Location: South Haven, Southwest, Michigan, USA (Lake Michigan Beach Over the Majestic Dunes)
Accommodations: Cottage, 3 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 8-10)
Why settle for just any beach cottage? Experience the best of both worlds: A very private little cottage in the woods on the corner of unpaved short roads that dead end into the dunes, nestled in the beautiful critical sand dunes of Lake Michigan; and yet just minutes south from downtown South Haven. It's a quiet place where families and husbands and wives can unwind from over-busy schedules, reconnect with each other, read stories together, roast marshmallows or pop popcorn over the campfire, or just swing in the hammock or the wooden canopied glider. You can climb over the unspoiled dunes or take a stroll on the meandering path through the woods around the dunes to get to that unsurpassed view of Lake Michigan where you can play in the Lake, on the beach or walk along the uncrowded, wide sugar sand beach.
Available all year long, experience all kinds of water activities in the summer, crisp fresh air and colorful leaves in the fall, sledding down the dunes in the winter (which can be breathtaking), wildflowers and delicate new leaves unfolding in the spring, and, of course, the Lake Michigan sunsets, which are painted uniquely each evening, no matter which season you are at the cottage. You won't be the same when you go home from this quiet, uncrowded and peaceful place. The cottage is situated in a small community of unpaved roads and is bordered on the south by a state park and backs up to undeveloped land on the north. Make this year the beginning of your family vacation tradition at this cottage in the woods.
It is the fourth cottage from the dunes and was totally renovated in 2008 with vaulted ceilings, new bathrooms, kitchen with granite countertops and a breakfast bar, hardwood flooring, appliances, mattresses, paint, decor, an outdoor shower with hot and cold water, etc. It has 3 bedrooms, sleeping eight with a queen bed in the master bedroom, and a twin/full bunk bed in each of the other two bedrooms. The living room has a daybed which is a twin bed with a twin trundle underneath which pulls out and lifts up to the height of the daybed, sleeping two more for a total of 10. The detached Summer House with its large windows adds about 200sf of additional seasonal living space providing a terrific place for bug-free and weather protected dining with a large table and 8 rocker chairs. It is also a great place to play games, read or take a snooze.
The town of South Haven is just minutes away, a great bike ride. There you will find many more people, the blue stairway to South beach, the lighthouse, concessions and the wonderful riverwalk along the channel, a great spot to sit with an ice cream cone and watch all the different kinds of boats coming and going. The downtown area has plenty of shopping opportunities, delicious restaurants, a bakery that can't be beat and a seasonal Farmer's Market which overflows with fresh local produce and flowers. The Good Ship is docked at the Maritime Museum and can be booked for sailings; jet ski, canoe and kayak rentals can also be found downtown. The Kal-Haven trailhead begins in South Haven and the Black River is ready for canoe and kayak use.
Life along Lake Michigan is an unforgettable experience, to say the least, but to have an opportunity to actually live amongst those pristine sand dunes along the Lake is beyond comparison with in-town rentals. This is the third year this rental property has been offered, so don't wait too long to make your plans to spend a week or more in the summer or even just a couple of days in the other seasons. Your time here can make a world of difference when you go back home to your everyday life. We are sure you will want to come back year after year to climb those magnificent dunes, roast marshmallows over the fire in the fire pit, play catch together in the yard, walk the beach, hike area nature trails, and whatever else you enjoy. Just imagine the memories!
It takes approximately 4-5 minutes to walk from the cottage to the dune access and then another 3-4 minutes to get through the stunning dune area to the beach. Most of us have to climb, rest, climb, rest, etc. to get to the top of the dunes. The exhilarating effort involved is well worth it once you get to the top, see the magnificent view and then get to go down the other side! It takes about 9-10 minutes to walk from the cottage on the path through the woods around the dunes to get to the beach. The times given above are based on my walking and I am 58 years old. Two other options for Lake access are South Beach which is just a few minutes' drive away in town and Van Buren State Park which is just down the road and there is a paved path that goes right down to the beach.
Our other cottage in this same neighborhood is VRBO #161098. They are about a 3 minute walk from each other. Consider renting both of our cottages for larger groups providing a sleeping arrangement for 16-20. What fun that would be!!
Check out the link to our website at the bottom of this listing.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided: We pay close attention to the condition of all of our linens and towels and they are replaced right away when necessary.
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Stove: We have a beautiful blue Vermont Castings wood stove with double doors and a screen so it can be used as a fireplace. Some firewood is supplied to get you started on your stay. There is additional firewood to purchase just down the road. We request that you do not bring your own firewood.
- Beds
- Queen Bed: In the master bedroom
- Double Bed: These are the bottom beds on the bunk beds in 2 of the bedrooms
- Twin/Single Bed: 2 of these are top bunks in 2 bedrooms. 2 of these are the trundle daybed in the living room
- Bunk Bed: Two of the bedrooms each have a full of the bottom and twin on the top bunkbed.
- Convertible Bed: This is the trundle daybed in the living room which provides the other two twin beds.
- Entertainment
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided: All equipment was new in 2008. Quality stainless steel and glass, no plastic or aluminum. There is a family size electric griddle.
- Refrigerator: Full size.
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio: This is covered with a pergola to provide some shade and lattice work on the side for added privacy.
- Gazebo: We actually call this the Summer House which adds about 200 sq.ft of seasonal living space. It is more like a detached 3 seasons porch which is all enclosed with very large windows and a dining table with 8 rocker chairs for bug-free and weather protected eating enjoyment. It is also an absolutely terrific place to play games or do some reading or maybe even take a snooze.
- Communications
- Telephone: Local calls only.
- Other Amenities
- Our 'mountains' are made of sand! You can see the sand dunes from the cottage. There is also a great fire pit to enjoy. The cottage is equipped with family books to read and indoor games to play along with tetherball and horseshoes outside for some good old fashioned fun! There is a small cooler and 9 folding chairs (one is a child size) you may take to the beach.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters: We prefer not to rent to singles under the age of 25.
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Parasailing
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Biking
- Downhill/Alpine Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Snowmobiling
- Sledding/Tubing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseshoes
- Miniature golf
- Other Activities
- Lots of seasonal festivals, many featuring the local produce from the area, wonderful outdoor ice skating rink in downtown South Haven, bowling, seasonal Farmer's Market
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Sep.8,2009-June 10, 2010........$175/night, (2 night min)......... $ 1050/week
June 11, 2010-Sep.6, 2010............week minimum stay.........$1800/week.
$300 deposit holds booking until January 15, 2010.
We will rent nightly (2 night min.) during the summer season, $300/night.
$300 refundable security deposit on all rentals. 3 night min. on holiday week-ends
Deposit of 1/2 weekly rental to hold reservation, due within 7 days of booking.
Balance due 30 days before check-in or reservation will be released.
Check-in after 6:00pm Friday (no early). Check-out before 1:00pm Friday (no late)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Property Photos
- Delightful cottage a short walk from the Lake - South Haven, MI Vacation Rentals
- Relax comfortably in the Living Room - South Haven, MI Vacation Rentals
- The full Kitchen will more than satisfy your needs - South Haven, MI Vacation Rentals
- Master bedroom
- Newly remodeled Bathrooms complete with heated floors
- Second Bedroom redone
- Third Bedroom
- Brand new bathroom
- Another view of the Cottage
- Breezy 200sf Summer House for delightful dining
- Firepit Area
- Descending to the wide beach and mesmerizing Lake
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #168621
There have been 11122 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2008.
This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - November 17, 2009
