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Far Niente, 1 Week Left Labor Day Week Aug 27-Sept 2 Early June Available

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Back of the cottage deck facing the gardens

Back of the cottage deck facing the gardens Living Room with Flat Screen TV and fireplace. Vacation Cottage in Union Pier Masterbed room, private bath with shower, TV, sliding doors to decks & garden Second Guest Room with twin beds. 3-Season Porch over looking gardens and deck, table and chairs for breakfast Third bedroom with queen bed The great space you see as you enter the front door of the cottage Kitchen lit by skylights, granite counters, fully equipped The front of the cottage on Nolan Ave in Union Pier The green chairs are beckoning you to get a good book and stay Hammock:  Far Niente means it is "sweet doing nothing" in Italian. Do it here One side of the dining area, doors out to deck; back gardens; 3 season porch Guest bath shared by two bedrooms. 3 full baths in total. Map showing where Far Niente is  1 1/2 block from beaches of Lake Michigan Two or three choices of beaches 1 t0 1 1/2 blocks away The potting shed in the corner of the back gardens

Calendar

Last updated: 06/09/2013
Check availability
23 Available
21 Unavailable
22 Today
23 Selected dates
24 Special offer
  • Minimum stay:Contact manager
  • Internet:Yes
  • Pets allowed:No
  • Wheel chair accessible:No



“Far Niente,' taken from the Italian phrase 'Dolce Far Niente.' meaning 'sweet to do nothing.' And also referencing the Far Niente Winery founded in 1885 in California.

It’s the perfect description for this perfect cottage, available year round for romantic getaways or a fun-filled family vacation. See yourself enjoying care-free days on the beach, or a quiet nap in the hammock or sunroom. Plan an activity, like a round of golf or a tour of a local winery. Or, better yet, plan on 'doing nothing.'

With 2100 square feet, “Far Niente” has an open floor plan, 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, living room, kitchen, office space, dining area and a beamed-ceiling three-season sunroom. The sunroom, the dining room and the master bedroom all access the large back deck. The deck itself overlooks a blooming perennial garden and shady yard , enclosed by a crisp white picket fence. The cottage features skylights, a gourmet kitchen area and a harvest table that seats at least 8. The deck features seating, a dining area and a state-of-the-art Weber gas grill. Freshly painted and decorated, “Far Niente” is waiting for your family to come and enjoy.

Far Niente is just a three minute walk to 2 of Lake Michigan’s finest beaches--beaches voted #1 place to watch a sunset in Midwest Living Magazine poll in 2003

One beach has a gradual sandy slope down to it the other has a set of stairs. Your choice.


In the evening, after you stroll back from the soft-sand beaches you can huddle up with a book, or play a family game.

The home also has a new 47” flat-screen television, Comcast cable, a DVD library, and internet service. With second TV in Master Bedroom.

Other activities: Art Fairs, Children’s Museum and carousel (St. Joseph, Michigan to the north) Michigan Dunes State Park (8 miles north of Union Pier). Fishing in the Galien River. (New Buffalo) Hesston Steam Train Museum (in near LaPort, IN) and smaller train museum in Chamber of Commerce, New Buffalo. Or just do the Red Arrow Highway ramble and see it all.


Outdoor Features:

BBQ Grill with gas and electric starter. Perennial gardens, back deck, small front porch and stone patio, outdoor fire pit for s’mores and story telling , 3-season porch—with another dining table--overlooking the garden and the deck.


Accommodations: The cottage sleeps 7 people. The Cottage was completely remodeled in 2005 into a 2,100 square foot, open-plan without losing the cottage feeling. It has 3 bedrooms and 3 baths (2 with showers and the 3rd bath has a tub with shower inside it.), living room, kitchen, office space and dining area and porch. The three-season porch, the dining room and the master bedroom all open through sliding doors to the back deck. The deck in turn overlooks a blooming perennial garden. The cottage has skylights in the gourmet kitchen area. The harvest table seats at least 8. There is a second and third dining area on the deck on the porch. It is a neighborhood of similar cottages, but this one has perhaps more amenities and gardens than some of the others.

