona.

Every home in our portfolio is designed with intention and care. Whether you're planning a quiet weekend escape or gathering with family, we focus on hands-on hospitality to make every stay seamless.

Some information

Our History

Where we started out

We’re Phil & Casey, the dynamic team behind The Boutique Home Group. What began back in late 2017 as Boutique Homes of Galena—a small collection of cozy, character-filled retreats—has grown into a thoughtfully curated portfolio of unique vacation rentals across Illinois, Michigan, Arizona, and Texas. Whether you're seeking a quiet weekend escape or a luxurious getaway, each of our homes is designed to deliver comfort, style, and a touch of charm. Every detail is intentional, every space welcoming—because we believe your stay should feel nothing short of exceptional.

Real Estate Licensing

Real Estate Broker

Phil a licensed real estate broker in Illinois (License No. 475.191488) and Michigan ('The Boutique Home Group' Company License No. 6504432118). He is fully qualified to handle all aspects of your property management needs while ensuring full compliance with state and local regulations.

The National Association of Realtors Member

Designation

I am a proud member of the National Association of Realtors®, which means I uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in every aspect of my work. As an active real estate professional, I am committed to following the NAR Code of Ethics. This ensures that you receive honest, ethical, and reliable service every step of the way.

The Boutique Home Group

What makes us the best?

The Boutique Home Group is a boutique short-term rental management company built on the belief that quality always outperforms quantity. We specialize in managing high-performing vacation homes across markets like Galena, Illinois and South Haven, Michigan, combining local expertise with data-driven pricing, standout marketing, and hands-on operations. Unlike larger firms that scale by volume, we intentionally limit the number of homes we manage so every property gets the attention it deserves.

Guest Experiences

Loved by Guests

Over 500 reviews with a 4.93 average rating across our collection

We stayed for 3 nights and it was wonderful. The drive can seem intimidating but we definitely got the hang of it after the first day. The views are spectacular. The house was very clean and we had no issues at all. Phil was very proactive in reaching out to us for whatever we needed. We also appreciated the availability for a later check out. Check in & check out instructions were clear and simple. Thank you Phil for giving us an amazing place to stay during our visit to Galena!

Emily T.

The Golf View, October 2026

Upper Level King Retreat: Tranquil bedroom with stunning views, plush bedding, and warm decor!

This place could be a real gem with the right cleaning crew and manager. Phil seemed nice enough, but had excuses for why the place was dirty and why he was stressed due to problems at another property. Here is the list of issues: Grill was dirty, 1 bathroom hair and gunk on the base of shower, bathroom shampoo holder fell and spilled all over floor, freezer leaked, no ice for the entirety of our stay cobwebs on kitchen ceiling, and several other things. The cleaners need to pay more attention to details. They need to lift the rugs to clean under them--- that was gross! On the Good side--- Great Location, nice condo if kept up properly, right on the water by the boats! We feel that we deserve a partial refund for all of the issues we contacted Phil about and didn't get repaired, replaced or just didn't show up with the ice trays. We ended up having a wonderful time, but had to ignore many things. 20% refund, perhaps?

Kathy D.

The Marina Vista, October 2026

Phil was very flexible with us checking in early, he responded quickly, and was very friendly. Will stay here again!

Kerri O.

The MidMod of The Lake, October 2026

4.9 from 1181 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you pet friendly?

Yes! We love our furry friends and all of our homes are pet friendly for a small additional fee.

What services are included in vacation rental management?

Full-service management: dynamic pricing, professional photography, listing creation on Airbnb + Vrbo, 24/7 guest support, vetted cleaning teams, maintenance coordination, restocking, and monthly owner statements. You own the house — we handle the rest.

How much does vacation rental management cost?

Our commission rates start at just 15% of booked revenue only — no upfront fees. Exact rates depend on the home and services. Email us for a free rental projection!

What group sizes can you accommodate?

We offer homes for the single traveller all the way through to large groups of 14 people.

What areas does The Boutique Home Group serve?

Our office is based in Chicago, Illinois and we manage vacation rentals across the Midwest, including Northwest Illinois, Southwest Michigan and more! We also work with owners in parts of TX and AZ!

Do you work with Airbnb, Vrbo, and direct bookings?

Yes. We optimize and manage your listing on Airbnb and Vrbo, and can help set you up on our direct booking site to save you platform fees.

What makes The Boutique Home Group different from large property managers?

You get Phil, not a call center! We’re boutique by design and only take on a limited number of homes so we can treat each one like our own. Our goal is more net income for you, not just more bookings.

I don't see the perfect home for me. What should I do?

Reach out to us - we are adding new properties to our collection all the time!

Are early check-in's / late check out's available?

Yes, but subject to availability and a small additional hourly rate.

Are there any additional charges?

The price you see when booking is the price you'll pay including all taxes and fees. However, if you choose an 'add on' such as bringing a pet or pool heating, this will be a separate charge.

Are you qualified to manage my property for me?

Absolutely! Phil is a licensed real estate professional in IL & MI!

Ready to Plan Your Stay?

Explore our boutique vacation rentals across Galena, Southwest Michigan, Chicago, and Arizona.