Location: St. Joseph, Southwest, Michigan, USA (Less Than 2 Hours from Chicago, 6 Miles North of St. Joseph)
Accommodations: Cottage, 1 Bedroom + Other (See Description), 1 Bath (Sleeps 4)
Lilac Cottage, named for its several lilac paintings by a local artist, is located on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan less than two hours from Chicago and only 30 miles north of South Bend in the St. Joseph/Benton Harbor area. It is reminiscent of the summer resort cottages of your youth—but with modern conveniences. After entering the lace curtained front door, you can relax or change into your bathing suits to walk down to the private, white sand beach of the east Lake Michigan shore. Sunbathe, swim, kayak, or take a leisurely stroll on the sand for miles. On a clear day you can see the St. Joseph lighthouse. You can watch spectacular sunsets from a swing on the bluff.
The Cottage itself is comfortably furnished with oriental rugs, William Morris custom curtains, several rockers, a sleeper sofa, and a leather armchair and ottoman. A sleeping niche, complete with curtains to “cabin” it off, has a day bed and trundle. The bedroom, with French doors that can create a private space in the open floor plan, couldn’t be cozier with its own CD player and TV/VCR/DVD player that can be rolled into the living room. Satellite TV and a video/DVD library are available. A wide selection of reading materials, along with numerous board games, are also provided. A complete music system, with diverse CD’s, is in the main room. For those chilly evenings, a Vermont castings wood-burning stove provides warmth.
The Bulthaup stainless steel kitchen is a cook’s dream. It is fully equipped, from an espresso maker to food processor. You are encouraged to pick fresh herbs from the raised herb beds at the main house next door. A Webber gas grill is also available on your south porch. The covered porch on the east side has table and chairs and is perfect for outdoor meals. A hanging double porch swing can create moments of tranquility.
Lilac Cottage is in the middle of Michigan orchard country where fresh fruit and vegetables abound. There are several local winemakers (and a "wine trail") as well as a “chocolate” garden nearby. St. Joseph boasts a topnotch small art museum, the Krasl Museum, that has frequent art show openings as well as classes. Benton Harbor has a rare public access glassblowing studio with a rich variety of week-end classes in glassblowing, bead making, and glass fusing, among other offerings, at Water Street Glassworks. The Box Factory for the Arts, home to dozens of artist studios, has live entertainment on week-ends. Benton Harbor even has its very own microbrewery—The Livery. A local restaurant has winetastings and other events, The Bistro at the Boulevard in St. Joseph. Cross country ski trails and nature trails are nearby at the Sarett Nature Center. Sarett also offers various classes year-round. In the summer a world-class Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf course is only a few miles away. You can find more information about these activities by searching their names.
Lilac Cottage is NON-SMOKING and is NOT suitable for children under the age of 14. A liability waiver must be executed prior to using the stairs to a private beach.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Wood Stove: Wood and starter logs provided for the Vermont Castings woodstove which also has a spark screen for viewing the fire.
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed: Day bed has a trundle bed
- Convertible Bed: Extremely comfortable Mitchell Gold queen size sleeper sofa
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Video Library
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Private Hot Tub
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: Bulthaup kitchen with SS refrigrator, 5-burner cooktop, oven, and dishwasher. Microwave, toaster, several types of coffeemakers, a food processor, and a blender are also provided.
- Cooking Utensils Provided: Set of Calphalon pots and pans along with a large saute pan and pasta pot. Heat resistant spatulas, whisks, tongs, whatever you might need also provided.
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Ice Maker
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Lanai
- View/Location
- Lake View: Only the main house stands between Lilac Cottage and the lakefront. Guests have access to all areas of the acre and a half property.
- Communications
- Computer: A small printer and paper available.
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- Pet Friendly: Pets must be approved in advance. There is a $25 pet cleaning fee.
- Not Suitable for Children
- Smoking Not Allowed: Absolutely no smoking; penalties will be assessed for violations.
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Waterskiing
- Jet Skiing
- Shelling
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Windsurfing
- Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Sledding/Tubing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Fitness Center/Gym
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Racquetball
- Basketball Court
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseshoes
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Bocce ball court, horseshoes, lawn bowling and croquet available
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
May-Sept: $225/night(3 night minimum), $250/weekend night(2 night minimum);
$1500 weekly; $5500 monthly
Oct-Apr: $200/night (3 night minimum); $1200 weekly; $4000 monthly
Pet cleaning fee $25
Security deposit of $100
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Property Photos
- View of Lake Michigan from your bluff - St. Joseph, Michigan Vacation Cottage
- Sleeping nook with day bed and trundle - St. Joseph, Michigan Vacation Cottage
- Bulthaup kitchen and stainless steel appliances - St. Joseph, Michigan Vacation Cottage
- Through French doors to the bedroom
- View of the east covered dining porch
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #180035
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This listing was first published here in 2008.
Date last modified - November 12, 2009
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