Location: Cottage is in Union Pier, MI. Union Pier is 4 miles north of New Buffalo, MI. It is 50 to 75 miles from Chicago (depending where in Chicago you are coming from). It takes 1 ½ to 2 hours to drive from the city or from any of the western Illinois suburbs. The AMTRAC train leaves Chicago twice a day and returns the same.

The cottage is between Lake Michigan and the Red Arrow Highway—that most desirable peninsula of cottages that are treasured for their closeness to the beaches. Other nearby towns in what makes up Harbor Country include: Lakeside, Harbert, Sawyer, New Buffalo, Three Oaks and St. Joseph and Benton Harbor.



Keywords: Cottage, cottage-in-a-garden, 1 .5 blocks walk to two of the finest Lake Michigan beaches

Property Type

  • Cottage
  • 1 story

Accommodation Type

      • Vacation Rental

      Meals

          • Guests Provide Their Own Meals

          Suitability

          • Limited Accessibility:

            The cottage is all on one level, but there are three front porch stairs to navigate. Once inside the house, everything is open and available--even the back deck....moreless

          • Minimum Age Limit For Renters
          • Children Welcome
          • Pets Not Allowed
          • Non Smoking Only

          Bedrooms: 3 Bedrooms, Sleeps 7, Beds for 6-7

          • Master bedroom: 1 king

            Master bedroom has a private full bath, opens out to deck ...moreless

          • 1st guest room: 1 queen

            1st guest room has a queen bed, desk and cabinets...moreless

          • 2nd guest bedroom : 3 twin/ single

            A third twin bed will be in place for 2013...moreless

          • Master bedroom, King 1st guest bedroom, Queen 2nd guest bedroom, 3 twin beds...moreless

          Bathrooms: 3 Bathrooms

          • Bathroom 1: toilet, shower

            Master bathroom is private to the master bedroom...moreless

          • Bathroom 2: toilet, combination tub/shower

            1st guest bathroom is between the two guest rooms...moreless

          • Bathroom 3: toilet, shower

            3rd bathroom serves guest rooms and up from the beach sh...moreless

          Kitchen & Dining

          • Kitchen:

            Sky lights bring sun into the center kitchen. Granite counters, all cooking utensils , silverware, serving pieces and dishes you would ever need. Dishwasher, microwave, coffee-maker, ice-maker. . ...moreless

          • Cooking Utensils:

            Basic supplies: ketchup, salt, pepper etc. Basic paper products i.e. toilet paper, paper towels, napkins ...moreless

          • Dining:

            Dining table seats 7 to 8 and outside on deck is a second table and chairs...moreless

          • Dining Area Seats:

            7...moreless

          • Dishwasher
          • Pantry Items
          • Microwave
          • Refrigerator
          • Coffee Maker
          • Dishes & Utensils
          • Ice Maker
          • Toaster

          Amenities

          • Parking Off Street:

            1 car in drive, and 1 car carefully parked on street --off road. No more cars allowed than that....moreless

          • Linens Provided:

            •All linens provided: sheets, bath towels, beach towels, soaps...moreless

          • Wood Fireplace:

            Fire place cannot be used in the summer...moreless

          • Towels Provided
          • Hair Dryer
          • Living Room seats 6
          • Heating

          Entertainment

          • Satellite / Cable:

            2 flat-screen TVs all cable with free on demand movies. Internet connection, WI FI, DVD & CD players, Board games, books, puzzles, some toys and dolls ...moreless

          • Video Library:

            Instead and better it comes with free on demand movies and a small selection of DVD’s and CD’s ...moreless

          • Video Games:

            Not video games, but board games, books, puzzles, some toys and dolls ...moreless

          • Television:

            3 TV's in cottage...moreless

          • CD Player
          • DVD Player

          Communications

          • Mobile Phone:

            There is no telephone in the cottage. Please bring your cell phones. Reception is good most of the time....moreless

          • Internet
          • Wireless Internet

          Outdoor Features

          • Golf
          • Outdoor Grill
          • Deck / Patio
          • Kayak / Canoe
          • Tennis
          • Lanai / Gazebo

          Location & View

              • Beachfront:

                Cannot view the beach from cottage at all, but it is only 1 1/2 blocks walk to the entrance of Goodwin Beach and 2 blocks to McKinnley Beach both in Union Pier. off Lakeshore Road...moreless

