Location: South Haven, Southwest, Michigan, USA (Van Buren State Park, Next to North Point Conservation area) View Map
Accommodations: Cottage, 2 Bedrooms + No additional sleeping rooms avail, 1.25 Baths (Sleeps 5)
Keywords: Lake Michigan Dune Property
The "Sandbox" is a newer home fully air conditioned and heated . Very private and secluded located right next to State Park and surrounded by county land.You can walk to the Van Buren State Park, North Point Conservation area + Van Buren Bike/hiking trails. Experience the natural wonder of the MI dunes at your front door. Miles of Lake Michigan frontage located over the dunes in front of the Sandbox.Even when the wind is howling and the rain slashing, the dunes are stunningly beautiful.
They rise from the beach and run toward the interior in increasingly higher peaks and end at the Sandbox. Area is similiar to the Peaked Hill Bars Historic District(Cape Cod) created to protect not only the homes but also the way of life they enabled. The cottages at Peaked Hill attracted playwrights Eugene O'Neill, Tennessee Williams, and novelist Jack Kerouac all seeking space, solitude and beauty. These days you don't have to be an artist to enjoy the Sandbox-you just have to be lucky.
There are no concession stands here or noisey neighbors. Some come alone, others come with family and friends. Some come to write, paint, take pictures,others to heal, to think, to clear their heads, or to just enjoy a week by the Lake in a different latitude. Whatever they do here, whatever their reason for coming, the tracks they make should be their own!
One Bath plus an Outdoor shower( summer use )and wrap-around decks to enjoy the abundance of wildlife attracted to the Lake Michigan shoreline and the surrounding woods. View the deer, birds, fox and the famous "Black Squirrels of South Haven." Outdoor firepit located in the shadow of the frontal dune for privacy and seclusion.
This is a year round house available all year. It is an experience that few people have the opportunity to enjoy. Located in the "Critical Dunes" section of the shoreline of Lake Michigan protected from developers. Home is just as spectacular in the winter as in the summer.Don't just rent a summer cottage-this is a pristine area to be preserved for generations to come.
A wonderful opportunity for someone seeking to experience childhood memories of the shores of Lake MI and the thrill of the ever changing wonder of the dunes. Not your "typical" rental cottage. Learn what "true" beach living is all about you are part of it!! Forget having to "share" the beach, go hiking or skiing over magnificent ever-changing dunes with Lake Michigan and crystal-clear skies as your backdrop.
The "Sandbox" will enable you to enjoy an area that has been saved for future generations. Sit on your deck in the privacy of your own dune and watch the children play in your front yard. No worry about automobile traffic at the Sandbox, road deadends at the dune where it is located. The dune is active and is always recreating a new dunescape. Your neighbors are the shifting, whispering sands!
Ideal for that romantic weekend get-away or a place to forget about the stresses of everyday life. Your closest neighbor is a magnificent dune!
Access to beach thru private wooded trails or hike thru dune area.
. NO STAIR ACCESS! Private community and private access for those living in and around the
shoreline.
"These dunes are to the Midwest what the Grand Canyon is to Az-once lost, the loss will be irrevocable" Carl Sandburg
Sorry, NO PETS & NO SMOKING ALLOWED.
Need something large see listing#221441(South Beach+Kids
Corner)
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning
- Linens Provided : Bed linens only BEACH AND BATHING TOWELS NOT PROVIDED.
- Washer
- Dryer
- Off Street Parking
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Double Bed
- Bunk Bed
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV
- DVD
- VCR
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Other Amenities
- Central air conditioning and heat, No Pets, Due to dune access to Lake-home may not be suitable for the physically challenged, elderly or very young children. $100.00 extra housekeeping charge if home not left in good condition. $100.00 late check out fee.BEACH AND BATHING TOWELS NOT PROVIDED.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Minimum Age Limit for Renters
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Shopping
- Sailing
- Boating
- Jet Skiing
- Swimming
- Biking
- Cross Country Skiing
- Snowboarding
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Live Theatre
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Sledding/Tubing
- Hiking
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
CHECK IN TIME 3:00-5:00pm CHECK OUT TIME 11:00 am
Rates: $1650.00
$300.00 refundable security deposit on all rentals.
Must be over 25 years of age to rent property.
Rates based on number of guests-NO ADDITIONAL GUESTS.
Deposit of half wkly rental to hold res. within 7 days of booking
Balance due 3 weeks before occupying home.
$75.00 Cancellation fee charged on all cancellations.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 2004
Why the Owner Chose South Haven
Incredible frontal dune location. No neighbors to invade your space. South Haven is quaint you can do as much as you want or as little as you want truly the "Nantucket of the Midwest".
The Unique Benefits at this Cottage
Hike thur the dunes, North Point Conservation area(see website) Van Buren State Park and bike on the nearby Kal Haven Bike Trail. The home is the only property in the subdivision surrounded by the natural dunes. Private no traffic road with only 3 other homes sharing the roadway. The road deadends at the Sandbox and the dune situated in front of the home.
Home featured in Coastal Living Magazine 2005 upon completion of the residence and is still listed as one of the preferred vacation properties.
Owner's Map of South Haven
Retired real estate professional and carpenter contractor from the Western Suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Grew up boating on Lake Michigan and visiting harbor towns in Il, Mi, In, Wis and Cn.