              Activities

              • Antiquing
              • Golf
              • Shopping
              • Wildlife Viewing
              • Hiking
              • Swimming
              • Tennis
              • Hot Air Ballooning
              • Kayaking
              • Miniature Golf
              • Theme Parks
              • Restaurants
              • Cinemas
              • Museums
              • Zoo
              • Sight Seeing
              • Horseback Riding
              • Health/Beauty Spa
              • Live Theater

              Other Activities

                  • Distance to beaches: The beach is easily walking distance. You can think of it either as a 3-minute walk or 1as a 1½ block saunter. You actually have a choice as you are very close to three of the finest beaches. The two closest beaches (1 1/2 bks, and 2 blks one) have set of stairs down to them. The third beach entrance (3-4 blocks away) has a gradual sandy slope from the road to the shore. The Michigan Dunes State Park is just a-6 mile drive north on Red Arrow Highway Two bikes, one with child seat on back are available for renters use. Very child friendly cottage and neighborhood. Activities and resources: Walking the beaches, antiquing, hiking, biking, sailing, kayaking, shopping, foreign film theater and live theater (Acorn Theater in Three Oaks.) sunsets, golf—many courses, delicatessens and farmers’ markets, garden centers, ice cream shops and restaurants in Union Pier Village within walking distance from cottage. More excellent restaurants, full service grocery st...moreless
                   

                  Reviews

                  Write a review
                  • Far Niente made our vacation memorable.

                    Far Niente made our vacation memorable.

                    • Guest Liz
                    • Date of stay 07/13/12
                    • Review Submitted 07/23/12
                    We had an amazing family vacation at Far Niente. The week went by way too fast. This was the first week long vacation we have taken with our 2 year old since she was born. We loved having three bedrooms and three bathrooms..so much space. The house was clean, comfortable, and very cosy. We loved the deck, screened in porch, and backyard. It's an easy walk to 2 beautiful beaches, Whistle Stop store, and the Roadhouse for dinner. It is very centrally located. We visited New Buffalo, St. Joseph, Lakeside, Sawyer and much more. Everything is so close. If you are looking for a relaxing vacation, this is the place. Thanks to Colleen, the rental process was extremely easy. If you have young children, consider renting a crib, stroller, and beach tent from Princess Treasures in New Buffalo.

                    Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway.

                    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                  • Very Pleased

                    Very Pleased

                    • Guest Jeff
                    • Date of stay 08/15/11
                    • Review Submitted 08/25/11
                    We've rented 4 or 5 other cottages in Union Pier over the years and this is certainly one of our favorites. Colleen the rental manager is very attentive and the process was extremely easy. The house itself was as described and very clean and comfortable. Liked the back yard and firepit. There are two options for public beach access within a couple of blocks. We used Miller Beach and it was easy enough to go back and forth for snacks and a nightime campfire on the beach. I especially liked the 3 season porch for meals and a quiet escape while the kids were watching TV on the big flat screen. I would certainly recommend this spot to friends and consider staying there again.

                    Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children, adventure seekers.

                    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                  • Perfect Family Vacation Rental

                    Perfect Family Vacation Rental

                    • Guest cjjatlanta
                    • Date of stay 07/01/11
                    • Review Submitted 07/11/11
                    This cottage is so lovely! It exceeded our expectations. We had 4 adults and 3 children and it was very roomy for us (loved having 3 full baths). The decor, furniture, and fixtures are high quality (granite / stone countertops, Kohler fixtures, Crate and Barrel /Ralph Lauren linens, etc). It is well appointed throughout. It was a treat to use the high efficiency front loading washer and dryer. Be sure to purchase detergent with the "he" symbol on it. It is easy to find. Our children enjoyed the large TV, board games, Nintendo Wii system, and especially the hammock. We used the bike with the child seat for our 2-year-old son. He had so much fun! We walked to the beach several days. Beach towels and sand toys are there for your use. We used the grill on more than one occasion and followed-up with the fire pit to make S’mores. We enjoyed shopping in the quaint stores nearby – lots of organic and natural items available. Our children loved visiting the toy train store and the train museum. We did so much more than I’ve listed here. This was the perfect family vacation. I highly recommend this cottage. I also need to mention Colleen. She is fantastic. The rental process was fast and efficient. She has a kind and professional manner which made such an impression with us. She truly has a passion for her job and her community.