Property Photos
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- Featured in Coastal Living Magazine - South Haven, MI - Michigan Vacation Rental - House on Lake Michigan
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- Viiew from the road at back of home. - South Haven, MI - Michigan Vacation Rental - House on Lake Michigan
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- After a day at the beach enjoy the outdoor shower and shady deck area. - South Haven, MI - Michigan Vacation Rental - House on Lake Michigan
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- All the charm of a Lakeside cottage but everything is new!!!
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- Beach rock fireplace and wood floors make the great room exceptional.
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- Views of frontal dunes by cottage-beyond miles of Lake MI beach.
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- View from dune overlooking Sandbox Lake is opposite direction
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- Unspoiled dunescapes-Beyond Big Blue Lake Michigan as its been for centuries!.
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- Photo taken before trees had their leaves.
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- Shifting, ever changing landscape
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- Life Guard chair from South Beach, So. Haven, MI
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- Beautiful sandy beach area
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- South Haven Light house approx 3 miles North of the Sandbox
Traveler Reviews (5)
Beautiful setting; difficult beach access
Guest: Ohiogal
(Dublin, Ohio)
Date of Stay: 07/06/11
Review Submitted: 08/01/11
Beautiful setting. A word of caution, however. The dunes are quite difficult to climb. No easy access. We did use a sled to carry things to the beach but hard to pull with extra weight going straight uphill. Definitely need water shoes as the sand gets quite hot during the day. Once you make it, the view and beach are spectacular. We hiked on our hands and knees one night to sit at the top of the dune and watch the shooting stars. Gorgeous! That said, I think the only way we'd return is with an ATV (which is what all the 'locals' seem to use for beach access). The beach house is attractively done, especially the stone fireplace. Must have missed reading the listing carefully -- no bath towels and very few condiments, etc provided. Not a big deal but we did have to go and find a Walmart. Was quite easy to work with the owners...
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers.
Pictures do NOT do this amazing Sand Box justice!!
Guest: Julie
(Mooresville, IN USA)
Date of Stay: 07/19/11
Review Submitted: 07/24/11
I just wanted to let you know what a FANTASTIC time we had at your Sandbox! All 3 kids (ages 7-14) were begging to come back again and we hadn't even left yet! Usually I am ready to go home after a vacation, but not this time. What a cozy house in a very cozy and peaceful spot! Your place is definitely a jewel! We had a ball on the dune, a little too tough for me to tame going up (everyone else made it), but down the side path to the north, I was able to make it fine - 2nd time was even easier. We did come up that way by the house from the beach side, then down it to the house... so got some great shots from up top and a pano video! WOW what a view! Sunsets are breathtaking!! We hit 2 different beaches too (of which we drove) which provided different views and awesome beaches w/ amazing rocks! Also took a ride on the Friends Good Will ship, which was icing on top of the very awesome cake! Unfortunately, it was a bit too warm to use the fire pit, but we still sat around it as the kids had a blast sliding down the big dune until dark! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful place with us!! We do hope to be back again, sooner than later!! Our 5 days could not have gone any better, rain didn't stop us!! What a great area, what a great place and you by far are a great host!! Thank you for putting up w/ all my questions and especially responding in a very speedy manner! Hope our paths cross again, and soon!! Julie and Family
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, age 55+, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.
cosy cottage
Guest: steve
(Evanston)
Date of Stay: 05/13/11
Review Submitted: 05/17/11
Nice and cosy cottage, clean and well equipped. Litterally, immediate access to the dunes. Renters friendly and easygoing. At first sight, not the kind of neighborhood you'ld expect around South Haven however, but there really ain't no problem. I'ld clearly recomment this property.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, families with young children.
OUR NEW FAVORITE GET-AWAY!
Guest: Femily Reunion
(Andover, MA)
Date of Stay: 07/16/10
Review Submitted: 08/12/10
My mother, my sister, my 9-year old son and I stayed at the Sand Box for a week this summer, and it was beyond our expectations. The house itself is cozy and welcoming, with beach-themed decorations adorning the walls and shelves. Our routine every day was coffee and a relaxed breakfast out on the deck overlooking the dunes, then climbing the dunes and swimming in Lake Michigan all day, then showers and cozy clothes for dinner on the deck. One night we made individual pizzas over the fire pit. Our favorite features: the wraparound deck with comfortable furniture and lovely views; our essentially private beachfront; the temperature of the Lake, which was surprisingly not-cold; and of course, the dunes, especially the spectacular view from the top. We will definitely be back!
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, tourists without a car, girls getaway, sightseeing.
Great Place
Guest: Momof2
(Fort Wayne, IN)
Date of Stay: 07/06/10
Review Submitted: 07/12/10
This place was really cool. A little outside of town, but we managed to ride our bikes into town, which was about 4 miles. The hike over the dune to the lake was a little more daunting than I had expected. Not that having a 2 and 3 year old to carry made it any easier. Let's just say there's no shortcut, and no really easy way to get over. You just have to climb. Bring water shoes, the sand gets HOT! The house itself is very clean and nice. We only stayed 3 nights, but having a washer/dryer was nice. The owner was very nice. We had an issue with the cable and he came and fixed it no problem. Downtown South Haven was fun. Very quaint and touristy but not over the top. The public beaches were very very nice. We actually preferred them to the beach over the dune, probably only because we had kids with us. I would definitely recommend coming here.
Recommended for:Families with teenagers, romantic getaway, adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #19469
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