                    Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, families with young children, girls getaway, tourists without a car, adventure seekers.

                    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                  • This is definately a 10+ for condition, location and many new improvements.

                    This is definately a 10+ for condition, location and many new improvements.

                    • Guest Joe
                    • Date of stay 06/24/11
                    • Review Submitted 06/30/11
                    First vistit to Uniorn Pier and this will be the start of our family summer vacation! The home is more than we ever expected for a summer rental! 1 block to the beach was very convenient for taking all the beach equipment! The recent renovations are definately higher quality and the screen porch was our center of activity! If you love peace and quiet, "Far Niente" is for you! The back yard should be in "Home and Garden" magazine.

                    Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children, tourists without a car, adventure seekers, people with disabilities.

                    Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

                   
                  Rented by the week only in the Summer of 2013. @ $2,200  per week. 
                   Wk Labor Day:  Aug 16-Sept 2, $2,200
                  1/2 rent and cleaning at time of deposit. Balance due 3 months before arrival
                  $500security deposit due 30 days before arrival. Returned 4days after check out
                  

                  Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.


                  Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
                  Call the owner directly to confirm reservation details and pay with an approved method (credit card, check, or bank transfer), to protect your payment up to $1,000.

                   

                  Calendar

                  Last updated: 06/09/2013
                  Check availability
                  23 Available
                  21 Unavailable
                  22 Today
                  23 Selected dates
                  24 Special offer
                   

                  Location

                   

                  Manager info

                  Year Purchased: 2010


                  Contact us

                  • Primary: 269-469-1933
                  • Secondary: 1 630 777 5901

                   

                  Photos

                  • Back of the cottage deck facing the gardens

                    Back of the cottage deck facing the gardens

                  • Masterbed room, private bath with shower, TV, sliding doors to decks & garden

                    Masterbed room, private bath with shower, TV, sliding doors to decks & garden

                  • 3-Season Porch over looking gardens and deck, table and chairs for breakfast

                    3-Season Porch over looking gardens and deck, table and chairs for breakfast

                  • The great space you see as you enter the front door of the cottage

                    The great space you see as you enter the front door of the cottage

                  • The front of the cottage on Nolan Ave in Union Pier

                    The front of the cottage on Nolan Ave in Union Pier

                  • Hammock:  Far Niente means it is "sweet doing nothing" in Italian. Do it here

                    Hammock: Far Niente means it is "sweet doing nothing" in Italian. Do it here

                  • Guest bath shared by two bedrooms. 3 full baths in total.

                    Guest bath shared by two bedrooms. 3 full baths in total.

                  • Two or three choices of beaches 1 t0 1 1/2 blocks away

                    Two or three choices of beaches 1 t0 1 1/2 blocks away

                  • Living Room with Flat Screen TV and fireplace. Vacation Cottage in Union Pier

                    Living Room with Flat Screen TV and fireplace. Vacation Cottage in Union Pier

                  • Second Guest Room with twin beds.

                    Second Guest Room with twin beds.

                  • Third bedroom with queen bed

                    Third bedroom with queen bed

                  • Kitchen lit by skylights, granite counters, fully equipped

                    Kitchen lit by skylights, granite counters, fully equipped

                  • The green chairs are beckoning you to get a good book and stay

                    The green chairs are beckoning you to get a good book and stay

                  • One side of the dining area, doors out to deck; back gardens; 3 season porch

                    One side of the dining area, doors out to deck; back gardens; 3 season porch

                  • Map showing where Far Niente is  1 1/2 block from beaches of Lake Michigan

                    Map showing where Far Niente is 1 1/2 block from beaches of Lake Michigan

                  • The potting shed in the corner of the back gardens

                    The potting shed in the corner of the back gardens

                  Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #346503

                  There have been  visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in .
                  This listing was first published here in 2011.
                  Date last modified - Sunday, June 09, 2013

                  4

                  3 Bedroom / 3 Bathroom
                  Sleeps 7


                  Dates are unavailable
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                  Manager

                  269-469-1933

                  Email manager
                  Before paying contact the owner to confirm payment details.
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